Bigger isn’t always better, especially in the case of images you’re using online.

Take any photo or high-resolution graphic and you might notice that the size is a little bigger (or even a lot bigger) than your website can handle.

Using it as part of your web design means your website is likely to lag or just stop loading. So, what should you do?

Optimize that image!

Image optimization is simply shrinking the file size of an image without sacrificing its quality too much – so it still looks good but is going to help your website load MUCH faster.

And when you have a website that loads faster, you create a better user experience. Plus, it’s good for SEO, because search engines want to send people to websites that aren’t slow.

Consider the ways image optimization is crucial for your Core Web Vitals, the key performance metrics used by Google to assess user experience on a webpage:

•   Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): a measurement of how long it takes for the largest image on your website to load, which can be improved with optimized images
• · Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): a measurement of how much the elements of a page shift as they load, which can be improved when an image has the proper height and width attributes
•   First Delay Input (FDI): a measurement of the delay between when you take an action, such as clicking a link or typing in a form, and the browser starting the process of that action, which can be improved when you don’t have large images your browser doesn’t have to focus on

In short, if you want to improve the overall speed and functionality of your website (and let’s be real, who wants to sit around and wait for a website to load?), then you need to optimize your images for the web. That’s easy enough to do when you’re working with the right tools.

Why Image Optimization Matters for Websites

Tech power is like human power in some ways, when you’re asking a lot of it, you have to expect it to work a little harder and move a little more slowly. Makes sense, right?

So when you’re putting a large high-resolution image file on your website, it’s almost like asking your website to lug a 100-pound weight around. It’s going to take a while for your website to get stuff done!

That’s why a website with a lot of large images won’t load quickly. It’s almost as if your website is trying to set a bunch of 100-pound weights in place. And when your website loads slowly, search engines perceive it as less user-friendly.

Search engines don’t want to direct traffic to websites people don’t want to use, so your website’s slow loading time could end up affecting its SEO and Google rankings.

That’s not great, because essentially those big beautiful images you thought looked so great on your website are actually the reason you’re not showing up in search results.

Worth noting: Search engines are doing what’s known as mobile-first indexing.

That means they’re giving higher rank to websites built for mobile devices.

It makes sense because most people are looking at websites on their phones these days.

But many websites are built for computer screens, not for phone screens. Part of image optimization means making your images responsive, so they adjust to the type of screen they’re being viewed on.

Features to Look for in Image Optimization Tools

You might be sitting here and reading all this with the thought, “Great! So, what am I supposed to do with all these high-res images?” Before you go overloading your website design, you can quickly and efficiently optimize all your images for the web with one of several of the optimization tools in 2025.

When you’re choosing a web optimization tool, look for one with the following features:

• Compression quality: You want a tool that is going to compress (i.e. shrink) your images via lossless compression, which reduces the file sizes without losing image data or quality, instead of lossy compression, in which some image data will be lost and the quality potentially diminished.
• Bulk processing capabilities: You don’t have the time to go through and compress each image individually, especially if you’re somebody who is working with lots of photos—we’re looking at you, photographers and your extensive galleries. You want a tool that lets you optimize images in bulk to save you some time.
• Support for modern image formats: When you’re choosing a tool, you should select one that’s able to handle image formats like WebP, AVIF, and JPEG XL.
• Integration with CMS platforms: Once you optimize your images, you’re going to need to upload them to your site, so choose an optimization tool that will work with platforms like WordPress and Shopify.
• Automation and AI-powered optimization: Remember how we talked about bulk optimization? Not every image needs to be optimized in the same way, so you want to find a tool that uses AI to determine specifically what needs to be done with each image and automates the task without your having to change any settings.

 Top Image Optimization Tools of 2025

Ready to optimize?

Great! You’ve got options when it comes to optimization—lots of options.

Alongside thinking about what features you need from an image optimization tool, think about what type of access you want to have.

Do you want something to simply use online via your internet browser? Or do you want something you can access through your website platform, or even from your computer desktop?

Consider these options:

Online Image Optimizers

These are the optimizers you can access directly through your internet browser by going to the website. They’re pretty straightforward, but they get the job done well enough.

You’ve got TinyPNG, which is a simple, effective tool for PNG and JPEG compression.

If you want to do advanced compression with various formats, try Compressor.io. And then for high-quality bulk images, there’s Kraken.io.

WordPress Plugins for Image Optimization

If you’re looking for the best WordPress image optimizer, consider a plug-in like ShortPixel or Smush for automated AI-powered optimization. Imagify is also a WordPress plug-in and it offers WebP conversion and fast compression.

Desktop & Developer Tools

For anyone working directly from their desktop, RIOT (Radical Image Optimization Tool) could be a great option—it’s free Windows software that lets you compress images quickly and efficiently.

Mac users can try ImageOptim, an open-source tool for lossless compression. Finally, there’s Squoosh by Google, a Browser-based tool with detailed compression controls.

AI & Next-Gen Optimization Tools

When it comes to AI and next-gen options, consider working with VanceAI Image Compressor for AI-powered image enhancement and compression or Cloudinary for Cloud-based image management with automation.

Best Practices for Image Optimization in 2025

Before you move full-steam ahead on optimizing your images, there's some best practices you should keep in mind.

First, be sure to choose the right file format for your images.

WebP offers better compression than JPEG while maintaining high quality and supports transparency, making it ideal for web performance.

AVIF provides even higher compression efficiency and better quality at lower file sizes than WebP but has slightly less browser support, whereas JPEG is widely compatible but results in larger files with lower efficiency compared to both WebP and AVIF.

Second, take advantage of lazy loading.

This is a technique that delays the loading of non-essential images until they are needed, improving page speed and performance. Instead of loading all images immediately when a page loads, it loads only the ones visible in the viewport and fetches others as the user scrolls.

Be sure you leverage CDNs, aka Content Delivery Networks, for faster global delivery. These improve website speed by distributing your images and other assets across multiple global servers, ensuring faster delivery to users regardless of their location.

Finally, be sure to maintain a balance between quality and compression.

Yes, you want your images to be smaller in size, but not so much that they compromise the quality of the image.

If the picture loses too much data, it becomes grainy and pixelated. Be sure to use an optimization tool that is going to give you compressed images that still look great and reflect your professionalism. Otherwise, what’s the point, right?

Main Takeaway

Optimizing your images for your website is a crucial step that improves your website speed (good for SEO), but it’s important to take the care you need so you don’t end up with reduced quality.

The best approach? Experiment with different tools based on your website’s needs and find the one that feels the most user-friendly while giving you the best results.

If you want to see how those optimized images look on a beautifully designed Showit website? Don’t forget that you have a 14-day free trial waiting for you with no commitment necessary. Sign up and get started!

Branding, you’ve heard that word before, you may think it’s a logo and a few colors.

But, did you know that YOU also have a personal brand?

How you carry yourself and how you interact with people all impact your personal brand reputation.

Now, maybe you already have lots of connections and a good reputation, well done!

If you don’t yet, could a personal website be what you need to stand out? Let’s find out, shall we?

Why You Need a Personal Website

Whether you're looking for a job, a creative pro of some kind, a freelancer, or an entrepreneur, a website gives you control of your online presence. 

It lets you tell your story in a way that social media profiles and traditional resumes simply can’t.

As we think through this, there are about 5 big benefits to having a personal website.

1. It Helps Establish a Personal Brand

Ever Google yourself?

