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If you're an eCommerce business owner, listen up: the holiday season selling season is nearly upon us. Are you prepared to rake in that potential profit? Even if your online store is brand new, you can still get in on the year-end sales blitz that takes place during Black Friday (and Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday). What’s more, you don’t need a huge marketing budget or drastic price cuts to grab your share of the market. All you need is a solid plan, a flair for promotion and a little bit of creativity. Get your small business off of the sidelines. Use these 16 small business Black Friday ideas to find your inspiration and ramp up your sales. Tackle Black Friday with an online store  from Wix. 16 small business Black Friday ideas Build value with product bundles   Create curated collections   Run a flash sale   Build some mystery   Sweeten the deal with freebies   Partner with others   Check your inventory   Pump up your online store   Promote early and often   Engage with email   Optimize your organic social media plan   Amplify your online advertising   Take a multichannel approach   Extend your deals beyond Black Friday   Shore up your service game   Try a Black Friday alternative   01. Build value with product bundles While it’s true that Black Friday shoppers will look for unbeatable deals, they’re not just interested in a low price tag. They’re also seeking value. That’s why product bundles are a top Black Friday idea for small businesses. By pairing related products and offering them at a combined, discounted price, you can create excitement for your customers and bring them added value. The perfect pair—or trio—of products may also increase your average order value and boost your overall revenues. If you sell electronics, for example, you can bundle screen protectors and a charger with every new smartphone purchase. Sell fitness equipment? Consider combining dumbbells, resistance bands and workout mats into one unbeatable package. From your Wix store dashboard, you can sell a bundle of items while still selling the items that make up the bundle individually—all while keeping track of your inventory. Another Black Friday idea for small businesses: pair best-selling products with those that aren’t selling as well. This will allow you to sell off overstocks and clear out your warehouse. 02. Create curated collections Black Friday kicks off the season of giving, and curated product collections can help your customers find the perfect gifts for their partner, family members or friends. Getting started is easy. Review your current product catalog and carefully select specific items that relate to your customer segments. You could offer 10 gifts for foodies in your family, 20 fabulous gift ideas for under $20 or 15 amazing handcrafted trinkets that everyone will love. Or, you could create bespoke collections featuring your store’s most frequently purchased or highest-rated products. Roll out your curated collections before Cyber Week. Then, add a wish list feature  to your store’s eCommerce business website  so your customers can save their favorite curated items and buy them on Black Friday with a single click. From your Wix dashboard, you can use the Wix app to create product collection categories  to make it easy for customers to find what they are looking for. 03. Run a flash sale As years of out-the-door lines for doorbusters have taught us, Black Friday success is all about timing. By running a flash sale, you can build a sense of urgency and encourage your customers to visit your eCommerce website or brick-and-mortar store multiple times on the big day. Flash sales  can work for all types of businesses  and can even serve as the small business eCommerce replacement for the early-bird deals found at brick-and-mortar stores. There's a lot you can do in terms of Black Friday sale ideas for small businesses. You can offer hourly deals on certain products throughout the day. Or you can start the morning with a small discount (5% off all purchases) and then further reduce prices on low-selling items as the day rolls on. Adding a countdown clock to your website and sending reminder emails (“Hurry! Time is running out.”) are two ways to encourage impulse buys and make your flash sales a hit. Pro tip: Explore eCommerce website templates  to help you get started. 04. Build some mystery Sometimes, you don’t even have to advertise your low prices to generate small business Black Friday excitement. A mystery deal will get your customers excited about the potential to save big. All they have to do is virtually “scratch off the gift” (that is, follow the link in their email) to reveal their special discount. Your “mystery gifts” can include things like special discount codes, 10% off specific Black Friday items or special prices on specific items. Mystery sales send a message that you’re thinking about your customers and offering them a special surprise. They also encourage customers to engage with you so they can discover their deal. 05. Sweeten the deal with freebies Who doesn’t love getting something for free? Black Friday offers small businesses the unique opportunity to show both new and returning customers some appreciation by offering a small trinket at no charge. Do you run a boutique clothing store? Consider giving away a free pair of socks with every set of shoes sold. Are you a makeup merchant? Throw in a free sample of a low-cost skincare product as a bonus with each purchase. Sell hair products? Give customers a link to a free class hosted by one of your best stylists. You may choose to give out a very low-cost freebie to all customers. Or, you can set your freebies to trigger at a certain dollar amount (such as, “Free gift wrapping for all orders over $50”) to encourage your customers to spend more. 06. Partner with others Whether you’re just researching how to start an eCommerce business or your store has been up and running for years, know that there’s strength in numbers. Cross-promotions or partnerships with other stores can help your small business compete against the bigger Black Friday players. Maybe your jewelry store could team up with a boutique and share each other’s best Black Friday deals with your individual customers. Perhaps your home décor business could partner with a local antique shop and do one-day social media “takeover” events on each other’s Instagram feeds. In either case, you’ll open up your products—and your best deals—to a whole new audience. Another partnership idea: join forces with a local nonprofit and offer a donation ($1, for example) for every sale. This may help inspire mission-minded shoppers to buy at your store. It will also show that your business is passionate about giving back to the community. 07. Check your inventory You should understand how to handle and manage your inventory when you learn how to make a website . Before you can decide which items to promote with a wicked Black Friday deal, you need to know what’s sitting in your warehouse. Aim to understand which items are in surplus and which ones are in storage. As a Wix user, you can support these decisions by looking at one of several Wix Stores reports , such as “Slow-moving inventory,” “Inventory snapshot” or “Low inventory.” This will help ensure that you won’t hit a common Black Friday pain point: running out of high-demand products before the day is over. It will also help you determine your best pricing strategies. “After reviewing your inventory, you may decide to sell low-demand products at discounted prices but sell high-demand items at slightly higher-than-normal prices,” says Dana Peled, user relations manager at Wix Stores. When you start a business  and build an online store with Wix, you get built-in inventory tracking tools that will sync your stock across all sales channels, giving you real-time information that can help you optimize your Black Friday preparations. 08. Pump up your online store Last holiday season, online and non-store sales  reached $261.6 billion, a 9.5% jump from the previous year. To get a piece of those sales, your website must work flawlessly on Black Friday. This is true whether you run a pure eCommerce business or operate a brick-and-mortar store with an online presence. To stress-test your website, start by doing a virtual walkthrough. Test every aspect and see if it meets your expectations. Or, consider hiring a mystery shopper who can give you feedback on the ease (or lack thereof) of shopping on your current site. Look for any friction points—such as a lack of available payment options or a checkout process with too many form fields—and remedy them long before Black Friday begins. In addition, make sure your website can handle increased holiday traffic safely and security. A website crash is the last thing you want to have happen on Black Friday, which is why a platform like Wix is so vital. Not only does Wix provide best-in-class, enterprise-level security, but load testing from last holiday season demonstrated that a store can process up to 750 transactions per second. Don’t forget to use your website as a primary promotional channel, too. Create a special landing page for Black Friday deals, and use banners and pop-ups to promote flash sales and other offers. Discover 14 other steps you can take to get ready for Black Friday in our eCommerce holiday checklist. And, if you’re an e-tailer who wants to know more about optimizing your online store in general, check out this guide on what is eCommerce . Ready to start your holiday hustle? Build your eCommerce website  today. 09. Promote early and often While Black Friday is the historic start of the holiday season, today’s shoppers start thinking about gift shopping long before Thanksgiving weekend. This year, 50% of consumers expect to start their holiday shopping before Halloween . That’s why it’s important to begin your promotions as soon as possible. Target mid-October as your Black Friday promo launch date. This will bring two specific benefits: you’ll capture more early-bird customers, and you’ll gain extra time to test your website copy and promotions, make small tweaks and perfect them in time for the big day. 10. Engage with email Of all your potential Black Friday marketing channels, email is one of the most important. It’s a way to engage directly with your customers, promote your deals and offer incentives designed specifically for them. You can handle all of your email marketing  directly from your Wix dashboard, where you can set up simple automatic campaigns (letting customers know about the upcoming sale), monitor advanced analytics and work with customizable forms. A few best practices for your email marketing strategy include: Be specific : Segment your lists based on your customers’ purchase history and create personalized campaigns targeting specific shoppers with products you know they’ll love. Be engaging : Write engaging subject lines that tell customers exactly what they’re getting and motivate them to take action. Phrases like “20% off,” “Save $10” or “Reveal your mystery deal” will improve clickthrough rates and encourage eCommerce customer engagement. Be vocal : Encourage customers to share your emails with their friends to build anticipation and broaden your audience. 11. Optimize your organic social media plan Stretch your free advertising “dollars” as far as possible by maximizing your social media channels in the days and weeks leading up to Black Friday. Post teasers on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Create videos that showcase bundled product offers or curated items. Promote your discounts in an Instagram story. Use a countdown clock to build anticipation. Consider running contests that could offer your fans and followers additional and exclusive discounts. Then, on the big day, encourage your followers to share their favorite deals using hashtags such as BlackFriday , BlackFridaySale  or BlackFridayDeal . Or invite TikTokers to use your business’ unique hashtag. This will establish your business as a Black Friday destination and encourage more customers to check out your store. 12. Amplify your online advertising Your organic social strategy will only take you so far. For maximum Black Friday results, you’ll also want to invest in a paid advertising strategy. This can include Google Ads or paid social media posts. The former can help you capture sales as people search for products or research similar items on Google; the latter can help you get your products in front of the right people as they’re casually scrolling on social media. Either can additionally retarget people who’ve already engaged with your site or social profiles in the past. If your online store is powered by Wix, you can manage Facebook and Instagram ads  and Google Ads  directly from your website dashboard. All you need to do is create the ad campaign and set a budget. Then, Wix will take care of the targeting and A/B testing, continually optimizing your ads for maximum performance. 13. Take a multichannel approach Your online store, email and social strategies will all attract online shoppers to your small business Black Friday deals. But what about customers who aren’t online? Two potential ways to reach out to them: Try direct mail : Sending postcards or flyers to your customers by “snail mail” can surprise and delight, especially if you’re a pure eCommerce business that seldom uses physical mail channels. Use in-store and “in-package” promotions : If you have a brick-and-mortar store, promote your Black Friday sales with in-store signage. Consider creating postcards or flyers promoting your best Black Friday deals, then drop them into customers’ bags each time they make a purchase a week or two in advance of the big day. Expand to other marketplaces : Being truly “omnichannel” in your sales approach means expanding your presence to other online touchpoints. For example, consider selling on channels like Amazon  and eBay  in addition to your online store, both of which you can easily sync from your Wix dashboard. Remember that each platform has its own terms, conditions and quirks, so you’ll want to familiarize yourself with them before diving straight in. 14. Extend your deals beyond Black Friday Black Friday used to be a one-day event. But now it’s expanded to Cyber Week, a seven-day period that also includes Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. That means small businesses now have more opportunities to boost their profits beyond the traditional Black Friday sales. For starters, create a second-chance or last-chance sale targeting customers who placed items in their online cart on Black Friday but didn’t complete the sale. By offering an extra discount for completing their purchases, you can reduce your cart abandonment rates, which reached 74% on mobile and 81% on desktop  last Black Friday. Saving a few of your best deals for Small Business Saturday is another wise move. Last year, Small Business Saturday drove $17.9 billion in sales  alone. Small business sales stories : Wix user Melita’s Home  celebrated the whole weekend of Small Business Saturday with a holiday pop-up shop at their Ossining, New York storefront. The event featured handmade goods, crafts and food in celebration of locally owned businesses. 15. Shore up your service game To turn any new shoppers into loyal customers on Black Friday, you’ll need to deliver outstanding customer service. Start by reviewing your return and shipping policies on your website. Make sure they’re up to date and accurate. Double-check all of your promotional content for accuracy so customers will understand exactly what to expect. Consider setting up FAQs on your website specifically related to Black Friday. Also, offer multiple ways for your customers to contact you, such as email, phone or social media. Remember, you’ll need to deliver exceptional eCommerce customer service for a successful holiday sale. 16. Try a Black Friday alternative While Black Friday gives small businesses a proven boost, it may not be for everyone. Some eCommerce and brick-and-mortar companies offer low prices all year long and choose not to participate in the big day. Others take a different tack by offering their best deals the week before Black Friday to attract shoppers who are already prepared to shop and save. The best approach for your business will be based on the type of products you sell, your customers’ historic shopping habits and your past Black Friday results. Is Black Friday good for small businesses? Yes. Here are four good reasons to put your best foot forward on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday: Holiday sales figures keep rising : Retail sales grew by 5.3% overall last holiday season, reaching $936.3 billion . And, while experts expect a slightly lower increase this year , holiday season revenues remain in growth mode. Shoppers are ready to buy : About one quarter of all digital holiday sales  will take place during the seven-day Cyber Week period. Consumers love supporting small businesses : A study by QuickBooks in 2022 showed that shoppers planned to spend 40% of their total holiday budget  ($88 billion) at small businesses. You’ll boost your revenues : Last year, 79% of U.S. small business owners said that the holiday season was important for their overall profit . 16 inspiring small business Black Friday ideas to drum up sales

After you create a website , you need to make people aware that it (and your business) exists. What better way to do that than with social media marketing ? With an audience of over 400 million users and its unique function as a visual search engine, Pinterest is definitely worth considering as you work out your brand marketing strategy . In this guide to Pinterest marketing, we will look at why this unique social media channel is popular with businesses, help you decide if it’s right for yours and teach you how to use it. Then, we’ll offer some marketing strategies and tools for making the most of the platform. What is Pinterest? Pinterest is a social media platform where people can share, save and categories images. Unlike most of its single-feed layout peers, Pinterest is well-known for its responsive grid layout which adapts to fit every Pin, or bookmarked post. Pinners, or Pinterest users, organize their pins into different boards (which function like folders) so that they don’t lose track of the content that they’re interested in. This functionality enables Pinterest to better curate the content on each user’s Home feed . What can Pinterest marketing do for business? Like other social media platforms, Pinterest is a great place to promote your brand’s blog posts, product releases, video tutorials or product samples. Unlike other social media platforms, Pinterest isn’t simply a cure for boredom or a way to keep up with friends. Users aren’t passively doom-scrolling; they use Pinterest as a tool for generating ideas, getting inspired, learning how to do things and shopping. If you create and share the right content on Pinterest, you could provide some serious motivation for users to take the next step with your brand. Pinterest is a great place to not only reach your target market but also to learn from them. Their Pins can tell you a lot about what content interests them. And, like other social media platforms, Pinterest is a great place to promote your brand’s blog posts, product releases, video tutorials or portfolio samples. Skeptical? Here are some Pinterest statistics that show how powerful the platform can be: 45% of US adults with a household income over $100,000 are on Pinterest 80% of weekly users have discovered new brands and products on Pinterest Shoppers spend twice as much on Pinterest as they do on other social media platforms On average, Pinterest Ads have a 32% higher ROI than other digital platforms 11 Pinterest marketing tips Ready to give Pinterest marketing a try? Here is how to use Pinterest for business: Prioritize consistency when creating your Pinterest profile Create ads for Pins optimized for conversions Claim your website and social media accounts Optimize your Pins and boards for Pinterest SEO Use your website to promote your Pinterest account Design your images specifically for Pinterest Enable rich pins Engage with the Pinterest landscape to attract a following Keep an eye on your analytics Add some inspiration to your home feed Learn from your competitors 01. Prioritize consistency when creating your Pinterest profile When filling out your Pinterest profile, it’s important to stay consistent with your digital branding so as to make it as easy as possible for people to find and identify your business online. That means that your username should match that of your other social media profiles, your display name should be your company name and your logo should serve as your profile picture. 02. Create ads for Pins optimized for conversion While you can certainly use Pinterest for free, you can also run Pinterest Ads if you want to give your numbers a boost. Just plan out your Pinterest ad campaign ahead of time. If you haven’t properly set up your goals or optimized your content, you will likely waste money. You can use Pinterest Scheduler to upload a bunch of Pins all at once and schedule them to post at the most advantageous times. It’s better to post daily rather than add a bunch all at once. 03. Claim your website and social media accounts Claiming your website on your Pinterest account grants you better access to your business analytics. You’ll not only be able to see analytics on the Pins you create but also when other people link your site in their Pins. You can also claim your Instagram account, Etsy shop, YouTube channel and Shopify account to get a full picture of your brand’s presence on Pinterest. Tip : Wix users can verify their domain with Pinterest in their SEO tools. 04. Optimize your Pins and boards for Pinterest SEO Because Pinterest is a visual search engine, Pinterest SEO is a valuable tool for getting your Pins to rank.There aren’t as many tools for Pinterest SEO as there are for Google SEO, so you’ll have to get creative with your keyword research. You could use Pinterest’s autocomplete feature to clue you into common searches. For example, if you sell clothing, you might type in “outfit” and see that the autocomplete suggests outfit ideas, outfit inspo fall, outfits for school, outfit inspiration and outfits with leggings. That’ll tell you to include those phrases in your title or description. It also tells you that you should create Pins for all of those searches. 05. Use your website to promote your Pinterest account Connect Pinterest to your website to add branded details to your pins. Wix users can open up their Tools and search for “Pinterest.” You’ll find the following tool options: Add a Pinterest button to the header or footer of your website to encourage people to follow your account Tack Save to Pinterest buttons to your site’s photos Set up a Pinterest social media feed 06. Design your images specifically for Pinterest As with many social media platforms, when Pinning content from your website your featured images will appear as your Pinterest posts. However, the images that work for your site won’t necessarily work that well for Pinterest. With Wix, you can design high-quality social media graphics that fit your brand style and look great on the visual search engine. It has a wide range of template options that can help you get started and plenty of eye-catching customization options. Keep these tips in mind when designing Pinterest imagery: Size your Pins and ads to 1000x1500 pixels. Anything larger than a 2:3 aspect ratio may get cropped. If you use stock photos or vectors, customize them to fit your unique brand style. That may mean using the same font each time, applying a certain filter or even using a template for your layout. Add a branded watermark to each graphic. 07. Enable rich pins The benefit of rich Pins is that they automatically update to reflect changes on the linked website. So, if a product rich Pin includes pricing, product specs or availability in its description, the details will change every time you adjust them on your website. Similarly, the headline, author byline and description of an article rich Pin will change whenever those details change within the link. This feature saves you the time of updating every post on your Pinterest board to reflect recent updates and ensures that your customers can rely on your Pinterest board for up-to-date information. 08. Engage with the Pinterest landscape to attract a following In addition to regularly creating pins for your page, you’ll want to look outwards as well. Following other accounts, commenting on Pins, saving Pins to your boards, joining group boards and inviting others to your group boards are great ways to get noticed on Pinterest. Group boards are collaborative, so inviting followers to pin their own content to your boards makes it easy to collect user-generated content. For example, if you have a home brand, you can invite fans to share photos of your products in their home. You could also invite influencers and collaborators to your group boards so they can share their relevant partner content with your audience. 09. Keep an eye on your analytics Once you have the ball rolling on your Pinterest marketing strategy, set some SMART goals and track your progress towards them. Decide what you want to accomplish on Pinterest in the next three months, six months and year. Looking at the competition can help you establish realistic goals. For example, if they have 500 followers and 10,000 monthly views, set the goal to reach those same metrics within a year. Pinterest Analytics is a robust tracking and trends tool that’ll tell you how well your content performs and provide you with insights on how to improve it. Pay close attention to your numbers when starting so you can adjust your goals and your content marketing efforts accordingly. The audience insights and conversion insights are particularly useful because they will tell you who your content attracts and what content motivates them to make a purchase. 10. Add some inspiration to your home feed Click on your profile widget in the top-right corner again and click on “Tune your home feed.” This section allows you to curate your home feed to show you the topics you’re most interested in. You can always make changes by clicking on Business > Home Feed in the top-left corner of Pinterest. 11. Learn from your competitors To get inspired for your own Pinterest marketing strategy, spend some time looking at competitor accounts to see what works for them. Ask yourself: What boards do they use to organize their content? What kinds of content do they share: Blog posts? Infographics? Products? Recipes? Video how-tos? Which content seems to get the most engagement? Is there a trend in terms of the images, text or videos? Do they use colors, filters or some other common element to brand their Pins? You can also plot your competitor’s marketing funnel: Identify which content is aimed at calling attention to people who are unaware of the business (top of funnel) and which appeals to prospects who are researching and are ready to make a purchase (bottom of funnel).

