Best Platform for Handmade Businesses: Etsy vs. Own Website - Where to Start?
ecommerce etsy online business strategy online marketplace online platforms online store online storefront shopify website May 10, 2024When launching a handmade business, deciding where to sell your products online can significantly influence your early success. Many artisans grapple with the choice between starting with a marketplace like Etsy or launching their own website. While platforms such as Faire, Goimagine, and Amazon also play vital roles in the artisanal market, Etsy often emerges as the predominant choice for those looking to establish a foothold without significant initial investment. This article explores why Etsy might be the better starting point compared to launching a standalone website, especially for emerging handmade businesses.
The Appeal of Etsy
Etsy is renowned for its focused demographic of customers who seek unique, handmade, and personalized items. Here are some reasons why starting with Etsy can be advantageous:
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Built-in Audience: Etsy has millions of visitors each month looking specifically for handmade products. This ready audience can be invaluable for new businesses that haven't yet built a strong customer base.
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Lower Costs: Starting on Etsy is cost-effective. The platform handles most of the backend operations, and the cost to list items is relatively low. This makes it accessible for makers who are just beginning and may not have extensive capital.
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Community and Support: Etsy provides some support and a robust community through forums, help articles, and community groups that can guide new sellers through the process of setting up and managing their shops. Additionally, joining a community like Make & Flourish can further enhance your experience and success on Etsy. Make & Flourish offers a wealth of resources, training, and support tailored specifically for makers and small business owners, facilitating growth and networking within the handmade community.
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Marketplace Trust: Customers on Etsy are already comfortable purchasing from the platform. This trust transfers to your shop, reducing the barrier to purchase for new customers.
The Case for Your Own Website
Having your own website means complete control over your brand and customer experience. Here are a few benefits of having your own site:
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Brand Control: A personal website allows you to design every aspect of the customer experience, from shop layout to checkout, thereby reinforcing your brand identity.
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Customer Data: Owning your website gives you direct access to customer analytics and data, which can be leveraged for tailored marketing campaigns and improving customer experiences.
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Long-term Investment: Although creating and maintaining a website can be costly and time-consuming, it is a valuable asset for your business that can yield long-term benefits with the right strategy.
Why Etsy First, Then Website?
For new handmade businesses, starting with Etsy and then transitioning to a personal website is a thoughtful strategic approach. Etsy provides a platform to establish your brand, understand your market, and begin building a customer base with minimal initial risk. Once you achieve consistent sales and gain a deeper understanding of your business dynamics, investing in your own website becomes a viable next step.
At this stage, you can leverage the loyal customer base you've cultivated on Etsy. By funneling these established customers to your new standalone site, you ensure that your website launch is met with existing interest rather than silence. You can facilitate this transition through various methods such as including package inserts that promote your website, engaging with your audience via social media, and connecting at local events. This strategic move allows you to maintain and grow your customer relationships on a platform that you fully control, optimizing your brand's potential for long-term success.
Including Other Platforms
While Etsy is a great starting point, considering other platforms like Faire for wholesale opportunities, Goimagine for a community-centric marketplace, or even Amazon for expanded reach, can be part of your growth strategy. Each platform serves different needs and can be integrated into your business model at various stages of your business development.
Starting with Etsy allows you to leverage an existing audience, minimize upfront costs, and gain valuable experience before making the leap to a website, where you have more control but also greater responsibilities. Once your Etsy shop is thriving and you have the resources and knowledge, transitioning to your own website can help take your business to the next level.
Ultimately, the choice between Etsy and a personal website depends on your business goals, resources, and the stage of your business. Both platforms offer unique benefits, and using them in conjunction can provide a comprehensive approach to selling handmade goods online.
Taught by leading e-commerce and handmade industry advisors, FlourishĀ does more than teach you how to sell online, it will teach you to build your handmade or vintage brand and scale yourĀ small business to reach a global audience.
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