The reality is recruiters, potential clients, or even potential friends probably search your name before ever reaching out.

Imagine if they were greeted by a website that would explain from you, who you are, and your mission along with a showcase of work you’ve recently done.

 Talk about a good first impression.

2. It Opens Doors for Career Growth

A personal website is a game-changer for job seekers and pros trying to advance in their careers. 

Unlike a resume, a website allows you to:

• Showcase work samples, projects, or case studies.
• Provide more depth on your skills, experience, and achievements.
• Include testimonials from employers, clients, or colleagues.
• Make it easy for recruiters to contact you with a dedicated contact page.

For example, a videographer with a website showcasing recent work is far more likely to land interviews than one with just a LinkedIn profile.

3. It Helps Expand Your Professional Network

Your personal website can be a networking tool to help you connect with like-minded folks, industry leaders, or even potential clients. 

For example, a marketing professional who regularly publishes blog posts on industry trends can build authority and attract invitations for guest posts, speaking engagements, or consulting opportunities.

4. It Gives You Opportunities for Monetization & Passive Income

If you’ve ever wanted to make money online, a personal website can be the foundation of a profitable side business or even (with some time and intentionality) a full-time income stream. 

Depending on your interests and what you know, you could:

• Start a blog and monetize it through ads, affiliate marketing, or sponsored content.
• Sell digital products like e-books, templates, or online courses.
• Offer services such as consulting, design, writing, or coaching.

For example, a graphic designer who showcases their portfolio on their website can also sell design templates, generating passive income.

5. It Serves As a Creative Outlet

Business and professionalism aside, a website could just be a space to share your passions, hobbies, and creative projects with the world.

Whether it’s photography, music, or writing, having your own corner of the internet allows you to create something meaningful and unique.

For example, a travel enthusiast who documents their adventures on a blog can eventually grow an audience and land partnerships with travel brands.

What Type of Personal Website Should You Start

 Before building a site, think about its purpose. 

Choosing the type of site to build depends on your goals, career, and the kind of content you want to create.

Here are a few common types of personal websites, each with unique advantages.

1. Blog

Starting a blog is perfect for folks who want to share their expertise, interests, or personal experiences with the world. 

Whether you’re passionate about tech, travel, or whatever it may be, a blog lets you establish authority in your field while engaging with readers.

How to Start a Blog

• Choose a Niche – Focus on a single topic you’re knowledgeable about and write content about it
• Pick a Platform – Showit is a great option 
• Create a Content Plan – Outline post ideas and develop a publishing schedule.
• Optimize for SEO – Use keyword research to help your posts rank on Google.
• Engage & Promote – Share your content on social media, forums, and email lists. 

The big thing to remember is that writing good content that speaks to real people will help your posts rank higher in Google search results.

2. A Portfolio

 A portfolio website is good for showcasing creative or professional work. 

Think of graphic designers, photographers, writers, developers, or filmmakers.

This is a space that allows these creators to highlight their best projects and attract clients or employers.

How to Build a Portfolio Website

• Select a Platform – Showit is excellent for visually-driven portfolios, 
• Curate Your Best Work – Showcase your best work rather than uploading everything.
• Tell the Story Behind Your Work – Talk about each project’s process, challenges, and results.
• Include Testimonials & Case Studies – Add credibility with client or employer reviews.
• Make It Easy to Contact You – Have a clear call-to-action, such as “Hire Me” or “Let’s Work Together.”

3. A Personal Resume

A personal resume site is a modern way to showcase your skills and experience beyond the limits of your standard paper resume.

 It gives you a space to elaborate on projects, showcase work you’ve done, and just make a top-notch first impression.

What to Include on a Resume Site

• Professional Bio – A short summary of who you are and what you do.
• Work Experience & Projects – Highlight key roles, achievements, and relevant projects.
• Skills & Certifications – Showcase specialized knowledge with industry-recognized certifications.
• Testimonials & Endorsements – Good words from former employers, clients, or colleagues.
• Contact & Downloadable Resume – Make it easy for recruiters to reach you.

4. Personal Brand

If you’re building a personal brand, a website helps you establish authority in your industry, build an audience, and position yourself as a true thought leader.

These websites often include a blog, email sign-up, and links to speaking engagements, books, or courses.

How to Build a Personal Brand Website

• Define Your Niche & Target Audience – Are you a leadership coach? A motivational speaker? A fitness expert?
• Develop a Compelling About Page – Tell your story and what makes you unique.
• Add an Email Sign-Up Form – Grow your audience by offering valuable content.
• Create High-Quality Content – Blog posts, videos, or resources that showcase your expertise.
• Link to Your Social Media – Connect your website with LinkedIn, YouTube, or Instagram.

Pro tip, linking to social media is an important part of a persona brand site, check out this article on where to put social links on your website.

How to Build a Personal Website Step-by-Step

Building a website is easier than ever with drag and drop tools like Showit.

But it still takes a bit of planning.

Whether you're starting a blog, portfolio, or resume site, following these steps will help you create a polished and pro-status site that truly represents you.

Step 1. Choose A Website Platform

This is the platform where you do the designing and publish your site.

You’ve probably seen us mention Showit a few times, we’re a bit biased.

But for good reason, Showit is a true drag-and-drop website builder that gives you complete creative control over the look and feel of your site without massic tech headaches. 

We also have some pretty talented people on our support team who can help you solve any issue and answer all your website questions. 

You can also try Showit free for 14 days here if you’re interested.

All of that said though, platforms like Squarespace, Wix, and WordPress are also good.

Most of these tools offer free trials so go try a few of them to see which one feels intuitive and easy for you.

Step 2. Choose Your Domain Name

Your domain name is kind of like your digital identity, and choosing the right one is key.

How to Choose a Domain Name

• Use Your Name – If it's available, a domain like yourname.com is good for personal branding.
• Keep It Simple – Avoid long or complicated names, the shorter, the better.
• Consider Keywords – If for some reason your own name isn’t available, keywords in your domain is a good option (e.g.,  (johnsmithdeisgn.com).
• Use the Right Extension – (.com) is the most widely recognized, but .me, .net, and .co are alternatives.

Where to Buy Domains

You can purchase a domain from various providers, including

• Namecheap
• Google Domains (now owned by Squarespace)
• GoDaddy

Domain prices usually range from as low as $20 all the way up to thousands of dollars if it’s a popular domain name like socks.com or weddingphotographer.com.

How much you want to spend is up to you, but if sarahlane.com is $800 and sarahlane.net is $40, well…….uh, you decide.

Hosting Options

If you're using an all-in-one builder like Showit, Squarespace, or Wix, hosting is included. 

However, if you're using WordPress.org you'll need to choose separate hosting:

• SiteGround – Reliable hosting with decent customer support.
• Bluehost – Budget-friendly, beginner-friendly option for WordPress users.
• Cloudways – Best for performance and scalability

Step 3. Start Designing Your Personal Website

If you just read this headline and got stressed, pause and take a breath.

Ok, the good news is tools like Showit make it possible to design a website without needing a 4-year design degree.

In fact, most website builder tools make it accessible for anyone to design and launch a quality website with not a lot of experience.

But there are a few things you should think through during the process.

A great website design doesn’t just look good, it enhances the user experience and keeps people engaged.

Key Principles of a Strong Website Design

• Clean & Simple Layout – Avoid clutter; guide visitors with a clear structure.
• Readable Typography – Choose professional, easy-to-read fonts.
• Mobile Responsiveness – Ensure your site looks great on all devices.
• Fast Loading Speed – Optimize images and keep the design lightweight.

