Etsy Wasn't Working For Me So I Built A Website. Did It Work?

Рет қаралды 10,741

2 ай бұрын

Last year I created my own website after getting burnt out trying to get Etsy to work for me. A year on I've learned a lot about what works and what doesn't so I thought I'd make a video about it and share my thoughts on running a website alongside an Etsy shop for my handmade business.
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Пікірлер: 109

@LauraPD 2 ай бұрын

Not only our work is copied, but then we're punished by Etsy because of that. They say my items aren't handmade while they give Etsy pick badges to the copycats 🤦🏻‍♀️ It's so exhausting and discouraging. And you have no one to talk to there! They won't listen. I'm working on my own site, like many legit sellers, I'm so done with Etsy not supporting us at all.

@cjbrockusrapp9438 2 ай бұрын

Watching from the US and I love your untrimmed videos. I also love that you don't do the whole cutesy, so happy, approach. You're real, you're facing the same challenges and frustrations as I am, and no extra drama.

@sch728 2 ай бұрын

I enjoy your videos. You are funny and entertaining. I left Etsy. Now I’m stockpiling hand made items to sell on my own website.

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

Aw cheers. 😁 Good luck with your website and getting your handmade items together. I'm doing the same thing now for my latest shop update so I'm right there with you.

@jen_crochetfun 2 ай бұрын

The cost has definitely been what has been making me wait but with how bad Etsy has been, I am starting to rethink it.

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

This is totally understandable. It was the cost that put me off for so long too. In the end I just hated that the only way I could get consistent sales on Etsy month on month was to work hard at driving my own traffic there. If you end up having to do that then you may as well have your own space and more control. But it is a leap so you do need to feel ready. You'll know if and when the time is right for you. 💚

@PinkLady33 2 ай бұрын

It's actually quite crazy. I watch/listen to all your content and I am not a handmade seller or anything close to that! Listening to you gives me peace of mind. Keep up the good work. 🙋‍♀️

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for saying this. It really means a lot because I can tie myself in knots sometimes worrying that I'm boring everyone! I'm glad you enjoy the videos though. Thanks again. 😊💚

@SarahSkilton 2 ай бұрын

A fab video as always and no surprises that Shopify wins. I would be interested to know more the free Google ads you mentioned though if possible, please. Perhaps another video?

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

They're the free listings you can set up in Google Merchant Centre. I'm not sure I know enough to talk about it though. It drives me crazy if I'm honest. I was just impressed that even my haphazard attempts were paying off. 😊

@powerfulstateofmind 2 ай бұрын

I want my own website but my biggest problem is driving traffic.. This year on Etsy most of my views came from Etsy app and other pages and Etsy search. And the least is Social Media...so... I might have to stick with Etsy :))

@GSimon850 2 ай бұрын

Just starting out candle and wax melt making, I have been trialing my products for the past 12 months finding suppliers, its time to go online I was going Etsy all out, not now after hearing the horror stories of shops being suspended and alike, I want full control over my site and my business.

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

I hear you. It's kind of heartbreaking because it was still such a great place to sell on even a few years ago. It's a completely different platform these days though.

@Livija13 2 ай бұрын

Love your energy😊

@brandylucas1783 2 ай бұрын

Great info and you’re hilarious!

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

Thank you! 😄

@suzymadeituk 2 ай бұрын

Fab video thank you Kim! Love ya! 🌷💗 x

@Pixellava 2 ай бұрын

I love your vids. Honestly, they’re brilliant!

@rickmartinez1769 2 ай бұрын

Love your commentaries! Thank you for your insights and info...

@zarasmomproud6539 2 ай бұрын

You are doing great!!!!

@JLJCoastersPlus 2 ай бұрын

going to go your way.

