Handmade Business Resources
Resources for of your creative business needs. I’ll 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 CALCULATOR: ETSY FEES VS. WEBSITE EXPENSES
Wondering if launching your own website could help you save money on Etsy fees and keep more profits in your pocket? Crunch the numbers and find out!
Website 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 & Graphics Design
Free Brand Design Workbook
If 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.
Canva
Canva is a free web-based tool to help you design beautiful graphics. These are great for your website or social media accounts.
Blog Posts
Craftcation Registration is now open
Who else need a craft retreat in California? A little fun injected into business? Some time to step away from the hum drum day-to-day and get hands-on when it comes to building and growing your business? YEP. ME TOO. I’m excited to share about an event I’m attending in Spring…
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Eco-Friendly Packaging Ideas for Etsy Sellers
If you have a brand that embraces sustainability, then you might be trying to come up with some eco-friendly packaging ideas for your products. You have probably thought about your package design, tags, and labels look. You have probably put much consideration into shipping supplies and inserts like business cards,…
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The Best Creative Conference for Handmade Sellers
Updated: 7/20/2020 I know you love your business and you enjoy the work you do. But imagine taking a looong weekend (Weds-Sun) off away from the day-to-day order fulfilling, production, social media posting, etc. Not just that, imagine you go on an adventure to southern California for your long weekend.…
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