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The Hidden Costs of Wix Websites: What You Need to Know

Updated: 4 days ago

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:



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:



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.




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