The best website builders for Etsy Shop are:
- Snapps.ai
- Shopify
- WordPress + WooCommerce
- Squarespace
- Wix
- BigCommerce
As an Etsy seller, do you need a standalone website in top of your Etsy shop? While it isn’t a requirement, it can help build your branch and reach a larger audience. A website can help you sync your Etsy listings automatically, saving you time and effort. And with a website builder, setting one up shouldn’t take up too much of your valuable time.
Choosing the right website builder is crucial for expanding your e-commerce business. At first, you may lose design freedom as you start from scratch, but setting up a platform for your online store is worthwhile. 78% of small business owners who used website builders saw an increase in online sales within the first six months. Website builders handle the technical aspects of your website, allowing you to focus on other parts of your business.
Kim Bliss highlights that a personal website complements an Etsy shop by providing more control over traffic and promotions, leading to consistent sales even with just a few visits. Websites allow for targeted marketing, resulting in higher conversion rates compared to relying on Etsy’s algorithm. Although a personal website offers better tools for maintaining direct customer relationships and future-proofing the business.
In the sections that follow, we will look into how six website builders help integrate your Etsy store into a website and how they can also act as standalone platforms. We will explore their features, pros, cons, and compare the pricing plans of each builder versus Etsy’s standard pricing plan. Let’s make an informed decision about the best platform to complement your Etsy shop, whether you’re looking for integration or a cost-effective rival platform.
1. Snapps.ai
Snapps.ai is a user-friendly platform offering tools for building and maintaining a digital storefront. Like Etsy, it caters to business owners with little to no technical skills who want to establish an online presence quickly. It provides over 200 templates for shop customization. Key features of both Snapps.ai and Etsy include:
- Customizable Templates: Both platforms offer templates for creating appealing storefronts. Snapps.ai provides over 200 templates designed specifically for e-commerce stores.
- E-commerce Capabilities: Both platforms support product listings, shopping cart functionality, and payment processing.
- Background Removal and Image Editing: Snapps.ai uses EasyCut for background removal and image editing, while Etsy relies on third-party tools like Erase.bg for these tasks.
But, while Etsy serves as a marketplace for handmade, vintage, and factory-manufactured items, Snapps.ai offers more customization options and control for standalone websites. Snapps.ai also provides advanced SEO tools that integrate with marketing platforms, which benefit businesses aiming to expand. Additional features that set Snapps.ai apart include:
- Local Search Tracking: Snapps.ai offers local search tracking reports and proprietary technology for detailed local search ranking reports to attract nearby customers.
- Link Management with SnapMe: Snapps.ai provides tools for managing, shortening, and analyzing links, offering deeper insights into user engagement.
- AI Tools: Snapps.ai uses AI to generate SEO-friendly copy and images, whereas Etsy allows AI tools but does not emphasize their use.
| Snapps.ai Starter Pack | Etsy Standard Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $66.25/month | Free, with listing fees of $0.20 per item |
| Transaction Fees | None | 6.5% + payment processing fees of 3% + $0.25 per sale |
| Customizable Templates | Yes | Basic customization options |
| AI Tools | Yes | No |
| Local Search Tracking | Yes | No |
| Advanced SEO Analysis | Yes | No |
| Seller Analytics | Yes | Yes |
| Promotion Options | No | Etsy Ads for promotion |
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2. Shopify
Shopify allows you to connect your Etsy shop to a Shopify store, enabling you to manage inventory, orders, and products from a single dashboard. This integration also syncs product listings, prices, and inventory. 60% of Etsy sellers who integrated with Shopify reported improved inventory management. Shopify provides ecommerce features while still selling products on Etsy’s marketplace. Both Shopify and Etsy share common features, such as:
- Product Listings: Both platforms allow detailed listings with descriptions, images, and pricing.
- Payment Processing: Secure payment processing is available on both, though the fees per platform may vary.
- Order Management: Both provide order management systems to handle sales, shipping, and customer communication.
While Etsy is a marketplace, Shopify allows you to build your standalone website. Etsy has limited customization options and marketplace rules you need to follow. Shopify offers full control and customization through themes and apps, providing a flexible solution for your business. Shopify also has superior features compared to Etsy, such as:
- Custom Domain: Shopify allows you to use a custom domain for your store.
- Advanced Analytics: It offers reports tracking your sales, customer behavior, and website performance.
- App Store: Shopify has over 8,000 apps to assist with marketing, inventory, and customer service.