@JLJCoastersPlus 2 ай бұрын

you are doing great my friend

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

Cheers buddy. 😊

@simplelifeofsusan 2 ай бұрын

Awesome video❤

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

Thank you! 😊💚

@shonvibes 2 ай бұрын

LOVE this! Thank you for sharing your experience. I just recently stopped promoting my Etsy and focus only on driving traffic to my website. (I used to do both within the same pieces of content.) This is a very inspiring vid.

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

Aw thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it. 😁💚

@stephpicton6092 2 ай бұрын

I will eventually get there with my own site. My items are completely unique in style but there seems to be an increase in the type of item if that makes sense and so buyers don't see it as my art. I have noticed a drop in sales and views this year as well. Love watching your content. It's refreshing to watch and I love your sense of humour. Xx

@SuperDankBadger 2 ай бұрын

This video came at the perfect time to reassure me. I JUST launched my Shopify website yesterday, after doing what you recommended I not do and do it all in one day, and crashed for 18 hours

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

You did it all in one day??? Wow I am impressed. I tried and failed miserably and found my brain turned soupy after working on it for more than a few hours at a time! You deserve a well earned rest now! 💚

@LauraPD 2 ай бұрын

Wow! HOW did you do it?!

@SuperDankBadger 2 ай бұрын

@@LauraPD I have a familiarity with website building and an intense addiction to deathwish coffee. I was awake for over 32 hours but got in done in under 24. 0/10 dont recommend!

@zarasmomproud6539 2 ай бұрын

Just bought my 3rd of the mugs. One of each. Sunflower will be fav. Maybe, love the all. Maybe I should use your advice and send photos. After I receive my 3rd mug.

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

Oh I'd love to see them in the wild! I saw your name pop up and did a little dance while I was sat in the car. It's been sent to be printed now and I'll send you an email when it's shipped out. 😁😁😁

@scalebuildings 2 ай бұрын

I think your looking into the background traffic via etsy's side has just cemented my switch in my mind. Thank You Kim, I've been worried about not being found via my own traffic but if they are using something I can apply to a different site myself and their own search bring null then it is now time, Thank You X

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

This was one of the things that pushed me to get started with a website too. For a long time I thought I needed Etsy to help me get found on Google, so finding out it was something I could learn and do myself was a game changer.

@JohnLee-mk1tj 2 ай бұрын

Hi!! Creating your own website is really a must have 🎉 Putting anything handmade on Etsy 😡 People that will steal your work and copy on Etsy 🤬🤯 Your wonderful mug says it all.😁

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

Etsy has become nuts for copycats. It's worse for artists I think as there's so little that can be done.

@paradehandmade 2 ай бұрын

Hi Kim, I have my own website too. I love the way you analyse your data. Your calm and straight forward approach to it is helpful from a mindset perspective. Analytics tends to freak me out normally especially making conclusions from all the data and then plans based on them. I get overwhelmed by it. Thank you for your cool headedness in the face of data & keywords & ads generally.😅 I tend to agree with all you say but it's good to hear it from another handmade seller for validation.🎉Amanda

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

Aw Amanda, cheers cariad. I'm not sure my husband would ever describe me as calm, but I'll happily take this compliment. 😁💚

@samanthaadams8773 2 ай бұрын

Thank you for this Kim! Exactly the info i needed to hear! I have been on Etsy just under a year and already I'm in the same situation of having to drive all my own traffic from social media !Even ads are not getting me found! I make one of a kind items and i have concluded that Etsy doesn't really work for that. I have been thinking about Shopify already and what you said confirmed it's probably the best choice. xx

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

I'm glad it's helped, Samantha. Thanks for watching. 😊

@inezkuijtnaiveart7873 2 ай бұрын

I was just copied🫤I painted Peter Rabbit’s jacket in my painting as a scarecrow. And someone who follows me, used the jacket in her painting too like that, very fast after I did. I never know if it is a coincidence and of course it is in the story of Peter like that, but it was the second time. Gave me a weird feeling. And not necessary for that person, because she is much more successful than me. Thanks for the video Kim, always great! I am drawing and you talk, a perfect combination😄❤

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

Oh Inez, I'm so sorry. I understand though. It's happened to me too and I think a lot of people think that it's smaller creators that do all of the copying. In my experience though it's often the larger ones, and it can be very demotivating. 💚💚💚

@inezkuijtnaiveart7873 2 ай бұрын

@@KimBliss Yes so true and I myself never do it. Like you, I don’t want to copy.

