Templates
900+
Starts from
$17/month
Wix is undoubtedly one of the top website builders in the market, offering a free plan. While including a free website plan is not uncommon, what helps Wix stand apart is its customizability.
Unlike many other business website builders, Wix’s free plan can help you create and customize your site to a great extent. I really admire this, as many people try to create a custom website without any upfront cost.
However, the main question arises during the website creation process. Surely, Wix is super user-friendly. But if you don’t know proper navigation during website creation, you may face some roadblocks.
Without proper guidance, you can easily get irritated. I'm writing this article to ensure you know how to build a website with Wix. I will also provide a step-by-step guide for creating your website.
How to make a Wix website in easy steps?
Now that the introduction is over, it’s time for the main content. Remember that there are various ways to make a website on Wix. Despite your chosen method, you can always create a fast website.
WIX
For example, using the Wix ADI, you can create a Wix website with AI algorithms. You can also use the Wix templates to get started. Last but not least, a blank canvas option for professionals and creative-minded individuals.
Complete the registration
Let’s discuss the main parts now. To create a Wix account, visit their official website. That’s an obvious step, to be honest.
You will see various login options once you go to the login page to create an account. As the image above shows, Wix lets you log in with Google, Facebook, and Apple.
While I like these options, I recommend avoiding Facebook, given their history with data privacy. Google and Apple are still better choices, especially if you’re using a Macbook or iPhone.
Wix automatically redirects you to the next pages when you give the proper credentials. On rare occasions, if you prefer to sign up using your Gmail account, Wix may send you a 6-digit verification code.
Once everything is set up, this page will open. Now begins the website creation process.
Here Wix will ask you whether you’re creating a website for yourself or for a client. This way, Wix determines the type of preferences you may need while developing a website. I chose the first option.
Remember that answering these questions isn’t a mandatory requirement. You can always skip these questions and jump directly to the Wix dashboard. Now, things get a little more interesting.
1. How to Build a Website with Wix ADI?
Wix ADI is one of the most eye-catching features I’ve found in Wix. It will help you learn how to build a website with Wix within a few minutes.
I have seen a few other website builders provide AI algorithms. But they are so limited that you can only use the AI to generate texts or other small things. That’s not the case with Wix ADI.
Wix artificial design intelligence can create any website you want just from your prompts. Yes, you heard that right. It can automate the whole website building process.
In addition, I am really impressed with its accuracy and functionality. Whatever commands you give to the ADI, they will ensure you receive the most desirable results.
After you answer the initial question, the Wix ADI is open. Remember to set up your website without chatting with this ADI. Let me show you how to build your site with the AI.
When you click on the Start Chat button, this interface will open. This is Wix's primary dashboard, where you can chat with the ADI. Let me show you how it looks after you answer a couple of questions.
I’ve answered all the relevant questions. As you can see from the right side of the bar, Wix has compiled all my questions. After that, you need to click on the Go to Dashboard button at the bottom of the page.
And you’re done. Wix ADI will take you straight to the dashboard. This is the heart and soul of the Wix site, where you can design, create, customize, and implement various aspects.
I will discuss these aspects later. For now, let’s see how to build a website with Wix when you skip the ADI part. While I believe the ADI is more beginner-friendly, setting Wix without chat is geared more towards professionals.
2. Setting up the Wix website without the ADI
Now that I’ve covered the website building process with Wix ADI, the next alternative is to build a website without using the ADI.
Click on Set up without Chat to be redirected to a new dashboard. Let’s see what it looks like.
Just like the ADI, this alternative will also let you choose from different options to create a perfectly customized website. Similarly, you can skip these questions and be redirected to the dashboard.
Moreover, unlike the ADI, it’s the only question you must answer. Each category will have subcategories to ensure you get what you want.
As you can see, you will be redirected to the same dashboard. The only difference is your approach and how many options you choose. Depending on that, you will get relevant websites.
What is the Wix dashboard?
Before I discuss how to use the Wix editor, I should share a thing or two about the Wix dashboard. As mentioned earlier, the control panel allows you to access other backend processes.
The dashboard of Wix offers various options, from marketing to analytics. You can also add other important details like custom domains, payment gateways, etc.
However, remember that the dashboard for Wix ADI and Wix non-ADI will be slightly different. But the core options like domain, shipping, designing, and SEO will all remain the same. A key fact: WordPress is also good for SEO.
When you need to design your website, click the Design Site option at the top right of the dashboard. This will redirect you the core website editor.
How do you design a website with Wix?
Make sure you pay close attention to whatever I’m about to share. While the Wix ADI didn’t have much effect during the initial process, it will certainly have now.
