Why I Chose Squarespace Over Etsy
In all honesty, the main reason I chose Squarespace was completely personal. I wanted a space, a tiny corner of the internet, I could call my own. A place where I could be fully me, a place to present my art and my thoughts in a way that screams Trekkable. Screams Sarah. I am very much a work in progress, much like my art and business. This website will be no different as it is an extension of me. As with all life, time ensures things change and evolve into what's needed. Meaning this is a wonderful opportunity to learn some wild, new stuff.
While website design is not completely new to me, I have almost always worked with businesses that are well-established, where a loyal customer base already exists. Trekkable's customer base, however, is limited to friends, family, and my Instagram followers. That said, I have A LOT of work to do. And it is work, no matter what anyone says about doing what you love and never working a day in your life. Art is work. But, it's work I want to do. It's work that keeps my brain active and my creative self thriving. This venture will certainly be a learning curve, but the exciting thing is how much I'll grow in the process, not only as an artist, but as a small business owner and as a human.
Aside from the personal reasons, there are a few logical reasons I chose this route. From a business standpoint, having my own website looks and feels professional. If anyone asks, I can send them a direct link that includes info about me and my business, product offerings, different forms of contact and a bit of my portfolio. It's an all-in-one link. Simple. Trekkable branding is also much more evident in this form (because it's EVERYWHERE, haha). Financially, this move made sense for me because I have a bit more control. Yes, there are always fees. No matter what companies you choose to work with, those companies need to make money as well. However, the fees associated with this website are lower in the long run and well worth the amount of functionality I get.
For example, I can blog! I can spew all of the word vomit out there for those willing to read it. While I am by no means a professional writer, I am an introvert. I observe more than talk, and I tend to write my thoughts and feelings better than speaking them, which is why blogging was a key piece in deciding on a platform. And here you are, dear reader, wading through my word vomit. So, thank you.
Don't get me wrong. Etsy is a great place to begin and even keep a small business. It's low upfront costs and gets your products in front of potential customers instantly. Their system is fairly easy to navigate, and there is a built in support system of Etsy sellers across the globe. Etsy simply wasn't the best fit for me, and that's okay. I still learned a lot from the platform, and it's well worth a try for makers of all kinds. You may even love it. It may spark a passion in you to create even more. And there's nothing wrong with having more makers in the world! If anything, it's exciting!
So, get out there. Create all the things, and share your light with the world! It's the best decision I've ever made, and I promise it'll be worth it. I believe in myself, and I believe in YOU!