Wix in Review - Experiences with the Website Builder

Author: HOSTTEST Editorial   | 4 Mar 2019

In the Wix Test, we thoroughly examined the popular website builder. You can find all the features of the software, the advantages and disadvantages of using Wix, as well as our first-hand experiences with the website builder in the following review.

Contentwix-test-start
Wix Pricing Model
Designs
Features
Usability
Support
Strengths of Wix
Weaknesses of Wix
Conclusion

 

Wix.com is a website builder available in 16 different languages and is internationally recognised as one of the largest services of its kind. It is a cloud-based online platform, eliminating the need for installation on your own computer. Wix.com operates on a freemium business model, allowing the builder to be used for free with additional costs only for extra features. This business model is similar to that of Jimdo. We have compared both competitors here. Additionally, you can get a detailed overview of the competitor from Germany in the Jimdo Test.

 

The target audience includes not only individuals looking to publish their own blog, hobby website, or online photo gallery with their favourite holiday pictures. The website builder is particularly interesting for self-employed individuals, freelancers, or small businesses looking to promote their products or services online.

The major advantage of the website builder is that no programming knowledge or other technical skills are required to create a modern and appealing website. Using an intuitive web interface, you can easily put together your own website with just a few clicks using drag-and-drop.

The variety of template designs allows you to find the perfect design for every taste. Thanks to numerous modules and extensions, even extensive functions such as contact forms, image galleries, live chats, or online booking forms can be integrated.

The freemium model allows interested parties to extensively test the entire range of Wix.com completely free of charge and without risk. If convinced by the website builder, users can eventually opt for one of the paid plans, which include important features such as ad-free experience or a custom domain name.

The Pricing Model of Wix.com

In addition to the option of using Wix.com for free as a freemium version, users can also opt for a paid plan with more features. Currently, five different plans are offered.

Wix Free for £0 per month

In the free freemium version, all features for creating an online presence are available, however, advertisements will be displayed on the created websites and users cannot use their own domain.

 

Wix Connect Domain for approximately £4 per month

In the Wix Connect Domain plan, users can choose their own domain name to use for the created website. Customers also receive premium support from the provider. It is important to note that advertisements will still be displayed on the user's website.

Wix Combo for approximately £8 per month

With the Wix Combo plan, users not only get their own domain, but there will also be no more advertisements on their website. Additionally, customers can enjoy more storage space and bandwidth with this package.

Wix Unlimited for approximately £12 per month

With the Wix Unlimited plan, users have unlimited bandwidth for their website. Customers can also utilise a generous 10 GB of storage space for their own content. The plan also allows for the use of the Form-Builder app for creating custom web forms and the Site-Booster app for search engine optimisation.

Wix eCommerce for approximately £16 per month

The Wix eCommerce plan is designed for those looking to create their own online shop. The eCommerce extension allows for the uploading and presentation of products, as well as the integration of various payment methods for customers. Users have access to 20 GB of storage space.

Wix VIP for approximately £24 per month

In the most comprehensive plan, Wix VIP, users can benefit from all the advantages of the other packages and also gain access to a special email marketing tool. Additionally, support requests from VIP users are processed with top priority.

Wix in Review: Step by Step to Your Own Website

Find out how to proceed with website creation and what features are available in the detailed Wix.com review here.

 

When visiting the German website https://de.wix.com/*, you will find a beautifully organised and well-structured webpage. In the upper part, the process of creating your own website can be initiated by clicking on the corresponding button. In the lower part, you will also find an overview of the key features of the website builder.

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To start working on your own web presence, you need to register as a user with Wix. You can either sign up with your email address and a self-chosen password, or link your Wix account to an existing Facebook or Google account.

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After successful registration, you can start creating your own web presence immediately.

Wix offers the user two different methods to choose from:

Either use the artificial design intelligence Wix ADI to have your website created automatically based on personal preferences. Or simply choose a design template and jump straight into the Wix Editor to start manually creating the website.

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Create a Website with Wix ADI

The artificial design intelligence Wix ADI aims to make website creation as easy as possible. The software determines the user's personal preferences based on various questions and then automatically puts together a suitable website. This can then be further customised as needed.

During the configuration, for example, you will be asked what type of website you want to create, what topic it will cover, or what advanced features such as appointment bookings, email subscribers, or a shop function are needed.

Afterwards, you can choose a specific design variant:

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And in the final step, select the layout of the website:

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Then the artificial design intelligence Wix ADI finishes its work, and the user can further customise the suggested finished website:

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Create a Website with the Wix Editor

For those who do not need the support of the artificial design intelligence Wix ADI and want to take the creation of their own website into their own hands, they can also start directly with creating their own website in the classic Wix Editor.

