I have created a website to sit alongside my Etsy shop (and I’m hoping it’s well worth the cost and effort)

Starting out, Etsy felt like a natural fit for my art. It's such a vibrant marketplace, and it’s amazing how many people come there looking for unique finds. But recently, I decided to take a leap and create my own website alongside my Etsy shop—and honestly, I'm really curious to see how it turns out! Here’s what I hope to discover as I go.

Building a “Double” Brand Presence 

From what I hear, having both an Etsy shop and a website can make a brand feel more established and trustworthy, like I’m “officially” out there in the world. I hope that by running my Etsy and website in parallel, new visitors might feel more comfortable checking out my art, whether they find me on Etsy or land on my website first. Who knows—maybe this double setup will help build a little extra confidence for anyone considering a piece!

Finding Freedom and a Little Creative Control 

Etsy is amazing for getting your work in front of new eyes, but there are also things I can’t really customise—like Etsy’s layout and search options. With my website, I get to set up my space exactly how I want it, with the design, colours, and little details that feel the most in keeping with my art. I’m hoping this new setup gives me the creative freedom to share my work in a more personal way, and maybe even lets people see a whole new side of my art.

Sharing My Story (and Maybe a Few Extra Behind-the-Scenes Moments) 

Etsy is great for showing off my work, but I’m hoping my website can be a place where I can dig a bit deeper and share the story behind my pieces, the inspiration, and maybe even the creative process. I want it to feel like a cozy, welcoming space where I can really bring my brand’s personality to life. It’s a bit like having a virtual gallery that I can fill with whatever feels right, whether that’s new art, design tips, or even blog posts.

Keeping the Best of Etsy While Exploring Something New 

I’ll always love Etsy—it’s a wonderful marketplace full of art-loving people, and it has the magic of built-in traffic, which is not something to take for granted! Plus, Etsy reviews are super valuable for showing that others love your work too. My hope is that by keeping my Etsy shop and building out my website, I get to enjoy the best of both worlds: Etsy’s amazing community and a new, personal space to grow my brand however I want.

So, if you’re wondering whether adding a website to your Etsy shop is worth it—well, I’m right there with you! I’m excited to see if these benefits pan out, and I’ll definitely keep you posted on what I learn.