A lot of people get started by selling exclusively through online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon. Some are perfectly happy to keep it that way but if you’re wondering if there’s another option, there is – selling directly through your own website.
However, it’s a big decision to make so we’ve put together some pros and cons to help you decide.
Pros:
Keep all the profits
There’s always a cost associated with operating through an online marketplace. Doing everything yourself means you get to keep the lion’s share of the profits (minus expenses of course) so you can boost your income more quickly.
Boost your brand
Having a website, gaining traffic and exposure all help to boost your brand awareness and reach. This will help to create a name for yourself that is recognisable, familiar and trusted by customers.
Easier to market
If you’re just relying on marketplaces to be the face of your online presence you could be missing out on potentially lucrative digital marketing opportunities. With your own website, you can pull potential customers over via social media marketing and blog posts, something you can’t really do through Amazon unless you have a website.
The buying experience is simpler
If you have a basic website without e-commerce functionality, it’s a bit of a pain to expect customers to follow through to a completely different website to make a purchase. Having all your information and the ability to buy from you in one place simplifies the buying experience.
Cons:
More hassle
Having your own website isn’t as simple as buying a domain, hosting and a theme. A website requires constant work and tweaking to make it work.
You’ll also need to set up e-commerce function, either by yourself or through an e-commerce company who can set you up with a shopping page and cart.
Costs might not be worth it
Setting up and maintaining a website, particularly an e-commerce one, can end up expensive. While it may be worth it, some businesses simply won’t benefit from the costs associated. For example, someone who only occasionally sells or sells a big variety of different things is probably better sticking with an established platform than forking out for their own site.
However, someone who is serious about building a brand will benefit from having a website in the long run.
Whether you do decide to stick with a marketplace or use your own website to process sales, we’d recommend having at least a basic website and a marketing strategy that gets your name out there.
Are you currently selling through a marketplace and are considering your own website? Get in touch with Team Organic to help you build your brand and boost your profits.
