I’ll be real with you—I started out on Etsy like so many small biz owners do. And while I still use it in a smart way (more on that below), I’ve grown to love having my own website way more. Here’s why I’m all about running things on abbyjuli.com now:
1. They Can’t Shut Me Down
This one’s huge. Third-party sites like Etsy can shut down your shop without warning, and it’s honestly terrifying. My old account got reported, and I still feel like that may be messing with my current reach. But on my website, I’m in control. Nobody can randomly take it away from me, and that peace of mind is everything.
2. I Get to Fully Be Me
Etsy has rules. Etsy has limits. My website? It’s 100% me. From the colors and layout to the product vibe and messaging—I get to show up as my true self and really share what my brand is all about. Whether you’re here for the cozy mental health tees, pet bandanas, or bookish stuff, you’re stepping into my little creative world, and that feels so much better than getting lost in a sea of other shops.
3. Threadless… But Make It Custom
Okay yes, I do use Threadless to help with printing and fulfillment—but I’ve customized the heck out of my shop there to match my brand. It feels like an extension of my site, not some random marketplace. And bonus: they help promote my stuff sometimes too, which is actually super helpful.
4. A Little Etsy Hack I Use
I didn’t totally ditch Etsy—I just got smarter about how I use it. Now when someone buys something from me there, they get an auto message that includes a coupon code and a link to my website. It’s my little way of saying, “Hey, thanks for supporting me here—wanna see what else I’ve got going on?” It’s been a low-key way to build my email list and bring more traffic to my site without breaking any rules.
5. It’s Cheaper in the Long Run
Let’s talk money real quick. Etsy charges $0.20 per listing and takes fees out of every single sale. That adds up fast. With my website, I can upload as many products as I want—no extra cost. Whether I want 10 items or 500, it doesn’t change my monthly fee. That freedom (and savings) make a huge difference, especially when you’re growing.
In the End…
My website is my creative home. It’s where I get to be in control, connect with my community, and really grow my brand without worrying about someone pulling the rug out from under me. Etsy’s still part of my journey, but abbyjuli.com is where the heart of it lives.
Thanks for supporting me wherever you find me—but if you haven’t checked out the site yet, come take a peek!
-Abby
