Choosing Between ETSY and Squarespace for Your Online Business
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Etsy and Squarespace Overview
- Pros and Cons of Using Etsy
- Huge Built-in Audience
- Easy to Set Up
- Fully Integrated System
- Affordable in the Beginning
- Beneficial Review System
- Fierce Competition
- Lack of Control
- Difficulty in Building Brand Recognition
- Pros and Cons of Using Squarespace
- Customizable Website Design
- Building a Strong Brand Voice
- No Transaction Fees
- More Control Over Your Website
- Integration of Additional Features
- Design and Aesthetic Appeal
- Recommendation: Starting with Your Own Website and Opening an Etsy Shop
- Conclusion
Etsy vs. Squarespace: Which Platform is Right for You?
Are you interested in starting your own eCommerce business? Curious about the differences between Etsy and Squarespace? Look no further, as in this article I will be providing an in-depth comparison between these two popular platforms. I've had personal experience using both Etsy and Squarespace for my small business, and will share my insights on what I liked and disliked about each platform. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of which platform best suits your needs.
Pros and Cons of Using Etsy
Huge Built-in Audience
One major advantage of using Etsy is its vast marketplace and customer base. With millions of shoppers already on the platform, Etsy provides easy access to a ready-made audience of individuals seeking unique, handmade products. Unlike other online marketplaces like eBay or Amazon, Etsy's audience is specifically interested in supporting small businesses and purchasing handcrafted items. This creates a unique and dedicated customer base that understands and appreciates the value of handmade products.
Easy to Set Up
Setting up an Etsy shop is incredibly simple, making it an attractive option for beginners. With just a few basic steps, you can have your shop up and running in no time. Uploading a logo image, cover photo, and product listings is straightforward and user-friendly. Unlike building your own e-commerce website, you don't need to worry about technical aspects such as mobile responsiveness, design issues, or browser compatibility. Etsy handles all these factors, allowing you to focus on creating appealing product listings with high-quality images and enticing descriptions.
Fully Integrated System
One of the standout features of Etsy is its fully integrated system. The platform provides sellers with everything they need to manage their business smoothly. The customer chat feature is particularly useful, allowing effective communication between sellers and buyers. With access to order and message history, it becomes easier to address customer inquiries and resolve any issues. Additionally, Etsy integrates shipping functionalities, allowing you to purchase shipping labels from the platform and automatically calculate shipping costs based on the buyer's address. This streamlines the shipping process and eliminates the need for multiple software programs.
Affordable in the Beginning
When starting out, Etsy's pricing structure appears reasonable. There are no upfront fees or membership costs involved. Sellers only pay Etsy a small fee per transaction (including a 5% transaction fee and a 3% payment processing fee) and a listing fee of $0.20 per item. It's an accessible platform for new sellers looking to build their customer base and generate sales. However, it's essential to note that as your business grows, the fees can become significant, potentially affecting your profitability.
Beneficial Review System
Etsy's default review system can be advantageous for sellers. Customers have the ability to leave reviews and provide ratings, allowing potential buyers to gain insights into the quality of your products and customer service. Positive reviews can build credibility, increase sales, and lead to greater exposure within the Etsy marketplace. Additionally, customer reviews can provide valuable feedback for sellers, aiding in the improvement and refinement of their products.
Despite the numerous advantages Etsy offers, there are certain drawbacks to consider as well.
Fierce Competition
Due to the popularity of Etsy, competition among sellers can be intense. With countless shops vying for customer attention, it can be challenging to stand out from the crowd. Similar products are often displayed side by side, making it crucial to find ways to differentiate your offerings. Being pushed down in search rankings or not appearing on the first few pages of search results can be discouraging. The sheer number of products available on Etsy can make it difficult to gain visibility and attract customers.
Lack of Control
One significant downside of using Etsy is the lack of control compared to having your own website. While Etsy's platform is convenient and user-friendly, it limits customization options. Sellers are unable to inject code or make substantial adjustments to the website's design, shipping system, or customer communication setup. Additionally, Etsy can change its policies and algorithms at any time, impacting how sellers' listings appear in search results. Staying on top of Etsy's algorithmic changes can be time-consuming and stressful.
Difficulty in Building Brand Recognition
When solely relying on Etsy, it becomes challenging to establish strong brand recognition. As a seller, your brand may get lost amidst the multitude of other shops on the platform. Lack of customization options and uniform shop designs make it challenging to differentiate and establish a unique brand identity. Customers are more likely to remember that they purchased from Etsy rather than your specific shop, hindering long-term brand loyalty and recognition.