While artificial intelligence was the work of science fiction only a few decades ago, many of us now interact with AI technology on a day-to-day basis. Just think about the last time you listened to a curated playlist on Spotify or asked Siri to set a kitchen timer—that’s all AI in action. Needless to say, AI plays a big role in our professional lives, too. In fact, if you’re reading this blog, then chances are that you’re looking to take advantage of AI to either help you do more or squeeze more return on investment (ROI) out of your business’ marketing efforts. So without further ado, let’s dive into the benefits, challenges and tools of AI marketing. Ready to harness the power of AI? Create a website with Wix. What is AI marketing? In the broadest terms, artificial intelligence (AI) marketing is a marketing method that uses advanced computing to analyze data and better understand your target customers. AI has proven useful for analyzing customer behavior and providing insights that can enable you to communicate better across all of your different marketing channels. Plenty of professionals have gone all-in on embracing the maximized efficiency of this new technology. According to Influencer Marketing Hub , 61.4% of marketers currently use AI in their marketing activities, with 71.2% believing that AI can outperform humans at their jobs. More than half—54.5%—believe that AI is likely to greatly enhance their marketing efforts overall. How AI is used in marketing today Website copy In the realm of digital marketing , AI is being used to create, streamline and improve website copy on a large scale. For example, Wix’s AI text creator lets you generate product descriptions, about pages, FAQs and even newsletters with a few simple prompts. Personalization An effective small business marketing strategy means reaching your target audience in the most effective way possible using the fewest resources possible. AI marketing can replace manual guesswork and help your business use your already-existing customer data more efficiently, satisfying this requirement perfectly. Brand reputation You can use an AI logo maker to shape your branding or use AI to instantly generate assets like blogs, images and much more. Wix's built-in AI functionality can even generate social post captions, giving you three options to choose from—complete with emojis and relevant or trending hashtags. Test drive our AI social media tools from your Wix account now. Advertising Generative AI can also automate otherwise tedious marketing tasks like creating different versions of ad copy for various social profiles. Additionally, if you struggle to come up with ideas for ad copy at all, AI can be a lifesaver. For example, with Wix, you can use AI to generate titles and descriptions for Google Ads, and then publish them directly from your site editor. Some additional ways you can use AI to optimize your small business marketing efforts include: Providing real-time product suggestions based on previous customer interactions Using programmatic ads to help maximize media planning efforts Automatically pricing items based on supply and demand data to boost sales Learn more: AI business ideas The benefits and challenges of AI marketing There are pros and cons to all new technologies, and AI marketing is no different. The best way to employ artificial intelligence in your marketing efforts is to understand the benefits and challenges it brings to the table. Benefits of AI marketing AI benefits small businesses by optimizing their marketing strategies to move faster and more efficiently. “When people come to a small business, they come for a specific reason,” says Shachaf Rodberg, researcher and curator at Wix who works to inspire internal teams with industry news and marketing trends . “Any type of marketing tool will automate manual tasks and allow you to focus on talking with people and creating a good customer experience. You can use AI to scale yourself as a person when you don’t have a large budget.” What else can AI marketing tools do for you? Some additional benefits include: Saves time: 97% of small businesses in an Unbounce survey said that AI helps them save a significant amount of time on marketing tasks. Imagine, for example, using generative AI to write unique product descriptions for hundreds of items in an online store. This task would have taken days—if not weeks—to accomplish manually, versus seconds with AI. Increases your return on investment (ROI): AI marketing tools increase ROI by reducing the time you spend on repetitive tasks. You can create marketing materials more quickly, which makes your message more relevant, and allows you to optimize your campaigns more efficiently. Accelerates revenue growth: Per the Unbounce survey, 82% of small businesses claim that AI marketing tools help accelerate their revenue growth. AI can help you create more effective blog outlines, suggest copy for social media posts, transcribe video and audio content, and allow you to launch campaigns more quickly. Improve customer experience: One of the most promising functions of AI marketing is the ability to analyze large volumes of customer data. This data can be used to understand your customers’ preferences, detect changes in behavior and make personalized recommendations for products and content. All of this contributes to creating a better customer experience—and much of this can be automated. Remain competitive: AI can also help your business become more competitive using programmatic ads and cutting-edge media. Small businesses traditionally don’t have the time or resources to compete with the big brands in this capacity. Now, you can use tools and AI features like Wix’s AI text creator to generate newsletter copy, or Synthesia.io to create realistic talking-head avatar videos from text. It’s a way to keep your marketing ideas fresh. Challenges of AI marketing While AI marketing can benefit your business, it’s not always a plug-and-play option. You’ll still need to devote training, time and financial resources to make sure you’re getting the best outcome in any type of marketing initiative. Here are some of the challenges you may face when implementing AI marketing solutions: Privacy: Privacy can be an ongoing challenge since you need to confirm that you have permission to share customer information with the third-party tools in an ethical and private form. You should create a system of best practices within your business to ensure that customer data is processed, analyzed and shared in a secure manner. Content quality: The quality of content generated by AI tools might not always align with your brand's voice or resonate with your target audience. Creating unique and custom content requires human oversight and editing. It’s also important to validate that all content created by an AI tool isn’t plagiarized and is accurate, since AI tools have been known to “hallucinate” (e.g., make up statistics, links, facts and stories.) CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman, even called this out while speaking to the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi in 2023. “I probably trust the answers that come out of ChatGPT the least of anybody on Earth,” Altman said. Bias: CMSWire reports that because AI tools use already-existing data, it’s likely they will reproduce any inherent bias in the dataset, be that racial, gender, ethnic or other social inequality. You’ll thereby need to be vigilant in checking that your AI-generated content is not assuming these biases. Customer adoption: It may make time for customers to acclimate to any customer-facing marketing tools. While some customers may feel uneasy about the shift at first, Shachaf says as the quality of AI improves, and these tools are more embedded in the culture, it’s likely that more people will learn to live with them. The first step towards that, he says, is simply to disclose to the customer that AI technology is assisting the interaction. “Human behavior doesn’t change: technology can change, tools can change, but humans are basically the same,” Shachaf says. Disruption to workflow: Implementing AI tools can sometimes disrupt established workflows, necessitating adjustments and adaptations. If you’re a one-person business, then it’s easy to adjust your processes to new platforms and tools—but for larger businesses, it’s important you train and prepare your team to ensure that you’re using all AI tools effectively. What’s next for AI in marketing? AI marketing may have started out the year as a trend, but it's rapidly becoming a necessity for businesses of all types. The staggering potential of generative AI tools has given many of us the perfect recipe for creating effective marketing campaigns quickly, efficiently and confidently. And, AI is constantly evolving. So what do we see looking ahead? More natural, intelligent text generation: AI-generated text can fall into the rut of being repetitive, predictable and formulaic. As the various generative AI platforms refine their algorithms and see widespread use, we expect to see more natural use of language, common sense and opinion in the text being created. More originality in media assets: Like text, generative AI often produces images, artwork, sound or videos that seem repetitive or off-base. As these platforms continue to evolve and develop a much larger pool of source material, we expect this to become nothing more than a growing pain. Continued need for human involvement: AI is not here to replace us human marketers; it’s here to help. Per the Influencer Marketing Hub survey cited earlier, 42.2% of survey respondents believe that if AI took over marketing operations completely, high-level strategy and decision-making would still require human oversight. AI will continue transforming website creation: Wix has a long history of AI implementation dating back to 2016. Now, it’s ushering in the next generation of how to make a website with its AI website builder . This website builder can generate an entire website for you from scratch—text, design, images and all—based on a few simple prompts. “We’re turning the corner on something amazing, and we’re only at the beginning of how AI will transform Wix and the website-building experience,” says Wix CEO Avishai Abrahami . Master your marketing skills with a professional website. Sign up with Wix today.

Build your website in minutes, try Wix for free today → The new kids on the block are digitally savvy, incredibly diverse—and they’re growing up fast. Say hello to Gen Alpha. Named by futurist Mark McCrindle , Generation Alpha refers to the first group of people born entirely in the 21st century. The oldest Alphas are now nearing 15 years old, and with a projected population exceeding 2 billion, they're on track to becoming the biggest and most influential generation ever. So, what do we already know about them? Even as kids, they’re giving us a glimpse into how they’ll live, work and shop in the future. Curious about how brands are preparing? Read on to discover more about Gen Alpha and how some companies are already shifting their marketing strategies to align with Alphas' future wants and needs. Make your job easier with  Wix . Tap into Wix’s built-in tools for multichannel selling, marketing and more. What are the Gen Alpha years? If you’re wondering, “Wait, didn’t we just get done talking about Gen Z?,” you’d be right. Gen Alpha is the generation that comes immediately after Gen Z. Here’s a rough breakdown of the three most recent generations (excluding Generation Beta, which is making its debut this year): ​Generation ​Born between Ages in 2025 Millennials 1980 - 1994 31 - 45 Gen Z 1995 - 2009 15 - 30 Gen Alpha 2010 - 2024 ​1 - 15 Source: McCrindle . Note: Birth year ranges may vary depending on the source, as there is no universally agreed-upon standard for defining generations. Which characteristics define Generation Alpha right now?    While there’s a fine line age-wise between the youngest Gen Zers and the oldest Alphas, members of Gen Alpha aren’t just a younger version of Gen Z. In fact, they’re more likely to align with millennials than with the  Gen Z consumer . That’s because Gen Alpha is the first generation raised by millennial parents, leading some experts to call them  “mini-Millennials.” The oldest Alphas were born the same year the iPad and Instagram were created. Some have been on the internet since the time they were born ( 6% of millennial parents  have reportedly opened a social media account for thier baby or toddler). Today, they're immersed in a culture where AI tools like ChatGPT are mainstream, Facetiming is the equivalent to a phonecall and the metaverse is on the rise. Another differentiator: Alphas didn’t just choose technology. It became a necessity when the COVID-19 pandemic caused months-long (and, in some regions, years-long) lockdowns globally between 2020 and 2023. With lockdowns disrupting school and play, Alphas had to rely heavily on their devices to learn and socialize. Gen Alpha’s tech-savvy upbringing gives them a unique perspective. They don’t just consume technology—they want to engage with it, improve it and make it their own. They’re growing up in a world where avatars help them express their identity, and where real and virtual worlds collide. As they enter their teenage years and adulthood, they’ll expect these interactive, personalized experiences to be part of every aspect of their lives. But technology is far from the only factor that sets Gen Alpha apart. This generation will blaze its own trail in several ways, considering that: They want to be self-starters: Growing up among online influencers, many Gen Alpha kids are entertaining unconventional career routes. In the U.S., the interest in college is declining with only 39% of 12 to 15 year-olds  considering it important, down from 50% in 2021. They're familiar with AI: A whopping 94% of surveyed 13-year-olds have heard or read about AI, and 44% have used it for their schoolwork, gaming or other creative purposes. It's already becoming second nature to them, shaping their behaviors and aspirations. They're newly "old fashioned": Despite being surrounded by tech, Alphas are showing signs of wanting to put down their screens to enjoy offline activities. Three-quarters of U.S.-based Alphas  say they prefer to go outside and unplug, already mindful of their mental health. Many Gen Alpha kids are also inheriting the brand loyalties of their parents—with millenial parents gravitating to toys like Legos , Hot Wheels and Barbies. They're confident online shoppers: Gen Alpha is no stranger to using social media to find and buy products, and the number of 12 to 15 year-olds shopping online has jumped 39% since 2021 . Nearly half ( 49% ) trust influencers as much as family when it comes to purchasing decisions. They’re future-focused: It's predicted that 65%  of Alphas starting primary school will work in jobs that don’t exist today, likely in emerging industries like AI and blockchain. The aging population and diversity in family structures (among other social, demographic and cultural shifts) will create new demands, too. They believe in causes beyond themselves: Over 30%  are already thinking about ways to make a difference and want to help people or the planet, having been exposed to global news and issues at an early age. Alphas will also represent the  most diverse generation in history , according to U.S. Census data. That means they will likely hold brands to higher standards when it comes to inclusivity. What does the future hold for Generation Alpha and eCommerce? Right now, Generation Alpha doesn’t have any disposable income. But if you want a glimpse into what their shopping habits might look like, consider the habits of their parents. A decade ago, people began calling millennials the  “experience generation”  after studies showed that 78% of them would rather spend money on an experience instead of a physical item. Now, as millennials become parents to Alphas, they’re forming tight bonds with their kids, and they want to share experiences together, including shopping. Several years ago, 81% of U.S.-based millennial parents were already saying that their  children influenced their last purchase , and 27% asked for their kids' opinions before buying a new TV, laptop, tablet or phone. More than half ( 56% ) of parents of Gen Alpha kids say their children watch shopping content like hauls or unboxing videos. Meanwhile, older Alphas enjoy access to teen-friendly payment apps, debit cards and driving services. And two out of every three children ages eight to 11 has  access to a smartphone . That means that brands with an omnichannel and integrated marketing  strategy are already ahead in meeting Alphas’ future needs. Further reading: 21 effective eCommerce marketing strategies to keep sales rolling in How are brands connecting with Gen Alpha now? Major brands that sell children’s products have already found innovative ways to connect with Gen Alphas and their parents. These initiatives are aimed at parents, not kids (various rules prohibit direct marketing to children ages 12 and under). However, they offer an interesting glimpse into current successful  marketing  strategies and how they could have long-term staying power. Walmart partners with Ryan’s World YouTube kids like Ryan Haji are the Gen Alpha version of Disney and Nickelodeon stars. At age 13, he’s Gen Alpha’s first breakout star. He launched  Ryan’s World  on YouTube in 2015, and in 2020, was dubbed Forbes ’ top-earning YouTube star . Now, his channel boasts an astonishing 38.6 million subscribers geared toward younger Alphas (kids ages two to six). He's even the star of his movie Ryan's World the Movie: Titan Universe Adventure . It's no surprise that brands have been lining up to work with Ryan. Walmart is one of them. When Ryan was just seven years old, Walmart struck a deal with him, debuting the first line of Ryan’s World-themed toys. By 2021, Ryan's merchandise sales had generated an estimated $250 million in revenue . Kids Foot Locker launches physical and virtual concept stores In 2021, Kids Foot Locker opened its first brick-and-mortar  House of Play concept stores  in Miami to give millennial parents (and their Alpha children) an interactive experience. The store featured an array of immersive experiences, including murals designed to help youngsters create their own TikTok- and Instagram-worthy experiences. House of Play was also temporarily available in digital form in Roblox. While Foot Locker recently announced plans to close 400 under-performing stores  in North America by 2026, the company plans to open 280 more stores focused on its house of play, community and power store concepts. Brands of all sizes embrace inclusivity and sustainability From major retailers to small businesses, brands are connecting themselves to causes that matter to Gen Alpha and their parents. For example, in 2021, The Lego Group launched its first Lego  brick made from recycled plastic . Its ultimate goal: To make all of its products from sustainable materials by 2030. Also in 2021, major apparel retailer PacSun launched its first fully dedicated  gender-neutral kids clothing brand , catching onto a trend that started with many smaller and mid-size retailers. Related reading: The top marketing trends to embrace this year One small business that paved the way for higher levels of inclusivity is  A Tribe Called Queer . Started by creative Sabine Maxine Lopez, the company sells a line of gender-neutral, size-inclusive clothing and accessories designed to help spark conversation. The company’s goal is to empower BIPOC and LGBTQIA25+ communities, as well as generate authentic discussions about mental health and provide a safe place for all identities. Sabine recently transitioned the company from a small business to a community-based nonprofit organization to make a stronger impact. How can your brand connect with Gen Alpha consumers? Whether or not your  eCommerce website  sells children’s products, it’s a safe bet that you’ll interact with members of Gen Alpha in the next five to 10 years. So, now is the perfect time to start pivoting your online business toward the future and implement new ways to deepen your brand’s customer engagement. Six ways to do so: Build a strong brand story Offer sustainable products Embrace inclusivity Tap into "edutainment" Dive into personalization Prioritize multi-device compatibility 01. Build a strong brand story Like their millennial parents, Alphas will likely look to support brands whose beliefs align with their own. If your company participates in social causes, let your customers know. Share what you’re doing and why. Brands that integrate this type of cause marketing strategy into their operations often benefit from improved customer retention and strong brand loyalty. But best of all, they’re showing that they’re doing the right thing. 02. Offer sustainable products From beauty products to food items, Gen Alpha is likely to dive into the details of their purchases. They’ll likely seek assurance that you’re using the safest and highest-quality ingredients. They’ll also look for brands that use the most ethical practices in obtaining raw materials. By focusing on sustainable eCommerce practices, you can better show your authenticity and commitment to building a better world. 03. Embrace inclusivity Look for ways to infuse a deeper level of diversity, equity and inclusivity into your company, your advertising and your product offering. Consider how Generation Alpha is the most diverse generation yet and are growing up in a world where representation and equity are non-negotiable. To this end, Lego has done away with gendered messaging on its toys . And Nike is one of several brands launching or expanding clothing and accessories for the  disability community . 04. Tap into " edutainment" Gen Alpha is growing up in an era where learning and entertainment are deeply intertwined. They're often drawn to interactive content that expands their knowledge while keeping them engaged. If these trends carry over into Alphas’ adulthood, then businesses that offer gamified learning experiences could be best positioned to win their affection. Use the tech at your fingertips—AI, AR and VR (as examples)—to transform ordinary experiences into immersive, educational adventures. Similarly, integrate elements like challenges, rewards or interactive features into your campaigns or apps. 05. Dive into personalization When they’re gaming or interacting online, Alphas like to express their creativity. They’re already using platforms like Roblox to create their own avatars and build their own worlds. So, it’s safe to say that Alphas will expect a higher degree of eCommerce personalization from the brands they support. A few strategies to try: sell customizable products, or offer personalized product recommendations that result in a more unique shopping experience. 06. Prioritize multi-device compatibility As kids, Alphas already know how to easily switch between devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, gaming consoles and smart TVs. Reaching them means creating experiences that work smoothly across different devices. Since younger kids often prefer portable devices like tablets, it’s important to make content that's easy to use on mobile as well. Designing for multiple devices isn’t just useful for tech-savvy kids—it’s also helpful for their parents who value convenience. By creating content that works well everywhere, you can connect with both kids and their families. Did you know? With Wix, you can simply chat with AI to create a mobile app. Learn more about Wix's app builder .

