New Platform – Create Your Own Website

Take your Etsy shop marketing to another level with your own domain name.  HandmadeMarketing.org has found promoting is easier for sellers if they are able to reach potential buyers a number of different ways.

An added benefit is the branding for your handmade shop will really take a direction of its own after creating a website that isn’t restricted by an existing platform’s perimeters (Etsy.com, Artfire.com, etc).  You are able to showcase your craft in a way that shines!

Our team has also seen handmade sellers who establish the “.com” website and then forward traffic to their Etsy.com’s store address. This is a great option is you either don’t have the skills or don’t have the money to create a stellar website.  The steps to set up the forward are easy to follow and services like GoDaddy.com can help you along the way.

However, we recommend eventually getting to the point where you have a strong website, in addition to a strong Etsy shop.  Many strong sellers on Etsy.com have both an Etsy shop page and a fully-functional e-commerce website.

Torn between selling your handmade items on your own website or on an existing selling platform like Etsy or ArtFire?

HandmadeMarketing.org reader Mary Bence, from www.purbliss.com, decided to begin her handmade sales by joining Etsy.com.  Currently, she sells on her website, as well as her shop on Etsy.com.

“I use the Etsy store be my ‘outlet’ store,” Mary told us.  “I really love Etsy.com and could not have exposed my website as well if it weren’t for Etsy.”

Mary highly recommends starting on Etsy or another online selling platform.  “It’s great exposure and quick exposure,” she told HandmadeMarketing.org.  “It’s trusted by many and certainly works!”

She also thinks an existing online selling platform allows you to build a customer base that trusts your reputation.  “People love to see you have a reputation on websites like Etsy,” she says. “The more the merrier!”

So why did Mary create a website in addition to Etsy.com?  Mary’s answer was simple.  “I have a separate website because I simply want to expand one day and become bigger!”

In the market for your own site?  Consider using Maker Spot to make the shift to your own handmade selling site.  If you are selling on Etsy, this website will help make the transition.

If you are not quite ready for a full e-commerce website, you may want to consider starting off with a blog.  Check out our blogger tutorial with help from Tara Shenson from kMT Graphic Design.

Have you created your own website for your handmade items?  Have you seen an increase in sales to your other selling platforms?  What advice would you give to a fellow artisan about setting up a website of their own?

Share your experiences with creating your own website centered around your handmade items.  Submit your handmade selling tips to HandmadeMarketing.org.  If our editors like your idea, we will feature you in an article on the site!