Why moving from Etsy (or other platforms) to your own website is worth it
If you’re currently selling on platforms like Etsy, Amazon, or Not on the High Street, the idea of starting your own website might feel a bit daunting. After all, these platforms are familiar, provide a built-in audience, and make life relatively simple.
But moving to your own website can be a transformative step for your business. Yes, it’s scary at first, but it’s also empowering, freeing, and can be one of the smartest investments you’ll ever make in your brand.
In this blog we’ll explore the fears many business owners face when leaving platforms like Etsy—and why overcoming those fears can lead to greater success, independence, and growth. Lots of my clients are anxious at the beginning of a project (whether they are a creative or not!) so you're not alone if you're feeling a little bit out of your depth!
The Scary Part
Fear of the unknown
If you’ve been relying on Etsy or similar platforms for years, the thought of managing your own website might feel overwhelming. What if it’s too technical? What if you can’t keep up? How do you add products? What do you do about refunds or returns? These fears are completely normal but, as with so many things, can be overcome with a bit of help!
One client of mine felt this way when she first came to me initially but shared:
“I was honestly a bit hesitant to start again. But from our very first conversation, Helen put me at ease and restored my confidence. She listened intently, offered thoughtful suggestions, and translated my ideas into a website that feels so authentically me.”
Loss of built-in audience
Platforms like Etsy attract millions of shoppers every day, all day and all year, giving you a steady flow of traffic which is amazing and basically what you're paying for when you pay fees to one of these platforms. Starting your own website might feel like starting from scratch—but it’s also a chance to build your audience and build loyalty and grow your brand in your own way, rather than renting space on someone else’s platform.
Managing everything
When you’re used to Etsy’s convenient setup, running your own site can feel like a lot to take on. From maintenance to marketing, there’s no denying it’s a bigger responsibility. But with the right help, it’s manageable—and the benefits far outweigh the effort (even if you might not feel it at first!)
The Empowering Part
Why should you take the plunge?
You get complete control over your brand.
One of the biggest frustrations sellers face on platforms like Etsy is the lack of control. Your shop looks like every other shop, and you’re limited by the platform’s design and branding options. Also, people are easily distracted - they're looking at your beautiful silver earrings and about to press buy when they're shown some other items they might like too and off they go down a whole new rabbit hole and you're left behind...
With your own website, you’re in control. You can:
- Have a beautifully designed website that reflects your unique style and branding.
- Highlight your brand values and tell your story.
- Offer a seamless, personalised shopping experience that keeps customers coming back.
As one of my clients, an artist, said:
“Helen understood my needs and translated my ideas into a website that feels so authentically me. It beautifully showcases my work, and I couldn’t be happier with the result.”
Say goodbye to platform fees
Etsy’s fees can add up quickly—listing fees, transaction fees, processing fees. With your own website, you’ll still have some costs (like your Shopify or Squarespace plan and small transaction fees), but they’re often far lower. Plus, you keep more of your hard-earned profits.
Own your customer data
When you sell on Etsy, your customer data isn’t fully yours. With your own site, you can:
- Build a customer email list for future marketing.
- Create personalised offers based on shopping behaviour.
- Strengthen customer relationships through direct communication.
- Ask your customers what they want, like, dislike and get direct communication and feedback.
This kind of data is invaluable for growing your business, and it’s something Etsy simply can’t offer.
Flexibility and innovation
Your website is your playground and where you can be 'authentically you!'. Want to sell something new? Try a subscription model? Create an exclusive VIP area for loyal customers? With your own site, the sky’s the limit.
Platforms like Etsy are fantastic for starting out, or even for running alongside your own website, but they come with rules and limitations. Your own site lets you innovate and grow without restrictions.
Scale without limits
Platforms like Etsy work well for small-scale operations (but also hosts some incredibly successful businesses who have carved their niche on there beautifully!), but as your business grows, they can start to feel restrictive. Your website can grow with you—whether that means offering more products, expanding internationally, or creating a full-fledged brand.
Getting started: A simple plan
If you’re ready to take the leap, here’s how to get started:
-
Choose the Right Platform
Shopify is ideal for e-commerce, offering everything you need to set up, run, and grow your online store. Squarespace is another great option if you’re looking for a visually stunning site with simple e-commerce tools. -
Invest in Branding and Design
Your website is your shop window, so make it unforgettable. Professional branding and design can help your site stand out and make a strong first impression. If you need help choosing someone to help with this let me know as I know a few good people! -
Develop a Marketing Strategy
Your site needs traffic to thrive. Use social media, email marketing, and SEO (search engine optimisation) to drive visitors to your store. See some of my other blogs to have a look at some of the things mentioned here. -
Provide Amazing Customer Service
Whether you’re answering questions or resolving issues, excellent customer service builds trust and loyalty.
You’re not alone
Starting your own website might feel like a huge leap, but you don’t have to do it alone. With the right guidance and support, the process can be smooth—and even exciting.
As one client said recently:
“Since I started working with Helen, it’s honestly felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders. She’s always on hand to help me out and has so many great ideas on how I can grow my business.”
If you’re ready to stop renting space on platforms like Etsy (or want to add to your Etsy platform) and start building something that’s really yours to grow and build in the future, I'd love to have a chat. Together, we can create a website that reflects your brand, grows your audience, and sets your business up for long-term success.
-Helen :)