Last time we discussed using domain forwarding to help build traffic to your new site before even building one. Eventually, you will need to build your independent shop. It can be overwhelming. There’s a lot to learn. It takes time. What if no one uses it?

You can avoid much that stress by building out this business asset in 3 steps that you can take at your own pace.

Step 1: Like we talked about previously: Buy a domain and forward it to your Etsy shop. Use that domain only in your marketing going forward. This allows you to begin building your own brand recognition without changing any more of your behaviors at the moment.

Step 2: Build your website without the ecommerce section. Create a Shop button on this website that links to your Etsy shop. Redirect your domain to the new website.

You now have a branded, independent website that still serves your business because it guides your traffic back to your original platform. You can build your brand and business through your homepage and supplemental content.

Step 3: Build your ecommerce pages in private (without linking to it from any customer-facing page). Make sure you include your product pages, your cart, and your checkout process. When you’re ready, update the Shop button to point to your new shop pages instead of your original platform.

At this point, you can be fully independent and close your Etsy shop. Or keep both running with one of the many plugins that allow you to run them together seamlessly. You have the choice and that’s the best part of running your own independent site.

Thanks for reading today! Sometimes email writing can be a little treacherous at HQ:

Have a great day!
Ed