Wix Ecommerce Review: Building Your Online Store with Wix

March 14, 2024

Wix Ecommerce Review: Building Your Online Store with Wix

Wix Ecommerce offers a robust platform for building your online store, providing an intuitive user experience and a plethora of customization options to suit your business needs. The interface is user-friendly, featuring drag-and-drop functionality and integrated tutorials for seamless navigation. 

Key Takeaways on Using Wix for your eCommerce Business

  1. Intuitive Interface: Wix Ecommerce offers a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality, making website building simple and enjoyable.
  2. Mobile Optimisation: The platform includes a mobile view mode, enabling tailored mobile experiences without affecting desktop layouts.
  3. AI Design Assistant: Wix's Artificial Design Intelligence (ADI) streamlines website creation, providing personalised templates and content based on business preferences.
  4. Customisation Options: Wix offers extensive customization features, including shipping rules, product options, and flexible coupon codes, ensuring your store reflects your brand identity.
  5. Cost-Effectiveness: With pricing plans starting as low as £14 per month, Wix offers affordable options for ecommerce businesses, though additional costs should be considered.
  6. Ease of Use: Wix provides a gentle learning curve for beginners, with integrated tutorials and a drag-and-drop interface for effortless website management.
  7. Comprehensive Support: Wix supports online store owners with features like inventory management, sales tracking, and integration of sales and marketing tools.
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Exploring the User Experience of Building a Website with Wix

Navigating the Interface

Wix's interface is designed with the user in mind, offering a straightforward and intuitive experience. The drag-and-drop functionality allows for easy placement and adjustment of elements, making the process of building your online store both simple and enjoyable.

  • The interface includes a mobile view mode, enabling you to tailor the mobile experience without altering the desktop layout.
  • Integrated tutorials and a helpful question mark icon provide on-the-spot guidance, ensuring you have support at every step.
Wix's non-intrusive help options and a comprehensive knowledge base empower users to find solutions independently, enhancing the overall website creation journey.

For those who prefer additional support, customer service is accessible via email or phone during specified hours, offering peace of mind for any queries that may arise.

Utilising the AI Design Assistant

Wix's Artificial Design Intelligence (ADI) is a standout feature for those looking to launch their online store with minimal fuss. The ADI streamlines the website creation process by asking a series of questions about your business and preferences. Here's how it works:

  1. You start by answering questions about your business type, name, and the features you need.
  2. The ADI then suggests a selection of tailored templates.
  3. It populates these templates with content relevant to your industry.
  4. You can then customise the design, layout, and add additional features as needed.

The beauty of Wix ADI lies in its simplicity and the ability to produce a functional and aesthetically pleasing website in a short amount of time. Users have praised the creativity and functionality of the ADI, with a high satisfaction rating on review platforms.

The AI Design Assistant is not just about efficiency; it's about creating a personalised experience that reflects the unique character of your business.

Whether you're launching a new product or optimising your online presence, Wix ADI is a valuable tool that adapts to your needs, ensuring a seamless transition from concept to live site.

Customisation Options for Your Online Store

Wix offers a plethora of customisation options to ensure your online store stands out and functions exactly as you need it to. Flexibility is at the heart of Wix's customisation capabilities, allowing you to tailor every aspect of your store to your brand's identity and your customers' needs.

Here are some of the customisation features you can expect:

  • Ability to create shipping and tax rules tailored to your business
  • Multiple product options to cater to a variety of inventory
  • Support for digital products, expanding your store's offerings
  • No added transaction fees, keeping costs transparent
  • Flexible coupon codes to incentivise purchases
  • Custom email receipts to enhance customer experience
  • A customisable shopping cart for a seamless checkout process
  • Support for multiple payment processors, including PayPal, for convenience
Wix's customisation tools are designed to give you control over your store's functionality and aesthetic, ensuring a unique shopping experience for your customers.

With these features, you can create a store that not only looks professional but also operates efficiently. Whether you're offering physical goods, digital downloads, or a mix of both, Wix's customisation options are robust enough to accommodate your business model.