@emankelani1320 2 ай бұрын

I really appreciate your honesty..... Can't see that nowadays on KZfaq

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

Thanks so much. 💚

@makeitaten8000 2 ай бұрын

I was thinking of starting on Shopify and didn't even consider the fees because it feels like all those Apps you need to pay for on Shopify kinda sum up quite a bite too??? But the fee argument makes total sense. Thanks you! 🥰🥰

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

I only need a handful of apps and the ones I use are all free. It really depends on what you want to do with your website, but I haven't found that I needed too many.

@mele2814 2 ай бұрын

Thank you for this insight into Shopify! How does it work with taxes on your shop if selling abroad? Do you find it's easier with Etsy or Shopify? Thank you!

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

I don't find either harder than the other tax-wise, but it all depends which country you're selling from as different countries have different laws, different trade agreements, thresholds etc. This is why I don't touch tax as a topic, it's far too easy to give the wrong advice. Speak to a qualified and registered tax professional as they will be able to give you the best advice catered to you and your business. 😊

@laurenbeckerle7977 2 ай бұрын

I'm still selling on etsy. I sell my knits. All made by meeeee. I'm hesitant to jump to a website because my sales are slightly seasonal. I don't sell as much during the late spring and summer. Etsy is obnoxious with their fees. I really want to raise the price of my beanies but if I do then I'm over the $35 and that means free shipping. Which means I have to raise the prices even further to include shipping. Which means I end up with a beanie that I think looks a little expensive. Wondering what you think about people who sell items that are seasonal or slightly seasonal, jumping ship from etsy to a website.

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

This is a very good point. You could add a couple of new products that would appeal all year round perhaps?

@laurenbeckerle7977 2 ай бұрын

@@KimBliss Yes for the past couple years I'll buy and then resell yarn. Yarns that get a new color way each year. Last year though, lol the colors were so ugly, I was afraid that I'd be stuck with yarn that I didn't want to use. We shall see what the color ways are this year. That seems to help keep sales coming in during my slow months, just enough to float by though nothing amazing.

@beverlyfeldman3570 2 ай бұрын

Kim, great video. Etsy sucks

@hannahmitchell87 2 ай бұрын

One thing worrying me about opening my own site (other than driving my own traffic), is being responsible for collecting & remitting various international taxes. Any tips on how you manage these please?

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

Nope, none I'm afraid. I don't touch taxes as a topic because what people will need to do will vary depending on the country they're doing business in, the state if you're in the US, even the products you sell. I'd only recommend seeking advice from a qualified and registered tax professional. It's the only reliable way to go. 💚

@hannahmitchell87 2 ай бұрын

@KimBliss That's fair! I already asked this on another of your videos & thought it might be a dodgy subject but wasn't sure if you'd seen it, so thanks for the reply 💜 I really enjoy your company while I work! 🥰

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

Yes I remember! I went to reply, but when I clicked on the notification there was no comment. It must've been a glitch with KZfaq. If you're in the UK I recommend going and looking at the GOV.uk website too as there's a lot of information there regarding tax requirements. It can be a good place to start. x

@hannahmitchell87 2 ай бұрын

@KimBliss Ahh, good ol youtube 😂 so many issues with comments for me at the moment. I have no faith anything I post will actually be visible any more lol. Thanks for your advice X

@NoelleFerne 2 ай бұрын

As Kim says, look on the Gov UK website, but generally speaking, taxes are based around where you're operating out of, not where you're selling to. So if you're selling things to (e.g.) America from the UK, you simply pay the usual income tax and NI on your earnings assuming you're over the tax threshold. In terms of VAT, that's only required if you're selling products that earn above the threshold (talking £90k a year). So generally just do your taxes as normal!

