Constructed My Site Using Wiix, My Preferred Web Development Tool

Constructed My Site Using Wiix, My Preferred Web Development Tool

Creating a website on Wix is a breeze, even for beginners. This no-fuss platform lets you build a killer site with minimal investment and coding skills. Here's a simple guide to make a website on Wix, from setting up your account to publishing your masterpiece. For additional insights, read along for tips to craft a website that truly stands out.

Phase 1: Laying the Foundation

Start your Wix adventure by heading over to their homepage and clicking "Let's Get Started." Provide a unique email and a password, and you're all set! Wix may ask some questions about your site's purpose; you can answer them or skip ahead if you're eager to dive in. Click "Design Site" from your Dashboard to begin customizing your site.

Wix lets you create a website using two main methods:

1. AI Design: This tool generates a site based on a few questions. It's a speedy and easy option for newbies.
2. Template Customization: This is the traditional drag-and-drop editor, offering more control over your site's aesthetics. You can choose from hundreds of professional templates or start fresh.

Let's explore each option in detail.

Option 1: AI-Generated Design

Click "Generate a design" and wait for Wix to create a personalized site for you. If you're unhappy with the initial design, simply click the "Regenerate design" or "Tweak Design" buttons, and Wix will adjust your layout accordingly. You can browse multiple designs by using the arrows at the top-right panel. If you like a design but want specific changes, click on the blue underlined links in the left-hand panel. I personally tweaked a few elements to better suit my photography site.

Option 2: Template Customization

If you'd rather use a prepared template, browse the categories or use the search bar to find your perfect template. Once you find a suitable template, click "Edit" to start modifying it to suit your needs. I chose the "Photographer" template for this example.

Phase 2: Understand the Website Structure

Regardless of which route you choose, you'll now be working in the Wix editor. You can edit and personalize the text, links, and images on your site by clicking directly on the canvas.

Most Wix sites follow a standard structure:

• Header: Contains the site's menu, logo, and social links.
• Footer: Appears at the bottom and usually includes contact information, social icons, or legal disclaimers.
• Main Content: The area between the header and footer, divided into segments for different types of content (hero image, about, services, gallery, etc.).

Having a clear understanding of the layout will help you plan the structure of your pages and content before diving in.

Phase 3: Customize Your Design

Update the Homepage Background

Start by personalizing the homepage background. Click on "Quick edit," then click the area where the current background appears. A button will show up titled "Change Background." Click this, then select "Image" and "Upload media," followed by "Upload from Computer." Find the image you'd like to use on your desktop and double-click it to upload it to your library. Lastly, click the "Change background" button to apply your image.

Edit the Text and Move Elements

Now, customize the text by clicking on the words and changing or retyping them as needed. You can alter fonts, font sizes, colors, and other settings by using the text settings dialogue box that pops up.

To move a text box, hover the cursor over it until the cursor changes to a cross. Click and drag the box to your desired location.

Extra Tips for Customization

Follow these additional tips to create a distinctive and engaging website:

1. Add and Arrange Content: Update other pages in the same way as the homepage.
2. Add Elements: Wix offers various elements like buttons, boxes, galleries, and social icons. Add what you need to your site.
3. Add a New Section: To create a new section, click the "Add Section" icon and choose either "Blank Section" or "Generate Section."
4. Add More Pages: Click the "Pages and Menu" icon and then click "Add Page," pick a layout, and provide a name.
5. Change Colors and Fonts: Customize these elements to match your brand's style in the "Site Design" section.
6. Edit Header and Footer: Add a logo, navigation links, social icons, and important details to your header and footer for a polished look.
7. Optimize for Mobile: Use the mobile view to modify your site's appearance on smartphones and tablets.
8. Explore the App Market: The App Market offers a variety of tools like contact forms, blogs, and online stores. Choose what you need to elevate your site's functionality.

Publishing and Maintaining Your Site

After you've personalized your site to your liking, click "Preview" to see how it looks. Make any necessary final tweaks, then hit "Publish" to make your website live. On the free plan, your site will display Wix's branding and ads. Upgrade to a premium plan to remove ads and use a custom domain.

Once your site goes live, you can connect a custom domain, optimize SEO, track traffic using analytics, and grow your site further by building an online store or blog. Updating your site is simple - just log in, make changes, and click "Publish" again.

Now that you know the basics of creating a website on Wix, you're well on your way to launching a stunning site for your small business or creative project. Happy designing!

1. While working in the Wix editor, you can personalize the text, links, and images on your site by clicking directly on the canvas.
2. The standard structure of most Wix sites includes a Header, Main Content, and Footer.
3. For a speedy and easy site creation, consider using Wix's AI Design tool.
4. To access the traditional drag-and-drop editor, choose Template Customization.
5. In the Wix editor, explore various elements such as buttons, boxes, galleries, and social icons.
6. To create a new section on your site, click the "Add Section" icon and choose either "Blank Section" or "Generate Section."
7. To elevate your site's functionality, visit the App Market for handy tools like contact forms, blogs, and online stores.
8. Updating your site on Wix is a straightforward process: simply log in, make changes, and click "Publish" again.

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