Assessing the Cost-Effectiveness of Wix for Ecommerce

Comparing Wix Pricing Plans

Wix's pricing structure is designed to cater to a variety of needs, with a clear distinction between general website plans and those tailored for eCommerce. The affordability of Wix is evident, with eCommerce plans starting from as little as
£14 per month, and the potential to reduce costs further with promotional codes such as 'TAKE10' for a 10% discount.

  • The 'Combo' plan, suitable for personal use, starts at $17 monthly, or $13 when billed annually.
  • For businesses ready to take their online presence to the next level, the 'Unlimited' plan is priced at $22 monthly, or $17 annually.
  • The 'Pro' plan offers advanced features for $27 monthly, or $22 with annual billing.
  • At the top end, the 'VIP' plan is $47 monthly, or $39 on an annual basis.
It's important to note that while Wix offers a competitive entry point, costs can escalate with the addition of premium features and apps from the Wix App Market.

Choosing the right plan requires a balance between the features you need and the budget you have. While the free plan allows for a test drive of Wix's capabilities, serious online sellers will need to invest in one of the more robust eCommerce plans to fully leverage the platform's potential.

Understanding the Value of Wix Features

When considering Wix for your online store, it's essential to understand the value that its features bring to the table. Wix's comprehensive suite of tools is designed to cater to a wide range of business needs, from setting up a blog to launching digital marketing campaigns. The platform's versatility is one of its strongest selling points, allowing users to easily integrate various functionalities such as an online booking system or a business blog.

  • Ease of use is a significant advantage, with Wix scoring highly in user testing and feedback.
  • The platform offers a plethora of options that can be overwhelming but also provide great flexibility.
  • Support is robust, though navigating the help centre can sometimes be less intuitive.
Despite some minor drawbacks, such as slightly higher monthly charges compared to competitors, Wix is considered to offer great value for money. The cost is often justified by the ease with which users can add features and the potential to avoid the expense of hiring a web designer.

Ultimately, the value of Wix's features is reflected in the platform's ability to empower business owners to create a professional online presence without the need for extensive technical knowledge. This makes it an attractive option for SMEs looking to establish or expand their digital footprint.

Additional Costs to Consider

When evaluating the cost-effectiveness of Wix for your ecommerce venture, it's crucial to look beyond the surface. Hidden costs can quickly accumulate, impacting your budget more than anticipated. Consider the following:

  • Ongoing fees: These may include monthly or annual subscription costs, which can vary depending on the chosen pricing plan.
  • Setup costs: Initial expenses such as domain registration, premium themes, or hiring a developer should be factored into your budget.
  • Extensions and customisations: Adding advanced features or customising your store's mobile design may incur additional charges.
It's essential to assess the value for money, taking into account all potential expenditures to ensure a transparent financial plan for your online store.

Remember, the choice of an ecommerce platform should align with your technical expertise and business needs. Wix, along with competitors like Squarespace, WordPress.com, Weebly, and Shopify, offers user-friendly solutions that cater to a range of requirements.

Evaluating the Ease of Use for Wix Ecommerce

The Learning Curve for Beginners

For those new to the world of website creation, Wix presents a gentle learning curve, ensuring that even beginners can find their footing with relative ease. Integrated tutorials are a standout feature, offering on-the-spot guidance as you explore the various tools and features. Simply click the question mark icon for helpful tutorials and videos tailored to the task at hand.

  • Step-by-step instructions guide you through the initial setup process.
  • Automated website backups provide peace of mind, safeguarding your progress.
  • The intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to design your store without technical expertise.
Wix's user-friendly approach is complemented by a robust help centre, equipped to answer a wide array of queries. This, along with SEO prompts, empowers beginners to optimise their site effectively from the start.

The platform's commitment to a supportive user experience is evident, with helpful prompts and a clear, navigable interface that demystifies the complexities of ecommerce website building. As you grow more comfortable, the array of customisation options becomes less daunting, allowing you to expand your store's functionality at your own pace.

Managing Your Inventory on Wix

Wix provides a comprehensive solution for managing your online store's inventory, ensuring that you can keep track of your products with ease. The platform allows for real-time inventory management, which is crucial for maintaining accurate stock levels and avoiding overselling.