@cyramclennan2580 2 ай бұрын

Felt that comment to my bones "No one can tell you whats right for you, you have to jump in and figure it out for yourself". I have been stuck for awhile, well felt stuck because I just don't know how to take the action even through the fear ❤ but I'm going to keep trying ❤

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

You are the expert on your business. You can trust yourself. 💚

@cyramclennan2580 2 ай бұрын

@@KimBliss thank you 😊

@Stevebwj 2 ай бұрын

It’s absolute bliss to watch your videos, I am just concerned that if your mugs are embroidered, won’t they leak? Loving your work.

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

You have to drink very quickly. 😆

@hollyweaver7292 2 ай бұрын

❤

@runaroundsueaccessibletrav6357 3 күн бұрын

I jumped into the shopify pool this morning. I havnt drowned yet.... I need to decide which of my products are suitable for Shopify and which arnt....

@KimBliss 3 күн бұрын

Woo congratulations! It gets easier I promise. 😁

@UnderWarranty 2 ай бұрын

I only use etsy as it is just easy and shipping international through them is simple.

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

I absolutely get this. I just hope they don't make any huge changes this year like another fee increase because so many sellers rely on the platform.

@UnderWarranty 2 ай бұрын

@@KimBliss Yeah if people used it as a real income and relied on it i would be nervous about it, it is just a hobby for me so doesn't effect me but i wouldn't want the pressure knowing my income is in someone else's hands

@minervasupplies9963 2 ай бұрын

Very helpful video, thanks Kim. I am just about to start a website and wondering if you used a tool such as Vela to transfer a copy of your listings, if so what was your experience? It feels like a big task 😅

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

I didn't use Vela, but the integration was very easy as I remember. It involved downloading a csv file from Etsy and using that. I think I followed a Shopify or KZfaq tutorial. 😄 What I do remember though was having to go in to each listing and rewriting the titles because they just didn't look good on my website (too long), but that was a personal preference.

@LadyValkyri 2 ай бұрын

It actually would have been even. I went to your shopify, tried to order 2 mugs, and it wouldn't let me even though I know I had enough $$ in my account. Other purchases (Amazon, bills) were going through ok on the card. No idea why I couldn't. I thought it was the universe telling me "No, not this month!" so I was going to try again in May. Sorry I threw your numbers off! Hugs

@rebeccaledford8202 2 ай бұрын

If you are not in the same country as her, could have been your bank. Sometimes you have to enable international sales, or contact your bank to let them know you really want to make the purchase. Mine throws a flag on the play if it looks repetitive, like you are in two places at once, or if you are shopping somewhere new. Also, if they've had a lot of fraud through the payment processor. Hope you get it worked out!

@LadyValkyri 2 ай бұрын

@@rebeccaledford8202 Great info, Rebecca! I appreciate you taking the time out to read my comment & respond. And I will definitely contact the bank in May, as that is exactly what I was thinking - different country. That's gotta be it. Thank you! Hugs

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

I'm so sorry to hear that. To my knowledge, there have been no issues with the cart recently, but I will go and see what I can find just in case. Sorry again!

@oneilldtanya6014 Ай бұрын

the only thing that is stopping me from starting my own website is not knowing how to drive traffic, I am an illustrator and I really do not focus much on my Instagram posts because for personal reasons my upload is a bit slow so I can't really be posting every day, I may post once a week IF. Can you make a video about getting traffic to your own website?

@KimBliss Ай бұрын

Dun it bruv! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f6uSgMer0qrLeJc.htmlsi=eG3NHVGyzFIF87yU 😁 I've also got another video going up next week where I'm talking about marketing strictly from a handmade pov so keep an eye out for that one as it might be helpful. x

@AQUARIUMFREAK123 2 ай бұрын

how do you do RETURNS... do you contact pay pal and have them credit your customers who return the product .?

