When considering creating a website, Wix often emerges as a popular choice due to its user-friendly interface, customisable templates, and affordable pricing plans. However, while Wix advertises itself as a cost-effective solution, there are several hidden costs that users may not be aware of. Understanding these hidden costs is crucial for budgeting effectively and avoiding unexpected expenses. This comprehensive guide will explore the various hidden costs associated with Wix websites and provide strategies to mitigate them, ensuring you get the most value from your investment.
Introduction to Wix
Wix is a cloud-based website builder that offers a range of tools to create stunning websites without any coding knowledge. Its drag-and-drop editor, extensive template library, and numerous apps make it an attractive option for individuals and businesses alike. However, like any service, there are costs beyond the initial pricing plans that users need to consider.
Overview of Wix Premium Plans
Before diving into the hidden costs, it's essential to understand the standard pricing plans that Wix offers:
Classic Editor Premium Plans
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
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)
Hidden Costs of Wix Websites
While the pricing plans provide a general idea of the cost, several hidden expenses can add up over time. Let's explore these hidden costs in detail:
1. Domain Registration and Renewal
Although some Wix plans include a free domain for the first year, domain registration and renewal can incur additional costs. After the initial free year, domain renewal typically costs between £10 and £20 per year. If you need a specific domain extension or a premium domain name, the price can be significantly higher.
2. Premium Apps and Integrations
Wix offers a wide range of apps in its App Market, enhancing your website's functionality. While many apps are free, premium apps often require a subscription fee. These can include advanced SEO tools, email marketing services, social media integrations, and more. The cost of these apps can range from a few pounds per month to over £50, depending on the app's complexity and features.
3. Professional Email Addresses
Having a professional email address (e.g., info@yourwebsite.com) is essential for building credibility and trust. However, Wix does not include email hosting in its plans. You'll need to purchase email hosting separately from providers like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365. This additional cost typically ranges from £4 to £10 per month per user.
4. Storage and Bandwidth Limitations
While higher-tier plans offer more storage and bandwidth, exceeding these limits can result in additional costs. For example, if your website experiences a surge in traffic or you need to store large files, you may need to upgrade to a more expensive plan or pay for extra storage and bandwidth.
5. E-commerce Transaction Fees
If you're running an online store on Wix, transaction fees are an important consideration. While Wix does not charge transaction fees, payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe do. These fees typically range from 2% to 3% per transaction, which can add up quickly if you have a high volume of sales.
6. Custom Design and Development
Wix provides a range of templates and design options, but creating a truly unique and professional website may require custom design and development. You can hire Smoogles Design using the Power Hour service. We edit your website live over Zoom video. This can be a combination of live design, training, updates, SEO, mobile design, app installation, etc.
7. SEO and Marketing Services
Wix offers basic SEO tools, but for advanced optimisation, you may need to invest in premium SEO services or tools. Additionally, running effective marketing campaigns often requires additional tools and services, such as email marketing platforms, social media management tools, and advertising budgets. You can hire Smoogles Design using the Power Hour service to cover SEO setup and optimisation.
8. Website Maintenance and Updates
Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your website secure and running smoothly. While Wix handles server maintenance, you may need to update content, fix bugs, or improve features regularly. Consider hiring Smoogles Design using the Power Hour service. We edit your website live over Zoom video. This can be a combination of live design, training, updates, SEO, mobile design, app installation, etc.
9. Backup and Security Features
While Wix includes basic security features, you may need additional backup and security solutions to protect your website from threats. Premium security services can help prevent hacking, malware, and data loss, but they come at an additional cost.
Strategies to Mitigate Hidden Costs
Understanding the potential hidden costs of a Wix website is the first step. Here are some strategies to help you mitigate these expenses and get the most value from your investment:
1. Choose the Right Plan
Selecting the appropriate Wix plan based on your needs can help you avoid unnecessary expenses. Evaluate your website's requirements, such as storage, bandwidth, and e-commerce features, before choosing a plan. Upgrading to a higher-tier plan may be more cost-effective than paying for additional features separately.
2. Take Advantage of Free Apps
Wix's App Market includes many free apps that can enhance your website's functionality. Explore these options before investing in premium apps. Free apps can provide essential features like contact forms, social media integration, and basic SEO tools.
3. Use Third-Party Services Wisely
For email hosting and professional services, consider using third-party providers that offer competitive pricing. Compare different providers to find the best value for your needs. For example, Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 both offer affordable and reliable email hosting solutions.
4. Optimise Website Performance
Efficiently managing your website's resources can help you stay within your plan's storage and bandwidth limits. Optimise images, use caching, and regularly review your site's performance to ensure it runs smoothly without consuming excessive resources.
5. Monitor Transaction Fees
If you're running an online store, choose payment gateways with competitive transaction fees. Negotiate with payment processors for better rates if you have a high sales volume. Additionally, consider offering multiple payment options to provide flexibility to your customers.
6. DIY Design and Development
Wix's user-friendly interface makes it possible to design and develop your website yourself, saving on professional fees. Take advantage of Wix's templates and customisation options to create a professional-looking site without hiring a designer. Additionally, Wix provides extensive tutorials and support resources to help you learn the platform.
7. Focus on Content and SEO
Invest time in creating high-quality content and optimising your site for SEO. Well-written content and effective SEO strategies can improve your website's visibility and drive organic traffic, reducing the need for paid marketing campaigns. Use Wix's built-in SEO tools and follow best practices to enhance your site's performance.
8. Plan for Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential, but it doesn't have to be expensive. Schedule routine updates and content reviews to keep your site fresh and secure. If you need professional help, consider hiring Smoogles Design using the Power Hour service. We edit your website live over Zoom video. This can be a combination of live design, training, updates, SEO, mobile design, app installation, etc.
9. Utilise Backup Solutions
Ensure your website is backed up regularly to prevent data loss. While Wix offers basic backup options, consider third-party solutions that provide more comprehensive backup and recovery features. Investing in reliable backup solutions can save you money and stress in the long run.
Next Steps
Wix is a powerful and accessible website builder, but it's essential to be aware of the hidden costs that can arise. By understanding these potential expenses and implementing strategies to mitigate them, you can make informed decisions and maximise the value of your Wix website investment.
From choosing the right plan and optimising resources to leveraging free tools and focusing on content, there are several 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 goals and provides a strong return on investment.
Remember, the key to minimising hidden costs is careful planning and regular monitoring. Stay engaged with your website's performance, continuously seek out cost-saving opportunities, and make adjustments as needed to ensure your Wix website remains an asset to your online presence.
If you need help optimising your website, we can help, book a discovery call with Rory by clicking below.