Why You Should Focus on a Website Over Etsy (CHATTY podcast) 😊

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2 ай бұрын

Let me share with you what happened when I focused on my website shop instead of my Etsy shop over the course of a year. Some results were obvious... and some were more surprising.
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Пікірлер: 85

@patriciawiley99 2 ай бұрын

AI art is horrendous. I think sellers should be forced to disclose that AI was used in the making of their art. I have to go over images closely before pressing the 'buy' button.

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

I agree with this 100%! You have to declare here on KZfaq if AI was used in making the video so I think this should be standard practice when using AI in any form to create content or products. Great point! 👍

@BigBlueD830 2 ай бұрын

It was good to hear you mention how being on multiple platforms gives you a better understanding of customer buying patterns. It's like a secret bonus extra that no one knows about. Last year as Etsy's sales fell through the floor, everyone in the Etsy groups were saying it's the economy, people are just not buying. But I could look over at my Amazon and ebay accounts and see both of those were up in sales. People were still buying, just not on Esty. If you only have an Etsy account, it is much harder to tell if it's you, Etsy, the economy, the season, etc., causing fluctuations in your sales. Having additional platforms, like a web site, not only adds financial stability, it also gives you more information for your business.

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

Louder for the people at the back! 👆

@willhaimerl 2 ай бұрын

All true. Just getting YOUR customer's emails and being able to market to your own mailing list alone is one of the biggest perks ever. Etsy sellers have blinders on and a undying loyalty to a place that treats them like garbage. I'm glad you are seeing the benefits of having you own store. Good stuff!

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

Those rose tinted glasses are hard to quit! 😄

@spindletreestudiovideos 2 ай бұрын

Great video as always! I'd be really interested to hear about posting to the US and how you deal with taxes and exporting etc on your website?

@clharris13 2 ай бұрын

I was so excited to see you in the CNBC KZfaq video last week! Your content is making a difference and it was nice to see your channel being acknowledged.🎉

@jennyjumpjump 2 ай бұрын

I saw you on the CNBC video and I cheered 🎉🎉🎉. You're a star ✨. I also can't leave Etsy. I'm an old-timer too. I started in Christmas 2006. We're all about to start having 20th anniversaries on the platform. And for the life of me I can't understand why Etsy isn't leaning into that. They're turning 20 this next year

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

They're too busy chasing the dollars sadly. But wow, nearly 20 years on the platform.. It's no wonder we're all so tired! 😄

@freequincee 2 ай бұрын

Thank you sooo much for your content and your transparency, Kim! I'm working on starting my crochet business as an absolute beginner and you've inspired me to start my own website.

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

You're welcome and thanks right back at you for watching. Good luck with your crochet business! 😊💚

@clayfinity5501 2 ай бұрын

Happy to hear about the positive outcome Kim! may you keep growing

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

Thanks so much! 💚

@EmbracingImperfect 2 ай бұрын

Very comprehensive and interesting dive into the benefits of your own website. Hadn't heard the one about growing your mailing list, glad that's happened for you since I know after watching your videos for years that mailing lists are VERY valuable and important 😋

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

One of my favourite things is telling other business owners who do email marketing, just how often I email my subscribers.. or not as the case may be. They look horrified! 😄

@rebeccaledford8202 2 ай бұрын

I'm loving Fourth Wall for my websites. No monthly fee, some integrations, community minded, adding new features all the time. Set up is like Shopify but much simplified. And email support gets me answers in less than a day! ❤

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

Oooh that's a new one, I hadn't heard of them before. Thanks for flagging them up here, I'm sure others will be interested to check them out! 👍

@Stitchingwithcarol 2 ай бұрын

All really interesting as usual, thanks Kim, I am in the process of trying to set up a website just getting all the background elements done so i can be ready to add them as i develop it, still working out my brand too, theres such a lot to do !

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

There is and there's always something that needs attention or tweaking. I have found though that it tends to be worth the effort which is why I rave about having your own space so much. Good luck with your website Carol!

@MayaSky01 2 ай бұрын

Pls don’t take them off😢 i love the idea of your ‘done is better than perfect’ on a mug! ❤

@CricketsBay 2 ай бұрын

Great video on how your own website has impacted your business, Kim. I'm very surprised that CNBC didn't reach out to you via the e-mail you have linked as the owner of this channel before they used your content on the Etsy story.

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

I don't have my email set to public, so they wouldn't have found one if they did look. 😊

@sararhys8418 11 күн бұрын

I haven’t left Etsy yet because the post-Brexit rules around selling to the EU scares me and with Etsy you can use their IOSS number, taxes get worked out accurately. That’s literally the only reason I’m still there!

@KimBliss 11 күн бұрын

I was going to keep using Etsy for selling to the EU, but during one launch I had to send two patches to Germany and the Netherlands. The one to Germany got there without issue, but the customer in the Netherlands had to wait almost a month and despite the IOSS number being clear on the label, was still charged a customs fee. I decided it was too stressful and unpredictable at that point so I stopped selling to the EU. I'd love to sell there again though.

