In our Handmade Code series, we bring you news and how-to’s about the innovations emerging from the Etsy Developer Community. Located at developer.etsy.com, the Etsy Developer Community serves as a hub for third-party software developers who are making programs for Etsy shoppers and sellers.
Webs.com, a service that makes it easy to create professional-looking websites, was founded in 2001 by three brothers. Haroon Mokhtarzada, the middle brother, noticed that there were a lot of Etsy members making websites on Webs, and yet there was no easy way of getting their Etsy items onto their sites. He also noticed that Etsy teams didn’t have a way to display all their items in one place. So he set out to develop the Etsy App on Webs, a simple and quick way to showcase Etsy products on a website. For his part, Haroon is now trying in vain to stop searching Etsy while at work for handmade items for his two little girls.
What’s the basic idea of the application?
You can create your own website at Webs.com and connect it directly to your Etsy shop with one click.
The Etsy App syncs your entire Etsy portfolio with your website. In a matter of seconds, it automatically pulls all of your products from Etsy — complete with images, descriptions, and prices — to a new page on your website. This new Etsy page lets your visitors browse, search, and view full descriptions of all your items. And when they click the “Buy Now” button below each piece, they are conveniently taken to that item’s “Add to Cart” page on Etsy. It’s not about replacing your Etsy shop; it’s about promoting all the items in it from your own professional-looking website.
As we’ve seen from the success of Project Runway and its spin-offs, people love to watch as designers create their handmade pieces. A Webs.com website with the Etsy App can give your customers insight into your creative process. Write about your inspiration on your blog, post photos of sketches and designs for new items, and post videos to show how you make your pieces. These elements will bring your products to life. Your personality comes through, cultivating and deepening your relationship with your customers.
Does this involve a lot of work? How many sellers are using it?
Not at all! The app takes seconds to set up and automatically syncs all of your product information. All you have to do is type in your Etsy username. Your items instantly appear on your website and they will be linked directly to Etsy.com, so if someone likes what they see they can purchase right away. The Etsy App is available to all Webs.com users, and is free for a limited time. Thousands of members have tried the app. Check out a few: Puppy Friends (a.k.a. JHannah), TootleWear, and Art By Michelle.
What’s it like to create a website on Webs?
My brothers and I created Webs to be simple enough for our mother to use. Basically, you choose a template, select what pages you want, add your content and publish. You don’t even need to know what a server is; you just have to be creative… and we have a feeling you might be! You don’t have to download anything. And with our apps you can add rich content like blogs, photo and video galleries.
Where do we go to find it? What’s the URL, etc.?
New users should go to Webs.com and sign up. Once you have your site up, visit the Webs App Store to select the Etsy App.
What should one do if there’s a bug or a problem? Who should one contact?
All Webs users can visit our Support Portal for any issues. With our Knowledge Base, Forum, and Video Tutorials, you’ll find the help you need. Plus, if you’re a premium member you have access to our 24/7 Live Chat support.
What’s your favorite part about the app?
Our favorite part is its inherent simplicity, which goes well with our general philosophy. I’ll leave you with a testimonial from one of our most loyal users:
“Thank you so much for all that you’ve done for us! The Webs Etsy application has been wonderful. It has opened up a new avenue for French Cupboard by allowing us to promote our members who have Etsy shops as well as drawing in new members. Because of the way that the application functions, we are able advertise our site on the Etsy promotional boards and work with Etsy teams to cross-promote. We are so delighted with the application that we are in the process of planning a Holiday Market in addition to the French Barn. We are especially grateful to Veronica and the developers for working so closely with us and making this an affordable and successful option for our business. Many thanks. Blessings, Polly.”
Do you use any Etsy-specific apps? Tell us about them in the comments below.
139 comments
Sign in to add your ownSeaFindDesigns says:
Thanks a bunch! I think I might try this!
1 year ago
janellehaskin says:
Thank you! I'm definitely going to look into this more! :)
1 year ago
moonthroughfog says:
cool. thanks for sharing
1 year ago
PillowPallooza says:
Fantastic idea !!!
1 year ago
PillowPallooza says:
Fantastic idea !!!
1 year ago
rachelungerjewelry says:
awesome, thanks so much!
1 year ago
abacusbeadcreations says:
What a great idea! Thanks for the info!
1 year ago
Ayca says:
Great article!Thank you so much :)
1 year ago
VivaGailBeads says:
thanks for the info!!!
