How To Sell Online Without a Website: A Guide For Startup Small Business Owners

Setting up a full website can feel like a big project, but the good news is: you don’t actually need one to start selling your creations! There are plenty of straightforward ways to connect with customers and make sales directly, especially if you’re working with custom heat transfers like HTV, DTF, sublimation, or DTG. Here’s how you can get your creations out into the world without the need for a website.

1. Social Media Direct Messages (DMs)

Social media platforms aren’t just for sharing; they’re also powerful sales tools. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook have built-in messaging, where you can easily chat with customers about orders. Here’s how to get started:

• Post Pictures and Videos: Show off your work! Use high-quality images or short videos to highlight the detail of your products.
• Add Pricing and Details: Make it easy for potential customers by including prices, sizes, colors, and any other important details.
• Invite Customers to DM for Orders: In your posts, add a line like “DM me to order” or “Message me to learn more.” This way, people can quickly reach out when they see something they like.

💡 Pro Tips

• Use Stories and Highlights: Post product updates, new designs, and even customer testimonials on Stories, and save them in Highlights for easy access. This keeps your best content front and center.
• Create a Pricing Guide: Make a simple graphic with prices and product options that you can share in your DMs. It makes conversations faster and saves time for both you and the customer.
• Set Up Payment Options: Use easy payment methods like PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App, which are popular and trusted by many buyers. Once an order is confirmed, you can send an invoice directly through these apps to make payments hassle-free.

2. Use Online Marketplaces

Online marketplaces are a fantastic option if you want to reach a large audience. Many people are already browsing these sites for unique products, so you can tap into a bigger customer pool.

• Popular Options: Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and even eBay are great places to start. They’re user-friendly and don’t require much setup.
• Set Up a Simple Profile: Just create a profile, upload a few photos, add descriptions, and you’re good to go! These platforms make it easy to share your products and handle transactions.
• Local Pickup or Shipping: If you’re open to shipping, you can expand your reach even more. Otherwise, local pickup is a good way to connect with nearby customers.

💡 Pro Tips

• Write Clear, Detailed Descriptions: Add as much information as possible about your items, including materials, sizes, colors, and any customization options. Clear descriptions can answer customer questions before they even ask.
• Offer Discounts for Local Pickup: If you’re listing items on a local marketplace like Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp, offer a small discount for those who can pick up their orders. It reduces shipping costs and simplifies the process for you.
• Take Payments via Marketplace Tools: Many of these platforms have built-in payment systems (e.g., Facebook Pay), which can make transactions easier and more secure. If not, using cash, Venmo, or PayPal for local pickups is a good alternative.

3. Online Product Forms

For a more organized approach, product forms can help you collect specific information from customers.

• Form Tools to Try: JotForm and Typeform let you create a quick, customized order form where customers can enter details like size, color, and personalization requests.
• Direct Customers to the Form: Simply share the form link on social media or text it to potential buyers. This is a convenient option if you often get repeat orders or need a streamlined way to track orders.

💡 Pro Tips

• Make Your Form Look Professional: Use custom branding with your business colors and logo. Forms like JotForm and Typeform have customization options that make the form feel unique to your brand.
• Add Helpful Options: Include fields for size, color, custom requests, or “rush order” options for an extra fee. This helps the customer communicate exactly what they want while giving you the details you need.
• Set Up an Easy Payment System: Once you’ve received an order, send the customer an invoice through PayPal or use a tool like Square to accept credit card payments securely. Some form tools, like JotForm, even allow payment integration directly within the form.

4. Etsy and Amazon Handmade

If you’re looking for a wider audience of people who are already interested in unique or handmade items, platforms like Etsy and Amazon Handmade can be excellent options. You don’t need to worry about building a website from scratch; these marketplaces provide a ready-to-go platform with a built-in customer base.

• Reach an Audience Looking for Handmade Items: On Etsy and Amazon Handmade, people are already searching for unique, personalized, or handcrafted products, making it easier for you to get your items noticed.
• Quick Setup: You just need to create a seller profile, upload photos of your creations, add descriptions, and set prices. Both platforms guide you through the process and offer tools to help you organize orders and manage customer inquiries.
• Additional Features: Etsy, for example, offers analytics so you can see how many people are viewing your items, which ones are popular, and what tags are performing best. Amazon Handmade has similar tools, plus the benefit of Amazon’s vast fulfillment network if you’re ready for that step.

💡 Pro Tips

• Use Keywords Strategically: Think about what customers might search for, like “custom t-shirts,” “handmade drinkware,” or “personalized gifts,” and add these to your item titles and tags. Good keywords help your products appear higher in search results.
• Create High-Quality Photos: Great photos can make or break a sale. Use natural lighting, take clear close-ups, and show your items from multiple angles. Many sellers find success by styling their products in real-life settings to make them more relatable.
• Take Advantage of Promotions and Ads: Both Etsy and Amazon Handmade offer options to promote your listings within the platform. Small paid ads can help increase visibility, especially if you’re selling during popular gift-giving seasons like the holidays.
• Use the Platform’s Payment Options: Etsy and Amazon Handmade both offer payment solutions that handle credit cards, PayPal, and even gift cards, making it easy for customers to pay. Plus, these platforms protect both sellers and buyers, adding extra security.

Selling on platforms like these saves you from starting from scratch and lets you connect with an audience that’s actively browsing for special items. It’s a great option for artists, creators, and business owners who want a head start in the handmade market.

Start Selling Today!

Selling your creations without a website is possible, and these methods make it simple to start reaching customers right away. Give them a try, and see which one works best for your business!