When you want to design your website, Wix will ask you whether you want to implement design elements with AI or choose a website design template from the library.
If you choose the Wix AI option, the artificial intelligence will let you decide what kind of website you're looking for. You don’t need to worry about going through templates and choosing a relevant design.
On the other hand, if personalization is your primary objective, I recommend choosing the template options. Even though you need to devote some time and effort to choosing the perfect template and customizing it, the results will be worth the effort.
For now, I will show you how to build a website with Wix AI. Later, I will also focus on the template part. Let’s get started.
Designing a website with AI Wix editor
Designing a website with Wix AI will simplify your work and make the process less daunting. It’s perfect for beginners who don’t want to undergo the complicated customization process.
Once you choose the AI website builder option, the artificial intelligence algorithms will start working on the magic. The experience was fantastic, enough to make me write a complete Wix website builder review.
This is what it looks like. The AI will generate the entire website within 30 seconds. You will also receive a site brief highlighting the features included.
But, let’s say you’re not satisfied with the AI-generated design. In such cases, you can regenerate the site or make it a little different. Both these options are extremely handy.
Once you get a satisfactory design layout, click on the Continue with this Design option. It will redirect you to the design dashboard. However, remember that it may lag a little bit.
1. Wix design dashboard
I know what you’re thinking. There are so many dashboards that you’re getting confused. But trust me, this is the last dashboard I’ll talk about.
The design dashboard lets you customize every aspect of your website. Whether you need to change the color or the font or want better pictures, you can do it easily.
The AI will create a base design for you, so you don’t need to create your Wix website from scratch. But it’s your responsibility to design the site to complement your business.
2. Basic site design
First, let me show you the basic site designs. As mentioned above, you can implement any type of website customization on your Wix website.
For example, if you want to customize any specific webpage, you will find various options like changing colors, fonts, and images. You can click on any part, and a popup will appear, just like the one highlighted in the above image.
But if you don’t want to customize anything manually but rather a full page, you’re in for a treat. This is where the Quick Edit option comes into play.
When you click the Quick Edit, you can see every editable element within one webpage. If you want to edit another webpage, the same process will follow. This is extremely handy, as you don’t need to do everything individually.
Clicking on the Quick Edit button will open a sidebar. As you can see, it contains all the elements from the first webpage. You can customize the different types of backgrounds, titles, paragraphs, buttons, and images.
You might wonder if the process is that easy. Yes, it is. With Wix’s drag-and-drop editing functionality, you can easily customize your website.
Now that the basic site design is complete, let’s examine the other design capabilities. You can add new elements or web pages or change the site settings from the left sidebar.
Don’t get confused. These are also super easy to access. You don’t need to worry about anything.
However, remember that the heavier your website gets, the more frequent lags you will experience. This is not a drawback, as most website builders have this specific inconvenience.
3. Adding elements
The first option you get on the right sidebar is adding new elements. This is one of the best customization features. Let me share an example.
Let’s say you want to revamp your new or old webpage. You realize something is lacking, whether it’s a payment page or a new button. So, what should you do?
This is where you will find the element section super handy. And truth be told, I’m completely amazed by seeing how extensive the elements can be. I mean, Wix ensured you could find any element you wanted for your website.
Moreover, each primary element section will have numerous sub-elements. In short, the customization is so extensive that even I am super confused, but not in a bad way though.
To add the elements, simply drag and drop them. You can also click them to add them to your web page, but I believe the drag-and-drop part will prove more handy.
4. Adding sections
Next comes the section part. Now, don’t get confused with the name. It’s the same as adding extra web pages to your website.
I’ve seen many people getting confused about this. The section page will let you add any additional web page you want.
For example, you need to add an About page or a Gallery page. You will always find something relevant according to your liking. All you need to do is just drag and drop them.
You can also add a blank web page. However, in that case, you need to design it completely from scratch. I believe this is reserved only for professional designers who are accustomed to custom design.
While this feature is beneficial, you need to know something. The available templates within each web page are pretty limited. For instance, the welcome page has only four variations.
Nevertheless, it won’t be a problematic situation. If you need a custom design, the blank page is always there.
5. Site design
This specific part slightly differs from the basic site design I’ve explained before. While many elements are similar, the differences make this feature unique.
As you can see, the site theme, color, text, and background are all there. This option allows you to implement more customizations, such as color shading, gradients, font selection, etc.
I find the page transitions attractive. You can determine how your pages flow when someone scrolls through them, which will make your website look more appealing.