You've started your business  and your idea is finally taking form. You thought of a great product to sell in your online store and you’re ready to get started. But how do you actually make the physical product and do it efficiently enough to make it profitable? For many sellers, manufacturing  is the key. However, the harsh reality for small business owners  is that finding the right business partner to manufacture a product  can be difficult. To succeed, you must take a methodical approach and ensure that any relationship translates to high-quality—and profitable—products. What is a manufacturer? Before you start learning about how to find a manufacturer, it’s helpful to know exactly what they do. Simply put, a manufacturer uses a set process to make goods, usually in large quantities. Most modern manufacturers use equipment and mechanized tools to make product development as efficient as possible. But a manufacturer can also be a single individual who creates items by hand, so long as the process is easily repeatable at scale—such as a baker creating large batches of uniform bread loaves. By contrast, artisans are individuals who make one-of-a-kind goods, and almost always work by hand. Artisans also own the entire process of creating a product from start to finish, whereas manufacturers may make components of more complex products. Whereas an artisan might produce different goods—say, ceramics and glassware—manufacturers typically specialize in making a single type of product, or even just one item, like a specific type of glass bead. Depending on your business model, you may opt to source items from multiple manufacturers to offer customers an ideal assortment of goods. Learn more: Product sourcing How to find and select the right manufacturer Once you’ve decided whether you want to make your product nearby or abroad, it’s time to evaluate potential manufacturers. The five major steps: Do your research Verify quality Request a quote Run the numbers Negotiate terms and sign 01. Do your research To narrow down your choices, look for manufacturers with experience in your product category, the raw materials involved, and/or any special technology or tools needed to create your product. There are plenty of sources to use in your search, including: Online supplier directories : These information hubs list thousands of manufacturers, which are often vetted and reviewed for legitimacy. Some directories focus solely on domestic manufacturing, like Maker’s Row  and ThomasNet . Others include a wide range of international suppliers. The largest global directory of this sort is Alibaba , which offers a searchable supplier network complete with a certification program . Other options include Indiamart  and Sourcify . Google and “reverse lookup” using NAICS codes : Of course, anything can be found with a Google search these days. But finding manufacturers may prove to be more difficult, as many factories—especially overseas—have outdated websites or pages that haven’t been translated into SEO-friendly text. You may need to scroll through multiple pages of results to find realistic options. One way to optimize your search is by using a product’s NAICS code. The North American Industry Classification System is the federal standard for business classification. Nearly every product in the U.S. has a NAICS code, and as an entrepreneur, you can use the NAICS directory  to look up any product—or simply Google the NAICS code. Forums and social media : If you have any connections in the field or someone in your professional network that may have some insight, don’t be afraid to approach them for recommendations. If you lack the right connections, you can initiate conversations with other professionals via   Linkedin or Facebook groups. Or, check forums such as the startups subreddit  or  The Manufacturer Community , in addition to trade publications and events. 02. Verify quality When you’re manufacturing a new product, you’ll likely feel apprehensive about the credibility of a factory and/or the quality of the final product. This is entirely understandable, as working with a sub-par manufacturer can be very detrimental to business. Once you’ve come up with a shortlist of suppliers, verify their credibility so that you feel confident about their reputation. Gather as much information as you can about each candidate, ask for references, and request proof of certification for meeting industry, environmental, and/or labor standards. Any red flag should disqualify the manufacturer. To thoroughly vet for quality: In North America, check the  Better Business Bureau  (BBB).  The BBB’s mission is to build trust between buyers and sellers in North America through an accreditation system. The organization also maintains a repository of reported scams and complaints. Using the BBB website, you can search any business and see their rating and accreditation, customer reviews, and customer complaints. Run the license number: Requesting a copy of your manufacturer’s business license will give you a few vital pieces of information. For one, you’ll be able to ensure that they’re a legitimate business with proper credentials. Secondly, most business licenses include a scope of operation, i.e., a range of activities the business is legally allowed to participate in. And finally, a business license will include additional information on the manufacturer, such as a license number. You can use this info to do some more in-depth research to see if there are any code violations or other recorded infractions to be aware of. Check references: Once you make direct contact with manufacturers, inquire about their experience with products like yours and make sure they understand your needs. Your suppliers should be able to refer you to satisfied customers; if they can’t, then you may want to think twice. References should also be relevant to your business in some way (perhaps they make a similar product or ship to the same region as you do, or their business is the same size as yours). Don’t be shy when it comes to asking questions and speak to as many people as possible to get the best idea of what the manufacturer is capable of. Ask for product samples: Once you’ve identified reputable manufacturers whose capabilities seem to align with your needs, put them to the ultimate test: request a product sample. This will help you uncover any misunderstandings about the actual manufacturing process and gaps in your product design specifications. You’ll discover whether the factory takes liberties on design decisions or follows your instructions to a T and you’ll have something to examine in person before ordering more. 03. Request a quote After narrowing your list to two or three contenders, it’s time to request formal price quotes. Have your manufacturer provide details like: The minimum order quantity: You may think the price is the most critical piece of information you need. But, in fact, it’s often much more important to know the minimum order quantity. This number varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and you may find some factories’ minimum order to be too large for you. Price per unit: This is the basis of all your manufacturing expenses, and it has a huge impact on your pricing strategy and profit margins. Inquire about prices for different order sizes as well, as many manufacturers offer discounts for large bulk batches. Turnaround time: This concerns the time it takes to manufacture your order. Make sure to ask about the duration for different bulk sizes as well. Knowing this will help you with inventory management , especially during high selling seasons. Payment terms: Make sure you know how and when your manufacturers expect to be paid in full. Often, you’ll only start generating income after your products have arrived. Some manufacturers will allow you to pay in increments, while others require full payment upfront. 04. Run the numbers After all is said and done, your business needs to be able to turn a profit. The best way to ensure profitability is by crunching some numbers before choosing your manufacturer. Make these calculations before finalizing your decision: Compare quotes: See how manufacturers’ quotes measure up to each other. Keep in mind that a quote far below the range of others might be a red flag. Make sure that there aren’t any misunderstandings about pricing, or that a lower quote doesn't come at the cost of product quality. Payment terms and minimum quantities should additionally factor into your decision; you’re looking for the bid that’s the right number and offers the right degree of flexibility for your business. Calculate manufacturing and shipping costs: Calculate every single cost associated with the manufacturing process, including shipping, handling, insurance and customs tax. If you’re working with designers, engineers, or regional intermediaries for overseas manufacturing, factor in their costs as well. Determine your product’s market price: If you’ve done your homework, you probably already have an idea of what potential income your new product might generate. Now, it’s time to calculate specifics. Research the average market price of similar items, forecast your audience size, and gauge the number of units you’ll be able to sell over time. Calculate your profit margins: Once you’ve determined your costs and your potential revenue, you can derive your potential profit margin—that is, the percentage remaining from your revenue after deducting all costs—for a unit of your product. Learn how to diagnose your eCommerce profit margins. Note: Profit margin is often used to evaluate the financial health of a business as well. 05. Negotiate terms and sign It’s not uncommon for new entrepreneurs to struggle with negotiation. Many feel that they lack the experience and track record to make counter-offers or propose alternatives to contract terms. But negotiating is a routine part of business relationships. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and request changes. At worst, the manufacturer will decline your suggestions. More often, they’ll respond with a counter-offer that’s an improvement on the original quote. Once the terms are acceptable to you, it’s wise to have a lawyer review the final contract before you sign on the dotted line. Is a manufacturer the same thing as a supplier? No, a manufacturer is not a supplier. A supplier is a company that provides goods or services to other companies, while a manufacturer is a company that produces goods from raw materials. On top of that, manufacturers typically sell their products to wholesalers and distributors, while suppliers sell to manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers. In some cases, a company may be both a manufacturer and a supplier. For example, a company that manufactures cars may also supply parts to other car manufacturers. However, these are two distinct roles, and it's important to understand the difference between them. Types of suppliers To avoid confusion, it’s further worth mentioning that not all suppliers are manufacturers, though they’re often grouped together. This is especially true when searching for overseas manufacturing. Let’s break down some of the most common terms to make sure we’re on the same page. Factories focus solely on making products: By working directly with a factory, you can potentially get the lowest manufacturing price. However, the drawback is that it’s often harder to work with factories, especially if you’re considering overseas production, as they aren’t necessarily equipped to negotiate deals directly with independent retailers, and there may be communication and cultural barriers. Wholesalers don’t manufacture products: They buy products in bulk from factories and resell them. Dealing with a wholesaler instead of a factory has several advantages. For starters, you’ll likely be able to deal with a domestic company, making communication much simpler and giving you legal recourse if things go wrong. They may also have local warehousing, so shipping may be faster and cheaper. But the downsides of wholesale are also substantial. The price per unit is bound to be higher because the wholesaler takes a cut. And, most importantly, your product options are limited to a wholesaler’s pre-existing catalog. If your goal is to create a new product from scratch, wholesalers aren’t a good fit. Trading companies are similar to wholesalers : But they typically deal in smaller quantities and a larger variety of products. This is their greatest advantage. Like wholesalers, trading companies are middlemen, which drives up your cost per unit. The biggest downside, however, is the lack of responsibility these companies carry. Often, trading companies aren’t responsible for defective products. You likely won’t know who the actual manufacturer is in this case either, reducing accountability and reliability. Dropshippers not only offer products : They also store inventory and handle fulfillment and shipping directly to consumers. Manufacturers and wholesalers may offer dropshipping  in addition to their other services, while other companies specialize in dropshipping items from a catalog of producers. Dropshipping can be especially useful for new businesses. You can start out with fewer overhead costs and investments because you won’t need to worry about storage space. All you need is a good product idea, an online store for taking orders, and a marketing budget for promotion. To manufacture domestically or overseas? In the past, choosing a manufacturer typically involved a straightforward calculation of costs versus potential sales income. But increasingly, consumers expect producers and sellers to take a more principled approach. Environmental sustainability, social justice, and labor conditions in manufacturing facilities are increasingly in the spotlight, and shoppers expect businesses to be a force for good: 83% of consumers say companies should actively shape environmental, social, and governance (ESG) best practices, according to PwC . These factors come into play when you choose where to manufacture your products, whether in the United States or abroad. Currently, the vast majority of manufacturing occurs outside the U.S., with domestic manufacturing making up just 8% of the nation’s employment, according to McKinsey . But the supply chain headaches and labor shortages triggered by the pandemic, as well as the mounting pressure to lead on ESG initiatives, have reshuffled priorities. Other countries in Asia, including Vietnam and Malaysia, are cutting into China’s manufacturing lead abroad, CNBC has reported . At the same time, companies from Apple to Levi’s Dockers are “reshoring” to avoid future bottlenecks caused by war, climate change, or other unforeseen disasters; the Reshoring Initiative  estimates that more than 300,000 jobs returned to the U.S. in 2022 alone. Ultimately, the deciding factors will likely be specific to your product; your choices will be limited by which factories have the right manufacturing expertise and where you can find the raw materials you need at a cost you can afford. When possible, though, weigh the following considerations: Cost vs. transparency. Overseas manufacturing often comes at a much lower cost than at factories in the U.S. This is due, in part, to competition. There are simply many more factories abroad vying for your business that have learned how to maximize efficiency and produce items cheaply. However, you might find shortcuts that are hard to justify. Among the potential trade-offs: Lower-quality materials, lower wages for factory workers, and/or sub-par environmental standards that wouldn’t make the grade in the U.S. In order to monitor production and ensure it’s up to your standards, you may need to hire a local production manager or plan frequent site visits, both of which can add costs back to the bottom line. You may additionally want to consider committing to local environmental and sustainability initiatives to offset manufacturing impacts, which would require an additional investment. More options vs. closer options.  The large number of factories overseas means that you’ll likely find a factory that can produce what you have in mind. In the U.S., your options are limited, and you may have trouble locating a plant with the expertise or equipment to do the job. The learning curve for a domestic manufacturer could be costly both in terms of time and money. On the other hand, the sheer distance involved in using overseas factories can be expensive, due to costs accrued while navigating import regulations, cargo and freight fees, and additional time needed for delivery. Cultural and language barriers can make overseas manufacturing more costly, too, if misunderstandings arise. In a worst-case scenario, crossing borders can muddy the legalities of patent ownership or responsibility for defective products. Questions to ask yourself before you get started with manufacturing Q. How can I best position myself as an attractive partner for manufacturers? Approaching a manufacturer can be daunting if you’ve never done it. Some suppliers may provide generic responses or fail to respond at all. To make sure the factory you’re contacting takes you seriously, be as professional as possible. Let them understand that you mean business. You can do this by having a professional  eCommerce website  already set up for them to browse through (explore eCommerce website templates  to help you get started). Keep any emails concise and direct. Describe the product you want to manufacture, including materials and dimensions. Your request should be simple and easy to understand. You’ll also want to ask for pricing for several different quantities that are relevant to your business. Avoid requesting quotes for batches that are too small to be credible, but at the same time, don’t commit to more than you can handle. Q. What if there’s a problem in the future? A good contract is essential for covering foreseeable problems (such as product defects or supply chain delays), plus can include a catch-all provision for working through unknown scenarios. The contract should outline who covers the direct costs of making extra products if needed, as well as the indirect costs of higher shipping fees or increased customer churn. Q. Do consumers care more about how a product is made, or the price? The short answer is the maddening “It depends.” The expectation for companies to source products ethically is definitely growing, driven in large part by Gen Z consumers . Not only do these shoppers spend according to their beliefs; a growing body of research shows that they convince their elders to follow suit. More than seven in 10 parents say teenagers and college-aged people influence what they buy, according to Edelman . At the same time, younger consumers who are just starting their careers are more price-sensitive than others. During the 2022 inflation surge, a Harris Poll/Morning Brew study  found that 13% of Gen Z found American-made products too pricey, compared with 9% of Baby Boomers ages 57 and above. Overall, rising prices made 64% of consumers less likely to insist on American-made products, the study found. Solving this particular conundrum will depend partly on the type of product you make and the price you want to offer it at. However, trends suggest that if you can build ethical sourcing into your business model from the start, you’ll be better positioned to earn the business of the rising generation of consumers. How to find a manufacturer FAQ What does manufacturing mean? Manufacturing is the process of making products, transforming raw materials into finished goods. Manufacturing can be done through manual labor, machines or a combination of both. An example of manufacturing is the production of cars. Cars are made up of a variety of components, such as the engine, the body and the interior. These components are manufactured separately and then assembled into a finished car. What are the types of manufacturing? There are many different types of manufacturing, but some of the most common include: Discrete manufacturing:  This type of manufacturing involves producing individual items, such as cars or computers. Process manufacturing:  This type of manufacturing involves producing products that are made up of multiple components, such as food or beverages. Assembly manufacturing:  This type of manufacturing involves assembling individual components into a finished product. How do I get in touch with a manufacturer? Once you've found a manufacturer, you'll need to get in touch with them. Here are a few ways to do this: Call the manufacturer:  You can call the manufacturer and speak to a representative. Send the manufacturer an email:  You can send the manufacturer an email with your questions or requests. Visit the manufacturer's website:  The manufacturer's website may include a contact form that you can use to get in touch with them. What are examples of manufacturing? Manufacturing is the process of transforming raw materials into finished goods. It involves a wide range of activities, from sourcing materials to designing and producing products. Here are some examples of manufacturing: Automotive manufacturing:  The production of cars, trucks, motorcycles and other vehicles. This involves a complex process of assembly, including stamping, welding, painting and engine installation. Electronics manufacturing:  The production of electronic devices, such as computers, smartphones and TVs. This involves a delicate process of assembling components onto circuit boards. Pharmaceutical manufacturing:  The production of drugs and medicines. This involves a highly regulated process to ensure the safety and efficacy of products.

