How to Use Wix in 2023: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
In the digital age, having a website is essential for individuals and businesses alike. Wix, a popular website builder, offers two distinct methods for creating a website: Wix Editor and Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence). In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through each method, showcasing their unique features, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. By the end of this article, you’ll be well-equipped to create a stunning website using Wix, and you can expect to have your website up and running in just one to two hours.
Is There More Than One Way to Make a Website on Wix?
Wix offers two primary approaches for building a website, each catering to different needs and preferences:
1. Wix Editor
Wix Editor is the traditional website builder, offering a wide range of customization options. Here’s who it’s ideal for:
- Small businesses
- Restaurants
- Online stores
- Bloggers
- Photographers
With Wix Editor, you have the creative freedom to design your website exactly as you envision it. You can choose from over 800 templates and use a drag-and-drop interface to customize every element of your site.
2. Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence)
Wix ADI, on the other hand, is perfect for those who want to create a website quickly with minimal effort. It’s a great choice for:
- Less tech-savvy users
- Busy business owners
- Time-constrained bloggers
Wix ADI leverages advanced technology to automatically generate stunning websites. All you need to do is provide basic information about your business, and the tool takes care of the rest. While it’s incredibly user-friendly and fast, it offers less flexibility compared to Wix Editor.
Regardless of which method you choose, Wix excels in ease of use, earning a high score of 4.4 out of 5 in this category, making it one of the most user-friendly website builders available.
How to Use Wix Editor
1. Registering with Wix
If you’ve decided to use Wix Editor, follow these steps to get started:
- Visit the Wix website and click on any “Get Started” button.
- Create your account by providing your email and creating a password.
- Choose between Wix ADI and Wix Editor.
- Specify the type of website you want to build (e.g., personal blog, online store).
- Select a template that suits your needs.
Wix registration is a quick process, taking only a few seconds.
2. Picking a Pricing Plan
Before you proceed, you’ll need to select a pricing plan. Wix offers several options, and the choice depends on your specific requirements. Here are some of the available plans:
- Combo plan: $16/month
- Unlimited plan: $22/month
- Pro plan: $27/month
- VIP plan: $45/month
- Business Basic plan: $27/month
- Business Unlimited plan: $32/month
- Business VIP plan: $59/month
- Enterprise plan: Custom pricing (for large businesses)
For small businesses, the Combo plan is recommended as it includes features like a personalized domain name for one year and sufficient storage. However, if you’re running an online store, consider the Business Unlimited or VIP plans for added functionality and customer support.
3. Choosing a Template
Wix Editor offers a vast library of templates, with over 800 options. Finding the perfect template is easy because they are categorized by industry, making it convenient to narrow down your choices. Additionally, you can use the search bar to find templates that may not be in your selected category.
- Preview the template you like before selecting it to ensure it meets your requirements.
- Once satisfied, click the “Edit” button in the top right corner to start customizing.
4. Update Text and Images
Editing your website content is straightforward with Wix Editor:
Updating Text
- Click on the text you want to change.
- Rewrite the text as needed.
- Customize font size, color, and formatting options.
Adding and Editing Images
- Most templates come with default images, which you can replace.
- Click on an image and select “Change Image” to upload your own or use Wix’s free image library.
- Resize and reposition images as desired.
Wix Editor’s drag-and-drop functionality provides you with the flexibility to arrange elements as you see fit.
5. Personalize the Background
Wix Editor allows you to customize your website’s background:
Adding Images to Your Background
- Access the “Site Design” option from the left-hand sidebar.
- Choose a background image from Wix’s library or upload your own.
- Resize and adjust the image to your liking.
Changing the Color of Your Background
- Select the “Color” option in the “Site Design” menu.
- Use the color picker to choose a background color that matches your brand.
6. Adding Pages
To enhance your website’s functionality, consider adding pages like an “About” page or a “Contact Us” page:
- Click the down arrow next to your current page at the top of the editor.
- Choose “Manage Pages” to add, customize, or rename pages as needed.
7. How to Add Apps
Wix offers a wide array of apps to enhance your website’s capabilities. You can easily access and install these apps:
- Click on the grid icon in the left-hand toolbar to access the App Market.
- Browse and select from over 800 available applications.
- Install apps that suit your specific needs.
However, be mindful of costs, as some premium apps can increase your monthly expenses.
8. Set Up a Blog
If you want to maintain a blog on your website, Wix makes it easy:
Adding a Blog
- Click the pen-shaped icon in the left-hand toolbar.
- Choose to add a personal blog, a blog with a writing team, or a blog with a members’ area.
- Consider using the Wix Blog app for its user-friendly interface and sleek appearance.
Adding and Managing Blog Posts
- Click the blog icon in the toolbar and select “Create a Post.”
- Start writing your blog post.
- Utilize the blog app’s additional features like an Instagram feed or events calendar.
9. Add an Online Store
For those looking to sell products online, Wix offers robust e-commerce capabilities:
- Click the “+” icon in the left-hand menu and select “Store.”
- Choose “Add a Store” to enable e-commerce features.
- Customize your online store with product galleries and payment options.
Before you start selling, select one of Wix’s e-commerce plans, as the free plan does not support online sales.
10. Optimize for Search Engines
Wix Editor provides tools for optimizing your website’s SEO:
- Access the SEO settings for each page by clicking on the page in the left-hand toolbar and selecting “SEO Basics.”
- Customize meta descriptions, title tags, and keywords for improved search engine visibility.
11. Make Your Site Mobile Friendly
Ensure your website looks great on mobile devices:
- Hover over the desktop screen at the top of the editor.
- Click the mobile icon to preview your site’s mobile view.
- Customize the mobile view as needed.
Wix automatically generates a mobile-friendly version of your site, but you can fine-tune it for a better user experience.
12. Preview and Publish
Before sharing your website with the world, thoroughly review it:
- Click the “Preview” button to see how your site will appear to visitors.
- Test all links and features to ensure they work correctly.
If everything looks great, click the “Publish” button in the top right corner to make your website live.
How to Use Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence)
1. Registering with Wix
Getting started with Wix ADI is similar to using Wix Editor:
- Visit the Wix website and click on any “Get Started” button.
- Create your account by providing your email and creating a password.
- Choose Wix ADI as your preferred method.
- Specify the type of website you want to build (e.g., personal blog, online store).
2. Provide Basic Information
Unlike Wix Editor, with Wix ADI, you’ll answer a few questions about your website’s purpose, style, and features. This information helps ADI generate a website tailored to your needs.
3. Wix ADI Builds Your Site
After collecting your information, Wix ADI takes care of the rest. It uses artificial intelligence to create a personalized website within minutes.
4. Customize Your Website
Once Wix ADI generates your website, you can still make changes and customize it:
- Click on any element to edit text, images, and other components.
- Use the ADI suggestions to enhance your site’s design and functionality.
5. Review and Publish
Before publishing your site, take a moment to preview and ensure everything is in order:
- Click the “Preview” button to see how your site looks to visitors.
- Test all links and features to confirm they work properly.
When you’re satisfied, click “Publish” to make your website live.
Conclusion
In 2023, Wix remains an excellent choice for creating a website, offering both Wix Editor and Wix ADI to cater to various user needs. Whether you’re a small business owner, blogger, or online store owner, you can create a stunning and functional website with ease. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to establishing a strong online presence in no time. Remember to continually update and optimize your site to keep it engaging and relevant to your audience.