Question:
Suggestion regarding Wix Studio Free Plan and Premium Plans
Product:
Free Plan and Premium Plans for Wix Editor and Wix Studio Editor
What are you trying to achieve:
I would like to suggest an improvement to the Wix Studio Free Plan by adding the custom domain feature with specific limitations. Currently, the Free Plan does not allow users to link custom domains to their websites, which can be a significant drawback for individuals and small businesses looking to establish a professional online presence without initially investing in a Premium Plan.
My suggestion is to allow users on the Free Plan to link a limited number of custom domains (e.g., one or two) to their websites. This would enable users to experience the benefits of having a custom domain, such as improved branding and credibility, while still being able to use the Free Plan. Once users reach the limit of custom domains, they would need to upgrade to one of the Premium Plans to link additional domains.
Additional information:
Implementing this change would provide several benefits:
Increased User Engagement: Allowing custom domains on the Free Plan would attract more users to start building their websites on Wix, as they can immediately see the value of having a custom domain.
Upsell Opportunities: Once users experience the benefits of a custom domain, they may be more inclined to upgrade to a Premium Plan for additional features and the ability to link more custom domains.
Competitive Advantage: Offering custom domains on the Free Plan, even with limitations, would set Wix apart from other website builders that do not provide this feature on their free plans.
User Satisfaction: Providing this feature would enhance user satisfaction and loyalty, as users would feel they are getting more value from the Free Plan.
I believe this change would be a win-win for both Wix and its users, fostering growth and encouraging users to eventually upgrade to Premium Plans.
To be totally honest, I don’t think this would be in Wix’s best interest. Their free plan is really for development and testing. Once a site is ready to be launched as a business, then it is only right to pay for the right.
In my experience, most businesses would only ever connect a single domain to a website.
If a legit business is unable to pay for a Wix website hosting plan then they are not going to be a viable business. Is this business likely to want free business insurance until they have made their first 3 claims, or free property rent until they reach 3+ employees.
It’s a good idea, but sorry, it isn’t going to happen.
It’s certainly appealing for users (and a dream for me too!) but… there’s a possibility that Wix will have to start verifying IDs in order to prevent people from endlessly freeloading.
Thank you both for your thoughtful responses! I appreciate the time you took to share your perspectives. Here are my thoughts on the points you raised:
I understand your concern about the Free Plan being primarily for development and testing. However, the suggestion to allow a limited number of custom domains on the Free Plan is aimed at providing a taste of the benefits of having them without fully committing to a Premium Plan. This could be particularly beneficial for small businesses or individuals who are just starting out and may not have the resources to invest in a Premium Plan right away.
It’s important to note that not all Wix users are businesses. Many users are individuals, such as freelance artists (myself included), who use Wix to build their personal websites. Offering even one custom domain on the Free Plan could help users see the value of having it, which might encourage them to upgrade to a Premium Plan sooner. Additionally, this approach could attract more users to Wix.
You raise a valid point about the potential for abuse and the need for verification to prevent freeloading. Implementing a verification process could indeed be a solution to ensure that the feature is not misused. For example, Wix could limit the number of custom domains to one per user account and require verification for additional domains. This way, users can still benefit from having a custom domain on the Free Plan, while Wix can maintain control over the feature’s usage.
Additional Considerations:
User Engagement and Retention: Allowing custom domains on the Free Plan could increase user engagement and retention. Users who see the value of a custom domain are more likely to stay with Wix and eventually upgrade to a Premium Plan.
Competitive Advantage: Offering this feature could set Wix apart from other website builders, making it a more attractive option for new users.
Gradual Transition: By providing a limited custom domain feature on the Free Plan, Wix can help users transition smoothly to a Premium Plan as their needs grow.
In conclusion, while there are valid concerns about the feasibility and potential for abuse, I believe that with proper limitations and verification processes, adding a custom domain feature to the Free Plan could be a win-win for both Wix and its users. It would enhance user satisfaction, attract more users, and ultimately encourage upgrades to Premium Plans.
Thank you again for your feedback, and I look forward to hearing more thoughts on this suggestion!
but… there’s a possibility that Wix will have to start verifying IDs in order to prevent people from endlessly freeloading. 