Beginner's Guide to Wix Website Design

Creating a website can feel overwhelming, especially if you are new to the world of web design. Fortunately, Wix makes it easy for anyone to build a stunning website without needing to know how to code. This guide will walk you through the basics of designing your website using Wix, from choosing a template to customizing your site to fit your brand.

Wix is a popular website builder that offers a user-friendly interface and a variety of design options. Whether you are starting a blog, an online store, or a portfolio, Wix has the tools you need to create a professional-looking website.

In this guide, we will cover the following topics:

• Getting Started with Wix

• Choosing the Right Template

• Customizing Your Site

• Adding Features and Functionality

• Publishing Your Website

  
  

Let’s dive in!

Getting Started with Wix

Before you can start designing your website, you need to create a Wix account.

1. Sign Up: Go to the Wix website and click on the "Get Started" button. You can sign up using your email address or through your Google or Facebook account.

   
   

2. Choose Your Plan: Wix offers several pricing plans, including a free option. The free plan has some limitations, such as displaying Wix ads on your site. If you want a more professional look, consider one of the paid plans.

   
   

3. Select Your Website Type: After signing up, Wix will ask you what type of website you want to create. This helps Wix suggest templates that fit your needs.

   
   

4. Wix ADI vs. Editor: You can choose between Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) and the Wix Editor. Wix ADI creates a website for you based on your answers to a few questions. The Wix Editor gives you more control and flexibility to design your site from scratch.

   
   

Once you have completed these steps, you are ready to start designing your website.

Choosing the Right Template

Wix offers hundreds of templates to choose from. Selecting the right template is crucial because it sets the foundation for your website's design.

1. Browse Templates: Go to the "Templates" section in the Wix dashboard. You can filter templates by category, such as business, online store, or portfolio.

   
   

2. Preview Templates: Click on any template to see a preview. This allows you to see how it looks on different devices, such as desktops and mobile phones.

   
   

3. Consider Your Brand: Choose a template that reflects your brand's personality. If you have a creative business, look for a more artistic template. For a corporate website, opt for something more professional.

   
   

4. Responsive Design: Ensure the template you choose is mobile-friendly. Most Wix templates are responsive, meaning they automatically adjust to fit different screen sizes.

   
   

Once you find a template you like, click "Edit" to start customizing it.

Customizing Your Site

Now that you have selected a template, it is time to make it your own. Customization is where you can really express your brand's identity.

1. Change Text and Fonts: Click on any text box to edit the content. You can change the font style, size, and color to match your brand.

   
   

2. Add Images: Use high-quality images that represent your business. You can upload your own images or choose from Wix's extensive image library.

   
   

3. Adjust Layout: Drag and drop elements to rearrange your layout. You can add sections, change backgrounds, and adjust spacing to create a visually appealing design.

   
   

4. Color Scheme: Choose a color scheme that aligns with your brand. Use the "Design" tab to select colors for your text, backgrounds, and buttons.

   
   

5. Preview Your Changes: Regularly preview your site to see how your changes look. Click the "Preview" button to view your site as visitors will see it.

   
   

Customizing your site is an ongoing process. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different designs until you find what works best for you.

Adding Features and Functionality

Wix offers a variety of features to enhance your website's functionality. Here are some essential features you might want to consider:

1. Contact Forms: Adding a contact form allows visitors to reach out to you easily. You can customize the form fields to collect the information you need.

   
   

2. Social Media Links: Connect your social media accounts to your website. This helps visitors find and follow you on different platforms.

   
   

3. Blog: If you want to share updates or articles, consider adding a blog section. Wix makes it easy to create and manage blog posts.

   
   

4. E-commerce Features: If you plan to sell products online, use Wix's e-commerce tools. You can set up an online store, manage inventory, and process payments.

   
   

5. SEO Tools: Optimize your website for search engines using Wix's SEO tools. You can edit meta tags, add alt text to images, and create a sitemap.

   
   

6. Apps and Integrations: Explore the Wix App Market for additional features. You can find apps for email marketing, booking systems, and more.

   
   

Adding these features can significantly improve user experience and help you achieve your website goals.

Publishing Your Website

Once you are satisfied with your design and features, it is time to publish your website.

1. Preview Again: Before publishing, do a final preview to ensure everything looks perfect. Check for any typos or broken links.

   
   

2. Connect a Domain: If you are using a free Wix plan, your website will have a Wix subdomain. To create a professional appearance, consider purchasing a custom domain.

   
   

3. Publish Your Site: Click the "Publish" button in the top right corner of the editor. Your website will go live for the world to see.

   
   

4. Promote Your Website: Share your website on social media, email newsletters, and other platforms to attract visitors.

   
   

5. Monitor Performance: Use Wix's analytics tools to track your website's performance. This will help you understand your audience and improve your site over time.

   
   

Publishing your website is just the beginning. Keep updating and improving it to keep your audience engaged.

Final Thoughts

Designing a website with Wix is an exciting journey. With its user-friendly tools and customizable templates, anyone can create a beautiful website.

Remember to take your time during the design process. Experiment with different layouts, colors, and features until you find what works best for you.

As you grow more comfortable with Wix, you can explore advanced features and integrations to enhance your site further.

Building a website is not just about aesthetics; it is about creating a space that reflects your brand and connects with your audience.

So, roll up your sleeves, get creative, and start designing your Wix website today!

A person designing a website on a laptop