HOW TO BUILD A WIX WEBSITE

At Lillian Purge, we specialise in Local SEO Services and provide step-by-step guidance on How to Build a Wix Website, helping you create a stunning online presence with ease—even if you’ve never built a site before.

Wix is one of the most popular website builders in the world because it combines flexibility, ease of use, and creative freedom. Whether you’re a small business owner, freelancer, or local service provider, you can use Wix to create a website that reflects your brand and helps customers find you online.

Why Use Wix to Build a Website

Wix is ideal for beginners and small business owners because it offers drag-and-drop editing, hundreds of design templates, and built-in features like contact forms, galleries, and SEO tools. Unlike traditional web development, Wix lets you build a site quickly without writing code.

It also integrates with marketing features such as email campaigns, online booking systems, and ecommerce tools, making it a complete solution for growing your business online.

Step 1: Create a Wix Account

Start by visiting the Wix website and signing up for a free account. You can register with an email address or connect through Google or Facebook. Once logged in, Wix will ask a few questions about your goals such as whether you’re building a site for a business, portfolio, or online store.

These questions help Wix suggest the right templates and features for your needs.

Step 2: Choose Between Wix ADI and the Wix Editor

Wix offers two main ways to build a website:

  • Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence): This option automatically builds a site based on your answers to a few questions. It’s perfect for beginners who want a quick, ready-to-use website.

  • Wix Editor: This gives you full creative control. You can choose a template, edit layouts, add elements, and customise every part of your site manually.

If you want more design freedom, start with the Wix Editor.

Step 3: Select a Template

Wix offers hundreds of templates designed for different industries, from restaurants and salons to accountants and fitness studios. Browse the categories and preview designs before choosing one.

When selecting a template, focus on structure rather than colour or font you can change these later. Look for layouts that fit your content style and brand image.

Step 4: Customise Your Design

Once you’ve chosen a template, open it in the Wix Editor. You can now drag and drop elements to adjust the layout and add features such as:

  • Text boxes for headings and paragraphs

  • Image galleries and video sections

  • Contact forms and call-to-action buttons

  • Maps and location details for local visibility

You can also upload your logo, change background colours, and modify fonts to match your branding. Every element is fully customisable, and you can instantly preview your changes.

Step 5: Add and Organise Pages

A good website should have clear navigation and logical structure. Most business websites include pages like:

  • Home

  • About

  • Services or Products

  • Contact

  • Blog (optional)

To add new pages, click “Menus & Pages” in the left-hand panel, then select “Add Page.” You can rename, reorder, or hide pages as needed. Make sure each page includes clear headings, concise text, and consistent design.

Step 6: Add Functionality with Wix Apps

The Wix App Market lets you extend your site’s functionality with over 250 apps and integrations. Popular options include:

  • Wix Forms for custom contact forms

  • Wix Chat for live customer support

  • Wix Stores for ecommerce

  • Wix Bookings for appointment scheduling

  • Social Media Feed to display Instagram or Facebook updates

Most apps have free versions, though premium features may require a paid plan.

Step 7: Optimise for Mobile Devices

More than half of website traffic comes from mobile users, so it’s essential to check how your site looks on smartphones and tablets. Wix automatically creates a mobile version of your site, but you can adjust it manually.

Click the mobile icon in the top bar of the Wix Editor to switch views, then rearrange or resize elements for better readability. Ensure that buttons are large enough to tap easily and that text remains legible.

Step 8: Connect a Domain Name

A custom domain name (for example, yourbusiness.co.uk) makes your website look professional and easier to find. If you’re using a free Wix plan, your domain will include “wixsite.com,” but upgrading to a premium plan allows you to connect your own.

You can purchase a domain directly through Wix or connect one you already own. Once linked, your domain will automatically point to your new website.

Step 9: Set Up SEO Essentials

Wix includes built-in SEO tools to help your site rank in search engines. Go to the SEO settings in your dashboard and complete the Wix SEO Setup Checklist. This will guide you through:

  • Adding meta titles and descriptions for each page

  • Editing URL slugs

  • Adding alt text to images

  • Submitting your site to Google Search Console

Local businesses should also include their address, phone number, and opening hours on key pages to strengthen local search visibility.

Step 10: Preview and Publish Your Site

Before launching, use the “Preview” option to check your website on both desktop and mobile. Make sure all links, forms, and buttons work correctly.

When you’re ready, click “Publish.” Your website will go live instantly and can be accessed by anyone online. You can continue to edit your site at any time, and changes will update automatically.

Step 11: Maintain and Update Regularly

A successful website is never static. Regularly update your content, add new blog posts or portfolio items, and refresh images to keep things current.

Wix makes it easy to manage updates from your dashboard, so you can adjust your content whenever your business evolves. Consistent updates also support SEO performance and help your site remain engaging to visitors.

Benefits of Using Wix for Local Businesses

  • Simplicity: You can build a fully functional site without technical knowledge.

  • Speed: Launch a professional website in hours rather than weeks.

  • Affordability: Wix offers flexible plans that suit any budget.

  • SEO Support: Built-in tools help your site appear in local search results.

  • Integration: Easily connect social media, booking tools, or online stores.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overloading pages with unnecessary animations or large images that slow loading times.

  • Forgetting to optimise for mobile users.

  • Using generic templates without personalising branding or content.

  • Ignoring SEO basics like meta descriptions and alt text.

By keeping your design simple and your navigation clear, you’ll create a user-friendly website that supports your marketing goals.

Final Thoughts

Building a Wix website is an achievable and rewarding process for any local business. With its drag-and-drop interface, flexible templates, and built-in SEO tools, you can create a site that looks professional and performs well. Whether you’re launching a new venture or modernising your existing presence, Wix provides all the tools needed to design a website that attracts and converts visitors effectively.

We have also written in depth articles on How to Delete Website From Wix and How to Unpublish Wix Site as well as our Wix Hub to give you further guidance.