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

9 Must Have Website Elements for your handmade business website
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.

Download the Free Guide Now

Free Website Launch Kit
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.

Download your Launch Kit Now

etsy-fees-vs-website-costs-calculator-laptop
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!

Access the Calculator Here

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.

Grab your Domain Now!

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"

Sign up for SiteGround

wordpress
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.

View a tutorial here | Visit WordPress.org to learn more

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.

Purchase Beaver Builder here

WooCommerce
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.

Visit WooCommerce to learn more

Branding & Graphics Design

Download Your Brand Workbook
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.

Check out the Workbook

canva
Canva

Canva is a free web-based tool to help you design beautiful graphics. These are great for your website or social media accounts.

Visit Canva.com to get started

Blog Posts

how to set up a website

How To Set Up a Website

April 12, 2016

Now it’s easier than ever to set up your own website. The WordPress platform is a great option if you’re on a budget and you need to DIY your own site. I recently went through the entire sign up process with BlueHost for setting up this website and I want…

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4 week wordpress bootcamp

Registration Open: 4 Week WordPress Bootcamp

March 13, 2016

I’m excited to announce that I’m hosting a 4 week online bootcamp course to teach you how to build and customize your WordPress website. If you don’t have a website or you just have a basic WordPress setup and you want step-by-step lessons and a mentor to help you during…

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