In this blog post, we’ll cover all the fundamentals of selling on Amazon. It’s no secret that Amazon is a juggernaut in the eCommerce world.   Today, it accounts for roughly 40% of U.S. retail eCommerce sales—or nearly $2 of every $5 spent online—according to eMarketer . And more than 60% of online product searches  now start on the marketplace.   For sellers, Amazon represents a vast, green opportunity.   Home to 200 million loyal Prime members and billions of monthly visitors, Amazon sets itself apart as the largest online marketplace in existence. That’s what makes it a welcome addition to many multichannel selling  strategies. (Not to mention that if you make an online store with Wix, adding Amazon as a sales channel is just a matter of a few simple clicks.) Learn more: How to make an eCommerce website , Best online selling sites   But Amazon is also a gargantuan marketplace. To stand out from the crowd, there are several things you need to be aware of before getting started. You have to do your research, the way you do when you learn how to start any business . How to start selling on Amazon in 6 steps If you’ve decided that Amazon makes sense for your business, follow these steps in order to hit the ground running. Set up an Amazon seller account  List your products O ptimize your listings Price your product Fulfill orders   Market your products 01. Set up your Amazon seller account One of the fastest ways to get started is by going through your Wix account. By integrating your Amazon store with Wix, you can automatically import your existing catalog to Amazon, avoiding tons of manual data entry and repetitive work. To do so, simply log into your Wix account and add Amazon as a sales channel.Alternatively, you can sign up for a new account  through Amazon. (Note: you can still connect your Amazon account to Wix after creating an account.) During the setup process, you’ll need to provide the following information: Tax information Phone number Bank account number Bank routing number Credit card details Government-issued ID 02. List your products If you’re using Wix, simply select the products in your Wix Store catalog that you wish to list on Amazon. You can add to an existing Amazon listing (aka “ASIN”) or create a new one (only if no one else sells your product on Amazon)—all from within Wix. If desired, you can customize your product details specifically for Amazon. For example, say you want to change the price for Amazon. You can easily define the price within Wix, then hit “Publish” to send those details to Amazon. Alternatively, you can go into Seller Central and create your listings from within there. It’s a fairly straightforward process, though it can be tedious if you’re entering details by hand. That said, Amazon operates on a first-come-first-serve basis. In other words, if an ASIN already exists for your product because other sellers are already offering it on Amazon, you won’t be able to change the listing details without submitting a support ticket. On the other hand, if you’re the first seller to list a unique product to Amazon and/or are registered in the Amazon Brand Registry , you can enjoy the most control over product details, including the titles, images, and bullet points. Make sure the products you offer are safe and comply with all laws and regulations, as well as Amazon policies. Looking for ideas to sell online? How to sell shoes online How to sell art online How to sell furniture online How to sell car parts online How to sell crafts online How to sell party supplies online How to sell toys online 03. (For new listings) optimize your content When it comes to creating a brand new listing on Amazon, you’ll want to make sure that you optimize your content for Amazon’s algorithm, as well as their seller guidelines. Keep in mind that Amazon SEO is not synonymous with Google SEO. Amazon has its unique ranking algorithm, intended to promote listings that are high-converting and sold by reliable sellers. Follow these below tips to strengthen your Amazon listings. Product title Your product title is instrumental in getting shoppers to click to your product detail page, so make sure to craft them carefully.   Keep your text to under 200 characters so that Amazon doesn’t crop it. Amazon Seller Guidelines recommend keeping titles to 60 characters. Make sure to include the most important aspects and keywords of your product. Consider what your customers will be looking for when shopping for your product, like size, color, brand and compatibility. Include relevant search terms that will enhance each product’s discoverability. Aim for high-volume keywords that’ll bring the right shoppers to your listing, but don’t overpack it with searchable terms. Capitalize words carefully so that your listings look professional. Product images Product photography is very important for establishing trust on any online selling site , so don’t settle for anything short of professional.   The recommended size for product images is 2,000 pixels by 2,000 pixels. Make sure the main image is shot against a pure white background and only includes the product(s) that are shipped with each order. You can add up to nine images, each of which can help customers envision your product's size, details, and intended use. Consider hiring a professional product photographer and retoucher to give your imagery a skillful touch. Avoid distracting backgrounds that can take away attention from the product itself. Make sure the product is the star of the image. Use soft lighting so that the product is easy to see in all its detail.   For more tips, check out our guide on  product photography .   Key features and description While key features (aka “featured bullet points”) tease the best aspects of your product, your long descriptions can help you to seal the deal by providing more in-depth details about your product—don’t skimp on either of these. Use bullet points to give customers a glimpse at the top selling points of your product. Don’t merely focus on features, but rather talk about the benefits of owning your item. Use the product description to help shoppers appreciate how your product will change their lives. What value does it bring? What sets it apart? How might it compare to other similar products on the market? Don’t stuff your copy with filler or over-the-top words (like “extremely”). Instead, write to inform your customers about the most helpful aspect of your product, and to appeal to their values. Naturally weave in keywords, including any alternate names, synonyms, and spelling variations. Pro tip: Tools like   Jungle Scout , Helium 10 , and SellerApp  can all help you perform thorough keyword research, specifically for Amazon. Scope out the competition and discover the best keyword opportunities for your products. 04. Name your price At this stage, you’ll want to keep your pricing competitive without squashing your margins. Check what your top competitors are charging by scoping out the top-selling products in your category. Analyze your existing sales data, plus use the aforementioned tools to inform your pricing strategy. Bear in mind that your Amazon price shouldn’t be too far off from your normal store prices. Your listing may not rank well—or be suppressed entirely—if your product can be bought at a far cheaper price in your store or elsewhere on the internet. If you’re a reseller, you’ll additionally need to familiarize yourself with the Buy Box. This little piece of real estate (located on the right side of your product detail page on desktop, or below the product images on mobile) dictates who “wins” and gains the profits from a sale. Buy Box winners may change daily, if not hourly, to reward sellers with the best track records. While your Buy Box eligibility depends on a variety of factors (including good account health and sufficient order volume), your price and total offer (e.g., shipping time and fees) will also come into play. You do not need to necessarily offer the lowest price, especially if you sell with FBA and offer Prime shipping. But, you’ll still need to optimize your price for the Buy Box. Consider testing out an Amazon repricer to dynamically adjust your prices. At minimum, be diligent in your research when deciding the best price for your product.   05. Decide how you’ll fulfill orders There are two ways that you can handle order fulfillment on Amazon.   Fulfilled by merchant (FBM) : You handle everything from warehousing to shipping, and packaging to returns processing. Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): You outsource fulfillment and customer service to Amazon. You’ll simply be responsible for shipping your products to Amazon’s fulfillment centers.   As mentioned earlier, FBA is nearly a prerequisite for competing in Amazon's most popular categories. That said, you can choose to take a hybrid approach and only use FBA for certain products.   Possibly the greatest advantage of FBA is that it gives your products a leg up in rankings (plus the Buy Box) by making them Prime-eligible. To sweeten the deal even more, FBA offers highly competitive shipping prices, allowing you to save significantly more in shipping costs than with other delivery partners and carriers.   However, there are some challenges to be aware of. Sellers most recently reported that Amazon drastically cut their FBA storage limits , chokeholding sales. You lose even more control over your business, allowing Amazon to hold on to your inventory, decide how to handle returned items (dispose or resell?), and restrict storage space—among other things.   Carefully decide which shipping method makes most sense for your products, then enter these offer details into your Wix account. In Seller Central, you can fill out the “Offer” tab.   06. Publish and start marketing your products Once you’ve completed the above steps, you can publish your product listing to Amazon. Remember, the job isn’t done once you’ve hit “publish.” Take steps to driving more traffic to your listings via channels like: Amazon ads : Create PPC (pay-per-click) ads for your products and target the main keywords your target audience will be searching. These sponsored ads appear in search results and on other product pages as recommended products. There are three types of Amazon PPC ads available: Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands and Sponsored Display. Social media : Choose the right social media channels for your target audience and build a content strategy to grow awareness for your eCommerce business. Create engaging content that brings your products to life and drives customers to your online store or Amazon product listings. Connect with social influencers who can promote your products using an Amazon affiliate link, earning them a commission in return for sales. Amazon badges : Amazon has created a variety of badges designed to help shoppers make a purchase decision. Available only to sellers on a Professional plan, these badges—or ribbons— can appear in search engine results page (SERP) or on product listings. Some require more time and effort to acquire, but all can positively impact your store’s traffic and sales. Amazon's Choice: Sellers can’t buy or apply for this sought-after badge. It’s an algorithm-chosen “best option” specially designed to streamline the customer journey. To qualify, you’ll need to be Prime-eligible with competitively priced, high-rated products that are in stock and ready to ship. Promotions and coupons: Customers love the thrill of a bargain. Grab their attention in a crowded marketplace by offering incentives like free shipping, percentage discounts or seasonal promotions. Promo codes or percentage discounts are enticing and free to use, but they’ll only be visible within your product listing. Coupon codes are discoverable in the SERP, but Amazon charges a fee for every coupon redeemed. Ultimately, you’ll need to do the math to see if price promotions work for your business. Deal of the day or limited time deals: Flash sales like these encourage shoppers to take advantage of the discounted prices while stocks last. Due to its high visibility on the Deals page, sellers must pay a fee to participate. Even so, sales aren’t guaranteed and you’ll be charged whether your campaign performs well or not. Unicorn-themed children’s store, Daughter’s List , cleverly uses some of these sales techniques to offer cost-conscious shoppers perceived value for money—a discount on every product’s original List Price, as well as extra savings coupons ranging from 5%-25% off. This competitive pricing strategy, alongside well-crafted product descriptions and solid product reviews, has earned the coveted Amazon Choice badge on some of their products. Why should I sell on Amazon if I have an online store? A multichannel strategies strategy is advantageous for many reasons: You’re not dependent on bringing in customers through one single sales channel. Your chance of discoverability increases with Amazon’s international audience of loyal shoppers. An online store adds credibility to your brand. Customers browsing on Amazon might look up your eCommerce website  to learn more. Wix stores that add an additional sales channel increase their revenue by up to 12%. Wix merchant Qualis uses Amazon to get its diverse array of products (including home, lifestyle, pet, and baby products) in front of the right audiences. Rather than building an audience from scratch for each category, Qualis can tap into Amazon's massive following—plus offer site visitors various ways to shop their products. The Qualis homepage proudly dons a sticker stating “Proud Amazon Seller," letting shoppers know that they can complete their purchases via their Amazon Prime account if they wish. Meanwhile, for Amazon shoppers, the Qualis website is a good place for them to learn more about the Colorado-based company. Both the Qualis website and Amazon page have a similar look and feel, creating a symbiotic relationship between the two channels. What are some good Amazon seller tools?   Amazon Seller Tools are third-party software solutions designed to help grow your Amazon business and streamline your workload. In a crowded market, they can help distinguish your store from the competition.   Some of the most popular tools include:   Jungle Scout : An all-in-one platform that helps Amazon sellers find products to sell, source suppliers, optimize listings, manage inventory and sales, and more. Helium 10 : An all-in-one platform offering a comprehensive range of software tools to manage your Amazon business. SellerApp : An analytics software app that offers a suite of tools to analyze and optimize your Amazon store’s marketing, sales, and operations. How do I get more reviews on Amazon? Amazon automatically emails buyers asking for a product review, so you technically don’t have to do anything to get reviews. But, there are other steps you can take to increase your review count. Just make sure to acquaint yourself with Amazon’s strict community guidelines, which prohibit things like bribing a customer to leave a positive review.   Some things you can do to earn reviews:   Join Amazon’s Vine Program  which is open to sellers who have Amazon brand-registered products and fewer than 30 reviews. In the Vine program, a seller submits 30 units of inventory. Selected Vine reviewers receive the product for free, test it out, and write a review. Manually request a review in Seller Central using Amazon’s “Request a Review'' button. It allows you to request reviews for each of your orders within four to 30 days of purchase. Place a card requesting a review along with your packaging. Adding a personal touch like this encourages users to give you feedback. Don’t forget to optimize the user experience to naturally earn reviews: Be responsive. Handle and respond to any questions, issues, or concerns promptly and professionally. Reply to customer reviews on the product detail page and, if you need to resolve any issues, ask them to contact you through Amazon’s Buyer-Seller Messaging Service. If you do get a bad review, you can try to reach out to the customer to offer compensation, like a full or partial refund or replacement item. Track your performance in  Amazon’s Seller Central . Embrace feedback and use it to improve your business. Consider implementing changes to the aspects of your business that continuously receive negative feedback. Is Amazon right for you? 5 questions to ask yourself 01. Audience It’s tempting to assume that everyone and their mother shops on Amazon. However, the reality is that just like any other sales channel, Amazon attracts a unique clientele. Earlier this year, Business Insider —together with analytics firm Numerator—even reported that the typical Amazon customer is a college-educated married woman living in the Southeast earning $80,000. According to the same report, these shoppers are mostly between the ages of 35 to 44 or 55 to 64, and spend 9% of their shopping budget on Amazon. This is consistent with Similarweb ’s findings: 60% of Amazon.com visitors are female, 40% are male 25% of shoppers are between the ages 25 to 34, 21.6% are between 45 to 54, and 16.3% are between 55 to 64 70.2% of visitors have a college degree or higher 39.5% have an annual household income of over $100,000, 29.9% earn between $50,000 and $100,000, and 30.6% earn under $50,000 The average household size of Amazon shoppers is two Prior to selling on the channel, confirm that your audience aligns with Amazon’s and set your expectations accordingly. 02. Product category With more than 30 main product categories and 25,000 subcategories, Amazon is known to be “the everything store.” And yet, not every category is created equal. Some see much more light of day than others. Some are more highly regulated. Still others are easier to rank for (read: less competitive) or more profitable to sell in. Make sure to do your due diligence and understand the types of behaviors that your target categories attract. Browse through the top-ranking products of relevant search and category pages. Check out Amazon’s Best Sellers list . If you resell popular products, see who you’re up against by navigating to the product page and checking out the “Other Sellers on Amazon” section. Keep in mind the top 10 more popular categories (by seller count) as well, as reported by Jungle Scout : Home & Kitchen Beauty & Personal Care Toys & Games Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry Health, Household & Baby Care Sports & Outdoors Arts, Crafts & Sewing Books Kitchen & Dining Baby 03. Seller requirements   Virtually anyone can join Amazon. However, as a third-party seller, you’ll be measured against strict performance standards. More specifically, you’ll be expected to maintain: Below 1% order defect rate (ODR)  - based on the number of chargebacks processed, negative feedback you receive, and more Below 2.5% pre-fulfillment cancel rate  - based on the number of orders you cancel prior to shipping out the product Below 4% late shipment rate (LSR) - based on the number of late or missing shipment confirmations Above 95% valid tracking rate (VTR)  - ensuring that the tracking numbers you upload are valid Needless to say that you’ll want to make sure you’re set up to consistently meet these standards. Otherwise, you risk listing suppression or, even worse, account suspension. 04. Costs of selling on Amazon If you’re serious about making Amazon work, you’ll want to sign up for a Professional plan, which costs $39.99 a month. With this plan, you gain access to the most useful tools in Seller Central, plus become eligible to win the Buy Box (this is a must for resellers).   In addition to a monthly subscription fee, you’ll be required to pay a referral fee on every item sold. The exact amount varies based on the product category but usually shakes out to be between 8% to 15% of your item’s total sales price.   05. Costs of competing on Amazon Beyond required costs, there are other costs associated with being able to realistically compete on Amazon’s bustling marketplace. Among them: Amazon FBA fees : With 92% of Amazon sellers using FBA, participation in the fulfillment program is hardly optional. It is currently the only way for third-party sellers to earn the coveted “Prime” badge on their listings (Amazon used to offer a Seller-Fulfilled Prime option, but the program has since been closed off to new registrants), and win the Buy Box in most categories. FBA comes with various shipping and storage-related fees that you’ll want to know. Advertising fees : Nearly two-thirds of sellers promote their products through Amazon’s Sponsored Product ads. They’re pay-per-click (PPC) ads that vary in cost, depending on the competitiveness of your target keyword. Make sure you thoroughly understand how much it costs to sell on Amazon  before diving headfirst.     Pros and cons of selling on Amazon With the above said, there are clear pros and cons of selling on Amazon. Not all cons are unique to Amazon—many are inherent to selling on any third-party marketplace—but you’ll nonetheless want to be mindful of them. Pros Massive reach: Amazon’s global presence and reach can yield lots of new traffic to your products and, ultimately, sales. Trusted channel: You may enjoy an easier time earning the trust of new customers, simply because of Amazon’s reputation as a fairly priced, buyer-friendly marketplace. Competitive advantage :As shoppers jump to Amazon to compare products and explore all of their options, you can make sure your product remains top of mind, no matter where your customers shop. Open-minded shoppers: Sixty-five percent of consumers  say they’re comfortable buying from sellers that they’ve never heard of before on marketplaces like Amazon, leveling the playing field. Cons Lack of control: Amazon has its own unique algorithm, processes and requirements (for pricing, listing, fulfillment, and more) that you’ll need to adhere to in order to maintain your selling privileges. Exposing your data: Amazon knows what you sell, what’s most profitable and who your suppliers are—and unsurprisingly, may use this data to create competing products. Tons of competition : While pretty much anyone can start selling on Amazon, only one percent of Amazon sellers  make over $100,000 each month in sales (you’ll have to play the long game rather than dream of overnight success). Brand dilution : With 78% of searches  being unbranded on the marketplace, you may find it difficult to attract repeat buyers and redirect customers’ loyalties from Amazon to your brand. However, enrolling in the Amazon Brand Registry before you list your products can make it easier to associate your products with your brand name. Fees can add up: Amazon seller fees  can eat into your margins and may be hard to avoid, especially if you use FBA for fulfillment.

