Wix is a free Flash based website builder tool that uses drag-and-drop functions. There are many advantages of using Wix, besides the fact that it is absolutely free to create a basic site, and a basic site includes many design features and functions. No programming knowledge is needed, just a little creativity, and even for those not so creative types, there are plenty of templates to choose from. The result is a professional looking site that can be used for many purposes including e-commerce.
As Career Advisor for graphic design students who might not have previous knowledge of web design, this site is the perfect tool for me to recommend as a portfolio site. Every graphic design student know that in order to be competitive in the job market one needs to have an online portfolio of their work. This is a must for any employer to consider them a feasible candidate. With the restricted budget that a new graduate usually experiences using Wix sure beats paying for the service of an expensive web designer/developer that could cost US$200 plus for just a simple site. I need to mention that there is an option for a premium paid account, but even this option I considered reasonable. Starting at less than US$5.00 per month, one can use their own domain name, remove sponsor ads, have additional storage space and other extra features.
So I decided to get my feet wet with Wix and create a personal website, starting with the home page to post some of my family recipes that were long forgotten in a drawer somewhere in my house. I was very impressed with the interface and how easy it was to change the elements of the page. Wix even offered a selection of their own clipart, images and other features that includes widgets like RSS feeds, Google maps and PayPal. All that for free.
Here is a picture of the original template that I started from.
My students have used Wix in the past for projects, and I'm always amazed at the results.
ReplyDeleteIsabel this looks like a great Web 2.0 tool and is easy to use! I started creating a personal website for my extended family to keep in touch, so I really appreciate the info on this great tool. I am loving all of these new tools that we are being introduced to.
ReplyDeleteAmanda I appreciate you sharing this site with the class. I find it to be very exciting, and useful. I plan to introduce my students to this site so that they may develop more interesting projects. I will be looking forward to the results. I plan to use it myself. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI love wix.com. A dude in my army unit told me about it (he's an excellent designer). He told me that I'd thank him for it and he was right. I've made several websites with it. The best thing about it is it's quick and easy and ends up looking GREAT!!...and the people who you do the work for has no idea how easy it really was. The following link for one I did for my brother...for free:
ReplyDeletewww.cowtownacrylics.com
The time I saved using wix allowed me to concentrate on the actual logo and graphics I made.
I also made one for a good buddy of mine who has of late become SUPER flaky. He's a contractor and in exchange for doing this, he was supposed to replace my sliding glass door that I accidentally drilled a hole through. I did the work knowing that he'd flake out..and he did. The doors totally still shattered in a million billion pieces. Good thing I knew about wix, because it took me all of a day to complete. But, since he can't even figure out the link I sent him, and it looks so good, he probably thinks it took me forever. So, next time I see him, I can totally guilt trip him about being such an unreliable flake.