As we step into November, it's hard not to feel shocked at how quickly 2024 has flown by. But instead of focusing on how fast time moves, let’s celebrate a significant milestone that took place just last month!
October marked the 18th anniversary of Wix—a platform that has evolved from a small startup into one of the world’s leading website builders. Over these 18 years, Wix has transformed the way people create websites, enabling millions to share their ideas and businesses online.
"No Risk, No Story" is a motto that resonates deeply with both Digital Edge and Wix. Just like us, Wix has taken bold risks throughout the years, embracing opportunities that have driven them to become one of the most robust website platforms in the world, and while we all celebrate the successes, we know that some risks may not have panned out as planned—but that's part of progress. Without taking these leaps, neither Wix nor Digital Edge could have evolved to where we are today, providing the tools that allow businesses to shine online.
At Digital Edge, we’re especially grateful for the risks Wix took, because they led to innovations that set it apart from other platforms. With Wix, businesses can access integrated tools like advanced SEO optimisation, customer relationship management (CRM), Ascend’s business management suite, smooth e-commerce options, payment gateways, AI-driven design capabilities with Wix ADI, secure hosting, robust automation tools, and built-in analytics—all from one source.
Unlike other platforms that rely heavily on third-party plugins to provide additional functionality, Wix integrates these features directly. This approach means fewer compatibility issues, smoother performance, and a far more reliable experience for businesses.
By focusing on built-in solutions rather than piecing together plugins, Wix ensures stability, security, and innovation, giving businesses and agencies like ours the power to focus on what really matters—helping our clients grow online with confidence and creativity.
So, let’s journey through Wix’s incredible story, from its humble beginnings to the innovations that have made it an essential tool for website creation today.
The Early Days: A Frustration Turns into an Idea
The story of Wix began in 2006, when three friends from Israel—Avishai Abrahami, Nadav Abrahami, and Giora Kaplan—were working on a project and ran into a common roadblock. They needed a website but found the process complicated, time-consuming, and expensive.
This challenge sparked an idea: What if anyone could create a professional-looking website without learning code or hiring a web developer? With this vision, they set out to build Wix, setting up their headquarters in Tel Aviv, Israel.
In 2007, Wix introduced its first product—a website builder that relied on Adobe Flash. At the time, using a drag-and-drop interface for website design was revolutionary. This approach allowed users to control the design process, choosing elements and arranging them visually without diving into complex code.
The platform was an immediate success, attracting both novice users and small businesses eager to establish an online presence.
By 2010, Wix had secured major investment and reached 3.5 million users, proving there was an immense demand for an accessible, user-friendly website builder.
Embracing Change: The Move to HTML5
As the internet evolved, being ever evolutionary, Wix realised that relying on Flash technology wouldn’t sustain long-term growth. Flash, while powerful in its time, was quickly being overshadowed by HTML5—a more versatile, faster, and mobile-friendly technology.
In 2012, Wix made the bold decision to shift to an HTML5-based platform, a move that not only improved performance but allowed websites to work on mobile devices. This transition opened new doors for Wix users, making their sites accessible to the growing number of people browsing the internet on phones and tablets. By then, Wix had also introduced its App Market, giving users the ability to boost their sites with third-party applications, from contact forms to e-commerce features.
Going Public and Expanding Horizons
The year 2013 was monumental for Wix. Not only had the platform grown its user base to tens of millions, but the company also went public on NASDAQ, raising $127 million. This capital injection allowed Wix to pursue new features and acquisitions that expanded its capabilities.
Over the following years, Wix strategically acquired several companies, each adding unique offerings to its platform. The acquisitions of OpenRest and Moment.meintroduced restaurant ordering systems and event management tools, while the purchase of DeviantArt connected Wix to a vast online art community. These acquisitions helped shape Wix into a multi-functional platform that could cater to a variety of industries.
Innovating the Website Building Experience
In addition to acquisitions, Wix continued to innovate its core platform, adapting to meet the changing demands of its users. In 2016, Wix launched Wix ADI, or Artificial Design Intelligence. This tool allows users to create a website simply by answering a few questions about their style and preferences. Using AI, Wix ADI instantly generates a personalised site, handling the layout, design, and even populating it with sample content. This feature made it possible for users to have a beautifully designed website ready within minutes—perfect for people who needed a quick setup.
Another significant development came in 2018 with the launch of Ascend by Wix, a suite of tools focused on business growth. Ascend provides users with essential marketing tools, including SEO optimisation, customer relationship management (CRM), and email marketing. This marked a shift for Wix from simply being a website builder to becoming a comprehensive business solution, helping users grow their online presence and connect with customers.
Advanced Capabilities with Velo and Editor X
In 2019, Wix unveiled Velo, a platform designed for users looking to build more complex web applications. Velo allowed developers to add custom functionality to their Wix sites using JavaScript, opening the door for advanced e-commerce solutions, booking systems, and more. This was a major step forward, as it bridged the gap between beginner-friendly website creation and full-fledged web development.
In 2021, Wix introduced Editor X, a platform designed specifically for designers and agencies. Unlike the traditional Wix editor, Editor X offers precise control over layouts and elements, making it ideal for responsive design and high-end, visually complex websites. With Editor X, users can create websites that adjust easily across different screen sizes, giving designers the flexibility they need to bring intricate design visions to life.
Recent Innovations: A Complete Suite for Businesses
In recent years, Wix has continued its journey toward becoming a comprehensive digital solution. The release of Wix Studio in 2023 further strengthened the platform’s focus on professional, agency-level work. Wix Studio provides teams with the tools to organise project workflows, manage client feedback, and collaborate more effectively. For businesses with complex needs and tight deadlines, Wix Studio offers an efficient way to develop and manage web projects at scale.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Wix
As Wix celebrates its 18th anniversary, the company’s evolution over the years reflects its commitment to support users, whether they’re individuals, small business owners, or large agencies. Today, Wix’s platform provides everything from website creation and marketing to e-commerce and customer management, giving users a one-stop-shop for establishing their online presence. And while the platform has evolved significantly since its early Flash-based days, its mission remains the same: to make website creation accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level.
Wix and Digital Edge
At Digital Edge, our love for Wix runs deep—it's the only platform we use, and over the years, it has enabled us to climb the ranks to become the biggest Wix Digital Agency in the country. In other words, we know Wix inside out!
As Wix has evolved, so have we, embracing each innovation and using them to drive success for our clients and digital partners. We’re proud to be Wix Masters, leveraging our expertise to deliver exceptional results, as well as working through the Wix Marketplace, where we support people worldwide with their Wix questions and needs.
So, as we welcome November and look forward to the closing months of 2024, let’s take a moment to celebrate the journey Wix has taken!
In just 18 years, Wix has transformed the web development industry and made it possible for millions of people to bring their ideas online.
Comments