It wasn’t that long ago when the thought of buying furniture online was ludicrous. I mean, who in their right mind would buy a couch without ever having sat in it before? Well, fast forward to today and buying furniture online is almost as common as buying shoes online. For entrepreneurs young and old, selling furniture is an attractive eCommerce business idea . Without the need to design a showroom or manage multiple store locations, running a furniture business has grown into a more realistic option for many, thanks to eCommerce . So, if you're looking to take your brick-and-mortar store online or jump into selling furniture for the first time, this article will guide you through the process and help you get started with selling furniture online. Ready to start a business  selling furniture? Create your own online store  today. How to sell furniture online in 7 steps 1. Choose a furniture sourcing method 2. Build a furniture catalog   3. Create your online store   4. Determine your fulfillment strategy   5. Set pricing   6. Handle shipping and returns   7. Market your furniture business   01. Choose a furniture sourcing method There are four primary ways to source furniture. Depending on your storage capacity, budget and even your skill level as a craftsman or craftswoman, you may have more than one viable business model from which to base your business. Hand-made : If you're a skilled crafter with a passion for making furniture, you may already have a variety of furniture pieces in mind to make on demand or keep in stock to sell. It goes without saying that as a crafter, you need a dedicated workspace and the ability to store your completed pieces. Design : Under this model, you can focus on designing pieces while another crafter or third-party factory brings it to life. As a designer, building a solid relationship with a manufacturer is critical. Find a manufacturer that accepts your input and works with you throughout the process. Resell : As a reseller, you may choose to curate new and/or vintage furniture pieces from multiple manufacturers or brands (via wholesale, estate sales, rummage sales, auctions, local marketplaces, bargain shopping, etc.). This model gives you the flexibility to curate furniture and decor collections that fit your brand, plus create cohesive styles and themes. Wholesale purchases:  If you want to sell a larger variety of furniture without having to make it yourself, wholesale purchases may be the way to go. This involves purchasing large quantities of furniture directly from manufacturers at discounted prices. 02. Build a furniture catalog How you shape your product catalog is paramount to the development of your brand. For example, if you want to be the next affordable furniture stop, your catalog might contain several Ikea-like items that buyers can build at home. On the other hand, if you’re an artisan seller like Wix user Beck & Cap , your catalog may consist entirely of unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. So, before building your catalog, take the time to clearly define your niche by taking these below steps. Define your “why” What inspired you to start your business? Do you want to build a brand that’s environmentally conscious using only sustainable or recycled materials? Does a portion of your proceeds support a charity or global movement? Perhaps you're fulfilling a lifelong dream or a family tradition. Be clear on what’s driving you to do what you do and make it a part of your brand story. This is instrumental in getting your customers to connect emotionally with your business. Identify your target market Describe your ideal client using thorough research. A well-defined target market helps you maintain focus as your business grows, so be specific. For example, the following target market description is too broad and lacks direction: People who like modern-styled furniture. Here is a better version: First-time homeowners ages 22 to 38, living in the United States, with a yearly household income of $100K or more. They favor eco-friendly, modern-styled quality furniture that's economically priced and aesthetically supports their minimalistic lifestyle. Be it residential or commercial customers, your description should help you understand precisely who you're looking to engage and what types of products you want to offer them. Pro tip:  Avoid using the words "people" or "anyone" when describing your target market. This will force you to get more specific about the individual user you want to target. Decide on a theme for your online catalog With your target market in mind, research trending products and determine a theme for your catalog that will appeal to your market. For example, will you offer a specific style (e.g., modern or traditional) or type of furniture? Will you feature collections for a specific room, or only offer furnishings made of a particular material? Will you sell any other items, such as complementary decor? If you already have a brick-and-mortar location, think about how your online catalog will compare to your offline offerings. Will you offer your full line of products online? Or, will you reserve your online store for your best-sellers or a specific furniture line? Pinpoint what differentiates your business from the competition There's a lot of competition within the furniture industry, so it's necessary to be clear about what sets you apart from other sellers. If you have a brick-and-mortar business, think about what brings customers through your door instead of a competitor's. Differentiators could include: Your customer service Your materials Your price Your designs Production and shipping speed The customization options you offer Your range of products The number of variations you offer The causes you support Where and how you build your furniture Consider all this as you decide the right makeup of products. 03. Create your online store Roll up your sleeves because this is the fun part: building an online store that represents your furniture brand and passion. To save time, we recommend choosing a platform like Wix eCommerce  that includes all the features and tools needed to create a successful online store. Design your online store Choose a professionally-designed home decor or furniture-focused template  that gives your customers a pleasant shopping experience and reflects your brand’s personality. Wix’s templates are fully customizable, allowing you to tailor both the desktop and mobile experiences. Ready-made Wix template for a furniture store Need help with this step? Hire a professional agency or freelancer through the Wix Marketplace  to get your store up and running in no time. Choose your business name Your business name says a lot about your company and will be with you for years to come, so you want a memorable name that embodies your brand, quality and purpose. If you haven't chosen a business name yet and need some inspiration, try the Wix business name generator or use a furniture business name generator. Make a list of any business names you might consider, and then check for domain name availability . Avoid special characters and unique spellings, and keep your domain name length reasonable so that it's easy for customers to remember and type it. Create a logo Your logo is critical to your business as it represents your brand throughout your marketing channels. The colors, fonts and imagery you use within your logo should align with your brand personality, appeal to your target audience and be easily recognizable. Try to avoid designs that are overly complex. Instead, keep the design simple, using one to three colors at most. Design your logo for free in minutes using the Wix Logo Maker  or get matched with a professional designer  who can create one for you. Build your categories and navigation First, consider how your target audience would prefer to browse your products, and then create categories that align with their shopping habits. For example, is your customer likely to shop by color, style, price, function, room—or all of the above? Your product categories are an essential part of your online store navigation. Once you've created your categories, make sure that they are easy to find directly from your homepage and via your main site navigation menu. Load your products With a platform like Wix eCommerce, you can choose to upload products manually or via bulk import. Organize your products into collections, and create thoughtful category pages as well as product pages. On each product page, include detailed product descriptions that mention: Materials used Details about durability Suggestions for use (living room, dining room, bedroom, office, indoor/outdoor, etc.) Where and how the piece was made Dimensions Weight Care instructions And when possible, use storytelling to help your customer visualize the piece in their space and build an emotional connection to your products. Showcase each product using multiple high-quality photos. Videos, charts and 360-degree photos can be especially useful for showing off furniture. Tell your story From your homepage messaging to your “About Us" page, express why you sell furniture and what fuels your passion. If your business supports a cause, tell your customers why you're doing it. Your story helps build a connection with your customers and gives them a sense of belonging and a reason to support your business with pride. Learn more: How to make a furniture website Write an FAQ Provide a self-service section for customers' most common questions and add to it as you discover more. This will help you to set the right expectations with your customers, and provide an even better customer experience. Don’t forget to link to the FAQ page from your main navigation and footer for easy access. Provide contact options Include contact details on a contact page and/or footer. Consider how a live chat feature like Wix Chat  can additionally help to provide customers with the support that they need and to anticipate any order issues. 04. Determine your fulfillment strategy You may have limited storage space and capital as a startup furniture business, and that's okay. Now that your online store is ready for business, it’s time to determine how you will fulfill orders. You have several options, including: Dropshipping : Under a dropshipping  model, you’re released from the burden of storing, packaging and shipping products yourself. Your manufacturer will ship finished pieces directly to your consumers. This setup is often appealing if you have limited storage space and/or startup capital. But keep in mind that by outsourcing your order fulfillment, you relinquish some control over the customer experience. In-house fulfillment : This option involves managing the entire order fulfillment process in-house, from storing inventory to packaging and shipping products yourself. It gives you more control over product quality and shipping speed but requires a significant amount of time and resources. Third-party logistics (3PL) : With 3PL, you outsource the storage, packaging and shipping of your products to a fulfillment center. This option can save you time and resources but also means less control over product quality and shipping speed. Consider the pros and cons of each fulfillment method before deciding which one is best for your business. You may even choose to use a combination of methods depending on your inventory turnover and order volume. 05. Set pricing Determining the right place will require thorough market research. Analyze how similar items are priced within the industry and how much your target buyer is willing to pay. Settle on a price that is fair and consistent with the market, but make sure that it covers the cost of your materials and related expenses. Moreover, make sure you know how to diagnose your eCommerce profit margins properly, so that you can ensure a profit from every sale. Don't be afraid to experiment with your pricing as you go by raising or lowering the price slightly and seeing what happens. 06. Handle shipping and returns Shipping and returns play a vital role in every eCommerce business. By fostering clear communication around these processes, you build trust with your customers, encouraging repeat business and positive reviews. Picking the right carrier Managing the logistics of furniture shipping can be tricky, especially with the many weight and size restrictions that apply to this category of products. But fortunately, there are various options at your disposal. For smaller, lightweight pieces, you can continue using standard ground service via carriers like FedEx, UPS and USPS. For oversized items, less-than-truckload (LTL) freight shipping is a good option. The downside is that it may take longer for your items to reach your customers, since LTL shipments are combined with other sellers' shipments and make more stops. In any case, you'll want to heed best practices for furniture shipping , such as using a platform like Shippo to lock in the lowest rates (up to 90% compared to retail rates) and track shipments. Determining shipping pricing As a startup furniture business, absorbing shipping expenses into your product pricing can be cost-prohibitive to your business. While you’ll want to offer a competitive price, you’ll need to ensure that you can cover the costs of creating and transporting bulky and/or heavy items. Here are three options to consider offering: Flat rate shipping : Charge a single rate for all products. For instance, you could charge $12.99 shipping for each item sold. This splits the burden of shipping fees between your business and your customer. Free shipping : Offer "free shipping" but offset your expenses by increasing your product’s price to include some or all of the shipping cost. If you’re working with a shipping carrier or fulfillment partner, ask for upfront quotes so you can calculate shipping costs accurately. Calculated shipping : Automatically calculate shipping charges at checkout based on shipping weight, dimensions and destination, then charge the customer accordingly. Many customers may shy away from hefty shipping fees so this method may hinder sales. In the furniture business, returns are tricky, so minimizing them is your best option. Publish high-quality photos, videos and detailed product descriptions to pre-empt customer questions, plus provide excellent customer support. When writing your return policy, you can also limit returns to defective products and/or charge customers (partially or in full) for return shipping. Decide what works best for your business, clearly state your terms and make your policy easily visible on your checkout and product pages to avoid unwelcome surprises. 07. Market your furniture business With your online store up and running, it's time to start helping potential customers find it through a strong eCommerce marketing  strategy. Wix offers a complete marketing and customer management suite of tools to earn traffic, manage relationships and build customer loyalty. With Wix SEO , you can: Optimize your site for search engines using built-in SEO tools Raise brand awareness and increase engagement through social posts on Facebook and Instagram Create videos to showcase your business and your products Reach out to visitors via live chat Regularly email customers with new product announcements, furniture care tips and more to keep your business top of mind Offer private member accounts with exclusive access or services Create automated responses based on customer actions And more Learn how to build an eCommerce website Tips to sell your furniture successfully Although selling furniture online has profit potential due to lower overhead costs, careful planning is essential to navigate competition, shipping logistics and the demand for quality service. Here are a few tips for how to successfully sell your furniture online. Stay on top of trends Research current furniture trends to see what’s selling well. Neutrals and timeless styles like mid-century modern have lasting appeal, while trends in colors and patterns change frequently. Keep these insights in mind when choosing the pieces for your collection. Create a cohesive brand aesthetic Differentiate your furniture business by developing a cohesive aesthetic. A consistent color palette, photography style and website design elements across your online platforms and marketing materials will make your brand more memorable to customers. Use quality photographs Use high-resolution photos that showcase your products from different angles and in various settings. Consider hiring a professional photographer to capture the best images of your furniture. Leverage social media Use social media to promote your furniture business effectively. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are perfect for showcasing high-quality images of your products in real-life settings. Consider social media ads to target potential customers looking for furniture. Offer customization Stand out by providing customization options for your furniture. Allow customers to choose custom colors, fabrics, or sizes, making their pieces unique. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also gives you an edge in a competitive market. Deliver exceptional customer service Make exceptional customer service a priority. Respond promptly to inquiries and issues. Consider implementing a satisfaction guarantee or return policy to build trust and ensure customer satisfaction. Partner with complementary businesses Collaborate with businesses that sell complementary products like home decor or interior design services. This can lead to cross-promotion and increased exposure for both businesses. How to sell furniture online FAQ Is it profitable to sell furniture online? Selling furniture online can be profitable if you can reach a wide audience and because of the potential of low overhead costs without a physical store to maintain. However, competition, shipping logistics and the need for quality customer service can also impact profitability so plan carefully. How can I use augmented reality to enhance the online furniture shopping experience? Augmented reality (AR) technology allows customers to virtually visualize furniture in their own space before making a purchase, enhancing the online shopping experience. Wix App Market offers applications such as Swift XR to integrate AR into your Wix online store. What are some ways I can make my furniture business more sustainable? A subset of consumers are actively seeking eco-friendly and sustainable furniture options. To boost your business's sustainability, use responsibly sourced materials and adopt eco-friendly manufacturing processes. Offer recycling or repurposing options for customers disposing of old furniture. Collaborate with other sustainable businesses to include their products, like eco-friendly paint and organic fabrics, in your range. What types of payment methods should I offer on my online furniture store? To cater to a wider range of customers, it's best to offer multiple online payment methods on your online furniture store. These may include credit/debit cards, digital wallets , PayPal, Apple Pay and Afterpay (if available in your country). You may also want to consider offering financing options for larger purchases. Make sure to clearly display accepted payment methods on your website and at checkout. Should I offer virtual consultations for customers? Offering virtual consultations for customers can be a great way to provide personalized service and build a relationship with potential buyers. This can be especially helpful for customers who may not be able to visit your physical store or showroom. During a virtual appointments you can showcase products, discuss customization options and answer any questions the customer may have. This can also help with upselling and building trust with customers. How important is it to have a mobile-friendly website for my online furniture store? It's crucial to have a mobile-friendly website for your online furniture store as more and more people are using their mobile devices to shop online. Make sure your website is optimized for mobile devices and offers a seamless shopping experience. This includes easy navigation, high-quality product images and a simple checkout process. You may also want to consider creating a mobile app for your store to make it even more convenient for customers to shop on the go. Can I implement a subscription model for selling furniture? Yes, you can implement a subscription model for selling furniture. This could include offering a subscription service for regular delivery of home decor items or providing customers with access to exclusive discounts and deals on furniture purchases. How do I take good photos of my furniture for online listings? Harness natural lighting:  Choose a well-lit area to take photos of your furniture. Natural light will provide the most accurate representation of colors and textures. Use a neutral background:  A plain, neutral background will help your furniture stand out and allow customers to focus on the product instead of the surroundings. Show multiple angles:  Take photos of your furniture from various angles to give customers a complete view of the piece. Include close-up shots:  Customers may want to see details and textures up close, so be sure to include some close-up shots in your listings. Stage the furniture:  Showcase how the furniture can be used in a real-life setting by staging it with other decor items or in a room. Use props:  Adding props such as plants or books can help customers visualize how the furniture will look in their home and add some personality to your photos. Invest in a good camera:  A high-quality camera will ensure that your product photos are clear and crisp, making them more appealing to potential buyers. How to be safe when selling furniture online? Here's a list of ways to stay safe when selling furniture online: Use a trusted online platform, like Wix eCommerce Verify buyer information Use secure payment methods Be alert to potential scams Set clear terms and policies for goods sold Take high-quality photos Describe the furniture accurately Price reasonably Secure payment before delivery Insure high-value items Use tracked shipping Meet in safe locations for local transactions Use caution with personal information Keep records of communication and sales