1 year ago
CandacesCloset says:
Off the check it out. Thanks!
1 year ago
DivineByDeidre says:
Great information! Thanks:)
1 year ago
hausofgmone says:
cool
1 year ago
sweetpeatoadtots says:
Thank you! I will definitely try it!
1 year ago
ikabags says:
Super ! thanks !
1 year ago
ValerieTyler says:
I've had a webs.com site for a few years now. (valerietylerdesigns.com) I actually used the etsy mini feature for a few years and just enlarged it to a bigger number of columns and rows. This way I could have both shops listed in my menu exactly the way I wanted. This new app is nice, but you are only allowed up to two shops right now, and it merges the items from your shops into one category. So those of you with three or more shops, or two you would like to keep separate still have the mini option (which does link back to your store) Just an FYI, You can pay to upgrade on webs.com and get your own domain name as well. They have a lot of really easy web templates to use to set up a site, and they can be tweaked pretty easily to get your own style.
1 year ago
buysomelove says:
pretty spiffy idea! thanks for the info.
1 year ago
LuRuUniques says:
Thanks for the info. Going to check it out.
1 year ago
rarebeasts says:
Looks useful.
1 year ago
LeafandInk says:
Thank you for sharing this new info. We are always looking at ways to improve our website and blog. Great tips in the remarks too! LeafandInk
1 year ago
pogoshop says:
Thanks, Haroon and Julie. I think I'll head over to webs.com right now.
1 year ago
akcArt says:
Will definitely check into this! Thanks so much!
1 year ago
joyoustreasures says:
Oh cool! I had set up a webs website some time ago, so this should be nice! Thanks!
1 year ago
ShopRedLeaf says:
THis comes at a great time, thanks! Definitely going to try it!
1 year ago
lindanmc says:
Great idea, and it sounds mighty easy to set it up. Thanks!
1 year ago
GeorginaKay says:
Great idea I will be checking it out too. So much great stuff on etsy recently
1 year ago
KAPARA says:
Great information! Thank you, I will check this promptly.
1 year ago
MissusDPaperie says:
great info. Thanks for letting us know, I've been looking to be able to set up my website with a shop. That's a good alternative.
1 year ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
Thanks for the information!
1 year ago
RubbishRehab says:
I just tried to set up the free webs account version and I cannot find the web apps store to upload my etsy store information. Is this not available on the free version? I would like to try it for free and see how it works before I pay for the upgrade...
1 year ago
lorenabr says:
Great info :) like the article!
1 year ago
snedekerdesignz says:
I love webs! This app is great!
1 year ago
honeyddesigns says:
Great information and website! Definitely going to check this out! Thanks!
1 year ago
honeyddesigns says:
Valerie: Love your website there! Very inspirational!
1 year ago
oasisbath says:
I am very happy about this new application and i have a store on webs.com and it takes less than 1 minute to add your store with 1 or 2 clicks.
1 year ago
teedle says:
Great! I am very familiar with Webs.com and this is making me revisit my site again.
1 year ago
JanJat says:
Brilliant idea! Thanks for all your hard work :)
1 year ago
Mimisdresshop says:
wow super easy and how much fun- thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
asoftblackstar says:
This is a fantastic idea! Thanks!
1 year ago
birdie1 says:
Yes, would definately like to give it a try however agree with RubbishRehab above ~ cannot find Etsy web app.
1 year ago
vivikas says:
interesting, I'll check it out...
1 year ago
LovMely says:
so great to have this available!! i'm heading over to the website to check it out now!
1 year ago
paperholiday says:
Very cool, thanks!
1 year ago
LovMely says:
okay. so i set up the account! so super easy! but i already have a private dot com address....how do i bring it over to this site?? it's hosted by godaddy? will they let me switch it to to Webs??
1 year ago
Sigmosaics says:
I am very interested in this. I have my own domain name but haven't updated the site for the longest time (not a user friendly website that was built for me) ... so i am curious to check out what is available for me in there. thank you for this post!!
1 year ago
packagery says:
Can't wait to give it a try!
1 year ago
Nachokitty says:
I've been trying to get it to work. Very hard if you want a good looking page. Their pages are rather-well, not good for an etsy store.
1 year ago
HMCollections says:
OH MAN!! Thank you Etsy......I have been wanting a website but don't have $ to get one started up=}
1 year ago
sheilalikestoknit says:
Just set up my own shop in a couple minutes! Can't wait to "tweek" it and get published! Thanks ever so!