Try Using Templates

Templates can help you get a professional-looking site quickly without needing custom design skills.

All you’ll need to do is add your own images, copy, and information about projects you’ve worked on.

The best part, Showit already has some pretty sweet templates designed with podcasters, photographers, bloggers, and other creative pros needs in mind.

If you are more design-savvy you can customize the template as much as you want.

But, if you value simplicity and speed, Showit makes it easy to drag, drop, and launch with relative ease.

Step 4. Create Your Essential Pages

No matter what kind of personal website you build, there are a few key pages that every site should have:

1. Home Page

This page should instantly communicate who you are and what visitors can expect.

Remember to keep it simple

Feature a hero photo, a short bio, and a clear call to action (e.g., “Read My Blog” or “View My Work”). Something that gets people to engage with other areas of your site.

2. About Page

This is where you tell your story and showcase your experience and what drives you in a compelling way. 

A big thing to remember here is to keep it relatable, people connect with stories, not just achievements alone.

3. Portfolio or Blog

If your site is a portfolio, highlight your best work with case studies or testimonials.

But maybe you don’t yet have any reviews or testimonials, that’s fine too, just focus on showcasing what you consider to be your best work.

If it’s a blog, organize posts into relevant categories and optimize for SEO.

Here’s a pro tip for ya, If you're a job seeker, you might replace a “Portfolio” with a “Projects” page featuring past work, contributions, and case studies.

4. Contact Page

Don’t make visitors hunt for your contact info!

Include a contact form, email, and social media links.

Pro Tip, add a calendar booking tool (like Calendly) for easy scheduling.

Best Tools & Resources for Building a Personal Website

Building a personal website takes the right set of tools to help it look polished and function smoothly. 

Here are a few tools for website creation, SEO, design, and email marketing.

1. Website Builders

Choosing the right website builder depends on your goals and technical comfort level. Here are some of the top options:

• Showit – Great for creatives and personal brands, featuring a fully customizable drag-and-drop interface with WordPress blogging integration.
• Squarespace – Good for small business sites, it has modern templates and built-in features.
• WordPress – Perfect for bloggers and advanced users who want full control over customization, scalability and who may have some understanding of HTML: and CSS.
• Wix – This is the beginner friendly option with a simple drag-and-drop editor and free plan.

2. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Tools

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) helps drive organic traffic to your website. Here are essential tools to improve your site's visibility.

• Google Analytics – A free tool to track website traffic, visitor behavior, and page performance.
• Google Search Console – A tool to help monitor how your site appears in Google search results and provides indexing insights.
• Ahrefs – A tool you can use for keyword research, backlink tracking, and competitive analysis.
• Ubersuggest – A beginner-friendly SEO tool that helps with keyword research and content optimization.

Pro Tip: If you’re new to SEO, start with Google Search Console and Ubersuggest to find keywords and track your search performance.

3. Graphic Design Tools

Having good design will enhance your personal website’s look and user experience. 

Here’s some great tools to get you started:

• Canva – An easy-to-use design tool for creating graphics, social media images, and branding elements.
• Adobe Portfolio – Ideal for showcasing photography or creative work, with direct integration into Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Figma – Best for UI/UX designers and those creating wireframes or detailed layouts.
• Unsplash – A free stock photo website with high-quality images for use on your website.
• Site Palette – A tool to give you ideas on what colors to use for your website.

4. Email Marketing Tools

Even if you’re just starting, an email list helps you build an audience and keep visitors engaged. Here are some top email marketing tools:

• Kit – Ideal for bloggers and personal brands, featuring automation, email sequences, and landing pages.
• Flodesk – Great for creatives, offering beautifully designed email templates and simple automation.
• Mailchimp – A solid choice for small businesses and beginners with an easy drag-and-drop email editor.
• MailerLite – A user-friendly email marketing tool that includes automation and landing page creation.

5. Website Performance Monitoring

• Crazy Egg – Provides heatmaps and user behavior tracking to see where visitors click on your site.
• Hotjar – Offers session recordings and heatmaps to better understand user experience.
• PageSpeed Insights – Helps analyze and improve your website’s loading speed and performance

Go Get Started

Is a website absolutely essential? No, it isn’t.

But if you want to stand out above the competition for jobs or freelance projects, it will take you to the next level.

Have you ever applied for a job and seen the section where they want you to drop it your website URL?

Most people probably drop in their LinkedIn, but if you had a site showcasing your experience, you’ve already got a leg up.

If you need some help getting started, head on over to Showit and start a 14-day free trial to see what kind of site you can create.

Go try it for yourself!

Starting a new website can feel overwhelming. There are so many choices to make, from colors and fonts to layouts and features… 

But here's a secret that might make you feel better: most amazing websites start with templates!

That's right – even professional website designers often begin with templates as their foundation. Using a template doesn't make your site any less creative or unique. In fact, it gives you a professionally-designed starting point that you can customize to make completely your own.

Think about it: so many things start from templates, not just website designs. There’s absolutely no shame in taking an amazing framework and making it your own! 

So, now that we've cleared that up, let's talk about how to find the perfect template for your business!

Start with Strategy: What Does Your Website Need to Do?

Before you start browsing through all those gorgeous templates, take a moment to get clear on what your website actually needs to accomplish. This step is crucial but often overlooked!

WHAT'S YOUR PRIMARY OBJECTIVE?

Every effective website has a clear goal. Is yours to: 

•  Book client services?
• Sell products?
• Build an email list?
•  Showcase your portfolio?
• Educate your audience?
• Generate leads?

Your primary objective should influence which template you choose. 

For example, if you're focused on booking client services, you'll want a template with prominent call-to-action buttons and an easy path to your Contact page, and enough space to write about your services.

If you’re focused on selling products, you’ll need to make sure your template comes with a Shop page and a Product page.

If you’re focused on growing your email list through your site, you’ll need to make sure your template comes with a Subscribe page, and a Freebie page.

FUNCTIONALITY MATTERS MORE THAN YOU THINK!

A beautiful template that doesn't function well is like a sports car without an engine – looks great, but won't get you where you need to go!

Consider which special features you need: 

• Blog functionality (do you plan to publish content regularly?)
• Sales pages (need high-converting pages for offerings?)
•  Shop integration (selling products?)
• Service showcase (displaying your offerings clearly?)
• Portfolio galleries (showing off your work?)
• Lead magnets (growing your email list?)

Make sure the template you choose either includes these features or can be easily customized to add them.

WHO IS YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE?

Your website isn't for everyone – it's for your specific ideal clients or customers. Think about: 

• What aesthetic would appeal to them?
• How tech-savvy are they?
• Do they prefer minimalist designs or more detailed ones?
• What information do they need to make a decision?

A template that appeals to luxury wedding clients will look very different from one targeting tech startups. Choose accordingly!

Once you’ve considered what you need the template FOR, it’s time to think about aesthetics… 

Your website's visual style should align with your brand personality.

Showit templates come in a variety of styles to match your unique vibe, like these.

Bold

Perfect for brands with strong personalities that aren't afraid to stand out. Bold templates often feature striking color contrasts, large typography, and eye-catching elements.

Dark

Sophisticated and dramatic, dark templates create a premium feel and make colors pop. Ideal for luxury brands, photographers, and creative professionals.