@hannahjaneheathson 2 ай бұрын

Great video. Can I ask - if all your traffic to Etsy comes from you driving it (rather than organic Etsy search), what’s the point of having Etsy at all? On the other hand…don’t customers trust Etsy (in terms of payment etc) more than a website?

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

At this point it's just for that, in case anyone feels more comfortable buying there. And also so that I can keep track of what Etsy's doing. You never know, it *might* get better one day? OK I might be being a bit optimistic on that one, but I live in hope.

@the.toxic.phoenix 2 ай бұрын

I know you don't want to share figures, but percentages would have been useful, like spotify has given you 20% more sales etc. And how did the fees compare, so take home income. Don't spotify charge per sale on top of the monthly fee? You still don't own spotify website either... Is there a reason you didn't go for word press? How long did it take to set up on Spotify? Sorry for all the questions! Not getting any sales on Etsy without turning ads on so having to drive traffic either way or pay ads...

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

You mean Shopify?😉 I'm glad I'm not the only one who gets the two mixed up! I mentioned that Shopify and Etsy had been almost exactly 50/50 in regards to sales and you're right, no one "owns" a website, but then no one actually owns anywhere on the internet. If we're building a business online then every part of it is built on someone else's ground. That being said, some platforms are more reliable, stable and give you more control than others. I certainly have more control over my Shopify website than I do my Etsy shop that's for sure! 😄

@the.toxic.phoenix 2 ай бұрын

@@KimBliss ugh yes 🙈🤣 lol. That's true... There is more Control with a word press, shopify (got it right! 🤣) could enforce rules like Ebay... I don't know if they do? I don't even know if I've even seen a shopify website 🤔 how long did it take to set up? I think it would take me forever 🙈

@rebeccaledford8202 2 ай бұрын

@@the.toxic.phoenix you've probably seen tons of them, they are all "independent" though, because you can assign your own domain name to your shop on Shopify. I've not heard of bots shutting down a Shopify site. The do have terms of service, so read those. Does take a bit to set up an ecom website anywhere, but you are building a store, your brand, adding inventory, writing policies. Kind of same as Etsy, but there is a learning curve on Shopify. Tutorials help.

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

Shopify don't enforce rules in the same way that Etsy does, but they do of course have their own policies as any platform does. How long it takes to set up varies. It took me about 3 months because I chipped away at it. There's definitely a lot to learn, but now I know what I'm doing I find the every day maintenance easier than Etsy. Hope this helps!

@the.toxic.phoenix 2 ай бұрын

@@KimBliss thank you 😊

@WorldOfConjure 2 ай бұрын

How do you get free google ads they always trying to charge me to run ads?

@roialnet 2 ай бұрын

I thought Etsy gives sellers free traffic?

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

Technically, Google does.

@thebikeracer 2 ай бұрын

How much organic traffic are you getting to the website.

@WorldOfConjure 2 ай бұрын

How are you driving traffic to your website? What are you doing?

@4DesignsBySNK 2 ай бұрын

You didn’t mention Nexus on Shopify. Ugh! Etsy files taxes in nexus and Shopify doesnt.

@marinamay7024 2 ай бұрын

Free google ads? What’s that?

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

You can list your items on Google Merchant Centre which is where you set up Google shopping. There you can set up free listings and have your products shown up in Google shopping for free. I do find it all tonne quite confusing though if I'm honest, but I seem to doing OK with it.

@marinamay7024 2 ай бұрын

@@KimBliss thank you so much! I’ve never heard of it, will research more.

@laurenyoungs 2 ай бұрын

Don't you find it difficult to add products and take off products from both websites it seems to be so time-consuming

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

Not at all actually! But then I don't have hundreds of listings so it's not an issue. Also a lot of my listings have been made so I don't run out if one is sold. Its just my finished embroidered work that needs to be managed and that literally just takes a few seconds when a sale comes in.