In today's digital era, having a website is essential for businesses of all sizes. Whether you're a small startup or an established company, an online presence is crucial for reaching potential customers and expanding your market reach. Wix, one of the leading website builders, offers a variety of plans to suit different needs and budgets. But how much does a Wix website really cost, and what do you get for your money? This comprehensive guide will break down Wix website costs, detailing what each plan includes and providing insights on how to maximise your investment.
Introduction to Wix
Wix is a popular cloud-based website builder known for its ease of use, drag-and-drop functionality, and extensive range of templates and features. Launched in 2006, Wix has grown to serve over 200 million users worldwide. Its appeal lies in its ability to cater to both beginners and experienced web developers, offering a wide array of customisation options and tools without the need for coding knowledge.
Overview of Wix Premium Plans
Wix offers several pricing plans to meet diverse user needs, ranging from free options to premium plans that include advanced features and e-commerce capabilities. Let's explore each of these plans in detail:
Wix Classic Editor Premium Plans
Note: Accurate pricing as of July 2024
Understanding the cost of a Wix website starts with exploring the different pricing plans available. Wix offers several plans tailored to various needs, from personal blogs to full-fledged e-commerce sites. Below, we'll break down these plans and their features.
Free Plan
Wix offers a free plan that allows users to create a website with limited features. While this plan is suitable for personal projects or experimenting with the platform, it comes with several limitations:
Wix-branded domain (e.g., username.wixsite.com/siteaddress)
Wix ads displayed on your website
Limited storage and bandwidth
Basic customer support
Light Plan
The Light plan is ideal for personal use or small businesses that need a professional-looking website without Wix ads. It includes:
2 collaborators
2 GB storage space
Light marketing suite
Free domain for 1 year
1,500 CMS items
Cost: Approximately £9 per month (on a yearly plan)
Core Plan
The Core plan is suitable for entrepreneurs and freelancers who need more resources and advanced features. It includes:
5 collaborators
50 GB storage space
Basic marketing suite
Free domain for 1 year
4,000 CMS items
Accept payments
Basic eCommerce
Cost: Approximately £16 per month (on a yearly plan)
Business Plan
The Business plan is designed for those who want to build a professional brand. It includes:
10 collaborators
100 GB storage space
Standard marketing suite
Free domain for 1 year
10,000 CMS items
Accept payments
Standard eCommerce
Cost: Approximately £25 per month (on a yearly plan)
Business Elite Plan
The Business Elite plan offers premium features and priority support, making it ideal for growing businesses. It includes:
15 collaborators
Unlimited storage space
Advanced marketing suite
Free domain for 1 year
100,000 CMS items
Accept payments
Advanced eCommerce
Advanced developer platform
Cost: Approximately £119 per month (on a yearly plan)
Wix Studio Premium Plans
Note: Accurate pricing as of July 2024
Free Plan
Wix offers a free plan that allows users to create a website with limited features. While this plan is suitable for personal projects or experimenting with the platform, it comes with several limitations:
Wix-branded domain (e.g., username.wixsite.com/siteaddress)
Wix ads displayed on your website
Limited storage and bandwidth
Basic customer support
Basic Plan
10 GB media storage
3 site collaborators
1,500 CMS items
Site analytics
Free domain for 1 year
Cost: Approximately £9 per month (on a yearly plan)
Standard Plan
50 GB media storage
5 site collaborators
4,000 CMS items
Site analytics
Free domain for 1 year
Accept payments
Cost: Approximately £14 per month (on a yearly plan)
Plus Plan
120 GB media storage
10 site collaborators
10,000 CMS items
Site analytics
Free domain for 1 year
Accept payments
Priority support
Cost: Approximately £21 per month (on a yearly plan)
Elite Plan
Unlimited media storage
15 site collaborators
100,000 CMS items
Custom analytics reports
Free domain for 1 year
Accept payments
Priority support
Dedicated data infrastructure
Cost: Approximately £119 per month (on a yearly plan)
Additional Costs to Consider
While the pricing plans cover the basic costs of using Wix, there are additional expenses you may need to consider to fully realise your website's potential.
Domain Registration
While some plans include a free domain for the first year, you'll need to renew your domain annually, typically costing between £10 and £20 per year. Premium domains or specific domain extensions may cost more.
Premium Apps and Integrations
Wix's App Market offers various apps to enhance your website's functionality. While many are free, some premium apps require a subscription fee, which can range from a few pounds to over £50 per month, depending on the app's features.
Professional Email Addresses
Having a professional email address (e.g., info@yourwebsite.com) is essential for building credibility. Wix partners with Google Workspace to offer email hosting, which costs around £4 to £10 per month per user.
Custom Design and Development
Although Wix provides extensive customisation options, you may need professional design or development services to create a unique and fully optimised website. Hiring a web designer or developer like Smoogles Design costs from £150 to £200 per hour.
SEO and Marketing Services
While Wix includes basic SEO tools, you might need advanced SEO services or marketing tools to boost your site's visibility and drive traffic. Investing in professional SEO services or premium marketing apps can further increase your costs.
E-commerce Transaction Fees
If you're running an online store, consider the transaction fees charged by payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe, which typically range from 2% to 3% per transaction.
Backup and Security Features
Although Wix offers basic security features, additional backup and security services can provide extra protection against data loss and cyber threats. These services may come at an additional cost.