1 year ago
CrazyAngelArt says:
I will deff try this...thank you for sharing with us...
1 year ago
gingeraledesigns says:
i am pretty much illiterate about websites but might have to try this. thanks for the info!
1 year ago
KMalinka says:
COOL
1 year ago
eccolights says:
Going to check this out right now :) YAY!
1 year ago
HelenesDreams says:
OMG..I just made a site ..and it's awesome! It actually reminds me of the classic Etsy! Right now my site feeds off of my Etsy store, but this is sooooo easy to use ..I may have to upgrade it. The best thing is it allows you to have a blog...and more then 3 lines in your announcement area!
1 year ago
mrgnome says:
OMG this is Amazing.... what a wonderful help to all of us crafters :-) thanks a million
1 year ago
poedra says:
cooool!!!
1 year ago
WoolyBumblebee says:
I love WEBS!!! I have been using them for 5 years+ now, and have made tons of sites with them. ►►► If you ever need any help for any of their services go on twitter and go ask @websdotcom for help via message. They are super nice and will guide you through any issues. I have had great help from them there.
1 year ago
stringbeanstudios says:
I'm having a problem with WEBS and can't figure out what to do about it. My etsy shop items are not showing up even though I have installed the app according to their directions. I have gone to the chat area to ask for help and I can only leave a comment if I'm logged in, but it won't let me log in with the user name and password I created. when I visit the sight it says my name at the top of the page like I am logged in. SO frustrated. I can't even help from them. Tried to figure out where my email information was stored to see if I made a typo and can't seem to find that either. Dang it. Any advice?
1 year ago
HelloShoes says:
Wow I love this:)
1 year ago
HarrietsHaven says:
This sounds great! I'll check into this later tonight. Thank you!
1 year ago
artofjane says:
It sounds great. I love that they design sites even their mother could use.
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Interesting use of the Etsy API wonder how this would affect SEO?
1 year ago
CorsageHomage says:
Seems pretty good...Might even upgrade now!
1 year ago
ohbabydotcom says:
Looks great : ) I may change mine. Thanks.
1 year ago
Cocosjewelry says:
I'm having a lot of trouble getting on this. It won't accept my shop name saying it has already been taken... Can someone on etsy please help out? I tried the forums, but have found the answer there.
1 year ago
BackyardBrand says:
Thanks! I'm torn tho as to why I should create a dedicated site that would still require purchasers to register with Etsy. Now, Etsy IS my site and I think it adds value to my brand, by virtue of its community. I'm loving hearing others opinions! Best Regards, The Backyard Harmonica Teacher
1 year ago
HelensCrafts says:
Thanks for a really useful article! I am heading over to webs.com right now!
1 year ago
bellasparty says:
Thanks for the info!
1 year ago
DayDrum says:
Free! ... for a limited time :(
1 year ago
lesleyaclarke says:
There seem to be a mix of information - some for and some against - think I'll wait and see the outcome - for now Etsy is all I seem to have time for - but thanks for the info in the article - will save for later
1 year ago
AutumnLeavesJewelry says:
oh thank you!!! will be looking into this later today!!!
1 year ago
larkspurfunnyfarm says:
Very helpful for the computer challenged MOM! You might have just shown me the way to bringing back my own site without all the geek time. Many thanks.
1 year ago
Webs says:
@RubbishRehab: Webs App store is available for free versions. Here's a direct link to it: http://members.webs.com/s/appstore @LovMely: You can attache your existing domain name using the following page: http://members.webs.com/Members/domainHelp.jsp @WoolyBumblebee: Thanks for helping spread our Twitter info! @stringbeanstudios: Ohhh nos! Have you tried contacting our support team directly by going to http://support.webs.com?
1 year ago
MegansCreativeDesign says:
I <3 Webs.com, they host my web site: megans-graphic-design.webs.com. :-) I do all of the coding and designing myself, but they make it easy to upload and update files, which is always helpful!
1 year ago
mia09 says:
How do you link to your Etsy shop? Help please!
1 year ago
BoutiqueDeBandeaux says:
o0Ooo0Oo cool. Gonna try this!
1 year ago
Webs says:
@Mia: All you have to do is go to the Webs App store and install the Etsy app. Then, just add an Etsy account to your page. If you have a Webs.com account, here's a direct link to the Etsy App: http://members.webs.com/s/appstore/app?app=etsystore.
1 year ago
bedbuggs says:
Thanks so much for telling us about this, I'm definitely going to try this!