If you're an artist, craftsperson or small business owner with a talent for creating handmade treasures, chances are you've contemplated how to sell on Etsy. Etsy has become a thriving marketplace for creative entrepreneurs with 5.4 million active sellers  and a staggering 89.4 million active buyers. Whether you're already running an eCommerce website  in conjunction with an Etsy shop or looking to create your own online store , we'll walk you step by step through the process of successfully selling on Etsy. How to sell on Etsy in 6 steps Set up your Etsy Shop Create high-quality listings Set the right price Optimize your listings   Market your shop   Fulfill orders 01. Set up your Etsy shop Signing up for a free, self-service Etsy shop takes only a few minutes. Create your account today and experience the freedom of starting your own business in three simple steps: Step 1:  Sign up by visiting Etsy.com  and clicking on the "Sell on Etsy" option in the footer menu. Step 2:  Select "Open Your Etsy Shop" and sign up for an Etsy account. You can create a new account or sign in with your existing account if you already have one. Step 3:  Once you're signed in, click on the "Open Your Etsy Shop" button again. You'll be prompted to provide essential details for your shop, including the shop name, language and currency. Choose a unique and memorable shop name that reflects your brand or products. 02. Create high-quality listings Regardless of the platform you use to sell your products, be it Etsy, another online marketplace or your own website, the significance of compelling product photographs cannot be overstated. According to Etsy's customer research , 90% of shoppers emphasized that quality of images was the most crucial factor in their purchasing decision—even above reviews (73%), shipping costs (76%) and the price of the item itself (83%). You can add up to 10 photos for each product, plus a video. For optimal results, Etsy advises using all 10 photo slots. You’ll also want to invest in professional-looking product photos that showcase your items in the best possible light. Use natural lighting, clear backgrounds and multiple angles to give customers a clear view of your creations. 03. Set the right price Finding the sweet spot in terms of pricing may take a bit of experimentation. However, here are some tips to help you get started: Research your market:  Take a look at similar products for sale on Etsy and other platforms to get an idea of the price range. Consider factors such as materials, craftsmanship and uniqueness when comparing your products. Understand your target audience and their willingness to pay for your products. Consider their demographics, preferences and the value they perceive in your offerings. Calculate your costs:  Determine all the costs involved in creating and selling your products, including materials, labor, overhead expenses, packaging, shipping and Etsy fees. Ensure that your prices cover your costs while still providing a reasonable profit margin. The average profit margin for Etsy sellers  is around 40%. However, as you scale your business, you could grow that to as much as 65%. Determine your pricing strategy:  You can choose to price your products competitively to attract more buyers, or you can position them at a higher price point to convey exclusivity and premium quality. Experiment with different pricing strategies to find what works best for your business. Continuously evaluate your pricing strategy based on customer feedback, market trends and your business goals. Be open to making adjustments to optimize your pricing for profitability and customer satisfaction. 04. Optimize your listings To enhance your visibility in Etsy search results, it's important to focus on key factors that impact your listings' performance. The following factors play a significant role in determining the placement and order of items in a shopper's search results: Listing quality:  Etsy's search algorithm evaluates the performance of individual listings based on customer engagement and purchase likelihood, known as "listing quality." Factors such as the product thumbnail photo, clear titles and shopper interactions influence listing quality, as do clicks, favorites and purchases of an item. The higher your listing quality score, the greater the visibility. Relevance of tags and titles:  Ensure that your tags and titles accurately reflect the content and nature of your products. A tag is a short phrase that describes your item. When shoppers search for specific items, Etsy matches their queries with listing tags to provide relevant search results. Each tag can contain concise, descriptive phrases, such as "wooden spoon." Pro tip: For the best results, use all 13 available tags per listing. When a buyer's search term is present in both the title and tags of a listing, it is considered more relevant by Etsy’s search algorithm. Additionally, words at the beginning of titles hold greater significance than words at the end. Relevance of item attributes:  Provide accurate and detailed information about your items in the Listing Details section. Choose the type of item you're listing and its categories. Then include attributes shoppers may use to search for your item such as size, color, material and other relevant specifications. This helps Etsy understand your products better and match them with relevant searches. Customer experience:  Prioritize excellent customer service, prompt shipping and positive feedback from buyers. Maintaining a good reputation and delivering a positive experience can improve your listing’s performance, as the more positive reviews you earn, the higher you’ll rank in search. Free shipping (for U.S. sellers):  Consider offering free shipping on your items, as it can be an attractive incentive for shoppers and increase your visibility. Etsy gives preference to listings that offer free shipping or shops that offer free shipping on orders over $35, particularly for sellers based in the United States. 05. Market your shop You need to drive traffic to your product listings to break through the competition and get your products seen by the thousands of buyers visiting Etsy every month. Here are some ways to attract new shoppers to your store and keep them coming back for more. Etsy advertising Etsy offers a few advertising programs to help you promote your products and reach a larger audience. Etsy Ads:  Promote your listings within Etsy search and relevant product listings using a pay-per-click (PPC) model. Set a budget, and Etsy will optimize ad placements for visibility and clicks. A daily budget of $3 to $5  is recommended, with 30-day testing for effective data collection. Offsite Ads:  Extend your ad visibility to selling on Instagram , Google, Facebook, and Pinterest with Offsite Ads . You pay only for conversions (sales) with a cost-per-conversion (CPC) model. Orders attributed to ads within 30 days incur a 12% to 15% transaction fee based on past revenue, minimizing ad cost risk. Note that shops that earned over $10,000 in the past year must participate in Offsite Ads. Promoted Listings:  Increase visibility in Etsy search by promoting selected listings. Set a cost-per-click bid to enhance placement in relevant search results. Social media promotion Utilize social media platforms to showcase your products, share behind-the-scenes content and engage with your audience to encourage social commerce. Build a brand presence and drive traffic to your Etsy shop. Regular shop updates Keep your shop fresh by regularly adding new products or variations. Regular updates keep customers engaged and encourage them to revisit your shop. Collaborate with influencers Partner with influencers or bloggers in your niche to promote your products. Their endorsements can introduce your shop to a wider audience and boost your sales. Offer discounts and special promotions Run occasional sales, offer discount codes or provide incentives like free shipping to attract new customers and encourage repeat purchases. Build a multichannel sales strategy Use Etsy to complement your multichannel retailing approach. You’ll reach a global audience and enhance brand visibility alongside your other platforms. Learn about Wix’s multichannel features  for managing all of your sales channel under one roof. 06. Fulfill orders Streamline order fulfillment by maintaining efficient turnaround times. According to Etsy’s shipping guidelines : “Prompt shipping means that you ship each item within 30 days of purchase, unless you specify otherwise in your processing time or agree to a different shipping period with the buyer through Messages.“ Set realistic expectations that allow you to meet or exceed customer expectations consistently. Create a memorable unboxing experience with branded packaging and thoughtful touches like handwritten notes or surprise bonus items. Communicate effectively by providing shipping updates, tracking information and seeking customer feedback to foster trust. Additional tips for successful selling on Etsy Encourage customer feedback and reviews:  Encourage customers to leave feedback and reviews for your shop. Positive reviews build trust and credibility, attracting more customers to your products. Adapt and improve:  Listen to customer feedback and adapt accordingly. Commit to continuously improving your products, customer service and shop experience to meet the evolving needs and preferences of your target audience. Continue learning:  Stay informed about the latest trends, techniques and best practices for selling on Etsy. Join seller communities, forums and attend webinars to learn from experienced sellers. Is Etsy right for you? 3 considerations To determine if Etsy is worth your while when starting a business , consider factors such as your target audience, product type, profit margins and more. Here are a few things to consider before you learn how to start selling on Etsy. 01. Audience Roughly 59% of Etsy's traffic  comes from U.S. shoppers—mostly individuals seeking unique, handmade and vintage products. Before you tackle how to sell on Etsy, consider how well your target audience aligns with the shoppers attracted to the platform. While Etsy does not typically disclose the specific demographics or values of its buyers, you can observe general trends that Etsy buyers gravitate toward through social interactions and shopper feedback: Sustainability: In 2020, Etsy did disclose that 46% of 2,500 buyers surveyed  used the platform to shop in a more eco-friendly way. Unique products:  Buyers come to Etsy to find unique or one-of-a-kind items they cannot find at major retailers. Supporting small businesses:  Buyers turn to Etsy to support small, independent entrepreneurs and directly contribute to their success. Connecting with sellers:  Etsy shoppers are looking for a more personal connection to the artists and shop owners they buy from. 02. Top product categories Etsy is a specialized marketplace dedicated to handmade goods, vintage products and arts and crafts supplies. Its online marketplace is great for artists, shop owners, woodworkers, jewelry makers and various creators to showcase their unique creations to a vast audience of potential buyers. While learning how to sell on eBay and Amazon offers a wide range of products, Etsy stands out as a destination where customers can discover one-of-a-kind treasures, customizable items, unique goods and niche products often unavailable elsewhere. In understanding how to sell things on Etsy, you should consider the platform’s 15 top-level product categories . Some of the top-selling categories on Etsy include: Craft supplies and tools:  Paint, papers, crochet and knitting patterns, yarn, string, cord, wire, tool sets, beads, etc. Paper and party supplies:  Handcrafted greeting cards and invitations, stickers, journals, printable planner pages, gift wrap, stationery, etc. Home and living:  Home decor, bedding, pillows, blankets, throws, cleaning supplies, window treatments, rugs, furniture, candles, etc. Jewelry:  Necklaces, rings, bracelets, personalized jewelry, body jewelry, pins, hair accessories, earrings, jewelry boxes, watches, etc. Weddings:  Dresses, accessories, veils, suits, decorations, cake toppers, centerpieces, baskets and boxes, gifts, invitations, etc. Accessories:  Baby accessories, costume accessories, belts, gloves, hats, mittens, hair accessories, keychains, scarves, wraps, sunglasses, etc. Creating and selling custom products has never been easier. With Wix’s on demand printing , powered by Printful, you can design and launch personalized apparel, accessories, home goods and more—made to suit any style, niche or need. No extra tools, no complex setup. Just pick a product, upload your design and start selling—all from your Wix dashboard. With seamless Printful integration, you get a streamlined way to build, brand and sell—without ever leaving Wix. 03. Seller requirements Etsy's seller requirements are more relaxed than some online marketplaces, making it reasonably easy to set up shop. However, reviewing Etsy's Seller Policy  will help to ensure that you meet all the requirements and that there are no surprises. Here are the main provisions regarding how to become a seller on Etsy: Must sell one of three accepted product categories:  Handmade items (physical or digital products that are created by the seller—no reselling of handcrafted items made by someone else); vintage items (products that are at least 20 years old); or craft supplies (tools, ingredients, or materials designed for use in crafts, DIY projects or a special occasion). Must provide accurate product representation:  All items posted for sale must be accurately represented using your own descriptions, photos and videos. Stock photos and images taken from other websites are not allowed. All products must meet quality standards:  Your items should be well-crafted, accurately described and represented by clear and appealing photographs. All interactions with customers must be kept professional:  You must respond promptly to buyer inquiries and communicate professionally with your customers. Refer to Etsy's official website or contact the company’s support team  for the most up-to-date information. 04. Cost of selling on Etsy Setting up a shop on Etsy is free. However, there is a cost to selling on Etsy  that includes various fees. Etsy charges a $0.20 listing fee per item, which automatically renews every four months unless the item is sold or you opt out. The platform also deducts a 6.5% transaction fee from the total order amount, including shipping and gift wrap charges. Payment processing fees vary by country. In the U.S., this fee is 3% + $0.25 per transaction. Sellers offering international shipping should consider import taxes and customs duties imposed by the destination country, which are typically the buyer's responsibility. VAT-registered sellers may also be required to charge VAT on their items. Additional fees are applicable if sellers choose to use Etsy's advertising services . Pros and cons of selling on Etsy Every platform has its challenges and benefits. Below, we look at what makes Etsy a great choice and what challenges you may face as an Etsy seller. Pros of selling on Etsy Easy setup and maintenance:  Learning how to sell on Etsy as a beginner is simple. You don't need technical skills to set up an account. Of course, adding product details with high-quality photos takes time, but the process is relatively straightforward. Once everything is set up, an Etsy shop is easy to maintain. Trusted reputation: Etsy has been around since 2005 and is a trusted marketplace for handcrafted, vintage and unique items. It offers instant exposure to a global customer base, providing reach you may not have otherwise. Seller support tools:  Etsy provides a variety of tools and resources to help you manage your shop efficiently and effectively, such as a mobile app, listing and shop manager, ads, coupons, shipping labels and more. Relatively low-risk: Getting started on Etsy requires very little upfront investment, making it an excellent place to test new products. Large customer base: With over 90 million active shoppers a year, Etsy's platform enables sellers to access a diverse and dynamic global audience. Cons of selling on Etsy Limited customer loyalty and branding:  Building brand loyalty on Etsy can be challenging, considering many customers aren’t searching for specific sellers on Etsy. Customization options for your storefront are also limited. High concentration of competitors:  Etsy's online marketplace attracts many sellers offering similar products, intensifying competition based on pricing and shipping speed. Etsy has full control: As with any third-party marketplace, Etsy holds the keys to the kingdom and can implement changes to pricing, structure and seller requirements as needed. It’s best not to become over-reliant on the platform and to explore Etsy alternatives in case your sales or selling privileges are impacted at any point. Limited seller communication:  Etsy holds restrictions for seller-customer communication to prevent unsolicited requests or promotions. You cannot encourage shopping outside of Etsy, and therefore are limited in how you’re able to promote your brand or engage customers.

Start generating business ideas with the Wix Business Launcher → Some business ideas hit us when we least expect them to. They start as a whisper. A little voice in our head that grows louder every day. That’s how it started for Nicole Michler, owner of London-based consulting business Phase 20 . Nicole had already climbed the corporate ladder in tech and was responsible for negotiating multi-million-dollar contracts with high-profile clients. While she loved her job, she had also assumed an unofficial role mentoring younger female colleagues as they navigated a male-dominated workplace. “Whenever there was a younger female co-worker joining the company, I would naturally take them under my wing,” says Nicole. “I would try to support them and help them understand how to succeed in their role and get promoted quickly.” Over time, Nicole’s natural talent for coaching was getting noticed—making her inner voice speak up. Nicole's moment of clarity Nicole recalls the moment when that voice became impossible to ignore. It was after a team meeting, when a male colleague received high praise for the same idea she’d suggested five months earlier. “Everyone was high-fiving this guy,” recalls Nicole. “I was like, ‘Wait, what's going on here?’ I went home that day furious and wrote down an entire business plan for a coaching platform. I didn't have a name for it or know what it was, but I wrote down a business plan for helping female career professionals thrive in their careers and be heard in those meetings.” That was the beginning of Phase 20, a career consulting company helping women in their 20s and 30s to “claim their senior titles and earn six-figure salaries. ” Get business name ideas for your next venture with the Business Name Generator . Breaking through the noise Nicole admits that at the start, she didn’t know the first thing about how to start a coaching business  or how to start a consulting business . But upon realizing what a saturated market it was, she knew she needed to make sure her business stood out. “Something that I found very challenging at the beginning was cutting through the noise,” she says. “There’s a lot of other platforms out there trying to do something similar, so I needed to showcase how I was different.” Nicole leaned into her own experience climbing the corporate ladder and focused on reaching women in early- or mid-career who want a promotion but are missing the guidance to make it happen. “The way to stand out is to really niche down and get very specific on the problem that you are looking to solve,” advises Nicole. “That allowed me to cut through the noise to reach my ideal client.” Phase 20’s first client came through word of mouth after a friend recommended Nicole to a family member. The client was so impressed with Nicole’s coaching that she urged her employer to hire her for a speaking engagement. “I quickly started to realize how essential sharing my story was,” says Nicole. “It's what resonated with people.” Sharing her story online Another effective way Nicole could share her story with the world was through a website—something she now describes as the beating heart of her business. “Everything happens on my website and it gives me that instant credibility because of the way I can present myself.” When researching options for how to make a business website , Nicole viewed Wix as one of the best website builders for consultants . She was drawn by its all-in-one capabilities and features like custom forms and automations that could help a one-person business operate more efficiently. “As a solopreneur, Wix gives me a lot of autonomy in terms of creating new forms,” she says. “Let’s say I create a new free PDF to grow my email list. I just quickly go on the website, create the form, create the automation and it does it all in the back, which is incredible.” She adds: “I've seen other business owners who use different tools where they need coding skills, and it just takes forever. The fact that I can just jump in and create these assets in a matter of minutes is exactly what I needed to scale my business quickly.” The Phase 20 site has all the hallmarks typical of high-performing coaching websites  and consulting websites . It places Nicole’s personal story front and center and tells visitors exactly what Phase 20’s mission is, with the help of catchy coaching slogans . Customer  testimonials  and detailed service offerings help to build trust, while a free resources section offers actionable content and captures leads. Along with her business website , Nicole puts her coaching marketing  skills to the test by sharing her story with her 37,000+ followers on Instagram . She also hosts London meet-up events to grow her network and connect with prospective clients. To date, Nicole has coached over 100 clients across 15+ industries. Discover how to make a consulting website  designed for business growth. Having no regrets Looking back, Nicole questions why she sat on her idea for so long before taking action. While she has no regrets, she advises others to be bold and to also think about how they can use their personal journey to their advantage. After all, that’s part of what makes them unique. “Honestly, don't underestimate the power of sharing your story,” she says. “In my case, my website helped me do that, to get my story out there and bring my vision to life. It's very exciting to see something that was in your head for the longest time suddenly out there.” Lessons from Nicole Nicole took her time turning her passion project into a full-time career, but her lessons will resonate with anyone thinking about starting a business . Weigh up your best- and worst-case scenarios: “At some point, I just paused and asked myself, ‘What is it I’m actually worried about? What's the worst that can happen if I commit to this full time?’ I started to realize that my worst-case scenario is actually going back to a career I enjoyed. The best-case scenario is that I'll build this incredible platform that helps women and changes the way we work in the corporate world. That’s when it became a no-brainer.” Don’t wait for the perfect website: “Don’t sit on your consulting business ideas  or first product for years trying to make it perfect. It's never going to be perfect. You need feedback. You need to speak to the end user to tweak your product as you go. I would say just get that online presence as soon as you can.” (For inspo, check how to make a coaching website  in 11 simple steps). Keep your network—you never know when you’ll need it: “It's essential to always have a plan B, because things happen; economies change, your market, the niche that you are operating in. I always have my career, but I also have my professional network. I kept in touch with all of those connections, and there’s always an opportunity that I can take someone up on if I had to.” Choose a resilient mindset: “You really need to have a very strong and resilient mindset in entrepreneurship . There will be setbacks, but there will also be exciting and rewarding opportunities. You need to have thick skin to push through those days when you launch a new product and it feels like nobody wants it. That's part of the journey, but that's what you learn from.” Stay curious: “You need to be very curious. I'm super excited every morning when I open my laptop, as there's always something new I can learn. As long as you don't lose that curiosity and excitement about your business, you're going to be on a good path where you become a better person every day and your business grows naturally.”

