You’ve Outgrown Etsy—Here’s How to Know It’s Time to Build Your Own Online Store
If you're a seller on Etsy it is a smart choice. But you might have noticed some limitations that come with the platform.
While Etsy is fantastic for beginners, there comes a point when it might feel like it's holding you back. What if you start feeling limited by their rules? Many sellers find themselves outgrowing these platforms without realizing it. That's when you should consider creating your own online store.
So, how do you know it's time to build your own online store? Let's look into some clear signs and why taking the leap could be your best business move yet.
The Hidden Costs of Staying on Etsy Too Long
Signs You've Outgrown Etsy
High Fees Are Eating Into Profits: Etsy charges listing fees, transaction fees, and payment processing fees. According to Etsy's 2023 Seller Handbook, these fees can add up to over 10% of each sale. If this sounds like your situation, moving to your own store could save you money.
Branding Limitations: On Etsy, your shop is part of their ecosystem, limiting how you can brand yourself. If you want to create a unique customer experience and have more control over your marketing, it's time to step out.
Limited Customer Data Access: Etsy controls the customer relationship, providing limited data about your buyers. Owning your store enables you to collect valuable insights, helping tailor your marketing strategies.
Expand your product line or tap into new markets, your own store offers the flexibility and tools you'll need.
If you’re feeling stuck or squeezed, it’s not your fault—it’s the platform. Contact Milyon Digital for help.
5 Signs You’re Ready to Build Your Own Website
The Benefits of Moving to Your Own Store
Building your own online store can sound intimidating, but it's a strategic move that pays off. Having your own platform gives you complete control over branding, customer relationships, marketing strategies and enjoy higher profits. You can design your website to reflect your brand's personality and values, which is crucial for building a loyal customer base.
Repeat Customers but No Email List
If you have loyal customers but no way to contact them directly, you’re missing out on building relationships outside Etsy. Without an email list, you can't send personalized updates, exclusive offers, or product launches directly to your audience. This limits your ability to engage with customers on a deeper level and can hinder brand loyalty.
What this means:
Start building an email list to connect with your customers. Begin by offering incentives such as discounts or free downloads to encourage sign-ups. Use email platforms to manage your list and create engaging newsletters. Regularly communicate with your subscribers to keep them informed about new products, upcoming sales, and behind-the-scenes updates. This will help strengthen your connection with your audience, increase repeat purchases, and ultimately drive growth for your business.
Feeling Invisible Despite SEO Efforts
If optimizing your listings still leaves your shop unnoticed, it might be time for a change. Implementing different strategies can enhance your online shop's visibility and effectiveness.
What this means:
Review Your SEO Strategy. Analyze current tactics using tools to ensure keyword alignment with customer searches and adjust accordingly.
Improve Content Quality. Create engaging, detailed content with rich media and regularly update your website to provide value and build trust with your audience.
Engage on Social Media. Boost traffic by actively participating in social media and online communities, enhancing your online presence.
Build a Personal Website. If visibility is still lacking, create a personal website for better branding control and a personalized shopping experience.
Consider Paid Advertising. Use platforms like Google Ads to quickly expand reach, targeting specific demographics for increased visibility.
Unique Products, Lost Brand
Your crafts are praised, but your brand’s story isn’t visible. To make your products more visible and appealing, try to refresh your brand's story, you need to create a strong brand narrative.
What this means:
Create a strong brand story, it’s important to tell a tale that reflects what your brand stands for, where it came from, and what it aims to achieve. This story should include the journey of your products, the inspiration behind them, and what makes them special. Make sure to share this story consistently on all platforms.
Improve your online presence. You should have an easy-to-use website and active social media pages that show off your products and your brand story. Using interesting content like blogs, videos, and behind-the-scenes looks can make your brand feel more alive and connect better with your audience.
High Ad Spend, Low Long-Term Gains
Spending on Etsy ads boosts sales short-term but doesn’t build lasting value.
What this means:
A personal website is a long-term asset for your business. Consider shifting your strategy. While Etsy ads may temporarily increase sales, they do not contribute to lasting business value. This results in continuously paying for brief visibility without establishing a sustainable customer base or brand recognition.
Unlike relying solely on third-party platforms, a personal website offers complete control over the user experience and the opportunity to use SEO strategies to improve organic reach. Over time, integrating marketing tools like email newsletters and loyalty programs can grow a dedicated customer base, leading to greater customer retention and higher lifetime value. Shifting focus from short-term ad boosts to long-term brand building can result in more sustainable and profitable growth.
Unsure About Starting a Website
Managing a website feels daunting.
What this means:
You need a clear plan and some guidance to begin. Conduct research to understand the best practices in website development and management. Create a roadmap that outlines each phase of your website project, from initial concept to post-launch evaluation. This roadmap should include timelines, budget considerations, and resource allocation. Seek guidance from experts or take advantage of online courses and tutorials that can provide valuable insights and skills. Milyon Digital can help you from start to end. By having a structured plan and seeking the right support, you'll be better equipped to handle the challenges of starting and running a successful website.
What You Don’t Need to Get Started
You don’t have to leave Etsy completely or change your brand to start your own site. You need clarity on your next steps and some expert help.
Things You Can Do Moving Forward
Evaluate Your Costs: Compare Etsy fees with the costs of running your own store. Platforms like Shopify offer simple pricing structures that might save you money in the long run.
Enhance Your Brand: Focus on creating a memorable brand experience. With your own store, you can customize everything from the homepage to the checkout process.
Leverage Customer Data: Use tools to collect and analyze customer data. This can help you tailor your marketing efforts and improve customer satisfaction.
Use Professional Help: Let Milyon Digital assist with website development and marketing services tailored to your needs.
What We Offer
Milyon Digital: Your Guide to a Seamless Transition
Making the switch may feel overwhelming, but Milyon Digital is here to support you every step of the way. We simplify the transition with a clear plan, ensuring that the process is stress-free. We’ve been studying Etsy and Amazon shops. We offer a free report with 3 tailored insights you can act on right away. No forms, no commitments.
“Want us to review your shop?” Call or send Email to Milyon Digital today!
Conclusion:
Time to Take Control
Creating your own site isn’t about abandoning Etsy; it isn’t just about avoiding fees; it's about taking control of your business's future. You deserve a platform that grows with you -- building your own online store is a massive step in that direction, so you better get all the help you can get.
With Milyon Digital online marketing services, you're going to build a platform that will stay. Expand now! Let us guide you in building an online store that aligns with your goals. Take the next step today!
