Why are we still on Etsy?

We’re still on Etsy because we’re still having enough success there. Etsy has a fairly user-friendly nature and the security assurances it provides for customers shopping on an established platform.

Beyond that, Etsy acts like a search engine in itself, connecting shoppers who are already searching for unique gifts with my quirky little corner of the marketplace. I’ve personally used Etsy’s search features for years, to find art for my home and gifts for friends and family.

It was through Etsy that I found my very first gift for my current mother-in-law. Back then, my partner and I had only been dating for two months, and I bought a Mother’s Day present engraved with something like, “Thank you for raising the perfect man for me.” Luckily, she lived across the country, so she couldn’t immediately react to how odd that might have come across. But after 11 years, I’m still with the same person, so it doesn’t feel so odd now.

When we were starting to sell Argiope Studio art, choosing Etsy made sense because it managed so many aspects of selling online for us. From handling transactions and sales tax to marketing both on and off the platform, Etsy covered a lot of ground. I’ve even seen Etsy ads for different products pop up all over Google, Pinterest, and Facebook.

Launching a standalone website with a unique URL requires significant marketing effort to achieve visibility. Although anyone can submit a new site to Google, substantial traffic is necessary before search engines begin directing users there.

Even with experience in web development and design, I recognize that presenting a credible website is only the beginning; establishing trust online takes time and consistent effort. So, while I continue building my independent web presence, Etsy remains a valuable channel.