Exploring Wix's New Branching Feature for Seamless Upgrades to Wix Studio

In the fast-paced world of website design, keeping up with the latest tools is vital for success. We had early access to a new branching feature that makes it easier than ever for users to upgrade their Wix Editor sites to Wix Studio. This feature recently became available for early release, and we were lucky enough to be part of Wix's Round Table to give it a test run. Our overall experience was quite positive; we were able to upgrade a site without facing any interruptions in its online functionality. In this blog post, we will break down the specifics of this exciting new feature, the steps we took during the upgrade, the challenges we faced, and the successful outcome of our efforts.

What is Wix's New Branching Feature?

Wix's new branching feature serves as a smart solution for transitioning from the traditional Wix Editor to the more capable Wix Studio. With this feature, users can create a new version of their website while keeping the existing site operational. This is critical for businesses that depend on their online presence to engage customers and keep sales flowing.

The branching feature works by creating a separate environment for users to experiment with new designs and functionalities. For instance, if you manage an online store, you can test out a redesign of your product pages or run A/B tests on your homepage without risking your current set-up. By isolating these changes, businesses can minimize the chances of making mistakes that could lead to downtime or loss of sales.

Early Adopter and Round Table

ICreator was fortunate enough to be very early adopters of the new branching feature, editor to studio. Our Wix Partner Success Manager had put us in contact with Roee, the main developer from Wix Over seeing this feature where we can add our input and thoughts.

When the feature was ready for shipping to their select test users, we was lucky enough to be invited along to our first Wix Roundtable. A private meeting of a select amount of Wix partners (I believe around 10) where we got a full introduction, demo and support using the new feature.

Our Experience with the Branching Feature

As part of the early release program, we got to put the branching feature to the test on our clients website, The Coaches Zone where we upgraded their editor site to studio. This site features a unique design crafted with Wix Studio and includes custom Velo integration, which adds impressive functionality.

The journey started by creating a new branch for the website. This allowed us to work on developing the new site while the original site remained fully operational. The upgrade ran smoothly, and we had full access to the original sites CMS, Products, Subscriptions, Contacts, Automation and most likely everything else you can think of which created a perfect testing environment for new features and functionality.

Everything you could imagine was the same regarding behind the scenes (back end) of the system. All we had to do, was create a brand new front end version of the website.

Wix's branching feature for upgrading editor to studio sites.

Challenges Encountered During the Upgrade

Despite a smooth upgrade process, we did happen upon a few challenges which is fully to be expected within an early test release version. The first was related to publishing updates. Once the new website was live, after our client published, we found ourselves unable to publish the new version right away. This was a temporary setback as our client had to publish future changes which we was unable to do.

Another minor challenge emerged when some legacy dynamic page references from the old site appeared in the new version. These required additional troubleshooting to ensure all links and references were correctly updated. Thankfully, we were able to resolve these issues relatively easily.

We also experienced a few visual issues where contrast between colours was not great, but apart from this that was really all.

With a responsive Wix team, all bugs were looked into and fixed ensuring the overall upgrade experience turned out to be very positive. The ability to work on the new site while keeping the old one functional greatly aided business continuity throughout the upgrade.

The Benefits of Upgrading to Wix Studio

There are numerous advantages to upgrading to Wix Studio for website owners. One of the key benefits is the enhanced design capabilities. Users gain access to a more versatile design environment that allows for significant customization. This is especially beneficial for those looking to create unique brand experiences.

In addition, Wix Studio is engineered for better performance and functionality. It can handle more complex websites, making it suitable for businesses that need advanced features and integrations. For example, businesses can implement more intricate payment systems or connect various apps to streamline operations. With the new branching feature, users can fully leverage these improvements without risking their active online presence.

Final Thoughts

Wix's branching feature marks an important innovation for anyone looking to transition from Wix Editor to Wix Studio. Our experience was overwhelmingly positive; we successfully upgraded The Coaches Zone without interrupting its live operations. While we encountered a few bumps along the way as expected in this early release and test period, the ability to work on the new version of the site while keeping the old one up and running proved invaluable.

As the demands of website design continue to shift, tools like Wix's branching feature will be instrumental in helping businesses adapt and thrive. If you're considering an upgrade to Wix Studio, this feature provides a seamless and efficient way to enhance your online presence and minimize risks.

In closing, if you're eager to elevate both your website's design and functionality, taking advantage of Wix's new branching feature is a smart move. With its capacity to facilitate smooth upgrades, it enables users to create visually stunning sites without jeopardizing their established online operations.

If you are interested in having your website upgraded from Wix Editor to Wix Studio, reach out to ICreator today and we can help you.