1 year ago
jbeaudet says:
This sounds great! Thank you!:)
1 year ago
baconsquarefarm says:
Exciting !! always wanted my own website & thanks to Webs this can become a reality for us. I'm thrilled~! Just hope my old brain can figger it out, not enough time now for us as we are preparing for the Minnesota State Fair as vendors, 12 day show. Thanks again~!
1 year ago
elmenns says:
Looks great, thanks for sharing will check it out!
1 year ago
rozzie says:
Interesting, thanks for the info. Going to come back later to read again more carefully. xo Rozzie
1 year ago
sweetnaturedesigns says:
I can't wait to use webs.com Thanks etsy for making this stuff so easy for us!
1 year ago
paulakitty1 says:
Good boy!
1 year ago
WeAre1 says:
Awsome! I already had a webs site. Soooo easy to link! Thanks a Bunch!!! :-)
1 year ago
BabaMoon says:
You know something... I'm completely won over lol! I never imagined it would be easy to make a page for my shop having had a website in the past and recalling the masses of time spent working on that. But yeah I'll definitely give this a go if the majority of work regarding my store is done and dusted with this awesome app. Beats having a static page any day! Can't wait to get some time to work on it :D
1 year ago
Webs says:
@DayDrum: Just noticed your comment. The free account is not free for up to 2 stores attached (no limit on time). The paid version allows up to 50 stores attached. :)
1 year ago
Webs says:
Ooopss..sorry made a typo. The free accounts is NOW free for up to 2 stores attached (no limit on the time).
1 year ago
cocokato says:
wow. that's great news!
1 year ago
AutumnLeavesJewelry says:
what about all our blog love? I'm ready to try this, I used to be a steady seller and need to amp up my marketing
1 year ago
AutumnLeavesJewelry says:
confusing but cool
1 year ago
DayDrum says:
Cool!
1 year ago
drawcity says:
This is awesome, I'm looking for a better way to integrate my website and store, thanks!!
1 year ago
Simag says:
Thank you! I'm definitely going to look into this more!
1 year ago
bonspielcreation says:
I'm digging it! I'm all set up and I'm even going to bail on my current web hosting/site and buy the premium package.
1 year ago
SeasideRoseCreations says:
This is great! I am going to head over to try this! Always wanted a site but no time or $$ to set one up. Hope this does the trick!
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
Must read when my brain gets back from it's weekend trip. Sounds great.
1 year ago
AndisAccessories says:
Sounds like an awesome idea! Worth looking into. All the help for online crafters is greatly appreciated!
1 year ago
earlsalleycats says:
Sounds like a plan, I have a .com but have no idea about finding a web host now it is easier. Thanks
1 year ago
Resign says:
I've just spent most of the day (I'm a bit of a computer dunce) setting up my site, resign.webs.com and am delighted with the results! I still have some tweaking to do and a lot more to learn about making it more interactive but so far so good! PS If I can work it out, anyone can :)
1 year ago
ALLthangsOLDbutNEW2u says:
Great idea, I am going to look at this and check into it. I am really interested
1 year ago
jjsgems says:
It sounds good and looks good - however, it says it is going to be free, but when you get to the end you find out there isn't much of it that is free! Always a kicker at the end of these "free" announcements. I'm already on Google and don't have to pay anything for that. I honestly don't think this is much of a deal when we have to pay 20 cents per listing, a selling fee, and then it goes on a website that we have to pay X amount of dollars per month! Someone is making more money off this deal than I am - that's for sure.
1 year ago
AdornMeJewelry says:
Yes, I agree. When it comes to sites that link to my store, I find SoopSee more valuable. It takes a while to set the page up, too. I signed up, but I don't think I'm going to do anything with it.
1 year ago
YaneaStudios says:
Absolutely fantastic idea!!!!!!!!!!
1 year ago
luvtodesign55 says:
Well this is great but I already have a web site and domain name. This is great for someone who would like to try it. I looked at it and it looks pretty easy.
1 year ago
atlieriris says:
Thank you I think I will try this havent had any sales yet
1 year ago
atlieriris says:
This sounds really great cant wait to try it
1 year ago
vboriginals says:
LOVE this! Thanks!
1 year ago
FloralsbyCLT says:
Thanks
1 year ago
JustColor says:
I will try this after I have studies all the ins and out. It is free now. What does that mean. Until when is it free. What is free. How much is it going to cost me long term. I don't know the answer to all this questions yet, so I can't say if it is great or not great but thanks for the offer and info. Who knows what the future will bring.
