Are you beginning out in promoting your crafts on-line? Or maybe you’re seeking to progress from the same old on-line marketplaces (Etsy, eBay, Amazon Market, and extra) to create a really memorable expertise in your prospects. It may very well be time for a web site. However the place do you even start? And is it even value it?
Worry not. We’re right here to assist reply these questions. In Half 1, we’ll cowl some often requested questions on organising a web site for your small business. In Half 2, we’ll share precisely how one can get began, with an easy-to-follow information. Relaxation assured, no technical data is required.
So, with that in thoughts, let’s dive into some often requested questions on beginning a web site.
Is having a web site value it?
Having your individual web site is like having an extension of your craft. You may tailor the appear and feel to match that of your design and useful work. On-line marketplaces offer you area for a emblem, some phrases, and maybe a banner if you happen to’re fortunate. However that’s the place the expertise ends.
What are the advantages of on-line marketplaces over a web site?
There are a few key advantages if you promote through an internet market. Firstly, you’ll have an immediate viewers, because of your chosen market’s membership. It does sound engaging to have a (probably) ready-made buyer base, however except you may have a really distinctive craft, you’ll should jostle for place with hundreds of different sellers. Take Macrame artwork for instance. On Etsy alone there are over 560,000 listings!
Additionally, likelihood is you’re engaged on a small scale, or maybe in your spare time. You in all probability simply want a handful of individuals to get you began, proper?
What are the advantages of getting my very own web site?
There are some big advantages to operating your individual web site to promote your craft on-line. Let’s take a better look:
Branding
Not like on-line marketplaces, which provide little or no in the best way of visible customisation, having your individual web site means you possibly can model pages as you want. You get to decide on the colors, the font, and the structure. Need greater images? You’ve received it. Wish to accumulate buyer e-mail addresses for a e-newsletter? You are able to do that too.
Buyer Expertise
This goes hand-in-hand with branding. Having your individual web site means you possibly can have extra management over the shopper expertise. From the second guests flip as much as your web site, to when their order arrives within the publish, it’s all about your model and craft – no third events.
Much less related charges
One large draw back of promoting on on-line marketplaces is the charges, as you’re charged a proportion of every part you promote. Having a web site does include some prices, resembling webhosting charges, but it surely’s a month-to-month fastened price. And with that price, your webhosting supplier will supply an entire vary of providers to assist your small business develop on-line.
Satisfaction
Creating and operating your individual web site, promoting your craft, and constructing a loyal buyer base actually is rewarding! And, as a bonus, you’ll choose up digital abilities and know-how as you go. It might even assist your day job or different side-hustles.
Construct belief
On-line marketplaces aren’t a nasty factor. You may nonetheless arrange store in your favorite retailer AND run a web site. Together with a hyperlink to your web site in your profile not solely appears skilled, however it’s going to assist construct belief together with your prospects. You by no means know, guests would possibly like your web site a lot they determine to purchase instantly from you.
Do I want technical data to arrange and keep a web site?
Any enterprise on the web will want a little analysis and studying, but it surely’s in all probability simpler than you suppose to get began with your individual web site. You don’t should do it alone although. That’s what webhosting corporations are for – to get you up and operating and assist keep your web site.
Hopefully, that’s helped reply some questions you might need about beginning a web site. Received extra questions? Our staff is right here to assist. We’ll be again quickly with half 2, the place we’ll stroll you thru precisely tips on how to arrange your individual web site for promoting crafts!
(Featured picture by Andrijana Bozic on Unsplash)