- Multi-Channel Sales: Shopify supports selling on Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, and more, directly from your Shopify dashboard.
| Shopify Basic Plan | Etsy Standard Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | $39 | $0 (unless opting for Etsy Plus at $10) |
| Listing Fee | None | $0.20 per item |
| Transaction Fee | Included in plan | 6.5% per transaction |
| Payment Processing Fee | Included in plan | 3% + $0.25 per transaction |
Stewart Gauld explains that Shopify is best for building a customizable, scalable online store with many features and apps, making it ideal for long-term growth. Etsy is great for selling unique, handmade items and comes with a built-in audience, but offers less customization. Shopify needs more active marketing, while Etsy helps you get found more easily. He recommends using both platforms together to take advantage of Shopify’s customization and Etsy’s marketplace reach.
3. WordPress + WooCommerce
WordPress integrates WooCommerce as a powerful plugin that can complement an Etsy Shop. This integration allows you to manage your Etsy listings within a WooCommerce dashboard, making it easier to sync inventory and streamline selling. WooCommerce and Etsy share similar features for your online store, such as:
- Inventory Management: WooCommerce and Etsy allow you to manage inventory levels to avoid overselling.
- Customer Reviews: Both platforms support customer reviews and ratings to build trust.
- Shipping Options: Both integrate shipping options and automatically calculate your products based on the location of the customer and how much it weighs.
However, WordPress offers complete design control without being limited by Etsy’s policies. Seventy percent of WooCommerce users appreciate the platform’s flexibility and customization options. You will need to put extra effort into marketing and SEO to attract visitors. Overall, WooCommerce excels in:
- Customization: WooCommerce offers customization options through themes and plugins for a highly personalized store design.
- Blogging Integration: Allows for blogging that can add to driving traffic and improving SEO.
- No Marketplace Fees: WooCommerce does not charge listing fees and transaction fees.
| WooCommerce Plan | Etsy Standard Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Domain | Approximately $12 per year. | Starts at $13 and up to 3 years time per domain |
| SSL Certificate | Often included with hosting plans. | Manually encrypted |
| Listing Fees | No charge | $0.20 per item. |
| Transaction Fees | No charge | 6.5% of the sale price. |
4. Squarespace
Squarespace is known for its beautiful design templates, so when it integrates with your Etsy Shop, it can enhance your products appealingly. Both platforms provide SEO tools to help you rank better, and both offer email campaigns and social media integration to boost your sales. Squarespace and Etsy share common features like:
- E-commerce Functionality: Both platforms allow physical and digital product selling.
- Inventory Management: Both Squarespace and Etsy offer tools to manage inventory, orders, and customer information.
- Mobile Optimization: Creating a website or shop on the platforms is optimized for all devices.
Their differences are in customization, target audience, and fees. Squarespace is more customizable in design than Etsy, and 5% of users preferred its design flexibility. Etsy has an established buyer base, while Squarespace requires more effort to drive traffic. Fees differ as well: Squarespace charges monthly subscriptions, while Etsy charges based on listings and transactions. Squarespace sets itself apart from Etsy with features like:
- Advanced Design Flexibility: Squarespace provides templates and design tools that allow for customization with no need to code.
- Built-in Blogging: Squarespace has a blogging platform if you want to manage a blog aside from your store.
- Integrated Analytics: Squarespace provides data about your site performance and tracks visitor’s behavior.
| Squarespace Basic Commerce Plan | Etsy Standard Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $27/month | $0.20 per listing and deducts 5% per sale or 3% + $0.25 per transaction |
| Merchandising Features | Powerful merchandising features | Limited |
| Professional Email from Google | Included | Not included |
| Sales Volume | Higher sales volumes | Lower sales volumes or occasional sales |
Mey Aroyo compares Squarespace and Etsy on her YouTube vlog. She states that Squarespace allows users to create customized shops with different themes. And, Etsy is noted for its ease of use and marketplace that can attract traffic but is less flexible.
5. Wix
Wix allows Etsy sellers to connect their stores to a Wix website, syncing products, maintaining inventories, and managing orders on one platform. This integration improves the visibility and functionality of your Etsy shop while using Wix’s design flexibility and customization options. According to a survey, 62% of users found the integration with Etsy helpful for streamlining their operations. Some shared features between Wix and Etsy include:
- SEO Tools: Basic SEO features to enhance search engine visibility.
- Payment Processing: Support for multiple payment methods, including credit cards and PayPal.
- Inventory Management: Tools to manage product listings and inventories.
Wix also serves as an independent alternative to Etsy, allowing you to create your own ecommerce website. While Etsy is a marketplace, Wix offers complete control to build a unique online presence. However, users must handle their own marketing and traffic generation on Wix, unlike Etsy, which already has an established platform. If you choose Wix as an alternative, key exclusive features include:
- App Market: Access to a wide range of apps and integrations to enhance website functionality, including marketing tools, social media integrations, and analytics.
- Custom Domain: Ability to use a custom domain name for a more professional appearance.
