I recently had the pleasure of joining Jewellers Academy for a podcast conversation about something I talk about a lot with my own clients: moving from Etsy to your own website.

The episode was hosted by Anna Campbell of Jewellery School Scotland, and it was such a useful, honest discussion about what really changes when you step away from relying solely on a marketplace, what the challenges are and how to face them.

If you’re a jeweller, creative or product-based business currently selling on Etsy, this episode is very much for you.  I loved being part of this - it was my first podcast!!

Why So Many Creatives Start on Etsy

Etsy is a brilliant place to begin.

• Built-in traffic
• An established marketplace
• A simple setup process
• A low barrier to entry

For many makers, it’s the first place they test their products and start building confidence.

But Etsy is a marketplace. It isn’t your brand home, it's somebody else's!

The Shift From Marketplace to Brand

When you sell on Etsy:

• You don’t control the customer journey fully
• You’re competing side-by-side with similar (or worse) products
• You don’t own the platform
• You’re subject to changing fees and algorithms

When you move to your own website, everything changes.

• Your brand environment
• Your story
  
• Your customer experience

The Fears Around Moving Off Etsy

Common concerns include losing traffic, being found, or feeling unsure technically.

Moving to your own website doesn’t mean abandoning Etsy overnight. It means building something that you own alongside it.  

Having your own website allows you to do things like:

• Build an email list
• Create (and nurture) repeat customers
• Strengthen your SEO (how you're found on Google and by who!)
• Develop long-term brand reputation

Etsy can be part of your ecosystem. It just doesn’t have to be the whole thing (and I'd say it definitely shouldn't).

What a Website Actually Does

Your website is your digital headquarters. It allows you to explain your process, share your story and build long-term brand equity. Having a website allows you to do some really powerful customer experience jobs like:

• Explain your process
• Share your story
• Control pricing and presentation
• Build trust on your own terms

For jewellery brands in particular, where craftsmanship and story matter, that control is really useful and can give you the edge over other brands that don't have a website.

Who This Episode Is For

• Jewellers currently selling on Etsy
• Creatives who have been swithering over whether to have a website or not (short answer, yes you should)
• Product-based businesses wanting to scale
• Makers who want more control over their brand

Final Thoughts

It was such a pleasure and so much fun doing this podcast. I'd absolutely love to hear what you think of it - constructive criticism is always welcome!

If you’ve been considering building your own website, this episode will help you understand what that transition really involves and why it can be such a positive move for your business and, importantly, if you'd like to listen to the podcast then here it is for your listening pleasure!!!