Ready to share your ideas with the world? Start your blog → When you set out to create a blog , with a blog maker, you want great content to go with it. But this takes time and practice. Luckily, as bloggers, we come from a world of gifted writers and makers. All of us could learn a thing or two about crafting quality content from each other. To save you hours of aimless writing, look no further than the following 11 blog post templates. Read through each one to find which type of website and blog post is the best fit for your blog and audience. Explore these free website templates  and start creating your own website today. Starting a blog should feel exciting, not overwhelming, right? With the Wix Blog Maker, you get everything you need to create, design and grow your blog from scratch–without needing a tech degree. Use Wix’s intuitive tools to share your ideas with the world.  Best blog post templates The listicle How-to post Expanded definition Pillar page Case study Product showcase Myth debunker The beginner’s guide Expert roundup Survey post X vs. Y post 01. The listicle Ready to get blogging? Get started with Wix  today. Undeniably popular in today’s content-driven world, list posts (or listicles) are highly effective articles that catalog ideas or items. Typically, they consist of tips, tools and even fun facts, as seen in these examples: “ 120 Profitable Blog Niche Ideas and How to Pick the Right One ” and “ 31 Things That Happened In ‘Friends’ That Make No Sense Now That I’m Older .” With so much data out there, readers value the list-format because it can break down complex ideas into digestible pieces, filtering the precise details they need to know. Listicles can also make us feel organized and help us process information far more intuitively due to their categorization structure. They reflect a facet of our fast-paced reality. Additionally, content that offers numbered items may provide for a more desirable reading experience. Think about the fact that most of us do inspectional reading on a daily basis. When caught between choosing to read or not read an article, many will instinctively skim through the writing in order to evaluate whether it’s worthwhile to go deeper. In the same way, listicles invite you to scan the content before you invest more time. The candor of this blog post template is welcomed by all regardless of the type of website they sit on. Listicle blog post template: Create a numbered title (Pro tip: Use a title generator for inspiration) XX Steps to [Fun Adjective] XX Tips/Examples XX Reasons to The XX Best [Products] of 2021 Write a concise introduction Listicles are meant to be skimmed, so keep your introduction short, sweet and to the point. All you need to do here is link your table of contents and set the mood for a light and breezy read in a few words. Make subheadings for list items You can use the heading to create a subheader for each item on your list. Make sure the subheading is representative of each point you’re making. Wrap up with a call-to-action After you’ve given readers a list of ideas or ways to reach their desired outcome, you can conclude with a call-to-action, such as “start now” and “begin today.” https://www.wix.com/blog/how-to-build-website-from-scratch-guide 02. How-to post Content can be a powerful tool for teaching others how to do something - like this how to create a website guide . As implied in its name, the how-to post does just that. It gives practical instruction in a series of chronological steps that someone needs in order to achieve a desired outcome. For example, you can learn how to write a blog post for your audience by simply following the steps outlined in the article, without needing prior knowledge. That’s why people searching for answers to their queries are immediately drawn to the how-to in a headline. It’s a signal that there's a solution on its way to you. How-to articles not only address the issue at hand, but also present proof that it will be resolved by offering a game plan. When writing yours, you’ll want to turn each step into a section of its own. This lets you organize the article and control the flow of information in the best way possible for your reader. Furthemore, by providing steps in a specific order, you can easily guide them from the beginning to the end of the process. The coherence of this blog post template makes it one of the most sought-after and most read online. How-to blog post template: Create a how-to title How to [Desired Outcome] in XX Steps How to [Desired Outcome] From Start to Finish How to [Desired Outcome] in 2021 How to Create [Desired Outcome] in Under an Hour How to Write [Noun], with Examples Use steps for subheadings You’ll want to create separate headings to break down the process into actionable steps. If it’s a step-by-step guide, each previous step must connect to the next one. Remind your readers not to skip through. Pro tip: Utilize the power of AI with our blog post title generator to craft more creative titles. 03. Expanded definition What is the meaning of life? While our best philosophers continue to work toward defining history’s first theme, there has been progress elsewhere (on the internet side) tackling today’s most popular topics. As a web writer, you can try your hand at writing an expanded definition post to delve into your readers’ burning questions. Definition writing provides regular folks with much-needed context so that they can follow the workings of a specific subject. For example, your target audience needs to understand the definition of a blog before learning how to create a free blog . Using this blog post template will help you cover all aspects of your topic and give readers a deeper understanding of whatever you set before them. Definition blog post template: Start with the definition in your blog title What Is [Concept] and How to Create One What Is a [Concept]? Examples and Common Uses What Is [Concept]? A Guide to X What Is [Concept] and Why Is It Important For X? Define the term in your introduction Define the term right off the bat. People are heading to your article because they are eager to learn “What is [concept]”? Get ready to write your most comprehensive definition yet. 04. Pillar page A pillar page acts as a broad overview of a particular topic on your site. By creating a pillar page, you’ll be able to connect a cluster of related content back to a single web page. This keeps your topic cluster tightly woven via the same hyperlinked keyword. More importantly, helps Google associate the pillar page (and entire cluster) as an authority for that topic. In turn, Google is more likely to improve your ranking for that topic. When setting out to start a blog , it helps to structure your content in line with topics you’ll want to rank for. For example, if you’re writing about fitness, you can create a pillar page about types of workouts. Then, you’ll need to dive into specific areas of fitness workouts, from aerobic, muscle strengthening and flexibility. This way, you’ll be able to create cluster content that encompasses an array of related topics. Furthermore, using the cluster model lets you organize your blog posts in a way that can close any content gaps which could otherwise keep a searcher from finding your site on a relevant query. Pillar page blog post template: Choose a topic that’s right for your blog and audience. It should appeal to them as much as it interests you. Analyze the topic so that you’re better prepared to write about it. Think about how you will approach the subject matter and how you add your own creative spin. Write an outline that includes everything your readers will need to know about the topic. While you begin filling out your sections, you should identify any content gaps and reinforce them by providing more resources. Link to related articles as part of your internal linking strategy. If you already have blog posts that are part of your topic, you’ll want to include these links in your pillar page. Remember that the topic cluster model is designed to create perfect interlinking opportunities. This signals to Google that you host the right content for your readers. 05. Case study A case study is an in-depth examination of an individual or community within the real world. This blog post template is particularly useful for businesses in their early stages that need a way to prove the value of their product or service to bring in more customers. In terms of content creation, you can interview past clients and even your own employees who have found success using company products. It’s important to note that most people searching for case studies aren’t doing it on search engines. Rather, this type of search happens directly on a business website. This means that the searcher’s intent is to evaluate the exact product or service. Case study blog post template: Create a case study title [Company Name]’s Success Story How [Company Name] Built a Million Dollar Business Here’s How [Company Name] Increase Their Sales ‘Pull Quote’ Use a video testimonial People want to hear directly from the source. In addition to writing a blog post, you can ask to interview your subject and record the session. Then, you can upload the video on YouTube, embed it on your blog, or stream it directly from your website. 06. Product showcase As a business owner, you need to find new ways to display your bestselling products or services. You can do so by creating a showcase blog post. These highly visual articles feature examples that are meant to inspire and educate readers. In order to make an impact with your showcase post, choose samples that represent different product capabilities, styles and looks. Take a glance at our own article, “10 Blog Examples for Your Inspiration,” which is a compilation of some of the best user blogs in the field. Each of these examples provides an in-depth look at how successful bloggers are able to utilize blog design , content and storytelling on their website. Showcase blog post template: Create a title [Fun Adjective] Examples That Will Inspire You Best Types of [Product/Item] Effective Tools to Boost Your Business Turn examples into subheadings This is an opportunity to shine the spotlight on your products or services. Turn each example into its own subheader to highlight each one. 07. Myth debunker By using this blost post template, you’ll become a hero in the eyes of your readers as you debunk common myths of your industry. You will not only enjoy the more creative writing style, but will also benefit from standing out as an expert with a fresh approach. For example, this article 10 Photography Myths You Need to Stop Believing In gives its readers a real dose of reality and sheds light on common misconceptions. When writing your own myth debunker post, take the time to jot down some hot topics that have inspired discussions concerning their truths or misreadings. This is the moment to show off your knowledge and make an impact in your field. Myth debunker blog post template: Create a myth debunker title XX Common [Noun] Myths XX Deadly [Noun] Myths: Buster XX Popular [Noun] Myth Debunked Debunking Myths About [Noun] Write a comprehensive post People are waiting to read how you debunked a common myth. Don’t skim on this one. You’ll want to go into depth about where the myth comes from and why it isn’t real. This may require you answering additional questions and showing supporting evidence, but it will also put you in a position of authority and credibility. 08. The beginner’s guide Your beginner’s guide must provide a complete overview of a given topic. When writing it, you need to be as clear in your explanations and definitions as possible. Give your audience plenty of background information and relatable examples to support your claims. You’ll want to break down large concepts by providing the “what,” “how” and “why” of each one. In many cases, you’ll have the privilege of introducing to readers a topic or concept from scratch. This means that your content will be treated as an educational resource by others. You can reinforce the blog post by using rich examples and simple language, avoiding industry jargon. Beginner’s guide blog post template: Create an explanatory title How to [Concept]: A Beginner’s Guide to [Concept] A Beginner’s Guide to Getting [Concept] Beginner’s Guide: How to [Concept] [Concept] for Beginners: The Complete Guide Dive deep in your text You’ll need to cover everything your audience needs to know about the topic. Use definitions, examples, tips and steps. 09. Expert roundup An expert roundup post brings expert opinions around a topic at the forefront of your content. Often, these are well-known authority figures in their industry. They will most likely share your published post on their social media channels and may even link back to your site. That said, you’ll want to keep in mind that the goal of an expert roundup is to create highly informational pieces for your audience. While most people aren’t specifically searching for this type of blog on Google, it can be a good source of social media shares and backlinks. Hence, this blog post template will be a nice addition to your content strategy. Expert roundup blog post template: Create an eye-catching title XX Top Thinkers Share Their Most Successful Strategies XX Valuable Lessons From the Experts Top XX CEO quotes of 2021 XX Experts Reveal Their Hottest Tips Use expert quotes You can enrich your content using valuable quotes from experts. In order to get your hands on some juicy soundbites, you’ll need to ask the right questions. Base your queries on topics that interest your readers and things they are dying to know the answer to. 10. Survey post Survey posts include any newsworthy statistics and other shareworthy findings. By doing some research and gathering data, you can provide your readers with further insight into a topic and bring to light new questions concerning the numbers. The article title should lead with the most interesting stat based on the survey question you’ve asked. How to use this survey template: Add the stat in the headline Half of [Respondents] Say They [X] XX% of [Respondents] Prefer X over Y Survey: XX% of [Respondents] Can’t Do This Poll: One -Third of [Respondents] Buy More of X Analyze your findings Go into detail about your survey results. Expand on any interesting findings and segment them by demographic or geographical location to make them more relatable for your readers. Remember to include your methodology (how you collect data and how many people were polled).You can also use graphics and other types of visual content to show off your discoveries. 11. X vs. Y post Every audience has unique needs and every business wants to meet them. Maybe you have the right solution for your potential customers. In that case, you can write an X vs. Y blog post that compares your product with another to help readers decide between the two. By creating a side-by-side comparison, people can better understand the advantages and disadvantages of a product or service. In turn, you can talk about the ways your offerings are superior to those of your competitors. How to use this X vs. Y template: Create a X vs. Y post title X vs. Y: Which is Better X vs Y: How Are They Different What’s the Exact Difference Between X vs. Y? Pros and Cons of X and Y Break down the pros and cons of each item. It’s helpful to use a bulleted or numbered list to compare them. Keep in mind that the purpose of your post is to guide your reader’s decision-making process. Bonus: In addition to these 11 blog post templates, you can also use this downloadable blog post template to help through the writing process:

Defining your target audience will inform all of your marketing strategies , from creating a website to designing a social media campaign, to promoting your website for free . Let's take a closer look at the steps you'll need to take to define your target audience so that you can create the most relevant marketing content and accelerate your business growth. What is a target audience? A target audience identifies the consumers who are most likely to be interested in your business. Often, the shared traits or interests in this specific group of people draw them to your brand. Some of these traits can include: Age Gender Location Hobbies and interests Education Profession Purchase intention You can classify your target audience using many other traits. The more you begin to narrow them down, the closer you'll get to knowing your audience’s likes, dislikes, habits, and other usable data. You might find that you have a broad or niche target audience. For example, a clothing company that provides items for men, women, and children would comprise a broad audience. By contrast, a wedding dress store will cater to a niche audience. Why is it important to define your target audience? When marketing a business, you want to maximize your efforts by reaching the consumers who are most likely to be interested in it. Aside from focusing your energy more efficiently, a target audience can also help you: Increase your ROI by spending ad dollars on consumers who are most likely to to be interested Establish your voice and brand identity Focus your SEO marketing Develop more personalized campaigns Improve your products and services to better meet the needs of your target audience Furthermore, a lot goes into the psychology of selling. Personalized campaigns can attract customers and convince them to convert. According to a report, 80% of consumers are more likely to purchase from a brand when it offers a personalized experience. However, you can't offer a customized experience and capture attention before knowing what interests your target audience. How to define your target audience Here’s how to define your target audience: Gather data on your existing customers Look at the competition Use social listening Discover your audience’s pain points Filter out who doesn’t fit in your audience Create a buyer persona Regularly revisit your target audience 01. Gather data on your existing customers If your business is already up and running, you can look to your existing customers to inform your target audience definition. We recommend gathering data from your social media and website analytics in order to answer the following questions: What common traits do my existing customers share (demographics, interests, intent)? How do customers find me? Where do visitors spend the most time on my website? Which of my products or services are most popular and with whom? What information have my existing customers looked for related to my brand? Business-to-Business (B2B) companies can further narrow their criteria by identifying their target audience's company size, buyer's job title and industry. 02. Look at the competition Doing market research on your competitors’ audiences can help you determine who fits in yours. It will help you understand who your competition already targets, and if you share a target market . If not, maybe you have a unique angle that sets your brand apart. Ask yourself these questions about your competitor's audience: How does your competition engage with its audience? What common traits do your competitors’ customers share? Which types of marketing strategies do competitors use? Which market segments do your competitors not target? What tone and voice does your competitor use in their messaging? Uncovering the demographics your competition targets and learning how they engage them can help you understand what methods and messages already work with your desired audience. 03. Use social listening You can employ social listening to effectively learn about your audience and what they think about your brand. Social listening is the practice of monitoring a group’s social media actions. You can gather data about what your customers talk about, what platforms they frequent and which keywords and hashtags they use. Companies such as Hootsuite, BuzzSumo and Buffer offer social listening tools. While you look for relevant hashtags, keywords or brand mentions, you might uncover new hashtags or conversations that your audience uses regularly. Reach out to new customers using this data as a test to see if it works for your brand. 04. Discover your audience’s pain points You shouldn’t just gather data on your customers' interests, hobbies and habits. You also need to understand their pain points so that you can position your brand as the solution. For instance, the folks at Uber saw many people found ordering and waiting for taxis daunting. In response, they designed their ride-sharing app as an intuitive solution. Look at your audience’s behavior. Analyze your data to see if you can offer immediate solutions to any of their problems, through content, marketing or products. For more specific data, you can also run surveys or interviews to get a better idea of your audience’s struggles and obstacles. 05. Filter out who doesn’t fit in your audience Knowing who you don't want to advertise to will help you narrow down who you do want to reach. If you sell prom dresses, for example, you can eliminate toddlers from your small business marketing efforts. When it comes to spending money on ad dollars, this analysis will help focus your budget where it’ll most likely convert. 06. Create a buyer persona Your target audience refers to a vague group of people; for example, women between the ages of 25 and 60 who live in New York and love luxury fashion. A buyer persona goes deeper by representing your ideal customer in a semi-fictional way. Beyond demographics, a buyer persona also includes psychographic and behavioral information. The buyer persona of a high-end suitcase company with the target audience mentioned above could look like this: Jennifer is a 45-year-old fashion designer who lives on the Upper East Side and shops and Barneys and Bloomingdale’s. She often travels for business and cares to look sophisticated and chic when on-the-go. As a brand, you should create different personas to match different segments of your target audience. Having a detailed view of your customers will allow you to understand your customer's needs and create more personalized interactions for them. 07. Regularly revisit your target audience Your target audience is fluid. As people change, grow and face different problems, they may no longer find your brand relevant. Therefore, you must revisit your target audience periodically to account for any notable changes in your customer base and optimize your business strategy accordingly. Ask yourself: Do my products grow with my audience? People in later life stages have different interests and needs than they did earlier in their lives. Create new offerings accordingly. You can also look at your data over time and pick up on any changes in your audience. Target audience examples Observing how well-known brands have put their data into practice can help you define your target audience. Let’s look at how Nike, McDonald’s and Coachella used their target audiences to develop their brand and marketing strategies. Nike As one of the most recognizable sports brands in the world, it might seem like Nike's target audience includes anyone with disposable income who purchases sportswear. However, Nike has made an effort to target specific audiences in their ad campaigns—particularly those other sports brands have historically underserved, such as young athletes, runners and women. For example, Nike runs multiple campaigns, such as "What Girls Are Made Of" and "Dream With Us," aimed at motivating young girls to participate in sports from an early age. Clearly, Nike had specific buyer personas for these marketing campaigns and listened to their audience's behaviors and interests. McDonald’s McDonald’s greatly exemplifies why revisiting your target audience can unlock new business opportunities. While the fast food chain’s target audience has historically been children, it updated their strategy in recent years to focus on Millennials. To better serve the group, McDonald’s modernized the look of its restaurants, introduced the McDonald’s Cafe and added healthier options to its menu. Coachella As a music festival, Coachella casts a wide net with their artist lineup, including artists of various genres. However, this inclusive strategy doesn't mean that Coachella isn’t targeting an audience. It actually understands what Millennials—their target audience—wants: Diversity of music. They’ve also collaborated with brands Millennials like. In 2016, H&M released a clothing line inspired by the “chill desert vibe” style often worn at the festival. By teaming up with H&M, Coachella reached more of its target audience and made the event even more relevant to its fan base.