  • Add new products and categorise them effectively.
  • Set up variants such as size and colour for your products.
  • Use the bulk import and export feature to manage large inventories.
  • Keep an eye on stock levels and get notified when supplies run low.
Wix's inventory system is designed to be intuitive, allowing you to manage your products without the need for extensive technical knowledge. This makes it an ideal choice for entrepreneurs who are new to ecommerce.

For businesses that require mobility, the ability to manage your store through the Wix mobile app adds a layer of convenience, enabling you to update your inventory on the go. However, it's worth noting that while Wix is a strong contender for those starting out, larger businesses or those looking to scale significantly might find platforms like Shopify or BigCommerce more aligned with their growth.

Tracking Sales and Performance

Understanding the effectiveness of your advertising efforts is crucial for any online store. Wix Ecommerce provides comprehensive tools to track your Return on Ad Spend (RoAS), allowing you to make informed decisions about your marketing strategies. By analysing your RoAS, you can adjust your advertising to improve efficiency and increase revenue without necessarily increasing your budget.

  • To calculate your RoAS, divide your total ad-attributed sales by your total ad spend.
  • For instance, if you spend \(100 on ads and generate \(500 in sales, your RoAS would be 5.

Wix's dashboard simplifies this process by displaying these metrics for each campaign and for your advertising efforts as a whole. This enables you to see the performance of individual campaigns and the overall health of your advertising strategy at a glance.

Monitoring and optimising your RoAS is an ongoing process that can lead to significant improvements in your store's profitability. Regularly reviewing these metrics ensures that your advertising budget is being used effectively, maximising the potential for growth and success in the competitive online marketplace.

Analysing Wix Ecommerce Features and Capabilities

Template Selection and Design Flexibility

Wix stands out with its massive selection of over 500 different themes, catering to a wide array of niches and design preferences. Whether you're aiming for a sleek, modern look or something more traditional, there's likely a template that fits your vision.

  • The templates are not only abundant but also boast responsive design, ensuring your online store looks great on both desktop and mobile devices.
  • With Wix, you have the freedom to customise your site extensively, from fonts and colour schemes to page layouts and navigation menus.

The platform's design flexibility extends to mobile customisation, allowing you to tailor the mobile experience without compromising the desktop design. This is crucial, considering the increasing prevalence of mobile shopping.

Wix's design capabilities provide a solid foundation for building a visually appealing and functional online store. However, it's important to note that the quality of themes can vary, with some appearing more contemporary than others. Choosing the right template is the first step towards creating an online presence that resonates with your target audience.

Integrating Sales and Marketing Tools

Wix's approach to integrating sales and marketing tools is designed to streamline your online business operations. The platform offers a suite of marketing tools that expand in functionality with each upgraded plan. For instance, the Light marketing suite, included in the most basic package, provides automated workflows and lead-capture forms, essential for nurturing customer relationships.

  • Automated workflows to enhance customer engagement
  • Lead-capture forms to gather valuable customer information
  • Site chat functionality for real-time visitor interaction

Upgrading to higher-tier plans unlocks additional features such as more sophisticated forms and the ability to chat directly with site visitors, enhancing the overall user experience. This integration is crucial for businesses looking to maintain a strong social media presence and manage customer interactions effectively.

Wix's integrated tools are not just about enhancing the user experience; they are also about providing the data and analytics necessary for informed decision-making. With sales analytics powered by AI, businesses can gain insights into customer behaviour and preferences, enabling them to tailor their marketing strategies accordingly.

Security and Reliability for Online Transactions

Ensuring the security and reliability of online transactions is paramount for any ecommerce platform. Wix provides a free SSL certificate, which is essential for encrypting data and protecting customer information. Additionally, features such as two-step verification and built-in fraud detection contribute to a secure shopping environment, giving both merchants and customers peace of mind.

  • Free SSL certificates
  • Two-step verification for account security
  • Built-in fraud detection to flag suspicious orders
The integration of various payment gateways also plays a crucial role in the security of transactions. Wix supports multiple payment processors, allowing for secure and flexible payment options for customers. This versatility ensures that transactions are not only secure but also cater to the preferences of a global customer base.

Comparing Wix with Other Ecommerce Platforms

Wix vs Shopify: A Detailed Comparison

When it comes to choosing between Wix and Shopify for your online store, the decision hinges on the specific needs of your business. Shopify shines for larger businesses with a need for robust sales features and extensive inventory management. It's a platform dedicated to ecommerce, with a strong emphasis on scalability and multichannel integration.

