Should Etsy Shop Owners Also Have a Website?
Etsy is an amazing platform to sell your products. With its user-friendly platform and built-in audience, it is easy to get started in a niche market. The biggest downfall? It can be hard to stand out from the rest in this oversaturated marketplace. Read on to find out how having the right website in conjunction with your Etsy shop can set your business apart from the sea of others.
Unique Branding
When you have your own business website, your branding speaks volumes about the type of seller you are and the type of product you have. Your own website gives you the freedom to express how your product is different than all the others. Your unique logo, fonts and color complement your branding and breed a sense of familiarity and trust that an Etsy shop simply cannot.
Multiple Marketing Channels
Yes, Etsy has its own followers. Those who shopped successfully on Etsy at least once usually come back to view other vendors. But, what happens if someone is not familiar with Etsy or not comfortable shopping there?
Multiple platforms have the best chance of reaching every type of potential buyer. By not putting all your eggs in one basket, you will have alternatives if Etsy shuts down or changes its algorithm. You'll have your own platform to continue selling through that you control. By driving traffic directly to your website through marketing efforts, you can reduce the competition found on a platform like Etsy. This can lead to higher profit margins since you won't be competing against as many similar products.
Another essential benefit is the opportunity to collect customer data and insights directly, which can inform your marketing strategies and product development.
Why Add a Website?
A professional website gives a business legitimacy. It can showcase your work in a way that invokes trust because if you took the time to create a beautiful, clean website, then you are probably someone who takes his/her work seriously.
You will have complete control over how your site looks and functions. You will be able to add custom features like pop-up sales, a blog, an events calendar showing where you may be selling each week, or a subscribe feature so you can start building an email list (one of the best free ways to advertise).
Unlike Etsy, if you decide to sell directly on your site itself, there are no listing or transaction fees (other than the typical payment processor fees). Having your website enables you to set your own policies, such as pricing, shipping, and returns, without being bound by a third-party platform's rules. This flexibility can be crucial for scaling your business and adapting to market changes efficiently.
When you have your own business website, you are in complete control of your store and may even be able to sell it one day.
Ready to Learn More?
While platforms like Etsy can offer initial exposure and a built-in customer base, having your website provides more control, branding opportunities, direct customer relationships, and, ultimately, a higher potential for long-term growth and success.
I am a website and marketing professional who helps Etsy sellers like you build engaging website storefronts. Are you ready to take more control over your store and have your business stand out from the rest? Let’s talk! Book a call with me to learn more.