Simply choose the appropriate framework for your web presence from a variety of design templates:

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Subsequently, individual changes can be made in the classic Wix Editor:

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Available Designs and Templates

  • Wide range of templates
  • All industries and topics
  • Responsive designs

If you want to create your own website with the Wix website builder, you can look forward to a huge number of templates and design layouts. There are templates available for all industries and topics, featuring attractive images and appealing designs. All templates are responsive, meaning your website automatically adjusts its appearance to the visitor's device, whether they are accessing it on a large computer monitor at home or on the small screen of a smartphone on the go.

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Features

  • Wide range of features
  • Various types of websites can be created
  • Extensive app market for custom extensions

Wix offers a wide range of features. Users can create various types of websites using the website builder, whether it's a personal travel blog, a company website for your business, or even an online store. Thanks to the extensive templates and modules, all online projects can be realised. In the integrated Wix App Market, you will also find a range of practical extensions to enhance the functionality of your website. For example, apps are available for integrating chat functions or image galleries. Of course, multiple websites can be created with a single Wix account.

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Usability

  • Clear system with easy drag-and-drop controls
  • Short learning curve
  • Straightforward editor
  • Extensive customisation options

Both the classic Wix Editor and the editor when using the artificial design intelligence Wix ADI provide users with a clear system and easy drag-and-drop controls to customise their online presence. After just a few minutes, you will have familiarised yourself with the uncomplicated and self-explanatory editor and can start working on your website. New elements can be added anywhere and existing elements can be edited.

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Support and Help Function

  • Comprehensive Documentation
  • Direct Contact with Customer Service

Wix offers an extensive help function in case you get stuck or encounter issues while creating your own website. In the Wix Help Center, you will find detailed documentation on all features of the website builder. If you are unable to find a solution on your own, you can also contact the provider's customer service directly via email. Support requests are typically processed within a few hours.

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Wix's Top Three Strengths

The following three points stand out as particularly positive about Wix.com:

Extensive Selection of Design Templates

Wix offers its users a vast array of design templates. For almost every industry, from dentists and hairdressers to restaurants and freelance consultants, there are corresponding templates available. Furthermore, all topics ranging from health, travel, technology to music are covered with cohesive designs.

Extensive Design Options

Users have extensive design options when creating their website. Every element of the website, whether text, images, buttons, or even the spaces in between, can be individually positioned and edited down to the pixel. Even dynamic elements, such as animated images flying in, can be implemented according to one's own preferences.

Useful Add-On Modules

No matter the purpose of your website, thanks to the wide range of extensions in the App Market, you can customise the functionality of your website. This way, even complex extensions like an online shop function, a live chat, or booking forms can be easily integrated.

Wix's Top Three Weaknesses

The following three points have been noted as more negative:

Relatively High Costs

If you want to use Wix.com for creating a professional online presence, the free version won't get you far. After all, at least a standalone domain is needed, and there should be no third-party ads displayed on your site to appear professional. While the paid plans offer excellent features, they also come at a price.

 

No Change of Design Template Possible

Before starting to customise your own website, you must choose a design template. While you can edit it without restrictions, a complete switch to another design template is not possible afterwards.

Fixed System

As is typical with website builders, Wix.com operates as a closed system. There is no direct access to the website's source code. The content created with the builder must therefore always remain with Wix and cannot be exported.

Conclusion on wix.com

Wix.com impresses as a comfortable website builder that, despite its extensive range of features, manages to provide simple and understandable operation. Even users with less technical expertise can quickly get to grips with Wix. Thanks to the huge number of templates and extensions, almost all projects can be realised with the builder. A clear recommendation for both private users and self-employed individuals and entrepreneurs!

Who is Behind the Wix Website Builder?

The Wix website builder is operated by the company of the same name, Wix.com Inc. The Israeli start-up launched its website builder in 2006, which has been continuously improved and expanded since then. Thanks to the steadily growing customer base, the company was able to go public in 2013 and continuously expand its business. Nowadays, Wix.com is considered the largest and most well-known website builder. The company, headquartered in Tel Aviv, employs more than 1000 staff and has several offices in various locations in the USA and Europe.

 

Alternatives to Wix.com

The market for website builders is highly competitive. Wix.com has some competitors that offer similar services to their customers:

In the German market, the website builder Jimdo is particularly well-positioned. The service from Germany offers a similar, though not quite as extensive, range of designs and features.

On an international level, the website builder Weebly is among the biggest competitors. The US-based service offers its services under similar conditions. You can find more information in the Weebly Test.

However, blogging platforms like Wordpress.com or Tumblr are also active in the website builder market, targeting customers. While it is possible to create online presences here, the focus is more on dynamic blogs rather than static websites.

Specialised web hosting providers like the One.com website builder are also competitors.

Furthermore, an increasing number of web hosting providers like IONOS (1&1 IONOS MyWebsite Review) or Webspace4All offer a website builder along with their web hosting packages. However, the extent and functionality of these services vary significantly depending on the provider.

Photos: wix.com

* Links marked with an asterisk are affiliate links. If you click on the link and register/make a purchase, we receive a commission. This does not increase the price for you.

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