Etsy is a popular online marketplace where people can buy and sell handmade or vintage items. Pattern by Etsy is a service that allows sellers to create their own website using their Etsy shop’s branding and products. However, many sellers are unsure if Pattern by Etsy is worth the investment.
While Pattern by Etsy offers some benefits, such as an easy way to create a website and the ability to sync inventory with their Etsy shop, it also has its drawbacks. One of the main concerns is the cost, as it is a subscription-based service starting at $15 per month. Additionally, some sellers may prefer to have more control over their website and branding, which may not be fully achievable with Pattern by Etsy.
What is Pattern by Etsy?
Pattern by Etsy is a website builder for Etsy sellers who want to establish their brand outside of the Etsy marketplace. It allows sellers to create a custom website with their own domain name, logo, and branding.
With Pattern, sellers can showcase their products, create blog posts, and manage their orders and inventory. The website is fully integrated with their Etsy shop, which means that they can sync their products and inventory between the two platforms.
Pattern offers several templates that sellers can use to create their website, or they can customize their website using HTML and CSS. The website is mobile-friendly and optimized for search engines, which can help sellers attract more traffic and customers to their website.
Overall, Pattern by Etsy can be a useful tool for Etsy sellers who want to expand their business beyond the Etsy marketplace. However, it’s important to consider the cost and the time investment required to set up and maintain a custom website.
Benefits of Using Pattern by Etsy
Custom Domain Name
One of the benefits of using Pattern by Etsy is the ability to have a custom domain name for your website. This allows you to have a professional-looking website with a personalized touch. You can choose a domain name that reflects your brand and makes it easier for customers to find your website.
Integrated Shopping Cart
Another benefit of using Pattern by Etsy is the integrated shopping cart. This feature allows customers to add items to their cart and checkout directly from your website. It streamlines the purchasing process and makes it more convenient for customers to buy from you.
Automatic Syncing with Etsy Shop
Pattern by Etsy automatically syncs with your Etsy shop, which means that any changes you make to your Etsy shop will be reflected on your Pattern website. This saves you time and effort because you don’t have to manually update your website every time you make changes to your Etsy shop.
Professional-Looking Website Design
Pattern by Etsy offers a variety of pre-designed templates that make it easy to create a professional-looking website. You can choose a template that fits your brand and customize it to your liking. This feature saves you time and money because you don’t have to hire a web designer to create a website for you.
In conclusion, Pattern by Etsy offers several benefits for sellers who want to create a professional-looking website that integrates with their Etsy shop. With a custom domain name, integrated shopping cart, automatic syncing with Etsy shop, and professional-looking website design, Pattern by Etsy is a viable option for sellers who want to grow their eCommerce business.
Drawbacks of Using Pattern by Etsy
Limited Customization Options
One of the main drawbacks of using Pattern by Etsy is the limited customization options. While it is easy to set up a website using the pre-coded templates provided by Pattern, sellers have limited control over the design and layout of their website. This can make it difficult to create a unique and memorable brand identity that stands out from the competition.
Monthly Subscription Fee
Another drawback of using Pattern by Etsy is the monthly subscription fee. Sellers must pay a monthly fee of $15 in addition to any applicable taxes to use the service. While this fee may be affordable for some sellers, it can add up over time and eat into profits, particularly for sellers who are just starting out.
No Blogging or Content Creation Tools
Finally, Pattern by Etsy does not offer any blogging or content creation tools. This can be a significant drawback for sellers who want to create a strong online presence and engage with their customers through content marketing. Without these tools, sellers may find it difficult to attract and retain customers over the long term.
In conclusion, while there are many benefits to using Pattern by Etsy, it is important to be aware of the drawbacks as well. Sellers should carefully consider their needs and goals before deciding whether or not to use this service.
Comparison to Other E-commerce Platforms
When it comes to choosing an e-commerce platform, there are several options available. In this section, we will compare Pattern by Etsy to three of its main competitors: Shopify, Wix, and Squarespace.
Shopify
Shopify is one of the most popular e-commerce platforms available, and for good reason. It offers a wide range of features, including customizable templates, a mobile app, and the ability to sell on multiple channels. However, it is also one of the most expensive options, with pricing starting at $29 per month.
Wix
Wix is a popular website builder that also offers e-commerce functionality. It has a drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to use, and it offers a wide range of templates to choose from. However, its e-commerce features are somewhat limited, and it can be difficult to customize your store if you don’t have coding experience.
Squarespace
Squarespace is a website builder that also offers e-commerce functionality. It has a clean and modern interface, and it offers a wide range of templates to choose from. However, it is also one of the more expensive options, with pricing starting at $26 per month.
In comparison to these platforms, Pattern by Etsy offers a unique set of features that are tailored specifically to Etsy sellers. It allows you to create a standalone website that is integrated with your Etsy shop, and it offers a wide range of customization options. However, it does have some limitations, such as the fact that customers need to be subscribed to Etsy to buy from your store. Overall, the best platform for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether or not Pattern by Etsy is worth it for your eCommerce business largely depends on your individual needs and circumstances. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of the platform to determine if it aligns with your goals and budget.
On the one hand, Pattern by Etsy offers a seamless integration with your existing Etsy shop, allowing you to easily create a professional-looking website without the hassle of exporting your listings to an external platform. It also offers a range of customization options and a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to manage your online store.
On the other hand, Pattern by Etsy does come with a monthly subscription fee starting at $15 per month, which may not be feasible for some sellers. Additionally, while Pattern by Etsy does offer some benefits over competitors such as Shopify and WordPress, it may not be the best option for every seller.
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether Pattern by Etsy is worth the investment for your business. Consider your goals, budget, and individual needs before making a decision.