Thinking of selling online ? It's more accessible than you might think. Whether you're offloading old treasures, selling handmade crafts or just decluttering, you don’t need years of experience or to invest tons of money to get started. The secret sauce all comes down to choosing the right platform. This guide will highlight the best online selling sites, including breaking down the costs, ease of use and available integrations. Start selling today; build your online store  with Wix. 14 best online selling websites While starting your own website offers the allure of personal touch and cutting out the middlemen, we get it: it might be a tad more effort than you're ready for right now. You might need time to learn  how to make a website  and which is the best eCommerce platform  to sell your items on. Leaning towards using an established platform to sell products instead? We've curated a list of the best places to sell your stuff online, each with its unique strengths and audiences. Ruby lane   Nextdoor   Craigslist   Facebook Marketplace   Decluttr   Poshmark   Swappa   Chairish   Etsy   Bonanza   VarageSale   eBay   Amazon   Wish   01. Ruby Lane: The go-to marketplace for vintage and antiques Ruby Lane is a go-to online marketplace for people passionate about antiques, vintage collectibles, fine art and jewelry. This platform has carved a niche by emphasizing high-end antiques and vintage treasures, connecting sellers to a community that values history and craftsmanship. Using Ruby Lane is simple thanks to its user-friendly interface, making listing items straightforward. It's more than just a place to make sales; it's a community where people share a love for the stories and value behind each piece. A big plus is that there are no initial listing fees, so sellers can dive right in without upfront costs. Key features of Ruby Lane A special spot on the web for antiques, vintage goods, collectibles and fine art No need to pay when you list, making it great for new sellers Set your own prices and even accept offers if you like Get your items noticed more with potential homepage features Fees Zero setup and listing fees $25 monthly maintenance fee (waived if you add 15 items or more each month) Service fee around 9.9% of sales (sales tax not included) 02. Nextdoor: Connecting local communities for buying and selling Nextdoor connects you with neighbors—not strangers—turning local sales into quick and safe transactions. Just sign up, verify your address and you're ready to roll. But Nextdoor isn't just about sales. It's also your local bulletin for news, events and community discussions. In short, it turns your neighborhood into a tighter-knit community. Key features of Nextdoor Sell and chat with verified neighbors, ensuring a trustworthy community Keep up with local news, events and services Everyone's address is confirmed for a safer, more secure experience Fees Nextdoor is entirely free to use as long as you verify your address 03. Craigslist: The classic classifieds platform Craigslist has stood the test of time thanks to its simple design and local focus. It strips away any unnecessary bells and whistles, making it easy for users to list a variety of items without getting bogged down in complex features. But like Nextdoor, Craigslist isn't just a marketplace; it's a community hub. You're not lost in global listings, but rooted in local transactions. This makes it easier to sell items, especially the bulky ones where shipping is a hassle. Key features of Craigslist Straightforward and easy-to-use interface Wide-ranging categories for listings, accommodating everything from vintage goods to real estate Optional anonymous postings Facilitates direct buyer-seller interactions Fees Most listings are free, though  certain categories or postings  in specific cities may incur charges 04. Facebook Marketplace : Local buying and selling platform Outside of cat memes and your friends' latest updates, Facebook carved a new niche for itself for local sales. What makes Facebook Marketplace valuable is that it's a local community hub integrated directly into Facebook. This unique setup builds trust among buyers and sellers through mutual connections. It also lets Wix merchants connect to the platform through their online store via Wix's multichannel sales interface. You can read more in our guide on how to sell on Facebook Marketplace . Key features of Facebook Marketplace Smooth integration with Wix online stores, allowing you to expand your reach Diverse product listings with support for up to 10 photos plus a video, enhancing buyer engagement Direct buyer-seller communication via Facebook Messenger for swift negotiations and transactions Fees For those onboarded via Commerce Manager or other third-party platforms, Facebook charges a processing fee of 2.9% for card and Shop Pay transactions, and 3.49% for PayPal transactions 05. Decluttr: easy way to sell used tech and media Looking to turn your old tech gadgets, CDs, DVDs, games or books into cash without the fuss? Decluttr might be just what you need. Unlike other online selling sites, you don't have to deal with listings or haggling with buyers. Decluttr buys your items directly, making the process super simple and fast. It's a great fit for anyone who wants to sell things online quickly. Just scan the barcode and you're on your way to getting paid. Plus, if you're worried about wiping your personal data from your gadgets, Decluttr takes care of that for free, giving you one less thing to worry about. Key features of Decluttr No need to deal with buyers—Decluttr buys directly from you Quick price quotes with a simple barcode scan Specializes in tech and media items, so you know you're dealing with experts Free data deletion for your gadgets, keeping your private info safe Fees No fees to list or sell, since Decluttr is buying from you The price Decluttr offers includes their own profit, so you might get a bit less cash than selling directly to a buyer 06. Poshmark: a fashion and home goods marketplace Every second, a  rubbish truck's worth of clothes  is discarded. Poshmark offers a solution to this overwhelming waste by providing a platform for fashion enthusiasts to give their clothes a second life. For sellers who understand the value of each garment, Poshmark connects them with buyers eager to discover unique finds, be it everyday outfits or luxury brands. Key features of Poshmark User-friendly listing process, making it quick and easy to upload items right from your closet A focused marketplace for fashion, makeup and lifestyle products, connecting you with an audience that cares about style Social commerce at its finest, integrating features of social media to enhance buying and selling experiences (think selling on Instagram , etc.) Direct negotiations between buyers and sellers, adding a personal touch to transactions Fees $2.95 for sales under $15, and a 20% commission for sales $15 and up Zero cost to create a listing, so you can start selling without any upfront fees Optional fees may apply for certain payout methods or additional services 07. Swappa: trusted marketplace for used electronics In 2023, the average smartphone bids adieu in just 2.5 years, and many tech gadgets follow suit. If you bought your device a couple of years ago,  studies suggest  you're probably already on the hunt for its successor. Here's where Swappa steps in to extend the usability of aging gadgets. Catering specifically to tech enthusiasts, this platform ensures every device listed functions properly, no broken gadgets allowed. Key features of Swappa Dedicated to tech gadgets, ensuring a focused and knowledgeable buyer base Allows sellers to set their own prices, offering control over the sale process Strict policy against selling broken or non-functional devices, maintaining a high standard in the marketplace Fees No fees to create a listing Optional fee for a featured listing to get your items noticed faster A modest sale fee of 3%, plus standard PayPal transaction fees 08. Chairish: vintage and designer furniture marketplace Chairish is more of a select consignment store where buyers focus on top-notch furniture, home accessories and art, ensuring that every piece is carefully chosen. So, if you're an artist, have a penchant for vintage items, or have quality pieces to sell, Chairish is where you should be. It's frequented by interior designers and décor aficionados alike, all in search of that next unique find. Key features of Chairish A curated experience emphasizing high-quality, designer, and vintage home goods All listings are reviewed and approved to maintain a consistent standard of excellence Popular with professionals, providing high visibility for your items among a premium audience Fees Commission is on the following tier-based sliding scale: 20% for the first $2,500; 12% for sales between $2,501 and $25,000; and 3% for sales of $25,000 or more $99 monthly membership offers more perks and lower commissions 09. Etsy: handmade and vintage items marketplace In a world of mass production, finding a marketplace that champions the unique, the heartfelt and the handmade is a breath of fresh air. That's Etsy for you—it's a global community where artisans, craft lovers and vintage buffs find likeminded individuals. Now, you might wonder, " How much does it cost to sell on Etsy? " While there are fees involved, think of it as an investment for your labor of love. And for those who want to take their storefronts to the next level, Etsy offers select customization tools that reflect the personality behind the craft. Key features of Etsy A specialized platform for handmade items, vintage finds and craft supplies Shop customization tools, including social media integration and video listings Built-in analytics to track your shop's performance and customer engagement Fees A listing fee of $0.20 per item 6.5% of your listing price as a transaction fee on top of shipping and packaging Payment processing fees vary by country Etsy Plus subscription available at $10 per month for premium shop features 10. Bonanza: unique products eCommerce platform Looking for Etsy alternatives to sell unique or branded items? Bonanza is an online marketplace that offers "booth space" for you to sell your products online. To buyers, Bonanza is perhaps best known for its offering of unique, novelty items (true to its slogan, “Find everything but the ordinary”). Bonanza allows you to sync your listings with other marketplaces and ad platforms for a multichannel selling  approach. The platform also offers marketing tools to help you build customer lists and send out targeted promotions. Bonanza is fairly user-friendly and has a helpful, dedicated customer service team. Key features of Bonanza Permanent listings ensuring your products are always available to customers A diverse range of product categories, accommodating various seller niches An intuitive, user-friendly platform for effortless shop setup and management Fees No listing fees A $0.25 transaction fee on all sales made from a Bonanza booth for sellers who do not have an active membership subscription A base fee of 3.5% on sold items, keeping costs down Final Offer Value fees include a percentage of the sale price plus a portion of shipping over $10 Optional fees for value-added services 11. VarageSale: safe local marketplace for used goods Users can sell and buy items on VarageSale from verified local individuals. The platform's stringent user verification and manual review processes significantly reduce the likelihood of scams, creating a safer marketplace for all. Plus, with user ratings available, you'll have a transparent view of the seller's history, helping you make more informed decisions. Key features of VarageSale A robust user identity verification process, enhancing the platform's trust and security Transparent user ratings, providing clear insights into sellers' history and reliability Secure in-app communication, facilitating direct interaction between buyers and sellers without compromising personal information Fees Absolutely no seller or transaction fees, making VarageSale a go-to platform for cost-conscious users 12. eBay: the ultimate online auction and shopping platform As one of the oldest e in the world, eBay is an eCommerce juggernaut with over 132 million buyers  and 1.9 billion listings. Thinking about how to sell on eBay ? It's simpler than you think. Whether you've got everyday items or those rare gems, eBay's unique auction and Buy It Now options give you flexibility. As a bonus, eBay also integrates seamlessly with your Wix online store, letting you set up and manage your listings from one convenient dashboard. And if you're wondering how much it costs to sell on eBay , their transparent fee structure lays it out for you. Key features of eBay A massive, diverse marketplace accommodating a wide range of products, from daily essentials to rare finds Multiple selling formats, including the signature auction-style and straightforward Buy It Now options Comprehensive seller tools such as integrated shipping, Seller Protection and Private Listing, all designed to enhance the selling experience A plethora of supported payment methods, facilitating convenient transactions for sellers and buyers alike eBay provides seller protection features to ensure a secure selling experience, something you might not find on all top marketplaces like Amazon Fees No insertion fees for up to 250 items per month Final value fees calculated as a percentage of the total amount of the sale, plus $0.30 per order under $10 or $0.40 per order over $10 A selection of optional store plans, ranging from $4.95 per month to $2,999.95 per month, tailored to meet the diverse needs of individual sellers and large enterprises 13. Amazon: the global eCommerce powerhouse Amazon is the undisputed giant of online retail (for now). The fact that  87% of all consumers  are more likely to buy via this platform than other online marketplaces just shows how value goes into knowing how to sell on Amazon . When it comes to  how much it costs to sell on Amazon , the biggest downside to selling on this platform are the relatively steep  Amazon seller fees  compared to other selling sites and marketplaces. If you're selling at a low volume, they'll charge $0.99 per item, but if you're planning to scale up your operations, you'll need to sign up to their professional selling plan at $39.99 per month. Sounds like a lot, but think of the audience, tools and the potential sales. It could very well be worth every penny. Key features of Amazon Integrates with Wix online stores to streamline multichannel sales management Broad spectrum of product categories, accommodating virtually any type of product Advanced selling tools, including Amazon Brand Registry and intelligent product recommendation systems Support for third-party selling tools and integrations, enhancing the seller experience Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service, offering comprehensive logistical solutions including shipping, storage and customer service Fees Professional selling plan available at $39.99 per month, plus per-item selling fees, suitable for regular sellers Individual seller plan available that includes a fee of $0.99 per item sold, in addition to referral fees and variable closing fees Supplementary FBA fees applicable for sellers availing themselves of Amazon's fulfillment services. 14. Wish: affordable products straight from manufacturers Purchases made through mobile commerce, or "mCommerce," account for  60% of all eCommerce sales , and that's expected to grow in the coming years. If you want in on this growing industry, then you might want to consider adding Wish to your repertoire. Wish is a bustling online marketplace, pretty much up there as an alternative to Amazon . What sets it apart? Its clever use of data science, ensuring that shopping isn't just fun but also personalized for each user. When looking at how to sell on Wish, you'll see that it's currently invite-only for new merchants. This is something to keep in mind if you're brand new to the platform. Key features of Wish Integrates with Wix online stores for expedited access to the platform Utilizes data science to offer users a unique and tailored product feed for a personalized shopping experienceDiverse product ranges from electronics like smartwatches to home products such as sectional sofas Inclusion of hundreds of thousands of merchants from all over the world Renowned for offering products at highly competitive prices Fees Typically, 15% of the total order cost, inclusive of shipping Build your own online store Before we dive into our list of the best websites to sell stuff, ask yourself: Have you ever dreamt of having your own corner of the online market? It's more than just selling; it's about creating a unique space tailored just for you. Your rules, your design and no middlemen nibbling at your profits. Starting a business  and creating an online store are not the complicated endeavors they once were. In fact, Wix’s robust eCommerce platform provides you with a full suite of tools to help you establish, create, manage and grow an online store. There are hundreds of customizable online store templates  to choose from. You can also sell across multiple different sales channels , including mobile apps, physical point-of-sale  (POS) systems, external eCommerce marketplaces  and social media platforms . If you're ready to take the plunge, create your eCommerce website  with Wix today. How to pick the best online selling site After diving deep into the vast world of online selling sites, you might be feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty. So many options, each with its unique offerings which can be a lot to digest. You may have shortlisted a few platforms that piqued your interest but making that final choice? That can be daunting so we've simplified how to choose the one that works best for you. Before you commit, consider the following key points to ensure your chosen platform aligns perfectly with your brand's vision and needs: Know your needs : Whether you're a solo artist or a growing enterprise, tailor your choice to your unique requirements. Reflect on the specific features and supports you desire. Be fee-savvy : Keep a close eye on the costs. Every platform has its fee structure; pick one that complements your financial strategy. Product compatibility : Your products deserve a platform that showcases them best. Ensure the platform you lean towards suits your range and style. For instance, if your focus is on eco-friendly products , you should make sure this is featured prominently as a selling point. Assess your involvement : How active do you wish to be in the day-to-day management? Opt for a platform that matches your desired level of involvement. Future-proof your choice : Think long-term. As your business evolves, so will your needs. Aim for a platform that is adaptive and growth-friendly. Consider independence : If total autonomy is what you seek, perhaps crafting your own online store is the route to take. This way, you define the rules and craft the narrative. Longevity matters : A good platform today should also be a trusted ally tomorrow. Consider its future potential and reliability before diving in. Best platforms for new sellers vs. experienced sellers Just starting out or already have some selling experience? New sellers often want simple tools and support to get going while experienced sellers might need more control and advanced features to scale. For beginners, platforms like Etsy and Poshmark are a great fit. Etsy makes it easy to set up shop with simple templates, quick product listings and a built-in audience looking for handmade or unique items. It’s creative and user-friendly—no tech skills needed. Poshmark is another great option for new sellers, especially in fashion. Its social media-style setup lets you connect with followers and share your products with a community of like-minded sellers. It’s fun, easy to use and perfect for building connections. For more experienced sellers, Amazon and eBay are solid options to grow your business. Amazon offers tools to manage large inventories and sell internationally. With features like Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) handling shipping and detailed analytics to improve sales, it’s a reliable choice. eBay helps experienced sellers with bulk listing options, store customization and global shipping making it a great platform for scaling your business or reaching niche markets. Best platforms for local vs. global selling When deciding where to sell your products, think about if you want to target a local audience or reach buyers around the world. The right platform can connect you with the people who are most interested in what you offer. For local selling, platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are great for connecting with nearby buyers. Facebook Marketplace makes listing items simple and helps you tap into your local network since it’s built into Facebook. Selling locally also means you can skip shipping costs by meeting buyers in person. Craigslist is another solid option for selling items like furniture, electronics or vintage finds. It’s free to use and attracts a local audience looking for deals. If you’re ready to sell globally, platforms like eBay and Amazon can connect you with buyers worldwide. eBay offers international shipping options and Amazon's massive global customer base spans continents. Both provide tools to manage international orders and list your products in different currencies. For unique or handmade items, Etsy is another great option that supports international shipping so you can share your creations with customers around the world. How to sell online for free Looking for free selling sites? There are a few options to sell online without paying. Use free eCommerce platforms: Examples include Wix which has free plans to help you get started selling online. However some functionality may be limited without a paid plan. Social media platforms : Social media platforms are great for reaching potential customers without any initial investment. You can setup for free on Facebook Marketplace to sell, use Instagram Shopping and consider opening a Pinterest business account. Online marketplaces: Use established online marketplaces to access a large customer base to start selling for free. For example, on eBay you can list and sell a certain number of items each month while OfferUp allows you to list items for free in your local area. Blogging and content marketing : You can start a blog for free and from there drive traffic to your site, to sell courses or products.