Etsy vs. Squarespace: Which is better for your online shop?
Selling on Etsy and Squarespace each comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Etsy is a huge marketplace with millions of users all over the world, but there’s a huge risk that you’ll just become another needle in the proverbial haystack. Further, there’s no way to let your brand shine! You’re selling under the Etsy brand with very limited ability to customize and stand out. So, while it’s wonderful to have the potential exposure to a breadth online shoppers, you might be missing out on the potential to expand your small business and see your brand grow.
As a Squarespace web design expert, my opinion may be a bit biased, but rather than going on and on about all the amazing reasons you should sell your homemade and artisan goods on Squarespace, here's a breakdown of the pros and cons for both platforms:
Etsy
Pros:
Large Marketplace: Etsy is a well-established marketplace with a vast customer base actively searching for unique and handmade items. This can provide great exposure for your products.
Ease of Use: Setting up an Etsy shop is relatively straightforward, making it accessible for individuals who may not have extensive technical skills.
Community and Networking: Etsy fosters a sense of community among sellers, allowing for networking opportunities and collaboration.
Built-In Audience: Etsy's existing user base means that your products are exposed to potential customers without the need for extensive marketing efforts.
Cons:
Fees: Etsy charges fees for listing products, transaction fees, and payment processing fees, which can add up and impact your profit margins.
Limited Branding: While you can customize your Etsy shop to some extent, your brand presence is somewhat restricted compared to having your standalone website.
Competition: Due to the vast number of sellers on Etsy, competition can be fierce, making it challenging to stand out among similar products.
Squarespace:
Pros:
Branding and Customization: Squarespace allows for extensive customization, enabling you to create a unique and branded online store that reflects your aesthetic.
Complete Control: Having your own website on Squarespace gives you full control over your brand, customer experience, and design, without being bound by a marketplace's limitations.
Integrated E-Commerce: Squarespace seamlessly integrates e-commerce functionality with your website, providing a cohesive experience for customers.
Analytics and Insights: Squarespace offers detailed analytics, helping you understand your customer behavior and make data-driven decisions. Curious about which website analytics tools that Squarespace has to offer? Learn more here.
Cons:
Building Traffic: Unlike Etsy, Squarespace doesn't provide an existing audience, so you'll need to invest time and effort into marketing to drive traffic to your site.
Learning Curve: Setting up and customizing a Squarespace website may have a steeper learning curve, especially for those who are not familiar with website design. While it’s definitely possible to DIY your Squarespace website, you can also hire a Squarespace design expert.
Monthly Fees: While Etsy charges transaction fees, Squarespace has a monthly subscription fee. For some small businesses, this can be an added expense. Learn more about Squarespace pricing plans here.
Ultimately, the choice between Etsy and Squarespace depends on your business goals, preferences, and the nature of your products. While I continue to wave my Squarespace banner, hiring a web designer is not always an option for small business owners, which can make designing your online shop on Squarespace a bit challenging. If you’re still unsure, or would like to chat more about all the reasons I love Squarespace, Book a Free Discovery Call and let’s get to work!