@EritsStudio 2 ай бұрын

I started my Etsy store recently and man I’ve been so disheartened lol it’s very nice to hear your thoughts and expertise. Truly is helpful for someone like me ❤ thank you! ❤

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

I'm so sorry to hear that. I wish it wasn't the case, but for what it's worth, I'm glad these videos are helping. Even if just to show that you're not alone. 💚

@stephkaracreates 2 ай бұрын

So good to check in again Kim, I've been away for a bit - sick actually and trying to keep up with family stuff on top of that - my son had an accident so I was needed there too. I too watched the thing about ETSY - good grief it is so frustrating - I have the same issue with you and think I'll get back to my website soon too - see ya on here soon again I hope :)

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

Hello you! It's good to see you pop up again. Sorry to hear you've been having a rough time of it lately and I hope your son is healing from his accident. Good grief, that's a lot to deal with Steph. I hope you have a calmer time of it going forward love. 💚💚

@stephkaracreates 2 ай бұрын

@@KimBliss I have 5 grown up treasures and 5 mini treasures so life gets a bit hectic at times - once we move back South things will settle a bit - less travel. Looking forward to getting back to my little studio tomorrow to get ready for a market.

@BarKeegan 2 ай бұрын

Yup, so many other platforms seemed to have tried and failed

@gillianmcmurray 2 ай бұрын

Thanks, Kim. Yay for having our own web sites! It really is much less stressful than Etsy.

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

It really is! Best business decision I made last year, hands down. 😁

@PatternPrincess 2 ай бұрын

I hate having to take care of taxes with selling on your own. Even with plug ins it’s a lot of work tracking where you have Nexus and completing the paperwork.

@SilverPunkPour 2 ай бұрын

Great info, an email mailing list would be so cool as it targets the right people, also i would love to get the website linked to youtube so you can show your products underneath the videos, i think that would be a very useful addition for any handmade seller.

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

Yeah, it was the main reason I went with Shopify over the others. Except then I found out that you could only do it if your channel was monitised. There was a bit of swearing then! 😄

@SilverPunkPour 2 ай бұрын

@@KimBliss hahaha, yeah same here, im working on getting that sorted so i can display my stuff on mine, just working on the watch hours now :)

@LadyValkyri 2 ай бұрын

Hi, Kim. I noticed after watching this video that the CNBC video was in my recommended list, so I watched it and there was your lovely face. Cool! That's it. Ta-rah! And hugs

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

Oh that's cool! Cheers, Valeri. 😁💚

@willowheartprims 2 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing this as I have just started my own website but I am wondering how do I get my Etsy customers over to my website? Thanks again!

@hydrangeakittystudio 2 ай бұрын

Your videos always cheer me up, thank you. I am so glad you are making so much progress on your website. I started Etsy in late of 2016 selling wool art and my business grow slowly. By the following year I have average of 10 sales in a month and I was overjoyed! By 2020 my sales were fantastic but then I have to close my store temporarily due to the pandemic cuz of shipment to overseas (from Malaysia) was on hold. So I closed my shop in Aug 2020. Then I re opened my shop late of 2023 and my sales were not fantastic, one sale per month, starting slow just like in 2016 when I first started. Even thought it's very slow, I am still quite patient. Then I realised the email that I received from ETSY about 'localisation'. I didn't think much about it at first but later I realised it is a thing! Then I saw your video about this too and I was like 🤬! I wanted to start Shopify but I don't where I would end up cuz since my Etsy is dying, I basically don't have any customer to drive to Shopify if I have a website there! I also opened a YT channel last year but since it's not monetised yet, I can't link any shop! I am in a dilemma! Sorry for rambling here on your channel Kim, I just need to ramble all out! 😂How I wish the old days of Etsy will come back! Any ways of persuading Etsy to lift the 'localisation' thingy?🤔

@theiarocksweddingstationery 2 ай бұрын

Change is good - Etsy did you well to let you see your products sell so take the plunge and get a website!. When you do sell on Etsy - ensure you include a flyer to direct them to your website with maybe a wee discount? Keep Etsy though / better having a platform there also than not having one? I have been in the wedding stationery business for over 14 years and as a creature of habit wanted to keep doing the same thing to attract customers etc but over time things change/ customer habits change and you need to try new things also to sell your products! Good luck ! Xx 🤍

@hydrangeakittystudio 2 ай бұрын

@@theiarocksweddingstationery Thank you, that's a good motivation I need right now! (my oldest cat just passed at the hospital). I will try shopify I think maybe for few months first before signing up for a year...🤔

@theiarocksweddingstationery 2 ай бұрын

@@hydrangeakittystudioI am on wix but also moving to shopify as heard goods things about and open shop along side Etsy . Let’s do this!