Editorial

Inspired by magazine layouts, editorial templates feature elegant typography and thoughtfully arranged content blocks. Great for content-heavy sites that need to maintain visual interest.

Elegant

Refined and timeless, elegant templates use subtle animations, delicate typography, and plenty of white space. Perfect for brands that want to convey sophistication.

Fun

Playful and energetic, fun templates incorporate whimsical elements, bright colors, and dynamic layouts. Ideal for brands with a lighthearted personality.

Light

Airy and inviting, light templates use plenty of white space to create a fresh, clean aesthetic. Great for brands wanting to convey simplicity and approachability.

Minimal

Less is more! Minimal templates focus on essential elements only, creating space for your content to breathe. Perfect for modern brands with a streamlined approach.

Modern

Contemporary and on-trend, modern templates incorporate current design elements while maintaining timeless appeal. Suitable for forward-thinking brands.

Your template can’t just be pretty, though — don’t forget to consider these important factors, too…

While a beautiful design catches the eye, there are practical elements that will make or break your website experience. Here's what to look for beyond just pretty colors and layouts:

ENOUGH SPACE FOR COPY

Templates vary dramatically in how much room they allocate for text. If you're in a text-heavy industry (like coaching, consulting, or education), you'll need templates with generous copy areas.

Look carefully at:

• Headline length limitations
• Paragraph spacing and width
• Number of content blocks per page

Too little copy space means you'll either need to edit your content ruthlessly or spend time reworking the template structure.

IMAGE REQUIREMENTS 

Each template has its own “appetite” for images. Some require dozens of professional photos to look complete, while others work beautifully with just a few key images.

Consider

• How many quality images do you currently have?
• Do you have access to professional photography?
• Are the image spaces the right orientation for your photos? (Portrait vs. landscape)
• Do you need special types of images (like flatlays or specific backdrops)?

If a template calls for 20+ hero images but you only have a handful of professional photos, you might struggle to make it work.

NAVIGATION STRUCTURE

Different templates organize information in different ways. Pay attention to:

• How many menu items the template supports
• Whether dropdown menus are available
• If the template includes secondary navigation options
• Mobile menu functionality

Your site structure should make intuitive sense for your specific audience and content needs.

PAGE LOAD SPEED

Beautiful doesn't have to mean slow! Look for templates that:

• Use optimized image blocks
• Don't rely on excessive animations
• Have a clean, efficient code structure

Remember, every second of load time increases your bounce rate significantly.

ACCESSIBILITY

Make sure your chosen template supports:

• Sufficient color contrast for readability
• Properly structured headings for screen readers
• Focus indicators for keyboard navigation
• Alternative text capability for images

An accessible site isn't just inclusive—it's better for SEO too!

Industry Matters: Templates Designed for Your Field

One of the best things about Showit's template marketplace is that many templates are specifically designed with certain industries in mind. This means they include pages and features typical for that business type.

Browse templates in categories like: 

• Beauty
• Coaching & Consulting
•  Content Creator
• Event Professional
• Fitness
• Health & Wellness
• Marketing Services
• Online Service Providers
• Photography
• Podcast
• Portfolio & Showcase
• Wedding Vendors
• Virtual Assistant

And so many more!

Industry-specific templates save you time because they're already structured around the typical client journey for your business type.

What if you can’t find the “perfect” match?

Don't worry! That’s the beauty of designing on Showit: every template is fully customizable. You're never locked into a specific design.

If you can't find a template specifically for your business type, choose one with a layout and style you love, then customize it to fit your needs. You can change everything from colors and fonts to the entire page structure!

This is why starting with a template doesn't limit your creativity – it just gives you a professional foundation to build upon.

Your website will always be evolving as you do — and templates give you room to grow!

Your business will grow and change over time, and your website should evolve with it. The good news? Showit makes it easy to add new pages, sections, and features as you need them.

Start with what you need now, knowing you can expand later: 

•  Launch with core pages first (Home, About, Services, Contact) 
• Add a blog when you're ready to start publishing content
• Create sales pages as you develop new offerings
• Build out your portfolio as you complete more project

Your website is never “finished” – it's a living, breathing representation of your evolving business.

Resources For Finding Your Perfect Template

Showit Design Market

The official marketplace features templates from verified Showit Design Partners who meet Showit's quality standards. You'll find options for every industry and style preference.

Shop Add-ons

Once you've selected your template, consider enhancing it with add-ons like specialized page layouts, custom sections, or unique elements that can take your site to the next level.

Remember: Templates are just the beginning!

The most important thing to remember is that your template is just your starting point. What makes your website truly unique is how you customize it with your brand elements, copy, images, and personal touches.

Some of the most beautiful, effective websites on the internet started as templates – including sites built by professional designers! The key is choosing a solid foundation that you can transform into something that feels authentically yours.

So go ahead and find that perfect template. Your dream website is waiting to be built!

As a creative, you know you do great work. (Duh.) 

The question is: What’s the best way for you to show off your work online, so potential clients can find you (and get a sense of what you do)?

We live in an amazing time for creatives with lots of options when it comes to choosing the best platform for portfolios. 

So how do you pick the right one?

You know — one that’s easy to use, searchable, and professional… and will showcase your stuff in the most impressive way possible.

Today, we’re comparing Showit vs. Behance, two top options for showcasing your portfolio.

Each comes with its own set of pros and cons, depending on your needs.

Overview of Creative Portfolio Platforms

Let’s start by going over what Showit and Behance are.

Even though they’re both options for showing off your portfolio, we’re not exactly comparing apples to apples here. 

Let the creative portfolio website comparison begin!

Showit

Showit is a typical website builder (well, actually, it’s anything but typical — you can do much more with it than you can with other builders). 

Showit is a platform that lets you design a website with full drag-and-drop creative control. That means you’re able to put together a portfolio page on your site using tools that let you customize it exactly how you want it to look. 

If we may say so, Showit is perfect if you value artistic freedom and want a unique online presence.

Behance

Behance isn’t exactly a website builder, though it does give you a chance to show off your creative work. 

Think of Behance as more of a social network.

You can show off your projects using structured templates — no need to create a full-fledged website.

It's all about simplifying the process of sharing your work, especially because the platform (which is owned by Adobe) comes with a built-in community of creatives who love to check out each other’s work.

Design Flexibility

Because you’re creative (or so we’re assuming if you’re reading this), you probably want some level of control over the way your portfolio is designed. 

How much flexibility do you have with these two creative portfolio platforms?

Showit

Seriously. Showit’s drag-and-drop feature lets you customize your site to look exactly how you want, without any coding required (though if you’re advanced enough, you can add custom CSS). 

Because the design control is responsive, you can even adjust the mobile and desktop versions separately.

Behance

Behance is geared toward presenting individual projects in a structured format. That might appeal to you if you prefer a simple approach to portfolio presentation. 

That said, Behance is a template-based platform, so your layout customization is much more limited. 

Showit vs. Behance: Ease of Use

You’re busy. You’re interested in focusing on your creative projects… not struggling to figure out how to use a new platform so you can publish a portfolio. (Right?)

So, it pays to figure out how easy these creative portfolio websites are to use.

Showit

Remember how we mentioned that drag-and-drop editor? It provides intuitive control over your website's design, so many designers find it very easy to use.

That said, mastering Showit’s full capabilities might involve a learning curve, especially when setting up hosting and domain for a standalone site.

