Your Craft Deserves More Than an Etsy Page That Looks Like Everyone Else's

I'm Hunter, your Louisville Web Guy. I help artisans and makers get online, get found on Google, and sell beyond the farmers market. Whether you're starting fresh, stuck with a site that doesn't do your work justice, or invisible between markets, I can help.

Get Your Website - Call (502) 305-4043
Starting at $150/mo
Live in 1-2 Weeks
Local Louisville Support
Lou the Louisville Web Guy mascot waving hello
Lou looking confused, scratching his head

Sound Familiar?

"I just sell on Etsy and Instagram."

You've been meaning to build a real website for years. Etsy works, but you're competing with thousands of other sellers and paying 12% per sale. Instagram is gorgeous, but it doesn't show up in Google searches.

"My website is... embarrassing."

You tried building something on Wix or Squarespace. It sort of works, but it doesn't do your craft justice. You'd never send a buyer there. Your work is beautiful. Your site isn't.

"Between markets, I'm invisible."

People love your stuff at the farmers market. They grab your card. But between markets? Nothing. No way for them to find you, order from you, or share your work with friends.

"Nobody finds me when they Google."

When someone searches "custom woodworker Louisville" or "handmade pottery Kentucky," your competitors show up. You don't. The people searching are ready to buy. They just can't find you.

I Met a Specialty Food Maker at a Louisville Expo. His Product Was Great. His Website Wasn't.

He had an award-winning product. Loyal following at farmers markets. People loved what he made. But when I asked about his website, he winced. "It's... immature," he said. Old Wix site he built years ago that he could barely update.

Here's the thing nobody told him: his biggest problem wasn't the design. It was that when someone searched for his product type in Louisville, he didn't show up. Not page 1. Not page 2. Nowhere. His awards weren't displayed. His site wasn't mobile-friendly. And the people searching for exactly what he sold were finding his competitors instead.

That's where I start. Not with fonts and colors, but with: "What do people actually search for when they want to find you?"

Lou inspecting a website with a magnifying glass
Lou pointing to important information

Etsy Takes 12%. Your Website Takes 0%.

Etsy is great for getting in front of buyers who are already browsing the platform. But it's crowded. You're competing with thousands of sellers. And every sale costs you a listing fee, a transaction fee, a payment processing fee. It adds up fast.

Your own website shows up in Google searches. When someone types "handmade jewelry Louisville" or "custom furniture maker near me," Google shows them websites, not Etsy pages. Your site, your photos, your story, your prices. No marketplace fees. No algorithm deciding if people see your work.

The smart move? Use both. Sell on Etsy. But let your website capture the Google searches and build your email list. That way you're not dependent on any one platform.

0%
marketplace fees on sales through your own website

You Sell at Markets. People Love Your Stuff. But Between Markets, You're Invisible.

  1. You sell at the farmers market, craft fairs, and pop-ups. Business is good in person. But between events, you have no way for people to find you, order from you, or share your work with friends.
  2. You rely on Instagram and Etsy. Instagram's algorithm changes every month. Etsy takes a cut of every sale. Neither shows up when someone Googles "handmade gifts Louisville."
  3. You tried building a website yourself. Got frustrated. Closed the laptop. The draft is still sitting there, half-finished, making you feel guilty every time you think about it.

A website keeps you selling 24/7. Between markets, your site is your storefront. Customers can browse your work, place orders, request commissions, and sign up for your email list. All while you're in the studio making the next thing.

✕ Etsy & Instagram Only

  • ✕ Invisible on Google searches
  • ✕ Paying 12% fees per sale
  • ✕ Competing with thousands of sellers
  • ✕ No email list, no direct relationship

✓ Your Own Website

  • ✓ Found on Google for local searches
  • ✓ 0% marketplace fees
  • ✓ Your portfolio, your way
  • ✓ Build an email list you own
Lou with artisan and maker tools, ready to build creative websites
Lou in professional mode, ready to work

How I Actually Work

1

You call or text me.

5 minutes. Tell me what you make, show me what you've got (or don't have). I'll give you an honest take. If you don't need my help, I'll tell you.

2

Send me your photos and your story.

Your work is the star. I need your best photos, a bit about how you got started, and what you want people to know. Text or email works.

3

I build your site.

Portfolio galleries, commission request forms, market schedule, shop integration. All mobile-friendly. All designed to make your work look as good online as it does in person. Live in 1-2 weeks.

4

You go back to making things.

I handle hosting, updates, and maintenance. New photos from a craft fair? Text them to me. New product? I'll add it. Market schedule changed? Updated. You focus on your craft. I handle the website.

Lou giving a thumbs up

Simple Pricing for Makers

Three options. No hidden fees. No long contracts. Pick the one that fits.