1 year ago
ajsoftail says:
Wish I would have know this was coming a few months ago! I just finished paying a web designer to make me a full eCommerce website. It's great, but not as economical as what web.com is offering. Great idea!
1 year ago
pennyfarthingdesigns says:
This sounds like just what I am looking for. Later today I am meeting with a friend (web designer) to discuss what I need to set up my website. This may just do the job for me - thank you!
1 year ago
sdovile says:
thank you so much i am going to try this, i think it is great!!!!!!!!!!!
1 year ago
karencannon1 says:
Very timely information. I was literally sitting here contemplating how to connect Etsy items with my website, then saw your email. I'm going to check out your site right now. Thanks.
1 year ago
theglassattic says:
I am excited to go check out webs now!
1 year ago
tkmetalarts says:
Exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks.
1 year ago
woodenmoose says:
I need help! I made a webpage, uploaded all info, got the Etsy app installed but can't get my products to transfer to the website...am I doing something wrong? Does anyone know a trick? Love the website and info though.
1 year ago
JiSTdesigns says:
sounds almost too easy... may be just what i'm looking for!
1 year ago
Bijoutiful says:
Neat. But.. Is "Puppy Friends" actually Etsy seller "KimBDesigns"? I could be wrong, but it looks funny to me.
1 year ago
MartiniJewels says:
Wonderful! Just did it! Had my own domain name at Go Daddy, but had never done anything with it. Was able to transfer it over with no issues, and now have my VERY OWN WEBSITE! Thanks for the app - my products transferred right over. Love it! Totally worthy of all these exclamation points!
1 year ago
aroundtheclock says:
I've been having a lot of fun setting up my Webs.com site. It's been really easy to use and setting up the Etsy app was a breeze. Here's my current version but I'll be tweaking it as I go. http://vintagearoundtheclock.webs.com/ Thanks for offering such a great service. There's an upgrade in my future if all goes well. Sue
1 year ago
Resign says:
Woodenmoose - I couldn't get my items to transfer the first time I tried. I hadn't entered my shop name exactly as it is in my etsy username, but once I did that everything was fine. Hope that helps!
1 year ago
myhobbyshop says:
i love webs and now with this new appp i am definetely going to work on my site :-)
1 year ago
jolinne says:
That's very nice! Thanks for the info!
1 year ago
ArtMadeByTammy says:
Very Cool!
1 year ago
ShirChadash says:
Great idea! But what if I already have my own website elsewhere? Is there an easy way to do the same type of thing on that?
1 year ago
cooljewelrydesign says:
Sounds really cool and I have every hope that it is; however, the "free" now part means what? I will check into it and thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
ElizabethOHara says:
I went to the site itself and it is easy to use. Thanks for all the information and help for etsians.
1 year ago
erintrees says:
Will definately check this out, nervous about overspending as sales not too great at present but sounds interesting. Thanks
1 year ago
critter2010 says:
great info!! need all the help I can get.
1 year ago
eclecticarmadillo says:
Would this work for teams to add their stores to an upgraded version?
1 year ago
KarensCoolPots says:
This worked great! I have tried building my own website from scratch and it was lots of learning and work to get it just right. Everything was integrated and I was able to create a great looking website in a couple of minutes. I even signed up for my own domain name. Check it out karenscoolpots.com. Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
Webs says:
@ShirChadash: Sorry but the Webs Etsy App is only currently available for Webs.com sites. @cooljewelrydesign: The free part is really free :) No hidden costs or catches. @eclecticarmadillo: Yes absolutely. We do offer a paid Etsy App package for teams (it is $5/month or $50/yr). The paid version allows you to attach up to 50 Etsy usernames
1 year ago
Truleyourjewelry says:
Wow! Thanks for the info! I already had a .webs site, I didn't know I could attach my Etsy store to it. It was very easy to set up, and very easy instruction, thanks for the blog!
1 year ago
Plushable says:
Thanks a lot! Just opened my site there yesterday :)
1 year ago
GemsFitForAQueen says:
amazing.
1 year ago
gmagoods says:
Thank you, I will look in to it.
1 year ago
SweetlyScrappedArt says:
Oh I am doing it now! WOnderful idea! It's so easy too! I love it.
1 year ago
SweetlyScrappedArt says:
http://sweetlyscrappedart.webs.com/
1 year ago
go2girl says:
Love it & using it. Thanks!
277 days ago