Behance

Behance is where simplicity reigns. Uploading projects is straightforward, with very minimal effort beyond creating your account. 

There's no need to worry about hosting or domain setup, making Behance incredibly user-friendly from the get-go.

Showit vs. Behance: Hosting and Domain

Once you’ve set up your portfolio, you’ll want to know if others on the internet will be able to find it. 

That’s why it’s important to consider hosting and domain options with these two portfolio platforms. Here’s what you’re looking at with each.

Showit

A big benefit of Showit is that you have self-hosting capabilities with seamless domain integration. 

That’s sort of a fancy way of saying you get a branded online presence — including a custom domain (though we should note that website hosting requires a subscription).

Behance

Again, here’s where Behance is all about simplicity. 

Your portfolio is hosted on Adobe’s platform, so there’s no need for (or even option of) domain customization. You just get a Behance URL (i.e., behance.net/username) instead of a custom domain.

Audience & Discoverability

While we’re talking about making your portfolio available on the internet for people to see, let’s talk about your audience and how easy it is for them to find you. 

If your portfolio is just floating out there in cyberspace, with the occasional visit from somebody who has your direct link, you might not get the business you want. 

Here’s what these platforms have to offer in the discoverability regard.

Showit

Showit offers robust SEO capabilities and supports integration with social media. So although driving traffic requires you to do some proactive personal marketing efforts, that work can pay off in a big way.

Showit is ideal if you’re aiming to build a distinct online presence. In order for that presence to be known, you need to be doing a little bit of work yourself. Start researching SEO, building a social media platform, and pushing your links out to as many people as possible. 

When used to your advantage, the built-in SEO capabilities with Showit have the power to make your portfolio far more visible than if you were on a separately hosted platform.

Behance

Since it’s part of Adobe's creative network, Behance offers built-in exposure opportunities within its community. 

Projects can gain visibility organically through features and collaborations, making it a go-to for networking and showcasing your work to a broad audience. It’s simple, but bear in mind that you’re limited to the network that’s already on Behance.

Showit vs. Behance: Integration with Other Tools

Your portfolio is only one small piece of your online presence. You’ll want to think about how it will integrate with other tools and platforms you use, such as your blog or your online shop.

Here’s how Showit vs. Behance stack up when it comes to integration with other tools.

Showit

Showit emphasizes seamlessness when it comes to external tools. 

In other words, you can add a WordPress blog or a Shopify e-commerce site to your Showit website without any way of telling that it’s from another source. That’s how smoothly these integrations fit into your website design.

Behance

If you’re creating your projects using Adobe software, you’re covered. Behance integrates with Adobe Creative Cloud apps, allowing seamless sharing of those projects within your portfolio. 

However, Behance lacks extensive integration with external tools beyond media embedding. So if you’re hoping to integrate your Behance portfolio with other tools, you may be out of luck.

Showit vs. Behance: Pricing

Of course, it might not matter as much how great a portfolio platform is if it’s out of your budget. Affordability is a big consideration for creatives.

Here’s a high-level overview of the pricing plan options offered by Showit vs. Behance.

Showit

Showit has plans starting at just $16 per month, though you can move up to one of three higher plans, such as the Plus plan or Advanced plan, depending on your needs and your budget. 

The Advanced plan, starting at $99 per month, gives you the capability of doing everything from selling digital content subscriptions to seeing detailed sales funnel analytics. It costs more, but it gives you a lot of power to push your business forward.

Behance

Behance is free to use, making it accessible for all users, though you can upgrade to Behance Pro for $9.99 per month. The Pro option gives you access to features like customized profile layouts, advanced analytics, and exclusive freelance opportunities.

Showit vs. Behance: Who’s the Best Fit For This?

Clearly, there are pluses and minuses to Showit vs. Behance, depending on your needs. 

So when you consider all of this info, you probably have to wonder: Which of these platforms is the best fit specifically for you and what you do?

Showit

We always say Showit is the ideal fit for creatives because it gives you the complete creative control you want when designing a branded website. 

You’ll be able to create a standalone portfolio site that’s visually unique and fits with your online presence.

Behance

If you’re not looking to deal with the stress of an entire website design, Behance lets you have that vibrant creative community you seek and show them your projects without the trouble of anything you don’t want. 

You’ll gain exposure through an established network, though it’s harder to expand beyond that network if you want or need to.

 Try It Yourself

Intrigued by what Showit has to offer? We don’t blame you. 

See for yourself how our platform gives you endless options for creative freedom. We think once you start creating, you’re going to love it. (Not that we’re biased or anything…)

Why not try Showit out for yourself? You get a 14-day free trial with no strings attached.

Go give it a try!

And if you want to know how Showit compares to other tools, check out this article on Showit vs. Canva.

Is it time for you to invest in a website refresh?

If we just lost you, hang on, we aren't talking about investing in a full redesign or anything like that.

Think of this more as a website spring cleaning.

A chance to go through your site and clean it up to help visitors have a better experience and improve your SEO.

Let's check out the 4 main things to focus on for your 2025 website refresh.

1. Update Outdated Content

Keeping your site's content fresh helps visitors get accurate and relevant information.

Check Outdated Info

Review all pages and remove or update anything that isn't current.

Look for outdated promos, past event details, and any references to old policies or team members.

This one is pretty basic but it'll help your site and business look more legitimate.

Refresh Old Blog Posts

Update statistics, add new insights, and improve formatting to keep older posts valuable.

Try adding new images, rewording paragraphs for clarity, and linking to newer relevant articles.

You'd be surprised how much value is in refreshing your current content.

Update Changes To Services

Make sure all pricing, descriptions, and offerings are still relevant to your business.

If you've introduced new services or discontinued old ones, reflect those changes to avoid confusion.

Update Your Contact Details

Make sure all phone numbers, emails, and social media handles are correct.

Test all contact forms to ensure they are functioning properly.

Remove Irrelevant Text

Clear out unnecessary or outdated info that no longer serves your audience.

Streamlining your content improves readability and engagement.

Make Sure All Calls to Action Relevant:

Confirm that CTAs align with your current offerings.

Experiment with new wording or placements to improve conversions.

2. Swap In Fresh Images

Visual content plays a pretty big role in user engagement.

Refresh your website’s images to keep it modern and visually appealing:

Replace Outdated Stock Photos

Swap generic or overused images with fresh, high-quality visuals.

Consider custom photography or illustrations to make your brand stand out.

Update team photos and product photos

Ensure that images accurately represent your team and the latest offerings.

A fresh team photo helps establish trust and familiarity with your audience.

Ensure All images are optimized for Web

Compress images to improve load speed while maintaining high quality.

Large image files can slow down your site, negatively impacting user experience and SEO.

3. Fix Broken Links

Broken links can frustrate visitors and negatively impact SEO.

Regularly check and fix links to maintain a seamless experience:

Check All Internal And External Links

Use a link checker tool to identify any broken links on your website.

This includes links to resources, blog posts, and partner sites.

Fix 404 Errors

Redirect or replace any links leading to deleted or moved pages.

Set up proper 301 redirects where necessary to maintain SEO value.

Ensure Social Media Links Work

Verify that all social media links lead to active profiles and correct pages.

Update any outdated usernames or social media handles.

4. Refresh SEO

Optimizing your website for search engines ensures better visibility and improved rankings.

Here’s how to refresh your SEO.

Refresh and Update Keywords

Identify new relevant keywords and update existing content accordingly.