- Membership Areas: Options to create member-only areas, providing exclusive content or products to registered users.
| Wix Business Unlimited Plan | Etsy Standard Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $27 per month (billed annually) | $0.20 per listing |
| Transaction Fee | None | 6.5% per sale |
| Payment Processing Fee | None | 3% + $0.25 per transaction |
| Unlimited Product Listings | Yes | No |
6. BigCommerce
BigCommerce is an ecommerce platform that offers a user-friendly interface and allows integration with Etsy to manage products, orders, and inventory. Both platforms work together to provide analytics and reports on how you can increase the sales of your business, as well as provide solutions for managing shipping and taxes. Some features found in both BigCommerce and Etsy are:
- Product Listings: Sellers can list multiple products with detailed descriptions, images, and pricing.
- Shipping Management: Tools to calculate shipping rates and print shipping labels.
- Analytics and Reporting: Insights into sales performance, traffic, and customer behavior.
BigCommerce stands out with fully branded websites and extensive customization options. A majority (65%) of users preferred BigCommerce for its scalability and advanced features. While BigCommerce lacks a social marketplace like Etsy, it is better suited for larger businesses seeking advanced ecommerce features. Unique features of BigCommerce include:
- No Transaction Fees: Unlike Etsy, BigCommerce does not charge transaction fees if you use a third-party payment gateway.
- Unlimited Staff Accounts: BigCommerce plans often include unlimited staff accounts, allowing team collaboration.
- Scalability: Built-in tools for large-scale businesses, such as advanced product management and bulk pricing options.
| BigCommerce Standard Plan | Etsy Standard Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $29.95 | $0 (Free to join) |
| Omnichannel Selling | Yes | Limited to Etsy Marketplace |
| Built-in Blog | Yes | No |
| SEO Tools | Yes | Basic SEO Tools |
Summary: 6 Website Builders for Etsy Shop
| Website Builder | Ease of Use | Customizable Templates | SEO Tools | Ecommerce Features | Integration Capabilities | Marketing and Analytics Tools | Scalability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snapps.ai | Yes | Yes | Advanced | Yes | Yes | Yes | High |
| Shopify | Yes | Yes | Basic | Yes | Yes | Yes | High |
| WordPress + WooCommerce | Moderate | Yes | Advanced | Yes | Yes | Yes | High |
| Squarespace | Yes | Yes | Basic | Yes | Limited | Yes | Moderate |
| Wix | Yes | Yes | Basic | Yes | Yes | Yes | Moderate |
| BigCommerce | Yes | Yes | Advanced | Yes | Yes | Yes | High |
| Etsy | Yes | Basic | Basic | Yes | N/A | Yes | Moderate |
8 Must-Have Website Builder Features for Etsy Shop
- Ease of Use: A builder should allow you to create and manage your site without too much technical skills and allow you to drag and drop elements into place.
- Customizable Templates: Templates need to be ecommerce-specific and those tailored for Etsy shops to highlight them effectively. These templates should be mobile-friendly for a better user experience.
- SEO Tools: The web builder should offer customization of meta tags and descriptions. These are tools that can improve your search engine ranking.
- Ecommerce Features: Check for product listings, shopping carts, checkout process, and inventory management. This is how you’ll know if the builder seamlessly allows these tools to convert visitors into customers.
- Integration Capabilities: The platform should easily integrate with your Etsy shop and allow you to sync your products and other business data. It should also support credit cards, Paypal, and other payment gateways.
- Marketing and Analytics Tools: Built-in tools for emails, social media, and site performance allows you to engage with customers and products. You can assess the behavior of your customers and make informed decisions.
- Scalability: Choose a builder offering advanced features with additional storage, bandwidth, and custom domain. These features allow you to grow your business.
- Cost: Compare pricing plans and choose what fits your budget and needs. Try free trials and test the builder before committing to a paid plan.
Migrate your Existing Etsy shop to Your Small Business Website Builder
Transitioning from Etsy to another website involves the capabilities of your builder. To help you grow your business, you need the right approach to make the migration process smooth and effective. Here’s where you can start:
- Website Builder Choosing: Decide on the platform that can serve your needs in the long run. Look at how they can support your business through the factors above.
- Website Framework Creation: Set up the basic structure of your website through creating a homepage, contact page, about page, and other informational sections about your brand.
- Product Listings: While in the process of setting up your store, use the Etsy360 plugin temporarily to display your Etsy listings on your new website. This integrates your site, makes it accessible to view, and will redirect to Etsy to complete purchases. Inform your customers about this process early on to avoid confusion while migrating.
- Listing Maintenance and Updates: Etsy360 automatically updates your website with any changes from your listings. This includes new products, price changes, inventory updates, saving you time and effort when transitioning to your builder.
- Full E-commerce Integration: Slowly add your products, descriptions, and images to your ecommerce platform. Once everything is uploaded, you can uninstall the Etsy360 plugin and start the shopping experience on your site.
Migrating your Etsy shop to your website can offer long-term benefits. You can have complete control over your brand and generate sales on your small business website.