@versatileduplicity9313 2 ай бұрын

Always !! A website is growing your brand and people will soon recognize it. With etsy, it's like working for retail. Nobody knows your name. They just know about the company !! Real business people like myself, grow their brand. Use ya money. Get ya money up and advertise your website after creating!! You gotta keep advertising even after sales.

@MahsaHammatBahary 2 ай бұрын

Great Video as always! I've always had my own website but I want to try and get more international sales so was looking to set up an etsy to help, especially with the EU sales and the vat numbers and things they provide but now I'm all confused again! 😂 Would love a video about how you've set up your international shipping and any tips & tricks 😊

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

Setting up international shipping on both my website and Etsy is easy, that won't be your issue. And to be honest, getting international sales on Etsy may not be an issue for you either so if you've been thinking about trying Etsy out then go for it! You'll only know what works for you (and what doesn't) by wading in and giving it a go. My message wasn't for sellers to avoid Etsy, more to focus their energy on building something that was more reliable and less prone to cause stress. 😊

@JLJCoastersPlus 2 ай бұрын

been setting up my own site for a while now. Feeling scared to move from Etsy and point to y own site. The things you say are helpful.

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

I'm glad. But if you're worried about not linking to your Etsy shop, remember you can always share both your Etsy shop and your website links to give your customers the option to pick which platform they prefer? You know your business better than anyone, and if your links are helping to drive traffic (and sales) to Etsy then they're worth keeping. 💚

@nancyloomis3046 2 ай бұрын

I'm getting ready to do just that! Except I don't use Etsy anyway.

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

Best of luck with it! I found the initial process to be a bit of a chore, but it's been the best decision I've made for my business in years. Good luck!

@gothandwhimsy 2 ай бұрын

You've probably been asked this a thousand times, but where did you get that GORGEOUS yellow jumper from? 😍

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

I haven't until this video! It's one of my absolute faves and I always tend to reach for it when the weather is grey and gloomy like it currently is. I bought from ebay a few years back.. or it might have been Vinted, I can't actually remember.

@kateterveen6537 2 ай бұрын

I'm not seeing product images anywhere on this page relating to your shop. Are others seeing them? I see all your links etc in the description but nothing else... I'm on a desktop though - is that the difference?

@shonvibes 2 ай бұрын

Kim! Question... Does Shopify have a processing fee per sale In addition to the transaction fee, the way Etsy does? Or the Shopify just have their transaction fee and their monthly subscription fee? Thanks in advance for your answer! Love and am grateful for your content.

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

Yes, all platforms that accept credit card payments will have a payment processing fee because they're dealing with banks. It's important not to confuse this as being a Shopify fee however in the same way that it's not an Etsy specific fee. If you're interested in getting a website I do recommend doing some research to see which platform would be best for you. I love Shopify, but I'm not affiliated with them and do think that others are good fits too. It just depends on your own personal preferences and requirements. I hope this helps! 💚

@shonvibes 2 ай бұрын

@@KimBliss Thanks! Right now my website is hosted on Namecheap with payments processed through Square. But I find your content super helpful for dealing with my Etsy trauma 😆😂🤣.

@TessieDobey 2 ай бұрын

I have an Etsy shop and a website.

@MayaSky01 2 ай бұрын

Hey Kim, when you say have your won budget if you have money for it, is there some other cost apart from the monthly fee (talking about Shopify) you pay for the website and then some extra for the domaine if you choose to have one? X

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

Regardless of where you sell, you will need a budget. Some people don't have much of anything to start so an Etsy shop is perfect as you only pay extra fees when you sell something. A website will have a set monthly (or annual) subscription so for someone just starting out or not selling much, this can end up being more expensive and they may not have the budget for that. But if you're selling consistently then you might find that the monthly subscription for a website works out to be cheaper than your monthly fees on Etsy. It's a hard question to answer across board, because it will be different for everyone which is why I said you need to know your numbers. Hope this helps. 💚

@MayaSky01 2 ай бұрын

@@KimBliss thank you Kim, yes that’s right, I don’t have a big budget but was looking at shopify and can get away with £26 a month with is doable! I haven’t seen any other costs so far while doing my research, that’s why ai was asking.. time for a masterclass with you! 👀 would love a live session with business insights, if you ever hold one, pls count me in!!!

@hollyweaver7292 2 ай бұрын

❤

@socorrohernandez2025 2 ай бұрын

Did you make that sweater?

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

Oh I WISH! One day I hope to get good enough to knit myself a sweater.

@belindaroadley 2 ай бұрын

Forced Etsy localisation is a 💩 of a thing.

@KimBliss 2 ай бұрын

And then they wonder why handmade sellers are leaving the platform. 🙄

@versatileduplicity9313 2 ай бұрын

@@KimBliss facts. The only real way to make money, is to advertise across the country and beyond

@versatileduplicity9313 2 ай бұрын

People have trust issues. Thats the reason why people dont go there a lot. Its stupid !! Thats why you gotta advertise your website on the regular to get sales. So people become familiar with it.