  • Wix is favoured by smaller businesses or those just starting out online.
  • Shopify is the go-to for larger, expanding businesses with a need for comprehensive sales tools.

Wix's versatility and ease of use make it a compelling choice for those looking to establish an online presence quickly and with minimal fuss. Its app market also allows for easy expansion of features. However, Shopify's dedicated ecommerce focus provides a depth of sales features that can be crucial for businesses aiming to grow rapidly online.

In the battle of ecommerce platforms, understanding your business size and growth aspirations is key to making the right choice.

Wix vs Squarespace: Which Suits Your Business Better?

Choosing between Wix and Squarespace can be likened to selecting the perfect outfit for an occasion; both have their unique flair and strengths. Wix emerges as a more cost-effective and user-friendly option, particularly for those venturing into the online store arena. Its array of features and ease of use make it a go-to for small businesses looking for depth and versatility.

  • Squarespace, on the other hand, takes the crown for the most visually stunning templates. It's the platform of choice for businesses where aesthetics are paramount, such as design firms and fashion brands.
  • Wix's affordability and straightforward interface cater to a broader range of users, from beginners to those expanding their online presence.
While Squarespace may offer a more polished look, Wix provides a comprehensive package that balances cost, ease of use, and a robust set of ecommerce tools.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on your business's specific needs and goals. If visual impact is at the top of your list, Squarespace might be the better fit. However, for a versatile and feature-rich platform that won't break the bank, Wix is hard to beat.

Considering Other Competitors in the Market

When evaluating Wix as your ecommerce platform, it's crucial to consider the broader market landscape. Beyond the direct comparisons with Shopify and Squarespace, there are numerous other platforms that might align more closely with your business needs.

  • BigCommerce offers a robust solution for large-scale online stores.
  • Magento provides extensive customisation for those with development resources.
  • WooCommerce is a WordPress plugin that combines flexibility with ease of use.

Each competitor brings unique strengths to the table, and your choice should be informed by your specific requirements, such as the level of customisation you need, your technical expertise, and the scale of your operations.

While Wix simplifies the process of setting up an online store, ensuring that your platform can scale with your business is paramount. Consider future growth and potential integrations when making your decision.

Conclusion

In summary, Wix emerges as a robust and user-friendly platform for creating an online store, particularly appealing to those with little to no web development experience. Its vast array of professional templates, combined with the convenience of an AI assistant, allows for the swift creation of aesthetically pleasing and functional ecommerce sites. While competitors like Shopify may offer more specialised ecommerce features, Wix stands out for its design flexibility and ease of use. The platform's ability to manage inventory and track sales within its ecosystem makes it a compelling choice for small business owners looking to establish or expand their digital presence. With the backing of numerous entrepreneurs who have chosen Wix for their ecommerce ventures, it is clear that Wix holds its ground as a top contender in the website builder market.

Frequently Asked Questions

How user-friendly is Wix for beginners?

Wix is designed with beginners in mind, offering a drag and drop builder that allows for complete creative freedom, making it simple to use even if you've never created a website before.

Does Wix provide a variety of templates for different business needs?

Yes, Wix offers over 800 templates suitable for a wide range of business needs, including niche markets like 'Arts and Crafts' and 'Pets and Animals'.

Can Wix's AI Design Assistant really build a website quickly?

Absolutely, the AI assistant tool provided by Wix can help you build a professional-looking website in just minutes, by intuitively customising elements to suit your brand.

Is Wix a cost-effective solution for building an online store?

Wix offers a range of pricing plans that cater to different budgets, with features that provide value for money, though it's important to consider additional costs such as apps and domain registration.

How does Wix compare to other ecommerce platforms like Shopify and Squarespace?

While Shopify offers more dedicated ecommerce support and features, Wix combines high-quality design with sales features effectively. Squarespace also offers design-centric solutions, but the best choice depends on your specific business needs.

What kind of support does Wix offer to online store owners?

Wix supports online store owners by allowing them to manage inventory, track sales, and integrate various sales and marketing tools, all within the platform.