Hey there, my crafting friends!
If you’re knee-deep in fabric scraps or buried under a mountain of custom jewellery supplies, I’m guessing you’ve faced the eternal question: Should you sell on Etsy or create your own website?
That’s the million-dollar query, isn’t it? But hold on to your glitter glue, because today, I’m spilling the tea on both options so you can make the best decision for your crafty empire.
1. The Etsy Experience: A Crafty Wonderland
Etsy is like a bustling, colorful marketplace where creators from all over the world come together. Think of it as an artisan’s paradise, where you can find everything from vintage buttons to hand-bound books.
Accessibility and Ease of Use
First up, Etsy’s user-friendly platform is as easy to navigate as your favourite craft store – minus the wandering around for hours part! Setting up your shop doesn’t require a tech degree. All you need is some creative flair and a few beautiful product photos, and you’re good to go.
Built-in Audience
One of Etsy’s biggest perks is access to a huge built-in audience.
Millions of buyers come to Etsy already primed to look for unique, handmade items. This means you don’t have to hustle quite as hard to get your products noticed – Etsy’s marketplace is buzzing with DIY lovers ready to shop.
But…
Yeah, there’s a flip side.
Big audience = big competition.
It can be really hard to stand out when you’re swimming among millions of other sellers, many of them offering similar products.
Trust and Credibility
Another bonus? Etsy has built a strong reputation for trust and reliability.
Shoppers feel safe buying through a platform they recognize, and as a seller, you can ride on Etsy’s credibility while you’re still building your own brand reputation.
But… again…
Be prepared – their fees eat into your profits more than you’d expect, leaving you with just a handful of coins from your beautiful creations.
And worse – if Etsy ever decides to block, suspend, or delete your account, that’s it. Say bye-bye to all your customers – because they aren’t really your customers… they’re Etsy’s customers.
You own nothing.
You can lose everything overnight.
It’s not your home, and obviously, not your rules.
2. Your Own Website: The Kingdom of Possibilities
Starting your own website might sound a little daunting at first – like embarking on a solo trek through a digital forest. But trust me, it’s not as techy-scary as it seems. Think of it instead as building your very own craft castle!
Yeah, it’s a bit more work, but believe me – it’s worth it.
Total Creative Freedom
When you own your website, you make all the rules.
You decide how your brand looks, feels, and sounds. Whether you want a minimalistic vibe or a colourful explosion of creativity, the design is entirely up to you. Your website becomes a direct reflection of your style – no Etsy templates here!
And the best part?
You keep all your customers, and you don’t have to obey or answer to anyone.
What a freedom!!! 🎉
The Power of Brand Building
Your own site gives you complete branding freedom.
From the logo to the product descriptions, every little detail can ooze your unique charm and creativity. Over time, this consistency helps build stronger brand recognition – something that’s harder to achieve when you’re just one shop among millions on Etsy.
Lower Fees, Higher Profits
Let’s talk numbers.
While Etsy charges listing fees, transaction fees, and payment processing fees, running your own site (like on Shopify) often comes with lower overall costs. Shopify plans are affordable and predictable, which means more profit stays in your pocket – and more fabric (or beads, or clay) for your next masterpiece! (Check it out for yourself here: Start your online store with Shopify).
Ownership and Data Control
On your own website, you own everything – your customer list, your analytics, your sales history.
This data becomes a goldmine for growing your business smartly. You can track what works, tweak what doesn’t, and truly scale your craft business with confidence.
3. Why Not Both? Combining Etsy and Your Website
Here’s the thing: you don’t have to choose just one!
Many successful sellers start on Etsy to build an audience and then expand by launching their own website.
This combo gives you the best of both worlds: Etsy’s marketplace traffic + your own personal storefront freedom.
Smart, right?
Also, just so you know:
I personally have both.
👉 Shopify is my home and my main platform where I’m the boss and fully in control.
👉 I still have Etsy, but mostly for SEO exposure – it helps in Google search results.
My advice?
Keep Etsy to a minimum.
Just a few items there to keep your presence alive. I honestly don’t stress about their platform mood, algorithm changes, or other boring things that keep shifting every few months.
And for me personally:
I opened my own website first – and only then added Etsy.
It made way more sense to build my own house first, and not rent a table in someone else’s crowded market.
Step-by-Step: How to Choose Your Path
Feeling torn? Here’s a simple decision checklist to guide you:
- Evaluate Your Tech Comfort:
Enthusiastic about learning new tools and design? Your own website might be your new playground. - Identify Fees and Costs:
Compare Etsy’s transaction and listing fees against website hosting and maintenance costs. - Consider Your Audience:
Want faster exposure? Etsy’s built-in shoppers could give you a quicker start (Maybe). - Think Long-Term:
Where do you see your business in 5 years?
If brand ownership and independence matter to you, investing in your own website could be the way to go.
Quick Recap: Etsy vs. Your Own Website
Choosing between Etsy and your own website comes down to your personal goals and creative style.
- Etsy is for quick market entry and tapping into an existing audience – but you’re playing by their rules.
- Your own website offers unlimited creative freedom, control over your brand, and higher profit potential – you’re in charge.
And remember:
Nothing is set in stone.
You can start with one, expand to the other, or run both together for maximum impact!
Happy crafting! Oh, and when you’re ready to convert those Instagram followers into loyal customers, check out my journey here: From Instagram to Orders: How I Turn Followers into Customers.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a mountain of craft supplies begging for attention! 🎨✨
