Building a Website

[Raspberriez]

Hi all -

I was wondering if anyone has any advice about building a website and which website builder they preferred. I know I have a lot of work to do for my shop (like building inventory) but I've been thinking about starting a website. I have already purchased my domain name. I've looked into using Wix which has a great Etsy app that links the shop to the website. I have also looked into GoDaddy but they do not have an easy way to incorporate the Etsy shop onto the website, unless you just add a link. I've struggled to find ways to reach my target audience and am hoping that developing a website and then advertising that might be beneficial. Any advice or feedback? What have you all done to build your websites?

Thanks in advance!

Jaclyn
Simply Crafting Away

[CopperLeafStudios]

Unfortunately you aren't going to easily be able to incorporate your Etsy shop into any site ~ at best you'll have a link or Etsy mini that takes you to your shop here. You can create a separate online store on your site, but you might find it just as easy to spend your marketing energies on your Etsy shop rather than trying to manage two. You can also point your URL to your Etsy shop while you are building a standalone site in the background.

In terms of what platform is best, it's mostly personal preference... I use self-hosted WordPress, as it allows a lot of customization, and there are a variety of e-commerce plugins available. There are others that are easier to use out of the box, but have less flexibility. I would take a look around and see what grabs you visually, and that you like from a functional perspective. You'll find one that feels right for you :)

Best of luck!

[LeedsRadio]

Chris -

I use Wordpress (self hosted) for my blog and I've also seen some really nice Wordpress websites that made me want to try it on for a website. So I tried installing Wordpress as a test to see how hard it would be to use. The problem is that it has a pretty steep learning curve and it documentation and support aren't really very good. And am fairly savvy - I can edit HTML using Notepad.

There apparently have also been issues in the past with security

[buyrvintagejunk]

Jaclyn-
We are in the process of having a website set up for our Etsy shop. This is how it will be set up: The website lady will make three pages or so. The front page will be all about the Etsy shop with current inventory pictures (if there is room) and anyone who is going to make a purchase will be directed to Etsy to buy *whatever*. We will let them know they are being re-directed to Etsy. She will show me how to put new listings on this website myself.
We DO NOT want to sell on this website. I don't want to deal with the shopping cart-transaction part, etc and any problems it may have!! LOL
She will charge a one time fee. There will be a monthly fee of $5 bucks I will pay and if she has to make any changes I can't do myself she will charge a certain amount.
We will promote this website and hopefully attract buyers!! This is the least amount of work for me. I'm excited!!

[CopperLeafStudios]

Hi Richard, I agree with the learning curve. The key (for me, at least) was understanding the difference between a static page and a dynamic post. One looks just like a regular website page, and the other looks (and acts) like a blog. Once you're in the editor, they both pretty much look the same. Let me know if you're having trouble with anything in particular, I might be able to help.

The past security issues were with -- is it called turnkey?? WP installations, e.g. on sites like GoDaddy. The ones where you'll see "one-click install" and things of that nature. If you use a regular hosting set up, or better yet a dedicated WP hosting site, they're quite secure so long as you keep up with updates etc.

[Former_Member]

You can set it up in Tumblr even!

[MiniZenGarden]

I also use Wordpress and I really like it. You can go with a premade theme and templates or really customize it. I don't have a shopping cart on it, just a blog, and I redirect to my Etsy shop for now.

My boyfriend set up my site for me and he wrote a tutorial on how to do it as well as set up a e commerce site, if you're interested http://scottbold.com/how-to-build-a-wordpress-ecommerce-website-in-an-afternoon-with-woocommerce-sho...

[flordehikuri]

Wordpress can be a good start. You should take a look around and see, if you find something that grabs you attention better.

Good Luck!

[tinoiseau]

I use Squarespace and I LOVE it! They make it really easy to use, and I've gotten so many compliments on my site. If you want to check it out send me a convo and I'll give you the link.

[SpangGangDesigns]

@ Jessica - may I have a link to your site?
@ Denise - is your builder open to other shops? I'd love to have one set up that I can update when needed.

I, too, own my own domain name already

[Tamarilloh]

Jaclyn - best of luck with your big venture!

I did my blog on Wix which incorporates one on my stores with the Etsy app. You can check it out here if you wish: www.kroshajje.wix.com/blog

Feel free to convo me with any questions you may have about Wix.

Look on the main menu for 'TangerineToes' to see how the Etsy shop app looks.

Best!
Kaz

[Former_Member]

I used to use 1and1.com but had trouble using their website builder and it wasn't as easy as they advertised. I've taken a web design class so I'm sort of familiar with the process because I built my own site before that but it was just irritatingly complicated with them.

So I switched to squarespace and it was really easy. I pay about $8 per month (billed out for a whole year at $96) which sounds like it could be expensive for some but it's worth it for me. They have templates and it's super easy to use - plus you get a blog. It's not an e-commerce site though, so that might be more expensive. It's just a portfolio site for my artwork.

Good luck with your search. It really depends on your level of understanding how to build a site. If you are unfamiliar with web design or coding, I would stick with one of these sites like Squarespace where they make it just "drag and drop" rather than the more complicated hosts, which can be cheaper but then you are left having to do the design/coding yourself, which is a hassle. Good luck!

[Raspberriez]

Hi all - thanks for the great advice. I really appreciate it! I have a lot of researching to do. Thaks a lot!

[ArtisanBathandBody]

I recommend using Weebly. They have great templates, it's easy, you don't have to deal with so much HTML or CSS, and it's Free (unless you want to upgrade). If you need further information like how to get started you can search for a team here on Etsy called 'Weebly Website Users' or just their team tag 'WWU'. You can start by making an account: http://www.weebly.com/link/NLvyIk

This is my website, made under Weebly:
http://www.artisanbathandbody.com/

[BloomingOak]

You may want to look at Indiemade.com. I plan to set my site up next year and I'm leaning toward Indiemade. They do have an interface to Etsy which is a plus for me.

[Bagsandclothingstore]

I started to build my own website http://rasassewingpatternsstore.mozello.com/

with a shop, blog and Etsy mini code. I used the www.mozello.com