Starter

Get Online
$150/mo
+ one-time setup from $950

You need this if:

  • ✓ You don't have a website yet
  • ✓ Buyers Google you and find nothing
  • ✓ You want a portfolio that does your work justice
  • ✓ Tired of paying Etsy fees on every sale
Get Started
Most Popular

Pro

Get Found
$275/mo
+ one-time setup from $950

You need this if:

  • ✓ Your site looks decent but nobody finds it
  • ✓ Not showing up for local searches
  • ✓ Other makers outrank you on Google
  • ✓ Want more buyers from Google searches
Get Started

Website Rescue

Get Fixed
$150 diagnostic
Applied to your project if you move forward

You need this if:

  • ✓ Your DIY site doesn't do your work justice
  • ✓ Your site doesn't work on phones
  • ✓ You can't make updates yourself
  • ✓ You started building a site and gave up
Book a Rescue

These Are the Exact Searches Your Buyers Type Into Google

I pulled these from actual search data. Real searches, by real Louisville shoppers, every month.

Craft + Location

  • "custom woodworker Louisville"
  • "handmade pottery Kentucky"
  • "jewelry maker Louisville KY"
  • "leather goods Louisville"
  • "Louisville artisan gifts"
  • "handmade candles Louisville"

Material + Product

  • "hand thrown pottery near me"
  • "live edge table Louisville"
  • "bourbon barrel furniture Kentucky"
  • "handmade soap Louisville"
  • "stained glass artist Kentucky"
  • "soy candle maker near me"

Commission + Custom

  • "custom furniture maker near me"
  • "commission artist Louisville"
  • "custom wedding gifts Louisville"
  • "personalized gifts Louisville KY"
  • "custom portrait artist Kentucky"
  • "bespoke jewelry Louisville"

Makers I Work With

Websites for all types of artisans and craftspeople in Louisville and Kentucky

Potters & Ceramicists
Woodworkers
Jewelry Makers
Leather Workers
Fiber Artists
Blacksmiths
Glassblowers
Soap & Candle Makers
Painters & Artists
Calligraphers
Weavers & Knitters
Metalworkers
Furniture Makers
Paper Crafters
Quilters
Printmakers
Embroiderers
Specialty Food Makers
Lou running to help with seasonal planning

Timing Matters for Makers

Louisville has seasons that drive buying. I start optimizing your site for holiday gift searches in September so you're ranking by November.

Derby Season

Louisville souvenirs, Derby-themed gifts, Kentucky-made products. Tourists are searching. Are you showing up?

Holiday Gift Season

"Handmade gifts Louisville," "unique Christmas gifts Kentucky." This is your biggest window. Start ranking early.

Market Season

Spring through fall, farmers markets and craft fairs are packed. Your website turns one-time market shoppers into repeat online customers.

Wedding Season

Custom wedding favors, personalized gifts, hand-lettered invitations. Brides search Google before Pinterest. Rank for it.

Mother's & Father's Day

"Unique gifts for mom Louisville," "handmade Father's Day gifts." People want something special, not another gift card.

Small Business Saturday

The one day a year people actively seek out small makers. Make sure your website is ready for the traffic spike.

Questions Makers Ask

Straight answers about websites for artisans and craftspeople

Do artisans and makers really need a website?

Yes. Your Instagram and Etsy don't show up in Google searches. When someone searches "custom woodworker Louisville" or "handmade pottery Kentucky," they find people with websites. A website is your own space that you control, and it looks more professional than social media alone.

How much does an artisan website cost?

I offer three plans. Starter is $150/month (plus a one-time setup from $950) and gets you a professional website with portfolio gallery, about page, and mobile optimization. Pro is $275/month (setup from $950) and adds ongoing SEO so buyers find you on Google. Already have a site that needs fixing? Website Rescue starts at $150 for a full diagnostic.

Can I sell my work through the website?

Yes. I can integrate with Shopify, Etsy, Square Online, or add simple PayPal buy buttons. Start with a portfolio site and add e-commerce when you're ready. Many makers prefer using the site to drive traffic to their existing Etsy shop.

Can customers request custom commissions?

Yes. I build custom inquiry forms specifically for commission requests. Customers can describe what they want, attach inspiration images, and provide their budget and timeline. These go directly to your inbox.

Do I really need a website if I sell on Etsy?

Etsy is great for reaching buyers already on the platform, but it's crowded and you're competing with thousands of sellers. Your own website shows up in Google searches, looks more professional, and you don't pay marketplace fees. Many makers use both.

How do I show my portfolio?

I create beautiful galleries organized by category, material, or collection. High-quality images are the star. I can also add details like dimensions, materials used, and pricing. Your work deserves to be shown off properly.

Can I list my market schedule and events?

Yes. I can add an events section where you list upcoming craft fairs, markets, and pop-ups. Customers can see where to find you in person. This is easy to update through your monthly update time.

How long does it take to build?

Most artisan websites are live within 1-2 weeks. Send me your best photos, your story, and what you make. I handle everything else.

How do I know if I need a new site or just SEO help?

Good question. If your site is broken, outdated, or doesn't work on mobile, you probably need a rescue or rebuild. If your site looks fine but nobody finds it on Google, you need SEO. Not sure? Call me. I'll look at your site and give you an honest assessment. I'm not going to sell you a new website if you just need SEO.

Lou celebrating

Ready to Sell Beyond the Market?

Call or text me. I'll look at what you've got, tell you what I'd do, and give you a straight answer on pricing. No pitch. No pressure.

Call (502) 305-4043

Serving potters, woodworkers, jewelers, and all types of makers in Louisville and Kentucky