Try using keyword research tools to find trending search terms within your industry.

Optimize Meta Titles and Descriptions

Improve click-through rates by making your meta tags more engaging and keyword-rich.

Ensure each page has a unique and compelling meta description.

Add Alt Text to Images

Enhance accessibility and SEO by providing descriptive alt text for all images.

This helps search engines understand your content and improves visibility in image searches.

Resources To Help You With A Website Refresh

We know some of this is easier said than done, but here are a few resources that will help with a website refresh.

Keep in mind, some of these tools can have more than one usecase but they work best in the categories we listed below.

For Updating Outdated Content

• Google Search Console: This is a great tool to help you manage your site overall, Identifying outdated pages, and content gaps.

For Adding Fresh Images

Now the ideal situation would be to have some real images of your team, products, or past work.

But, if you just need a quick refresh here are a few tools to help you out.

• Unsplash and Pexels: These are two wonderful tools to help you find free, high-quality stock images.
• TinyPNG: Use this tool for compressing image files to be better optimized for websites.

For Fixing Broken Links

• Broken Link Checker: A Chrome extension that will scan your site and identify broken links.
• Google Analytics: A tool to track broken links and help identify where dropoffs are happening on your site. (Among many other things as well)
• Redirect Checker: A useful tool for checking if your 301 (permanent) or 302 (temporary) redirects are properly configured.

For Keeping SEO Updated

• Google Keyword Planner: Part of the Google ads platform, this is a great tool to help you see what keywords and phrases are gaining the most traffic so you know what words to try and rank for in search results.
• Yoast SEO: A helpful plugin you can use to help with optimizing meta titles, descriptions, and content on WordPress. Great for helping you make sure your blogs are formated well for SEO.
• Moz SEO Tools: A great option for keyword tracking and on-page SEO analysis.

Start On Your Own Website Refresh

Hopefully, that wasn't too much info.

We know designing a website from scratch can be a more involved project but a website refresh is something you could do in a few hours.

And, if you're using a website builder like Showit, you can easily swap images, refresh copy, and make changes with minimal stress.

If you don't have a website yet, 2025 could be your time to get started. Go start a 14-day free trial of Showit to get started on your site today.

Anyone can make millions of dollars online (at least if you believe every how to make money online Instagram video)

Ok, so “millions” is a bit of an oversell, but you can make money online if you have something of value to share.

With a clear direction and a strategy, you'd be surprised what you can do.

So if you want to try something new, read through this article and consider building your own website to monetize.

How to Make Money from a Website

To be clear, making money online is a much more broad topic, for now, we want to focus on how to make money from a website specifically.

A website isn't just an online presence—it's the foundation of a profitable business.

Whether you're selling a product, recommending others' products, or building a paid membership community, your website can generate revenue for you.

So how do you make money from a website?

These are the main three methods:

• Selling Products or Services
• Affiliate Marketing
• Memberships & Subscriptions

There are a lot of approaches out there, but they all kinda fall into one of these buckets.

Let's go deeper on each of these.

How to Make Money Selling Products or Services?

Selling stuff directly through your website is one of the best ways to make money online.

Whether you're offering physical goods, digital downloads, or pro services, your site serves as a digital storefront, allowing you to reach customers anywhere.

But selling online isn’t just about listing a product or service—it takes some strategy.

You'll need to think through:

• What you're selling
• Who your audience is
• How to present your offer
• Which tools and platforms to use

Ok, let’s go further into selling products and selling services to see which is the best direction for you.

How to Make Money Selling Products

Selling products is one of the most popular and scalable ways to monetize a site.

Whether you're selling physical goods or digital products, your website can serve as a powerful sales platform, giving you full control over your brand, pricing, and customer experience.

Here are the two main approaches when it comes to selling products online:

1. Selling Physical Products – Things that need to be shipped, such as clothing, handmade crafts, or drop shipping products.
2. .Selling Digital Products – Intangible items that can be downloaded or accessed online, such as e-books, templates, or online courses.

Selling Physical Products Online

These are tangible goods that customers receive after purchasing.

This could be something you make yourself like or sources from a supplier.

Ways to Sell Physical Products from Your Website

• E-commerce Store: Set up an online shop using platforms like Showit (with integrations for e-commerce), Shopify, or WooCommerce.
• Print-on-Demand: Sell custom-designed products like t-shirts, mugs, or posters without holding inventory. A service like Printful or Printify fulfills orders as they come in.
• Dropshipping: Instead of stocking products, work with a supplier who ships directly to customers on your behalf. This reduces upfront costs but requires good supplier relationships.
• Handmade or Custom Products: If you create custom artwork, jewelry, or other crafts, your website can be a direct sales channel.

Pros of Selling Physical Products

• Customers get something tangible, which can build brand loyalty.
• Can be highly profitable if you have a unique product or niche.
• Opportunities for repeat sales with consumable products.

Cons of Selling Physical Products

• Requires inventory management or working with suppliers.
• Shipping and fulfillment logistics can be complex.
• Higher overhead costs compared to digital products.

Examples of Selling Physical Products Online

.

1. A Handmade Jewelry Business

Imagine you’re a jewelry maker who creates unique, handcrafted necklaces and earrings.

You set up a website using Showit and integrate an e-commerce platform like Shopify or WooCommerce.

Your website is now your digital storefront, where customers can browse, read about your process, and place orders.

Simply put:

• You use high-quality product photos to showcase your work.
• Customers can select different materials or request custom pieces.
• Orders are fulfilled and shipped.

2. A Print-on-Demand T-Shirt Store

You’re a graphic designer with a passion for creative, niche-themed T-shirt designs.

Instead of handling inventory, you partner with a print-on-demand service like Printful.

Simply put:

• Folks browse and buy from your website’s online shop.
• Once an order is placed, Printful prints the design and ships it directly to the customer.
• You never touch the product—everything is handled by the fulfillment partner.

This business model is great because it requires low upfront investment, and you only pay for production when a sale is made.

3. A Boutique Coffee Brand

You decide to start a specialty coffee brand, selling ethically sourced beans.

Through your website, you offer:

• One-time purchases for coffee bags.
• A subscription model where customers receive fresh coffee every month.

You use your website to tell your brand story, educate customers on different brewing methods, and build a loyal community.

4. A Custom Artwork or Photography Print Shop

You’re a photographer or digital artist who wants to sell prints of your work.

You set up an online gallery where customers can purchase canvas prints or framed photos of your work.

Simply put:

• Orders are printed and shipped through a print-on-demand service like Gelato or Gooten.
• Customers can choose from different sizes and framing options.
• Since printing is handled on demand, you don’t need to keep inventory.

Why These Examples Work

Each of these examples follows a simple formula:

• A product people want to buy.
• A website that makes purchasing easy.
• A fulfillment method that works for the business owner.

It's worth mentioning that all of the things we convert here are simple to write out, but will actually take some work to get going.

But, these are proven methods people have used to make money from websites for years.

How to Make Money Selling Services

Selling services is one of the most direct and effective ways to monetize a website.

Instead of selling physical or digital products, you're offering your skills, expertise, or time in exchange for payment.

This approach is good for coaches, creatives, freelancers, and agencies who want to use their websites to attract and convert clients.

This is a great approach if you are starting with limited cash.

But, unlike products, services often require direct interaction with customers.

Whether it's a one-on-one session, a done-for-you package, or an ongoing service subscription.

