Running a creative business is no small feat, especially when it comes to choosing the right platform to sell your art, designs, or products. With platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, and independent options like Squarespace, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each. In this blog, I’ll share my journey as a creative entrepreneur, how my experiences with these platforms shaped my business, and how I ultimately found the perfect solution for my needs.

Etsy: Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Massive Audience: Etsy has over 96 million active buyers as of 2023, making it a great platform for exposure.

2. Custom Branding Options: You can create a shop that reflects your unique style and brand.

3. Variety of Products: Whether it’s handmade items, vintage finds, or print-on-demand products, Etsy supports diverse offerings.

4. Control Over Pricing: You have full control over your product pricing and promotions.

Cons:

1. High Fees: Etsy charges a listing fee, transaction fees, and payment processing fees, which can eat into your profit margins.

2. Algorithm Challenges: Etsy’s search algorithm can be unpredictable, making it harder for new shops to gain visibility.

3. Bans Without Explanation: This is a huge drawback. Numerous users report being banned or suspended without clear reasons. While it hasn’t happened to me personally on Etsy, I’ve seen enough stories to know this is a risk.

Redbubble: Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Print-on-Demand Simplicity: Redbubble handles production, shipping, and customer service for you.

2. Global Reach: Your designs can reach buyers worldwide.

3. No Upfront Costs: You don’t have to pay for listing your designs or maintaining a shop.

Cons:

1. Limited Control: You can’t customize your shop or create a personalized brand experience.

2. Lower Profits: Redbubble’s default pricing often leaves artists with a small margin.

3. User Bans and Frozen Funds: This was my biggest issue with Redbubble. My shop was banned without a clear reason, and they froze all my profits. Losing that income and platform was devastating.

Finding My Solution: Squarespace

After my experience with Redbubble, I knew I needed an independent platform to have more control over my shop. I turned to Squarespace, and it has been a game-changer. However, Squarespace wasn’t perfect—initially, I discovered its lack of built-in social sharing buttons, which is a big drawback for anyone trying to drive organic traffic.

Thankfully, after a lot of research and trial-and-error, I found a solution to this issue! (More on that in my paid blog, where I walk through the exact steps to implement working social sharing buttons on Squarespace websites.)

Why Squarespace Stands Out:

• Full Control: You can design a beautiful, branded website that reflects your unique identity.

• No Risk of Bans: Unlike platforms like Etsy or Redbubble, your shop is yours to manage—no arbitrary bans or suspensions.

• Integration with Printful and Printify: I use Printful and Printify exclusively for my products like phone cases, pillows, and blankets, as they offer the best quality for print-on-demand businesses. Squarespace integrates seamlessly with both.

• Fair Pricing: Squarespace’s monthly fee is competitive, especially when you consider the long-term benefits.

Why My Blog Can Help You Build the Perfect Shop

Through my blog, I share insights, tutorials, and solutions for common problems that creatives face when managing an online shop. Each month, I also post exclusive discount codes that you can use for your website or tools, which can save you €200-300 annually—making the €49.99 yearly subscription fee more than worth it.

Some of the benefits of subscribing include:

• Step-by-Step Tutorials: From fixing Squarespace’s social sharing button issue to advanced marketing strategies.

• Product Reviews: I test and review print-on-demand platforms like Printful and Printify to help you make informed decisions.

• Exclusive Discounts: Codes for tools, platforms, and even shipping discounts to maximize your savings.

Final Thoughts

The journey from platforms like Etsy and Redbubble to running my own independent shop on Squarespace has been transformative. While Etsy and Redbubble have their advantages, the drawbacks—especially the risk of bans and lack of control—were too significant for me. With Squarespace, I’ve built a sustainable, scalable shop that reflects my brand while solving the challenges these platforms posed.

If you’re ready to take control of your shop or website, start by exploring the free resources on my blog, and consider subscribing to access my complete tutorials and insider tips. Stay tuned—our upcoming Christmas-themed social sharing button designs are going to make your website shine this holiday season!