Unlock the Secrets of Etsy Pattern

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Cost and Billing
3. Dashboard Overview
4. Website Editor
5. Design Options
6. Marketing Features
7. Blogging and Email
8. Statistics and Analytics
9. Limitations and Drawbacks
10. Is Pattern Worth It for Vintage Sellers?

Introduction

In this article, we will be reviewing Etsy's pattern feature, specifically focusing on its usability, features, and overall value. Whether you're a vintage seller or someone who creates handmade items, this review will help you determine if pattern is worth the investment. We will cover various aspects of pattern, including its cost, website editing capabilities, marketing features, and more. By the end of this article, you'll have a better understanding of whether pattern is the right choice for your online business.

Cost and Billing

Let's begin by discussing the cost and billing associated with pattern. Currently, pattern is priced at $15 per month, which may seem a little high for some sellers. In addition to the monthly fee, you will also need to pay around $15 per year for your domain name, such as a .com address. While this cost may not be significant, it is still an additional expense to consider. In the following sections, we will explore the features and benefits of pattern to determine if it justifies the price tag.

Dashboard Overview

When you first access the pattern feature, you'll be greeted with the dashboard. However, it may appear quite underwhelming. The dashboard displays basic stats related to your pattern website, such as conversations, orders, and listings. It's important to note that the orders still go through Etsy's checkout process, ensuring a seamless experience for both sellers and buyers. The main highlight of the pattern feature is the website editor, which allows you to customize and design your website according to your preferences.

Website Editor

The website editor is where pattern shines the most. It offers a live look of your website along with an intuitive editing mode. You can easily change text, add tags for SEO purposes, and customize various elements of your website. The editor provides control over your banner image, featured listings, and collections. One notable advantage is that there is no Etsy branding on your pattern website, creating a clean and professional look. However, it's important to remember that when a customer adds items to their cart, they will still be redirected to Etsy's checkout process, which may break the illusion of a standalone website.

Design Options

Within the design tab, you have access to several themes to choose from. These themes determine the layout and organization of your website. Whether you prefer a trellis, stripe, mosaic, or other layout, pattern provides various options to suit your brand image. Additionally, you can fine-tune the color scheme by selecting accent buttons, background colors, and headline texts. This level of customization allows you to create a visually appealing and cohesive website that aligns with your unique branding.

Marketing Features

When it comes to marketing, pattern falls a bit short compared to expectations. The marketing section of pattern offers limited features, including announcements, a custom email address, and integration with social media platforms like Pinterest, Facebook, and Google. These features, although useful, can also be commonly found through standalone hosting services. It would have been ideal if pattern offered additional marketing tools specifically tailored to boost visibility and drive traffic to your pattern website.

Blogging and Email

Pattern provides a built-in blog feature that allows you to create posts linked to your website. While this can be a valuable addition, it is worth mentioning that the blog section appears to be outdated, with no recent posts available. Additionally, pattern offers integration with MailChimp for email management. However, it's important to note that having a custom email address is a common offering with most standalone hosting services. Overall, the blogging and email features within pattern may not be enough to stand out as premium offerings.

Statistics and Analytics

If you were expecting detailed statistics and analytics within pattern, you may be disappointed. The statistics feature redirects you back to Etsy's own stats page, providing no unique or additional insights. While it centralizes the data related to your pattern website, it lacks the innovation and in-depth analysis one would expect from a premium service. For $15 a month, sellers might anticipate more advanced analytics tools that provide valuable insights for business growth.

Limitations and Drawbacks

It is important to weigh the limitations and drawbacks of pattern when considering its value for your business. One significant disadvantage is the need for separate marketing efforts. Unlike a standalone Etsy store that benefits from the existing Etsy ecosystem and customer base, a pattern website requires independent marketing. Sellers would need to invest time and effort into enhancing the visibility of their pattern website through search engine optimization and other marketing strategies. Furthermore, the lack of recent updates and improvements to pattern raises concerns about its long-term viability as an effective selling platform.

Is Pattern Worth It for Vintage Sellers?

For vintage sellers, the value of pattern may not justify the cost. Vintage sellers typically benefit from the existing Etsy ecosystem, where customers can easily discover their products. While pattern offers a standalone website, the need for separate marketing efforts and the limited features provided may not be worth the ongoing monthly fee. Vintage sellers can leverage their Etsy store to reach potential customers and may not require the additional investment in pattern. However, for sellers of handmade items or jewelry, pattern may offer more value due to the potential need to establish a brand presence beyond the Etsy platform.

Overall, the decision to invest in pattern depends on individual business needs and preferences. Consider the specific requirements of your online business before committing to the monthly fee. It's advisable to analyze the potential benefits of having a standalone website, the level of customization available, and the additional marketing efforts required. By carefully evaluating pattern's features and drawbacks, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals.