Handmade Business Resources
I thought it would be helpful to create a resource page that you can always check out for all of your creative business needs. I’ll always add and edit this page when I find new great tools and services that could help you with your website or marketing and SEO. Enjoy!
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I'll earn a referral bonus if you decide to make a purchase. I share and recommend these because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something. I have experience with all of these companies. Please only buy these products if you feel they will help you achieve your goals.
Freebies & Guides
FREE GUIDE: 9 Must Have Website Elements for your handmade business website
Download this quick 3 page guide for an outline of the most important elements to include on your handmade business website. Great for prepping and planning before your DIY your site.
FREEBIE: Website Launch Kit
This handy download includes a website launch checklist, tech recommendations, AND some great free design tools and resources to get you started on your website. Updated in 2017
FREE COURSE: The Handmade Website Jumpstart
Join my free mini course to figure out exactly *how* to get started with your website project. If you need help deciding which platform will be best for your business or how to get web hosting and your domain set up, this is exactly what you need.
Hosting & Platform
Step 1: Domain
If you don't already own your own .com address (aka "domain name"), Namecheap is a great option. Be sure to check for coupons! New Domains and renewals with Namecheap run about $10/year.
Alternative Option: Godaddy often has really cheap domains (with coupon codes) for your first purchase.
Step 2: Hosting
You need web hosting for your site and I highly recommend SiteGround. It's my fave for so many reasons: easy WordPress installation, automatic WordPress updates, fast and secure, automatic daily backups of your website, free SSL included... I could go on. Just do it. FYI I suggest the mid-tier - "GrowBig"
Step 3: Website Platform
WordPress (.ORG) is a Free Content Management System (CMS) and Blogging Platform. It's very robust and there are lots of free and paid themes to customize your design and plugins to add on. Install WordPress through your web hosting control panel.
My Favorite WordPress Plugins
Drag & Drop Page Builder
Beaver Builder. This plugin will enable you to design and build complex page layouts for your pages. I use it all the time. This page is laid out with BB. You can download the free lite version from your WordPress dashboard or you can upgrade to the full pro version for $99 for so many more modules.
Online Shop
Sell your products on your website by adding a shopping cart and payment gateway to your site with WooCommerce. It's free to get started with Woo. Install the plugin through your WordPress dashboard.
Branding & Design
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My Free Brand Design WorkbookIf you're trying to develop a cohesive branding style, grab this free 5-page workbook to help you choose a color palette and fonts that match your brand personality and attract your target customer. |
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CanvaCanva is a free web-based tool to help you design beautiful graphics. These are great for your website or social media accounts. |
Blog Posts
Etsy Fees vs Your Own Website (+ a Free Calculator!)
Seems like so many sellers have a love/hate relationship with Etsy. One minute your shop is running smoothly: orders are flowing in, customers are leaving you 5-star reviews, and all is good in the world. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, your sales slow to a mere trickle. It’s like Etsy…
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How to Create a Website for your Etsy Shop – Easy 3-Phase Approach
Are you considering expanding beyond your etsy shop? It can be an overwhelming project to create a website for your Etsy shop, especially when adding on the e-commerce aspect. Today I published a YouTube video about how to get started on a website for your etsy shop with an easy…
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6 Reasons you need a Website for your Handmade Business
I could easily write about 1600+ words on all the important reasons for a business to have a website. Today, however, I’ve distilled down my thoughts to a quick list of my top 6 reasons! 6. You want to be taken seriously A website is a great way to legitimize…
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