Time To Get Your Own Website! - Shopify Pros and Cons For Handmade Business

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[BizzarBox]

I have my own site. Super proud of it. Etsy is still my main source of sales sadly.. but I have a website, and its MINE! Happy I started it. Has all my info for others to see etc.

[SewCasual]

I left Etsy a couple of months ago because of their actions. I closed my shop and opened my Shopify store. While it is a learning process as described, I’m learning a lot and love having control over my store. I feel that I’m working for myself and not for Etsy. When a company can withhold the money you worked for it feels like you’re working for them and not for yourself. So glad I made the decision to leave 😊

[arieltheisen]

Hello Kim, a couple weeks ago you posted a video about all the advertising noise online and the value of quiet gentleness. I was so inspired that I finally started making the changes for my business that emphasize intentional reservation. I am actually enjoying working on my business because, for the first time, it feels genuine. Thank you, Kim.

[robinbrook]

Since I'm not selling yet, but have been shopping on Etsy for years, when the news came out about the 11% cutback, I shot them a message that politely but firmly told them that they were diving customers away with all that bulk made junk made in China. That I was tired of having to go through pages just to find something handmade. Will the listen? Who knows, but I did get a reply, telling me how to report. Of course I had already been doing that. 😂

[HunterandWalker]

Couldn’t agree more with so many of your Pros and Cons in this.
I’ve never sold on Etsy but so nearly did. Opted for Shopify. It’s ALOT to learn but once you get your head around it, so liberating!

And 100% very little YouTube guides on product based e-commerce SEO. Would love love love to hear more about this. I have some very burning questions! ….slowly working the answers out BUT there’s a huge gap in YouTube videos for that niche 😉👍

[emmevanvolkenburg]

I have yet to start on Shopify. You are right when it comes to finding out info on “handmade” products! Ugh, but I’m gonna do it! I will take my time. Thank you for your video!

[gillianmcmurray]

Ooo, the future of Etsy. That's the stuff horror movies are made out of. I feel like we're all constantly holding our breath to see what the next issue is. I'm hoping the lack of sales this year will help them focus on what's wrong with the platform. Well, I can dream. Thank goodness for our own web sites 😁 I hope you and your family have a lovely festive season, Kim.

[sandyebdon-jackson]

T
Many thanks Kim - as usual excellent advice on a subject I've been thinking about for ages

[sandyebdon-jackson]

Many thanks for your excellent advice all conveyed in your warm, entertaining way

[createdbyejf]

I really wanted to have my own website by now, but unfortunately it is just not in the financial cards yet. But I do own the domain, so that's something...? Til then, Etsy it is and trying not to throw in the towel every day. Here's to a better 2024!

[swampandporchgifts]

Kathy in Missouri here. Thanks for the videos! Merry Christmas. I contacted etsy support recently and almost dropped my coffee when 3 minutes after my request, my phone rang! Shocked!

[Karen.c.h]

How many times when someone asks “where did you get that fabulous xyz?’ And the response was Etsy? You are building Etsy’s brand recognition. When you have your own site, you are building YOUR brand recognition. Building name recognition for my business feels great!

[annspires]

Kim, in the past you have asked for suggestions of topics. Apologies if you have already covered this but what apps do you use and which ones have been flops? Just a thought. Always look forward to your candor and cheery demeanor.

[CricketsBay]

Great video, Kim. It's convinced me I do need to open my shop on my own website this year.
Also, you mean Etsy hasn't already opened the doors officially to resellers and dropshippers? Because the last couple of years it seems like they have, even with this recent "cleanup" that's not really changing anything.

[fantasticmio]

I don't have my own website, but I do have multiple platforms to sell on, so my eggs are nicely spread out. I technically have a mailing list, but I haven't send out any emails yet... I'm still trying to figure out what to do there.

[Stitchingwithcarol]

Loved the video, been lurking a while subscribed now 😄 I sell handmade junk journals on Etsy, used to do really well but last year has been very slow for sales and of course the ever increasing fees, would love to open my own website, just need the time and money to do it !! I do try and sell through my youtube channel now cut them out lol

[carolinesweeten]

You’ve mentioned in a few videos that this YT Channel is monetised, but not your Beech Tree Handmade one. Please could you do a video explaining how you go about monetising your YT Channel and what benefits there are (if there are benefits) for your handmade business in doing this?

Also, why do you have to have a monetised channel to link it with Shopify?

[thejewelryspot]

2024 is going to be when I complete my own website too. 😊❤

[crazycornishcrafter]

Been following for a while as an Etsy customer. How have you set up the tax side of things? There's so little help in the UK.

[adamc]

Thank you for the video. I have started a YT channel to show my handmade projects and am wanting to build it into a small business. I have looked into Shopify and Wix to see if they would be right for me. I did not know that you need other apps to make the website work. Trying to learn all of this, build everything, have a full-time job, and trying to sell my house all at the same time by myself. Is not the easiest thing to do. But I will get there. Merry Christmas and stay awesome.