Why would you even consider selling on your website if you’re already selling your handmade goods in a marketplace?
There’s never been an easier and cheaper time to start you online business than now. More than ever, people are ordering almost everything online and maybe you’re thinking of taking the leap and getting your own website. Stop right there!
As with every business decisions you need to weigh in its benefits and disadvantages. In this episode we talk about the pros and cons of selling your handmade goods on your own website so you can make a decision whether this is the best course of action for your business.
~ Jess, Mik & Deb
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Shownotes
what we cover in this episode:
Pros:
- You can infuse your brand on your own website and it will be easier VS in a marketplace;
- Having your own website is generally an affordable sales platform through a self hosted website;
- It gives your business legitimacy and helps build credibility;
- Selling high value products is cheaper to sell on your own website;
- If people are on your website there’s less chance for them to click away;
- You have ownership and control over everything. You can set up your email marketing, re-target ads and more;
- Selling your own website to someone else is easier compared to Etsy where it is not allowed based on its policy;
- Fostering customer relationships easier by showcasing your products through blog posts;
- You can promote your business even more via social media through your website;
- There are a lot of documentation on how to set up your own website (self-hosted or managed).
Cons:
- Intermediate platforms or managed hosting have different fees depending on the features you want and it’s more expensive compared to a self-hosted website content management system;
- You will worry about hacking and security;
- The responsibility is on you to keep your customers data security and your overall website;
- There’s a learning curve when setting up your own website;
- It can either be difficult or expensive;
- When something breaks you are responsible for fixing it;
- There’s always updates to maintain the website.
More:
- Difference between a self-hosted (WordPress) and managed content management system (Wix, Shopify, Squarespace);
- You don’t have to make your website super complex. Start with a one page website that’s easy to maintain;
- Start with a the cheapest and you can move it somewhere online if and when you want to;
- Directing your wholesalers to buy on your website is easier by giving discount codes;
- If you have multiple businesses or websites you may want to consider WordPress because hosting is cheaper;
- Put a bit of a time-frame to assess if you want to invest long time in a website;
- What to look out for when hiring a developer to help your build your website.
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