There are two main approaches to selling services online:

1. One-time or project-based services – Clients pay per project, session, or package.
2. Retainer or subscription-based services – Clients pay a recurring fee for ongoing work.

Now, let's break down different kinds of service-based businesses and how they work.

Types of Services You Can Sell Online

1. Freelance or Consulting Services

• The Business: A graphic designer, copywriter, or business consultant offers services on a project basis.
• The Website: A portfolio website showcases their work, explains services, and includes a contact or booking form.
• Sales Strategy: The freelancer generates leads via SEO, social media, and networking.
• How They Get Paid: Clients pay per project or per hour through an invoice system.

Examples:

• A brand designer creating custom logos and visual identities.
• A copywriter writing website content for businesses.
• A business coach offering one-on-one strategy calls.

2. Online Coaching & Education Services

• The Business: A fitness coach or career consultant provides virtual coaching.
• The Website: Features client testimonials, session details, and an easy way to book coaching.
• Sales Strategy: Leads are captured through email opt-ins, webinars, and social media.
• How They Get Paid: Clients purchase single sessions or long-term coaching packages.

Examples:

• A fitness coach offering personalized workout plans and accountability check-ins.
• A career coach helping job seekers improve their resumes and interview skills.
• A relationship coach providing virtual coaching for couples.

3. Done-for-You Services (DFY)

• The Business: A service provider (photographer, web designer, videographer) offers complete, hands-on solutions.
• The Website: A strong portfolio highlights past work, and a contact form makes inquiries easy.
• Sales Strategy: Clients are drawn in through referrals, SEO, and case studies.
• How They Get Paid: One-time project fees or installment plans.

Examples:

• A wedding photographer selling a premium photography package.
• A web designer building custom websites for clients.
• A real estate videographer offering professional video tours.

4. Memberships & Subscription-Based Services

• The Business: A marketing agency, social media manager, or VA (virtual assistant) provides ongoing services.
• The Website: Clearly outlines membership tiers, pricing, and benefits.
• Sales Strategy: Subscriptions often grow via networking, referrals, and long-term client relationships.
• How They Get Paid: Clients pay monthly or annually for ongoing services.

Examples:

• A social media manager offering a monthly content creation and posting package.
• A marketing consultant providing continuous support to businesses.
• A legal professional offering a small business legal subscription for ongoing advice.

Pros of Selling Digital Products/Services

• Low upfront costs
• High-value transactions
• Scalable with the right approach

Cons of Selling Digital Products/Services

• Requires active work (beyond just setting up an online store)
• Can be harder to scale than products depending on what service you are offering

How Your Website Helps You Sell Services

A well-designed website builds credibility and helps convert visitors into paying clients.

To maximize your service-based website, make sure you include:

• A clear description of your services – Make it easy for potential clients to understand what you offer.
• A strong portfolio or testimonials – Show proof of your expertise.
• A simple way to book or inquire – Use a scheduling tool like Calendly or a form for custom quotes.

Showit provides a fully customizable platform for service-based professionals to build their websites and attract more clients.

How to Make Money with Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest and most beginner-friendly ways to monetize a website.

Instead of creating and selling your own products or services, you promote other companies' products and earn a commission for each sale made through your referral links.

DISCLAIMER: You can earn money this way, but don't fall for people telling you “I left my full-time job after doing affiliate marketing for 2 months and make 5-figures a week”)

With that out of the way, who is affiliate marketing a good option for?

Think bloggers, influencers, and content creators who want to monetize their audience without handling inventory, customer service, or product development.

Basically, if you can build an audience, affiliate marketing is a great option.

How Affiliate Marketing Works

1. You sign up for an affiliate program – This could be from an individual brand or a larger network like Amazon Associates or ShareASale.
2. You get a unique referral link – Every time someone clicks your link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission.
3. You promote the product on your website – This can be through blog posts, reviews, tutorials, or recommendations.
4. You earn money when people buy through your link – Commissions range from a few percent (Amazon) to 50% or more (digital products and software).

Ways to Use a Website for Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing works best when your website provides valuable content that naturally leads visitors to buy through your links.

Here are the best ways to incorporate affiliate links into your website:

1. Writing Product Reviews & Recommendations

One of the most effective ways to promote affiliate products is by writing honest, in-depth reviews.

You test a product, highlight its pros and cons, and include an affiliate link for readers to purchase.

An example of this would be:

• A photography blogger writes a review about the “Best Cameras for Wedding Photography” and includes affiliate links to each camera on Amazon.

2. Creating Tutorials & How-To Guides

People often search for step-by-step guides on how to use specific products or tools. You can provide helpful tutorials while incorporating affiliate links.

An example of this would be:

• A web designer writes a blog post titled “How to Build a Beautiful Photography Website” and recommends Showit as the platform, using an affiliate link to the Showit signup page.

3. Listicles & “Best Of” Roundups

Curated lists like “Top 10” articles are great for affiliate marketing because they compare multiple products and increase the chances of conversions.

An example of this would be:

• A tech blogger writes “10 Best WordPress Plugins for SEO” and links to the affiliate programs of each plugin.

4. Resource Pages

A recommended tools & resources page is a simple way to promote affiliate products without writing new content constantly. This page lists the software, tools, or services you use and recommend.

An example of this would be:

• A business coach has a “My Favorite Business Tools” page that includes affiliate links to email marketing software, website builders, and invoicing tools.

5. Email Marketing & Lead Magnets

Once you’ve built an audience, you can promote affiliate products through your email list.

Offering a free lead magnet (like an e-book or checklist) is a great way to attract subscribers and share relevant affiliate offers later.

An example of this would be:

• A blogger offers a free PDF guide on “How to Start a Blog” and includes affiliate links to web hosting services inside.

If you're new to affiliate marketing, here are some beginner-friendly and fair-paying affiliate programs to look into:

• Amazon Associates – Commissions are low, but you can promote almost any product.
• ShareASale & CJ Affiliate – Marketplaces that connect you with thousands of affiliate programs.
• Software & SaaS Programs – Platforms like Showit, ConvertKit, and Teachable offer higher commission rates for referrals.

Pros of Affiliate Marketing

• No need to create your own products – Just promote existing ones.
• Low startup costs – All you need is a website and traffic
• Passive income potential – Once content ranks well, it can generate commissions long-term.

Cons of Affiliate Marketing

• Requires consistent traffic – Without visitors, no one clicks your links.
• Less control – You rely on the company’s pricing, commission rates, and product availability.
• Affiliate program rules vary – Some companies have strict policies about how you can promote their products.

How Your Website Helps You Succeed in Affiliate Marketing

A well-optimized website is the foundation of a successful affiliate marketing business.

To maximize your earnings, make sure your website has:

• SEO-Optimized Content – Rank on Google for relevant keywords to attract organic traffic.
• A Clean, Professional Design – Builds trust with visitors.
• A Strong Call to Action (CTA) – Encourages users to click your affiliate links.
• Fast Loading Speed & Mobile Optimization – Ensures a smooth user experience.

With Showit, you can create a beautifully designed, high-converting website to showcase your affiliate content in a visually compelling way—without coding!

Is Affiliate Marketing a Good Fit for You?

Affiliate marketing is perfect if:

• You enjoy creating content and sharing recommendations.
• You want to monetize a blog, review site, or niche website.
• You prefer passive income over actively selling products or services.

If that sounds like you, it’s time to start your affiliate marketing journey!

