Story: E-commerce project by Wix
I received an inquiry for e-commerce website development through LinkedIn. I doubted it at first because it is not common in my case. After a couple of exchanged emails, it became a project. I recently developed a Shopify site, and WooCommerce is also a popular CMS. The client mentioned Wix initially. Just in case, I suggested Shopify and WooCommerce as alternatives. After consideration, the client chose Wix for its price and ease of maintenance.
As usual, I researched the industry and the business. Then, I developed a sitemap and a mood board prototype on Figma. After the client’s approval, I proceeded to develop the Wix e-commerce website.
I know that all tutorials and documents are available online, so I had no worries about the development process. However, as I mentioned, I encountered some challenges during development. I would like to take notes about these challenges for future Wix projects.
Wix APP
The Wix page builder is relatively flexible, offering a lot of pre-made elements that can be utilized if they align with the desired art direction.
To develop an e-commerce website on Wix, I had to install an app, similar to a plugin for WordPress. It’s free to use. However, one concern is that the reviews for the Wix official app are quite low, with many complaints about it. While there are alternatives available, they often come at a cost. You may encounter some inconvenience, but there’s no need to be afraid of it.
*Display IG stream and even blog also require an APP.
Wix website structure
On Wix, you have to apply the same methods of website development, such as sections, strips, and design elements. If you are a web designer, these are basic principles. Anyone can develop on Wix without sections, but it will be inconvenient.
There is a global setting for brand consistency. When you set the color theme, please pay attention to which color applies where. There are colors labeled 1-5, but it is not indicated in a primary order. Custom font setting is easy compared with Shopify.
*When searching for solutions, Google often displays mixed information about Wix Editor and Wix Studio, which are different user interfaces.
Wix page builder
I understand that Wix is popular, but when I develop a website with Wix, I often encounter strange behavior and slow movement of elements. This isn’t an isolated issue; I’ve noticed numerous complaints about it on Reddit. Additionally, there are many tips available on YouTube to help avoid these issues.
I also have to get used to layout guidelines. It is very narrow when I develop a Wix website on a MacBook Pro.
Dynamic page
The concept of dynamic content is a modern CMS standard found in platforms like Webflow, WordPress, and Wix. The user interface varies significantly, and I had to figure it out. Since the project involves e-commerce, I needed to understand the product page, single product page, and checkout process.
*I did not see a blog in the nav menu. Therefore, I considered using a dynamic page for the blog. After all, I found a blog on APP. So, you don’t have to think about it.
Wix blog
I considered whether it’s better to create a blog using a dynamic/CMS platform or a dedicated blog platform. I tried the dynamic option first. However, I’m still unsure about what content the client will post on it. I couldn’t format it properly because I don’t have any articles yet. Although I made a list, adding images, videos, charts, or infographics isn’t efficient.
I watched a Wix tutorial for creating a blog, and the instructor used the blog menu. However, I couldn’t find it on the dashboard; it required an app. This is inconvenient and can confuse users.
*Wix Editor: Changing Your Page URL
*Wix Blog: Customizing Your Blog’s SEO Settings
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs are common elements for websites. However, the Wix editor does not have this feature by default. I had to enable developer mode to add it. As a MacBook Pro user, developer mode is not suitable because it makes the window smaller. Even after installing breadcrumbs, I couldn’t find the font and color settings. I attempted to change them using CSS, but I discovered that there is no custom CSS section in the Wix Editor. It’s hard to believe.
Single product page and checkout flow
I couldn’t find a single product page under the page tabs initially. First, I had to display a single product page in preview mode. Then, I went back to the editor, and only after that could I access and edit the page. It’s a tricky structure to navigate.
Please pay attention to the URL and SEO settings for each product. If you duplicate one page to another, it may not be correct.
Wix Stores: SEO for Product Pages
Privacy and term
I couldn’t find a one-click solution on Wix, but there are some apps available. On Shopify, it’s much easier. They provide basic templates, and I can install pre-written text for legal pages with just one click. However, I still need to review the content.
In Wix, I can either use a free generator for privacy policies and terms, or I can borrow them from a competitor and adapt them for our website by modifying company information and wording as needed.
Wix Stores: Creating a Privacy Policy
Outcome: Wix E-commerce Website
In the 2 months since I received an inquiry from the client, we have exchanged opinions based on our respective expertise. I took the initiative to develop the Wix E-commerce website. I am pleased to collaborate with Nelson-Rouleau Tree Fruits, an organic fruit farm in Cawston, BC. I hope that many local people in Greater Vancouver will discover Nelson-Rouleau Tree Fruits and enjoy the organic fruits blessed by British Columbia’s nature.
Nelson-Rouleau Tree Fruits | Organic Fruits Firm in Cawston BC
Conclusion: Contribute to client’s business whatever the CMS is
After developing a Wix eCommerce website, I can say that the Wix page builder is good, although it took some time for me to get used to it. While I’ve developed a couple of Wix websites before, I don’t always use it consistently. So, while I know I can develop websites, I sometimes struggle to recall the details of the Wix page builder. This is why I’m writing a blog about this process.
Developing an e-commerce website is just the beginning of sales marketing. Wix SEO optimization has been completed. It’s important to reach potential target audiences through Google Ads and social media ads. Additionally, implementing a content strategy can help improve organic traffic. I hope that the local client will have a wonderful season with their own e-commerce website.
