From Etsy to Your Own Online Shop
As an independent seller on Etsy, you've already taken the first step into the world of e-commerce. Etsy offers you a great platform to sell handmade or creative products and build a loyal customer base. But many Etsy sellers want to take the next step: opening their own online shop to expand their reach and increase sales. In this article, we'll show you how to tap into new sales channels and how we as an agency can help you take your business to the next level.
Why Etsy Sellers Should Expand to Other Sales Channels
Etsy is an excellent platform, but there are limitations that many successful sellers eventually encounter:
- Limited Control: You're dependent on Etsy's policies and changes.
- Brand Building: It's harder to establish an independent brand on Etsy.
- Fee Structure: Etsy charges a 6.5% transaction fee plus listing fees and advertising costs, which can reduce your margins by 15% to 20% in total.
Your own online shop gives you more independence, strengthens your brand, and allows you to build direct customer relationships without relying on Etsy.
The Benefits of Your Own Online Shop for Etsy Sellers
Your own online shop offers numerous advantages that you don't have on Etsy:
- Brand Building and Recognition: You can fully customize the design and user experience and authentically present your brand.
- Direct Customer Engagement: With your own shop, you have more control over customer data and can build direct relationships through email marketing.
- Higher Margins: Without sales commissions, you have more flexibility in pricing and can achieve 20% to 30% higher profit margins compared to marketplace-only selling.
Your own online shop also gives you access to various marketing strategies like content marketing and search engine optimization (SEO) to acquire new customers.
Which Platforms Are Suitable for Your Own Online Shop
There are many platforms where you can build your online shop. Here are some of the most popular:
Shopify:
- Advantages: Easy to use, quick setup, extensive app integration.
- Suitable for: Small businesses that want to start quickly.
WooCommerce (WordPress):
- Advantages: Complete control over design and features, no monthly platform fees.
- Suitable for: Sellers who want flexibility and SEO optimization.
Shopware:
- Advantages: Powerful and scalable for growing businesses, ideal for larger product catalogs.
- Suitable for: Companies that want to map and scale complex business processes.
We help you choose the best platform for your requirements and implement it professionally.
How We as an Agency Help Etsy Sellers Start Their Own Online Shop
The transition from Etsy to your own online shop can be challenging. Our agency provides comprehensive support in planning, setting up, and optimizing your new shop.
Our services include:
- Consulting: Analysis of your business and selection of the right platform and tools.
- Technical Implementation: Shop setup, design creation, and integration of all required features.
- Customer Journey Optimization: Ensuring the purchase process runs smoothly - from product selection to payment.
We ensure that the switch from Etsy to your own online shop is seamless and that your visibility is increased through online marketing.
SEO and Online Marketing: How to Win New Customers for Your Shop
An online shop needs SEO optimization and targeted online marketing to acquire new customers. We support you in improving your shop's Google ranking and building a sustainable online presence.
Our SEO strategies include:
- Keyword Research: Identifying relevant search terms.
- On-Page SEO: Optimization of meta tags, titles, and product descriptions.
- Content Marketing: Creating blogs and landing pages to strengthen your brand.
Additionally, we deploy targeted Google Ads and social media campaigns to drive qualified traffic to your site.
Important Steps in Building an Online Shop
Building a successful online shop requires a structured approach:
- Technical Setup: Platform selection, hosting setup, domain, and basic features.
- Design and Branding: Professional web design that reflects your brand.
- Product Data Management: Uploading and optimizing products.
- Payment Systems: Integration of payment options like PayPal, credit card, or Klarna.
- Shipping Options: Automation of shipping and integration of shipping service providers.
We ensure your shop is set up professionally and optimized for sales.
Integration of Etsy and Your Own Online Shop: How Both Work Together
When you start your own online shop, you don't have to give up Etsy. Many sellers use both channels to maximize their reach.
Integration possibilities:
- Inventory Synchronization: Connect your Etsy shop with your online shop to synchronize inventory and orders in real-time.
- Product Data Transfer: Transfer product descriptions and images from Etsy to your new platform.
This way, you can successfully sell on both platforms simultaneously.
Case Studies: Etsy Sellers Who Grew Successfully Through Their Own Shop
- Example 1: A jewelry designer expanded her business through her own shop. With targeted SEO and a professional website, she doubled her reach and grew revenue by 120% within the first year.
- Example 2: A provider of personalized products started their own online shop and built a blog along with social media marketing. Result: Revenue increased by 2x through new target audiences, with a 35% higher average order value compared to Etsy.
Our Comprehensive Services for Etsy Sellers Who Want to Grow
We offer a complete solution for Etsy sellers who want to build their own online shop:
- Consulting and Strategy: Development of an individual growth plan.
- Technical Implementation: Shop setup, integration of payment and shipping options.
- Marketing and SEO: Long-term optimization for better visibility and higher revenue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I keep selling on Etsy after launching my own online shop?
Yes, running both channels simultaneously is recommended. Many successful sellers use Etsy for brand discovery while directing repeat customers to their own shop for higher margins. Inventory synchronization tools make managing both platforms straightforward.
How much does it cost to set up your own online shop as an Etsy seller?
Depending on the platform, initial setup costs range from $500 for a basic Shopify store to $5,000 or more for a custom Shopware or WooCommerce build. Monthly operating costs typically run between $30 and $200, which is often offset by the savings on marketplace commission fees.
How long does it take to start seeing traffic on a new online shop?
With a solid SEO strategy, most new shops begin seeing organic traffic within 3 to 6 months. Paid advertising through Google Ads or social media can generate immediate traffic, with many sellers reporting a positive return on ad spend within the first 30 days.
Conclusion: How We Help Etsy Sellers Expand Sales Channels and Grow Successfully
The step from Etsy seller to your own online shop offers you new opportunities for growth, brand building, and revenue increase. With our support, you can expand your reach, become more independent, and build a strong business in the long term. We accompany you from planning to implementation and ensure that your online shop is successful from the start.