But remember that the interface transition will look a little bit laggy. You won't see any lag when you preview your website or take it live.
6. Wix app market
Behold – the Wix app market. This is the sole feature that lets Wix stand out from many other website builders. I’ve written a blog on the best Wix alternatives and saw that none of the other website builders have such an excellent app market.
But why is Wix’s app market so amazing? Well, for starters, the availability of third-party integrations. With Wix, you will never face any restrictions using any applications from the app market.
Also, they are categorized beautifully. You can find any application you want based on your desired needs. As they are segmented into different categories, you don’t need to spend too much time searching for the perfect one.
Another excellent part is that most of these applications are free. Yes, you read that right. While some of them are paid and expensive, the basic ones won’t cost you a single penny.
You will find user ratings and reviews in the bottom right corner when you go to any application. This way, you can know if the users are satisfied or if they faced any problems.
7. My business
The My Business part is completely geared towards online businesses and eCommerce platforms. If you plan to use Wix to sell products or services, you must pay close attention to this feature.
Let’s start with the Wix store option. You can add your business’s products, define the shipping regions, and integrate payment gateways. In short, you can control everything related to online selling.
But that’s not all. Wix will also recommend helpful tools like abandoned cart recovery, coupons, subscriptions, etc. These options will further optimize your online store.
Next comes the forms and payments. If you own an online store, you know the importance of adding forms to your website and payment gateways.
You can do everything from here, whether you want to add a new form or manage submissions. However, the effectiveness of this specific feature is super limited on the free plan. You need to upgrade to a premium Wix plan to leverage its full benefits.
8. Adding media
Graphics and videos are two of the most important things in any business. No matter how great services you offer or how informative blogs you write, appearance is everything.
Don’t believe me? Every year, more businesses fail due to poor website appearance than poor offerings. And Wix knows it better.
You can upload photos and videos from your computer, making your site more appealing to users. However, to overcome the limitations, you need to upgrade to a premium plan.
Moreover, Wix provides free stock images and videos. They are royalty-free, so there is no need to worry about copyright issues. You can also import photos and videos from social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
9. CMS
Last but not least, you get a CMS design feature. With the best CMS software, you can store and manage content separately, enhancing your Wix website.
Consider upgrading to a paid version, as the free plan has super limited storage. I recommend leaving the CMS design feature behind if you’re a beginner.
Design a website without AI?
Previously, I’ve stated that you can build your website either with AI or without AI. I’ve explained the AI website building process. Now, it’s time for the non-AI part.
When you click on the Customize a Template button, Wix will forward you to its template library. And believe me; it’s huge. With more than 900 available templates, I guarantee you will always find something appropriate.
Moreover, the templates are also categorized properly. Whether you need eCommerce templates or restaurant-business templates, everything is there. You just need to search for them patiently.
Once you shortlist your favorite template, hover your mouse over it. It will show two options: View and Edit. Click on the edit option to redirect you to the dashboard.
From this point on, the design and website building process is the same. Once you’re satisfied with the design, you can either preview or publish your website.
Wix pros and cons
I’ve discussed all the features and design customizations. How about you know the weaknesses of Wix? Remember that no website builder is perfect, and Wix also has a few shortcomings.
But the pros outweigh the cons. My recommendation is that if you want to experience Wix's true power, you need to upgrade to a premium plan. Speaking of pricing plans, here’s something else you need to know.
Wix pricing
While Wix is not the most affordable website builder, its plans are more cost-effective than many other options. The top plan is certainly expensive, but the other plans are affordable. Moreover, you can create a free website with Wix.
Wix pricing structure
1. Free: $0 – Suitable for testing before considering pricing commitment
2. Light: $17/month – Perfect for simple yet international websites
3. Core: $29/month – Suitable for selling online and taking payments
4. Business: $36/month – Excellent option for small businesses
5. Business Elite: $159/month – Most beneficial for large online stores
I have written a separate article on the Wix pricing plan. If you’re eager to know which plan provides what features, I suggest you read that blog. Overall, you don't need to pay too much to build a custom website.
Ready to create a website with Wix?
Now that you know how to build a website with Wix, you should not have any problems. I have explained each step and each design process thoroughly so you can easily create an appealing website.
Remember that Wix is one of the best website builders in the market. While the free plan is excellent to get started, it’s certainly not a long-term solution, as you will get Wix ads. I recommend determining your goals and choosing the most relevant pricing plan.
Wix can also SEO optimize your website for higher SERP rankings. Have you tried the Wix website builder yet? How many hours it took to build your first Wix website? Try Wix today and le me know your feedback in the comments below.
