Starting your own e-commerce business selling handmade products can be both exciting and overwhelming. For many creative entrepreneurs, the website-building part can feel intimidating, especially without a background in tech or design. Thankfully, modern website builders make the process accessible, even for complete beginners. Whether you’re selling jewelry, pottery, custom clothing, or artisanal candles, the right website builder can set the tone for your brand and streamline your operations.
TLDR: Website builders offer a user-friendly and cost-effective way for handmade product creators to establish their online storefronts. The top options—like Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, and Big Cartel—each offer unique strengths in design flexibility, pricing, and e-commerce tools. Whether your focus is simplicity, aesthetics, scalability, or niche craftsmanship, there’s an ideal platform tailored to your business model. Choosing the right builder depends on your personal needs, tech comfort, and long-term growth plans.
Why an Online Store Is Essential for Handmade Products
While marketplaces like Etsy remain popular for handmade sellers, building your own website allows for a more personalized brand presence, better profit margins, and full control over customer experience. Here’s why an e-commerce website is a must-have:
- Brand Identity: Customize your store to fully reflect your style and values.
- Direct Customer Relationships: Own your audience and build loyalty through email lists and promotions.
- Higher Profit Margins: Avoid marketplace fees and payment processing surcharges.
- Scalability: Easily expand as your business grows without compromising your store’s integrity.
Let’s look at the best platforms that are ideal for handmade product businesses and what makes each one stand out.
1. Shopify – Best for Serious E-commerce Operations
Perfect for sellers aiming for scalability and advanced features.
Shopify dominates the e-commerce world for a reason. It is tailor-made for online selling, offering powerful inventory management, multiple payment gateways, and built-in marketing tools. Even though it comes at a slightly higher cost, it’s an excellent investment for startups planning to grow rapidly.
Pros:
- Designed exclusively for e-commerce
- Large app ecosystem
- Secure and fast hosting
- Multi-channel selling (Instagram, Facebook, Amazon)
Cons:
- Monthly fees can be high
- The learning curve for beginners
2. Wix – Most User-Friendly for Beginners
Ideal for solo artists and hobby-to-business entrepreneurs.
If you’re just getting started and prefer drag-and-drop ease, Wix might be your best bet. It offers beautiful, highly customizable templates that are especially well-suited to visual products like handmade crafts, jewelry, and home décor. While it supports e-commerce, its strongest suit is its design simplicity.
Pros:
- Excellent visual templates for small creative businesses
- Very easy to use
- Decent e-commerce features for a small store
- Free plan available (though not suitable for full e-commerce stores)
Cons:
- Limited scalability
- Not the most robust e-commerce backend
3. Squarespace – Best for a Design-Centric Brand
Great for creators who want their site to feel like a digital art gallery.
Squarespace is known for stunning modern design templates. It’s a top choice for artists and creators who place a premium on the look and feel of their digital store. While its e-commerce features are not as detailed as Shopify’s, they’re sufficient for small to medium handmade-product stores.
Pros:
- Visually polished templates
- All-in-one platform (hosting, domain, design, commerce)
- Free SSL security and mobile optimization
Cons:
- Fewer third-party apps and integrations
- Learning curve for some custom features
4. Big Cartel – Best for Indie Artists on a Budget
A niche platform built with artists, makers, and small crafters in mind.
Big Cartel is designed specifically for independent artists and handmade sellers. With free and low-cost plans, it’s a darling of the DIY community. While not nearly as robust as Shopify or Wix, it delivers just what minimalist sellers need—nothing more, nothing less.
Pros:
- Very affordable (free plan for up to five products)
- No transaction fees on paid plans
- Minimalist and creator-focused design
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Few integrations compared to competitors
5. Weebly (by Square) – Best for Sellers with a Brick-and-Mortar Presence
Practical for combining online and physical store sales.
Owned by Square, Weebly is often overlooked but offers solid e-commerce features—especially for entrepreneurs who already use Square point-of-sale systems in physical locations. Like Wix, it’s beginner-friendly and affordable, making it a practical choice for established crafters wanting to venture online.
Pros:
- Integrates with Square for in-person sales
- Clean and simple interface
- Affordable pricing
Cons:
- Fewer design possibilities and advanced tools
- Support can be limited
Key Features to Look for in a Website Builder
When choosing a website builder to showcase your handmade goods, you’ll want to strike the right balance between form and function. Here are features to keep front of mind:
- Ease of Use: Drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-designed templates make setup quick and painless.
- Mobile Responsiveness: Make sure your website looks great on all screen sizes.
- Product Management Tools: Inventory tracking, variants (sizes, colors), and digital downloads if applicable.
- Payment Integration: Look for Stripe, PayPal, and direct credit card processing.
- SEO and Marketing: Built-in SEO tools, email integrations, banners, and social media sharing functionalities.
Tips for Handmade Sellers Going Online
Beyond selecting the right platform, the way you present your products can make a big difference. Here are a few practical suggestions for handmade startups:
- High-Quality Photos: Use multiple angles and styled shots to show product detail.
- Authentic Product Descriptions: Tell the story of the item—it’s more than just material and dimensions.
- Start Small: List a few best-selling items first before launching everything at once.
- Offer Customization: Give customers options for personal touches where applicable.
- Keep Shipping Transparent: Show delivery times, costs, and return policies clearly.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Builder for Your Handmade Business
The right website builder can transform your handmade creations from a local hobby into a thriving global storefront. Each platform brings unique strengths. Shopify is a robust all-in-one e-commerce powerhouse, perfect for long-term scaling. Wix and Squarespace shine with visual storytelling, while Big Cartel and Weebly empower grassroots creators on minimal budgets.
Before deciding, identify your top priorities: Is it stunning design? Budget-friendly pricing? Or robust e-commerce? Luckily, the flexibility and accessibility of modern website builders mean that you don’t need to sacrifice style for substance—or vice versa.
Whether you’re selling hand-stitched scarves or beautifully crafted ceramics, your website is your digital stage. Choose a builder that helps you shine.