Getting the Most Out of Your Wix Investment
To maximise your investment in a Wix website, it's essential to utilise the platform's features effectively and consider a few key strategies.
Leverage Wix's SEO Tools
Search engine optimisation (SEO) is crucial for driving organic traffic to your website. Wix provides several built-in SEO tools to help you optimise your site. Here are some tips:
Keyword Research: Identify relevant keywords for your business and incorporate them into your site's content, meta tags, and URLs.
Meta Tags: Optimise your meta titles and descriptions to improve your site's search engine ranking.
Content Quality: Publish high-quality, informative content that provides value to your audience and encourages engagement.
Alt Text for Images: Use descriptive alt text for your images to improve accessibility and SEO.
Internal Linking: Link to other pages within your website to enhance navigation and SEO.
Utilise Free and Premium Apps
The Wix App Market offers a variety of apps to enhance your website's functionality. Some must-have apps include:
Wix Stores: For e-commerce functionality, allowing you to manage products, track orders, and process payments.
SEO Wiz: A step-by-step guide to improving your site's SEO.
Visitor Analytics: To monitor and analyse your website traffic.
Wix Chat: To engage with visitors in real-time.
Social Media Stream: To display your social media feeds on your website.
Customise Your Design
A well-designed website can significantly impact user experience and engagement. Here are some design tips:
Brand Consistency: Ensure your website design aligns with your brand's visual identity, including colours, fonts, and imagery.
Responsive Design: Make sure your website looks great on all devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
Navigation: Create a clear and intuitive navigation menu to help users find information quickly.
Calls to Action (CTAs): Use compelling CTAs to guide visitors towards desired actions, such as making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter.
Loading Speed: Optimise images and use efficient coding practices to ensure your website loads quickly.
Create Quality Content
Content is king when it comes to attracting and retaining visitors. Here are some content strategies:
Blogging: Regularly update your blog with informative and engaging posts related to your industry.
Multimedia: Use a mix of text, images, videos, and infographics to keep your content engaging.
User-Generated Content: Encourage users to submit reviews, testimonials, and other forms of content.
Content Calendar: Plan your content in advance to ensure consistency and relevance.
Implement Analytics and Tracking
Understanding how users interact with your website is crucial for making data-driven decisions. Wix provides several analytics tools to help you track and analyse your site's performance:
Google Analytics: Integrate Google Analytics with your Wix site to gain in-depth insights into user behaviour, traffic sources, and more.
Wix Visitor Analytics: Use this tool to monitor visitor statistics directly from your Wix dashboard.
Heatmaps: Use heatmaps to see where users are clicking and how they navigate your site.
Engage with Your Audience
Engaging with your audience helps build relationships and loyalty. Here are some ways to engage effectively:
Social Media Integration: Connect your social media accounts to your website and encourage visitors to follow and engage with you on social platforms.
Comments and Feedback: Enable comments on your blog and respond to feedback to create a sense of community.
Live Chat: Use live chat to provide real-time support and answer visitor questions.
Regularly Update and Maintain Your Website
Keeping your website updated and well-maintained is essential for ensuring its long-term success. Here’s how to maintain your site:
Regular Updates: Continuously update your content, images, and features to keep your site fresh and relevant.
Security Measures: Implement security measures to protect your site from threats, including SSL certificates and regular backups.
Performance Monitoring: Regularly check your site’s performance, including loading speed and uptime, to ensure a smooth user experience.
Invest in Professional Services When Needed
While Wix is designed to be user-friendly, there may be times when you need professional help. Investing in professional services can enhance your website’s design, functionality, and performance. Consider hiring professionals for:
Web Design: If you need a unique, custom design that stands out.
SEO Optimisation: For advanced SEO strategies to improve your site’s search engine rankings.
Content Creation: For high-quality, professionally written content that engages and converts.
Marketing Strategy: For a comprehensive digital marketing strategy that drives traffic and sales.
Explore Wix’s Advanced Features
Wix offers several advanced features that can help you get the most out of your website. Here are some advanced options to consider:
Wix Code (Velo): For those with coding skills, Wix Code (Velo) allows you to add custom code to your site, enabling advanced functionality and interactivity.
Multilingual Sites: Create multilingual versions of your site to reach a broader audience.
Wix Ascend: A suite of business tools including email marketing, social media posts, and customer management.
Participate in the Wix Community
The Wix community is a valuable resource for getting tips, advice, and support. Engage with other Wix users through forums, webinars, and social media groups to share experiences and learn from others.
Next Steps
Wix offers a range of pricing plans and features that cater to different needs and budgets, making it a cost-effective solution for creating a professional website. By understanding the costs involved and implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can maximise your Wix website investment and achieve your business goals.
From choosing the right plan and leveraging free tools to focusing on content and engaging with your audience, there are numerous ways to manage costs effectively. By taking a proactive approach and staying informed, you can create a successful and cost-efficient Wix website that meets your needs and provides a strong return on investment.
Remember, the key to minimising costs and maximising value is careful planning, regular monitoring, and continuous improvement. Stay engaged with your website's performance, seek out cost-saving opportunities, and make adjustments as needed to ensure your Wix website remains an asset to your business's online presence.
To discuss your Wix website, book a discovery call with Rory by clicking below.