Building a Website for Your Handmade Business: Why It's NOT as Hard as You Think

Debunking the Myth That Creating a Website Is Too Much Work

“I don’t have time to build a website” or “Creating a website is too much work.” If you’ve ever said this to yourself, you’re not alone. A lot of handmade sellers feel overwhelmed at the idea of launching their own website. But here’s the truth: this is a myth that’s holding you back from long-term growth and success. Let’s debunk it together.

Myth #1: Creating a Website Takes Too Much Time

Many people believe that building a website will take hours, days, or even weeks of effort. But the reality is, with modern tools and platforms, creating a website is more straightforward than ever. You don’t need to be a tech genius or spend hundreds of hours coding. In fact, many website builders are designed to be user-friendly with drag-and-drop functionality.

Debunked: Platforms like Shopify, Wix, or Squarespace offer pre-built templates designed for small businesses and makers. They allow you to launch a site in just a few hours. All you need to do is fill in the details about your products, upload photos, and hit publish. You don’t have to do everything at once—get a simple site live, and you can always tweak and expand later.

Myth #2: It’s Too Expensive to Build a Website

Another common myth is that websites cost a fortune to set up and maintain. While it’s true that custom-built websites with extensive functionality can be pricey, that’s not necessary for most handmade sellers.

Debunked: There are cost-effective options to build your website. For instance, Shopify offers plans starting as low as $39 a month, which include hosting, domain, and all the features you need to run your business. Think of it this way: this is an investment in yourself and your brand. A website allows you to capture leads, offer exclusive promotions, and build a lasting customer base. Plus, it eliminates fees that marketplaces like Etsy charge for every sale. Over time, your website can more than pay for itself.

Myth #3: I Don’t Know Anything About Websites

You don’t need to be a web developer to launch a functional and beautiful website. Tools are more intuitive now than ever before, and most platforms have step-by-step tutorials to guide you through the entire process.

Debunked: Website builders like Shopify and Squarespace offer 24/7 customer support, tutorials, and an abundance of resources to help you get started. If you can post to Instagram or list an item on Etsy, you already have the basic skills to set up a website. Most of these platforms also have easy integrations for payments, shipping, and inventory management, so you don’t need advanced skills to manage your site once it's live.

Why Building Your Own Website is Important

Now that we’ve debunked the myths, let’s talk about why having your own website is so crucial for your handmade business.

1. It’s Your Brand, Your Rules

When you sell on platforms like Etsy or Amazon, you’re playing by their rules. These platforms can change their algorithms, policies, or fees at any time, potentially impacting your business. When you have your own website, you control the customer experience, branding, and most importantly—your customer data.

2. Capture Leads and Build a Customer List

One of the biggest reasons to have your own website is that it allows you to capture email leads and build an audience. Platforms like Etsy don’t give you access to customer emails, which means you’re missing out on the opportunity to market directly to your customers. With your own site, you can build a loyal customer base through newsletters, promotions, and personalized marketing.

Real-World Example:When I transitioned from relying on Etsy to launching my own website, it was a game-changer for my business. Not only was I able to collect email addresses and nurture relationships with my customers, but I also saw an increase in repeat sales because I could offer exclusive deals through email campaigns. I no longer had to compete with thousands of sellers on a marketplace platform—my customers came directly to me.

3. Build a Long-Term Asset

Your website isn’t just a sales channel—it’s an asset that adds value to your business. The more you grow your brand, the more valuable your website becomes. Imagine one day selling your business; having an established website with a solid customer base is a significant selling point.

Getting Started: Simple Steps to Launch Your Site

If you’ve been on the fence about starting your own website, here’s what to do next:

1. Choose a Website Platform: Platforms like Shopify, Wix, or Squarespace are great for handmade sellers. They offer customizable templates and intuitive tools to help you get started quickly.

2. Get a Domain Name: Pick something easy to remember and directly related to your business.

3. Set Up Basic Pages: Create a homepage, about page, shop page, and contact page. Don’t stress about making it perfect—it can evolve over time.

4. Upload Your Products: Add product descriptions, pricing, and high-quality photos. You can even import your listings from Etsy into Shopify.

5. Promote Your Website: Start driving traffic to your website by using social media, email marketing, and even running ads.

   
   

Invest in Yourself and Build a Brand, On Your Terms

Building a website for your handmade business isn’t hard—it’s an investment in your future success. It gives you control, helps you build a brand, and lets you engage with your customers directly. Whether you’re ready to launch or just thinking about it, start small and get it done. You’ll thank yourself a year from now when you’re building your brand, not just listing products on someone else’s platform.

So, are you ready to take the leap and build your website? Start today and invest in the future of your business.