Wix Launches No-Code App Builder - $200/Month
Wix Launches Branded App Platform for Businesses
Wix has unveiled a new offering targeted at business owners, known as Branded App by Wix. This innovative product empowers users to create fully functional native applications without requiring any coding expertise.
The company, recognized for its intuitive drag-and-drop website builder and comprehensive online presence management tools, is now extending its commitment to user-friendliness into the mobile app development arena.
Addressing a Growing Market Need
According to Ronny Elkayam, SVP of Mobile, App Market & Strategic Products at Wix, the impetus for this new product stemmed directly from user demand. “Users expressed a clear requirement for a native app solution that could be fully branded with their own identity,” Elkayam stated.
He further explained that businesses often seek to project an image of greater scale and sophistication, mirroring the practices of larger corporations that typically have dedicated native apps.
Pricing and Integration
Branded App by Wix comes with a monthly subscription cost of $200. Additional expenses include a $99 annual fee for App Store inclusion and a one-time $25 fee for Google Play distribution.
However, Wix asserts that the potential for increased sales justifies this investment. A key benefit for existing Wix website owners is the seamless integration of website features into their newly created app.
“For example, a restaurant utilizing online ordering through its Wix website will find that the same menu automatically appears within the app,” Elkayam clarified. “All orders and transactions are consolidated within the user’s existing Wix dashboard.”
User Base and Existing Plans
Wix currently boasts a user base of 200 million, with 5 million subscribers on paid plans. The most popular plan for businesses is priced at $27 per month, providing access to e-commerce functionalities.
Importantly, Branded App by Wix is a standalone product, available even to users with free Wix websites (which display the Wix branding). It is not an upgrade for current subscribers.
Business owners have extensive customization options, including the app’s icon, layout, and content. Features such as product pages, booking services, forums, chat, blogs, and push notifications can all be incorporated.
Wix will also handle automatic app updates to ensure compatibility with the latest iOS and Android operating systems.
Competitive Landscape
Bubble, a competitor in the no-code app development space, offers pricing ranging from $29 to $529 per month, alongside a free plan for learning and development.
However, a crucial distinction lies in the app type: Bubble’s solutions are web-based, while Wix’s apps are native, meaning they can be downloaded directly from app stores.
Growth and Financial Performance
Wix experienced significant growth in 2020, adding 31 million new users, a trend Elkayam attributes to the conditions created by the coronavirus pandemic.
The company’s Q1 revenue reached $304 million, representing a 41% increase year-over-year. Q2 earnings are scheduled to be announced tomorrow.
Availability and Launch Promotion
Following a successful beta testing phase involving hundreds of users, Branded App by Wix is now available to all.
Users who register during the limited-time “presale” period will receive a 50% discount on the product for the duration of their subscription.
