Hey Gorgeous! 👋
So, you're ready to take your beading business to the next level and start selling online—but where do you even begin? If you've been relying on Etsy or social media to sell your handmade jewelry, it might be time to consider setting up your very own website.
Now, don’t get me wrong—Etsy is a totally viable option for plenty of reasons, like easy setup and a built-in audience already searching for handmade goodies. Etsy can be especially helpful for smaller businesses just starting out, as it’s a lower-cost option and can give you some solid exposure. That said, there are some limitations that come with Etsy, especially if you're dreaming big and want to build a recognizable brand with more flexibility. But that's a topic for another post! 😉
For now, let’s dive into why Shopify might be the right choice for building, growing, and sustaining a beadwork business that’s all yours.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through why I personally think Shopify is a fabulous choice, what the setup involves, and the steps you need to take to get your beadwork out into the world. And don’t worry, I’ll share some real-life pros, cons, and lessons I’ve learned along the way.
Why Use Shopify Over Etsy?
Etsy is a great starting point—especially if you’re new to selling, as it’s easy to set up and has a built-in audience looking for handmade treasures. But if you’re ready to build your own brand, having your own website on Shopify can be a game changer! Here are a few reasons why:
- You Control the Customer Experience: On your own website, everything from the layout to the checkout process is in your hands. You get to tell your brand’s story, set up beautiful product listings, and create an environment that feels like you.
- Easy to Track Analytics: Shopify’s analytics are super intuitive! I love being able to see my earnings, visitor stats, and which products are performing best. It’s like a mini business coach that helps me understand what’s working (and what isn’t) without needing a separate analytics tool.
- Unlimited Growth Potential: With Shopify, there are no limits. You’re not competing with thousands of other listings on the same page. Instead, your beadwork can shine on its own website, and as you grow, Shopify has the flexibility to grow with you.
- Building Your Brand: Creating your own site lets you establish a brand that customers recognize and remember, building trust over time. You’re not just another shop in a sea of listings—you’re the place for beadwork!
Some Cons to Keep in Mind
Alright, it’s not all glitter and beads. A couple of things to be aware of:
- Limited Free Themes: The free themes on Shopify are beautiful but pretty basic. You can add widgets to enhance things (I’ve used quite a few free ones), but be aware that most add-ons will charge a monthly fee. That said, I’ve managed to run my site with free themes and free widgets so far, so it’s definitely doable!
- Learning Curve: Like anything new, there’s a bit of a learning curve. Getting your head around all the settings and functions takes time, but honestly, I am not a tech wizard, so if I can do it, you absolutely can too!
Let’s Get You Set Up on Shopify!
Now, onto the fun part! Here’s a simple step-by-step to create your beadwork site:
Step 1: Sign Up and Start Your Free Trial
Head to Shopify, and you can kick things off with a 3-day free trial, then get your first three months for just $1 a month (yes, really!). If you use my affiliate link here, it also supports my work and helps me bring more helpful content like this 💖.
Step 2: Choose a Theme
Pick a theme that showcases your beadwork beautifully. Shopify has both free and paid themes. Start with a free one if you’re just beginning; you can always upgrade later!
Step 3: Add Products
This is where Shopify shines. Adding new listings and collections is a breeze, and you can organize everything exactly how you want it. Make sure to add detailed descriptions, beautiful images, and, of course, prices!
Step 4: Set Up Payment and Shipping
Shopify makes it easy to connect payment options so your customers can check out without hassle. Go to the settings to set up your preferred payment methods (credit card, PayPal, etc.) and shipping rates.
Step 5: Customize Your Store Settings
Take some time to add a little extra personality to your site! Include an About Me section, shop policies, and maybe even a blog to share your story and behind-the-scenes of your beadwork process. Your site is a chance for customers to get to know you!
Step 6: Launch!
Once everything’s set up, it’s time to launch! Shopify makes it super easy to preview your site and make any last-minute tweaks before going live. You did it!
Switching to Shopify was such a game-changer for my business, and I think it could be for yours too. You get full control, a professional site to showcase your work, and the tools you need to grow. Plus, with all the analytics and insights, you’ll have a clear view of how your business is doing—no guessing games here!
Yes, it might take a little work to get everything set up, but trust me, once you see your beautiful beadwork on a site that’s all yours, it’s absolutely worth it. So go ahead, give Shopify a try, and start building your very own beading empire! ✨
Happy Beading & Best of Luck with Your New Shop!
xx, Cheyenne