How to Make Money with Memberships & Subscriptions

If you want recurring revenue, a membership or subscription model is one of the best ways to go.

Unlike one-time sales, this model allows you to build a community, provide ongoing value, and generate predictable income monthly.

Memberships and subscriptions work well for creators, educators, and business owners who want to offer exclusive content, premium resources, or ongoing services.

How Membership & Subscription Models Work

1. You create a members-only area – This could be a private blog, online course, or premium forum
2. Users pay a recurring fee – Members subscribe weekly, monthly, or annually to access the content or service.
3. You provide ongoing value – This could be new content, group coaching, premium tools, or community access.
4. Your income becomes predictable – Unlike one-time sales, memberships provide stable, recurring revenue.

Types of Membership & Subscription Models

1. Premium Content Memberships

One of the simplest ways to start a membership business is by offering exclusive content that’s only accessible to paying members.

A good example would be:

• Example: A fitness coach runs a private membership site where members get access to exclusive workout plans, nutrition guides, and live Q&A sessions.

2. Online Course & Educational Subscriptions

Instead of selling courses individually, lots of creators offer a course membership model, where students pay a monthly or yearly fee for continued access to materials.

• Example: A business strategist runs an ongoing business coaching membership, where members get access to recorded lessons, group coaching calls, and new monthly content.

3. Subscription Box or Product Memberships

A subscription box business sends curated products to customers each month, while digital products (like templates or stock photos) can be offered via a download subscription.

• Example: A stationery brand offers a monthly planner subscription where members receive exclusive designs and stickers every month.

Pros of Memberships & Subscriptions

• Predictable income – Monthly or annual memberships provide financial stability.
• High customer retention – Members stay as long as they receive ongoing value.
• Scalable – You can grow your membership without needing to create new products all the time.

Cons of Memberships & Subscriptions

• Requires a lot of content or engagement – Members expect consistent updates.
• Potential high churn rate – Some members will cancel each month.
• Needs strong community management – Especially for discussion-based memberships.

How Your Website Helps You Sell Memberships & Subscriptions

A well-designed website makes all the difference when building a successful membership business.

To convert visitors into paying members, make sure your website includes:

• A Clear Value Proposition – Tell visitors what they’ll get as a member.
• An Easy Signup Process – Make joining simple with an optimized checkout flow.
• Member Testimonials & Social Proof – Show how others have benefited from your membership.
• A Strong Content or Community Hub – Whether it’s videos, downloads, or a forum, your website should make it easy for members to access their perks.

With Showit, you can design a stunning, high-converting membership website that gives users an amazing experience—without needing to code.

Is a Membership Stratagy a Good Fit for You?

A membership model is a good fit if:

• You have ongoing value to provide (content, coaching, products, or a community).
• You want to build a loyal audience instead of making one-time sales.
• You like the idea of stable, predictable revenue each month.

If that sounds like you, now is the perfect time to start your membership journey!

Build your Showit-powered membership site today and create a recurring income stream.

Essential Tools for Making Money from a Website

A profitable website doesn’t just need the right strategy—it also needs the right tools.

From website builders to payment processors, email platforms to content delivery systems, the right tools will make all the difference.

Website Builder & Design Tools

Your website is the foundation of your online business, so having a user-friendly and customizable website builder is crucial.

1. Showit – A true drag-and-drop website builder for creatives, entrepreneurs, and service providers.
2. Canva – A beginner-friendly graphic design tool for creating social media graphics, lead magnets, and website visuals.
3. Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom) – Great for more advanced branding, photo editing, and design.
4. Figma – A design and prototyping tool for building website layouts and UI elements.

E-Commerce & Payment Processing Tools

If you plan to sell products or services, you’ll need a way to accept payments and manage transactions on your website.

1. WooCommerce – A flexible e-commerce plugin for WordPress that allows you to sell physical or digital products.
2. Shopify – A popular all-in-one e-commerce platform that works well with Showit integrations.
3. Gumroad – A simple way to sell digital products like e-books, courses, and templates.
4. ThriveCart – A high-converting shopping cart tool with built-in upsell and funnel features.
5. PayPal – Trusted payment processors that allow you to accept credit card payments securely.

Email Marketing & Lead Capture Tools

Building an email list is one of the most powerful ways to grow a sustainable online income.

1. BDOW! – A lead capture tool that helps you collect email addresses directly from your website and convert visitors into subscribers.
2. Kit – A creator-friendly email marketing platform for sending automated sequences and newsletters.
3. Flodesk – An intuitive email marketing tool with beautiful email templates and automation features.

Membership & Subscription Tools

If you want to sell memberships, subscriptions, or gated content, these tools will help:

1. MemberPress – A WordPress plugin that allows you to create a paid membership site.
2. Podia – A great all-in-one platform for selling memberships, courses, and digital downloads.
3. Patreon – A platform that allows creators to earn recurring revenue through a membership community.
4. Kajabi – A powerful tool for hosting courses, memberships, and coaching programs.
5. Mighty Networks – A community-building platform with membership and social networking features.

Course & Digital Product Delivery Tools

If you’re selling digital products or courses, you’ll need a platform to deliver content securely.

1. Teachable – A robust platform for hosting and selling online courses.
2. Thinkific – Another excellent platform for creating and selling courses.
3. SendOwl – A tool for delivering digital downloads like PDFs, templates, or e-books.
4. Dropbox / Google Drive – Secure file storage for sharing digital products or downloads.

Affiliate Marketing & Monetization Tools

If you’re using affiliate marketing as a revenue stream, these tools can help you manage and optimize your earnings.

1. Amazon Associates – A popular affiliate program that lets you earn commissions by promoting Amazon products.
2. ShareASale & CJ Affiliate – Affiliate networks that connect you with thousands of brands.
3. Lasso – A powerful tool for managing and displaying affiliate links in a professional way.
4. Pretty Links – A WordPress plugin that helps you create clean, trackable affiliate links.
5. Rewardful – A great tool for creating referral and affiliate programs for your own business.

SEO & Traffic Growth Tools

To drive more traffic to your website and increase your earnings, you’ll need the right SEO tools.

1. Google Analytics (GA4) – Essential for tracking website traffic and visitor behavior.
2. Google Search Console – Helps you understand how your website ranks on Google and fix SEO issues.
3. Ahrefs / SEMrush – Powerful tools for keyword research, backlink tracking, and SEO audits.
4. Yoast SEO (for WordPress users) – A plugin that helps you optimize your site for search engines.
5. Rank Math – Another popular SEO plugin for WordPress with advanced features.

Social Media & Marketing Automation Tools

Promoting your website across social media and other channels is key to making money online.

1. Buffer / Hootsuite – Social media scheduling tools to automate posting.
2. Tailwind – A great tool for automating Pinterest and Instagram marketing.
3. Zapier – Connects different apps and automates repetitive tasks across platforms.
4. ClickFunnels – A powerful tool for creating sales funnels and landing pages.
5. ManyChat – A chatbot automation tool for Facebook Messenger and Instagram DM marketing

Just Get Started

If you scrolled straight to the bottom, we see you.

We gave you a few paths you can take and some tools you can use to make money from a website.

But, it's admittedly easier said than done

Maybe you've built a website and are wondering what you can do with it, we hope this encouraged you with some next steps to take.

But, if you've never built a website, that's a great place to start.

Click here to start a 14-day free trial of Showit to take the first step toward building a website that works for you.

We know it takes some work, but we know you've got this.

Go get started!