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Anyone who shops online has heard of Etsy, at least if they’re searching for products adjacent to the most popular niches on the eCommerce platform. Etsy has taken the world of digital products and crafty physical goods by storm in recent years and with good reason. With a yearly revenue of over $12.3 million for 2022, the platform has set a precedent for success. Normally, a lot of eCommerce businesses have expanded their operations to offer their products/services on the platform, and a lot more have considered doing so as well. If that’s you - asking yourself what even is Etsy for eCommerce and if it’s the right move for your company - today’s article is for you. This blog post will explore what exactly is Etsy for eCommerce, its benefits, and how it compares to similar solutions.
What is Etsy For eCommerce?
The Etsy platform, founded in 2005, has grown to become a major player in the eCommerce landscape. Its unique mobile (and web) eCommerce platform focuses on digital downloads, on-demand services, handmade, vintage, and craft supplies, attracting millions of buyers and sellers worldwide. Thanks to its community-driven approach and emphasis on supporting independent artists and small businesses, Etsy offers a different experience compared to other eCommerce platforms like Amazon or eBay. The two main demographics of Etsy are buyers and sellers, which constantly interact with one another. The platform encourages interaction between them through features like reviews, seller profiles, and direct messaging. This helps build trust and fosters a sense of connection between customers and the artisans behind the products.
Now, with the continued growth of online shopping, it's important for eCommerce companies like yours to explore various avenues to expand their reach and tap into new markets or customer segments. And Etsy could be the right fit! We’ll explain the key elements of Etsy for eCommerce so you can get a better understanding of what this platform has to offer.
The Key Elements Of Etsy For eCommerce
1. An existing, and growing, user base.
While making potential customers make your own online sale site might be a challenge, Etsy for eCommerce offers companies the possibility to tap into an existing user base filled with paying clients. In 2023, the reported number of Etsy users for Q1 was 89.90 million. That’s just how massive the reach of this platform is!
2. In-app shop creation.
Etsy allows sellers to create their own online shops within the platform so potential customers can simply find them there instead of having to find ways to get leads to their sites. You can easily upload product photos, write detailed descriptions, set prices, and manage inventory for your physical or digital items. This streamlined process enables you to establish a professional online presence without the need for extensive technical knowledge, making it perfect for companies starting out their eCommerce journey.
3. Accessible advertising and app promotions.
Etsy provides sellers with options to promote their products through paid advertising and marketing campaigns. Sellers can set up promoted listings to increase their visibility within Etsy's search results or leverage external advertising channels through simple in-app SEO tactics and paid ads. You can also promote different special offers such as the 2nd item at a 25% discount - or whatever sale you want to advertise! These promotional opportunities will boost your Etsy store’s popularity and help you reach a broader audience, potentially driving more traffic and sales to your business.
4. A strong and trusted customer experience:
Etsy offers a consistent shopping experience for customers, with a familiar interface, an easy and automated checkout process, and a trusted payment system with convenient options like Apple Pay. Custom eCommerce development allows your company to create a unique and tailored customer experience, implementing features and functionalities specific to its products, target audience, and business goals.
5. A solid algorithm for search and discovery:
Etsy has a robust search functionality, allowing customers to find specific products or browse through different categories and curated collections. The platform also provides options for personalized recommendations based on user preferences, purchase history, and browsing behavior. This emphasis on search and discovery helps the platform’s users find unique and relevant items within the marketplace, boosting the chances of your listings making their way toward the recommended products more efficiently.
Etsy For eCommerce vs Custom eCommerce Development
Now, while Etsy has many advantages, it’s essential for serious eCommerce sellers to have a site of their own as well - where they have full control over every detail and don’t have to lose profits to a third party’s commission. When it comes to the difference between Etsy for eCommerce in comparison to custom development, it’s clear to see where the differences lay.
To start with, Etsy is a pre-established online marketplace where sellers can create their shops within the platform. It offers built-in visibility, a large customer base, and a community of like-minded sellers. Custom eCommerce development, on the other hand, involves creating an independent online store from scratch, giving businesses full control over their branding, design, and customer experience - but no existing user base. If you need an easy start or want another avenue to find new clients, add Etsy to your eCommerce strategy. But if you want a professional-looking site with unique features on a website you own, you’ll have to consider custom eCommerce development. It all depends on your goals, budget, and the current state of your business.
Ready To Build The eCommerce Site Of Your Dreams?
If you're ready to build the eCommerce site of your dreams for an affordable cost, the answer might just be custom nearshore development instead of Etsy for eCommerce. At Blue Coding, we bring together a team of skilled developers with expertise in eCommerce development, ensuring that your website will be built to the highest standards. Thanks to the way we prioritize customization and flexibility, you can tailor the site to your exact needs, reflecting your brand identity and integrating with existing systems. Our team understands the need for scalability and future growth, so we'll make sure your site can expand seamlessly as your business evolves. We also provide ongoing support and maintenance to keep your site updated and secure at all times!
Our custom nearshore development can give you the expertise, customization, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and agility required to build the eCommerce site of your dreams. Ready to start creating? Contact us today for a free discovery call to learn more about custom development!