Pros and Cons of Using Squarespace
Customizable Website Design
One of the standout features of Squarespace is its ability to offer fully customizable website design. With a wide array of modern and visually appealing templates, you can create a website that aligns precisely with your brand's aesthetics and values. Every aspect, from font selection to image placement, can be tailored to your preference. Building your own website allows you to tell your brand's story, enabling a deeper connection with potential customers.
Building a Strong Brand Voice
Having your own Squarespace website allows you to develop and strengthen your brand's voice. Unlike on Etsy, where shops often look similar and brand recognition is challenging, a personalized website provides the freedom to establish a distinctive brand identity. Customers who visit your website can fully immerse themselves in your brand's world, exploring blog posts, signing up for newsletters, and engaging with your content. This fosters a deeper connection and aids in building a loyal customer base.
No Transaction Fees
One significant advantage of using Squarespace is that they do not charge transaction fees. Unlike Etsy, where every sale incurs a 5% transaction fee, Squarespace does not take a cut of your revenue. This means more money in your pocket, especially as your business grows and you generate more sales. While there are payment processing fees involved, they are standard fees associated with credit card processing and are not specific to Squarespace.
More Control Over Your Website
With Squarespace, you have greater control over your website compared to Etsy. You can customize various elements, such as the layout, structure, and functionality, according to your preferences. This flexibility enables you to optimize user experience, tailor your website to specific goals, and implement advanced features. Unlike Etsy shops, which are limited by the platform's constraints and algorithmic changes, having your own website provides the freedom to adapt and adjust as needed.
Integration of Additional Features
Squarespace offers various additional features that can enhance your website's functionality and user experience. The built-in email campaign tool allows you to collect email addresses and send professional newsletters to your subscribers. This simplifies communication with your customer base and enhances marketing efforts. Furthermore, Squarespace's robust blogging tools enable you to create and share engaging content, driving organic traffic and improving search engine visibility.
Design and Aesthetic Appeal
One of the key differentiators between Squarespace and other platforms, such as Shopify, is Squarespace's focus on design aesthetics. The platform's templates are renowned for their modern and visually stunning designs. Even without design expertise, Squarespace's templates ensure your website looks polished and professional. This attention to detail can significantly impact how your brand is perceived by customers, enhancing credibility and trust.
While Squarespace offers numerous benefits, it is important to consider potential drawbacks as well.
Initial Time and Cost Investment
Building and maintaining your own Squarespace website requires more time and financial investment compared to setting up an Etsy shop. You will need to dedicate time to customize your website, optimize SEO, and continuously manage and update your content. Additionally, Squarespace plans involve a monthly cost, which might be higher compared to Etsy's fees, especially if you opt for advanced e-commerce features. However, the long-term benefits and potential for growth outweigh these upfront time and cost investments.
Managing All Aspects of Your Business
Unlike Etsy, where various administrative tasks are handled by the platform, having your own website on Squarespace necessitates managing all aspects of your business. This includes order fulfillment, inventory management, and shipping logistics, which can be time-consuming, especially as your customer base expands. However, the ability to have complete control over these aspects allows for more flexibility and customization.
Recommendation: Starting with Your Own Website and Opening an Etsy Shop
Based on my personal experience and insights, I highly recommend starting with your own website and subsequently opening an Etsy shop. Establishing your own website allows you to build your brand, have more control, and create a unique online presence. You can fully customize your website to reflect your brand identity, tell your story, and engage with customers on a deeper level. Building a loyal customer base can be achieved through personalized newsletters, engaging blog content, and a seamless user experience.
While having your own website provides numerous advantages, opening an Etsy shop should not be neglected. Etsy's vast audience and marketplace can drive additional traffic to your shop, providing opportunities for new customers to discover your brand. Use Etsy as a complementary platform, directing customers from there to your website for a more extensive shopping experience and greater brand recognition.
In conclusion, starting with your own website and expanding to Etsy offers the best of both worlds. It allows you to build a strong brand presence, control your online store, and save on transaction fees, while also tapping into Etsy's existing audience and leveraging its promotional power. By strategically utilizing both platforms, you can maximize your business potential and create a sustainable and profitable e-commerce venture.
WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE Etsyshop
