Big Cartel: A Complete Guide to Launching and Scaling Your Creative Business

Big Cartel has emerged as a popular eCommerce platform for artists, creatives, and small businesses looking to set up their own online stores. Unlike traditional eCommerce giants, Big Cartel focuses on empowering independent artists and makers, providing a simple platform tailored to their needs. If you’re a creator looking for a way to showcase your work and reach customers worldwide, Big Cartel might be the perfect fit. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Big Cartel, from setting up your store to maximizing its potential for growth.

What is Big Cartel?

Big Cartel is an eCommerce platform designed specifically for artists, makers, and small businesses that sell unique, handmade, or custom products. Founded in 2005, Big Cartel has remained true to its mission of providing an easy-to-use, affordable solution for independent creators. Unlike other platforms, Big Cartel doesn’t complicate the experience with unnecessary features—it’s all about simplicity and empowerment.

Key Features of Big Cartel

• User-Friendly Setup: Big Cartel provides an intuitive platform with a streamlined setup process.
• Affordable Plans: Various pricing plans are available, including a free plan with basic features.
• Creative Flexibility: Artists can customize their online store to match their brand’s aesthetic.
• Artist-Focused Tools: Inventory management, marketing tools, and more are tailored to meet the needs of creators.

Getting Started with Big Cartel

Setting up a Big Cartel store is straightforward, making it an ideal choice for creators who want to focus on their art rather than spend too much time on technical details. Here’s a step-by-step guide to launching your store on Big Cartel.

Step 1: Create Your Big Cartel Account

Start by visiting Big Cartel’s website and signing up. You’ll need to provide basic information such as your name, email, and store name. Big Cartel’s free plan allows you to list up to five products, making it a great option for those who are just getting started.

Step 2: Choose a Plan

Big Cartel offers multiple pricing plans:

• Free Plan: List up to five products with limited features.
• Platinum Plan ($9.99/month): For up to 50 products and added customization.
• Diamond Plan ($19.99/month): Allows up to 500 products and includes premium support.

Consider starting with the free plan to test the waters, then upgrade as your store and inventory grow.

Step 3: Design Your Store

Big Cartel provides a range of themes to help you design your store, even if you don’t have technical experience. Themes are customizable, allowing you to align the look of your store with your brand identity.

Customization Options

• Colors and Fonts: Personalize colors and fonts to match your brand.
• Add Visual Elements: Upload high-quality images, videos, and banners.
• Mobile Optimization: All themes are mobile-responsive for easy access across devices.

Step 4: Add Products

Once your store is designed, it’s time to add products. Big Cartel lets you add detailed descriptions, high-quality images, and pricing for each item. You can even categorize products for better navigation.

Why Choose Big Cartel Over Other Platforms?

While there are many eCommerce platforms available, Big Cartel stands out as a top choice for artists and makers. Here’s why:

1. Affordable and Transparent Pricing

Big Cartel offers a free plan, a rare feature among eCommerce platforms. The paid plans are affordable, making Big Cartel an accessible choice for creators with limited budgets.

2. Simplicity and Ease of Use

Big Cartel is designed for those who may not have extensive tech knowledge, providing an intuitive interface and straightforward store setup process.

3. Artistic Freedom

With Big Cartel, creators have the freedom to express their unique style. The platform doesn’t overwhelm users with features that aren’t relevant to artists, allowing them to focus on showcasing their work.

SEO and Marketing on Big Cartel

Building a beautiful store is only the first step. Here are essential SEO and marketing tips to drive traffic to your Big Cartel store.

H2: Optimizing Product Descriptions for SEO

Product descriptions are essential for SEO. Incorporate relevant keywords naturally and describe your products in detail, including materials, dimensions, and care instructions.

H3: Use Keywords in Titles and Meta Descriptions

Make sure to include keywords like “Big Cartel” and “artist store” in product titles and meta descriptions to increase visibility.

H3: Leverage Social Media Marketing

Social media platforms are great for Big Cartel users because they allow you to visually promote your work. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are ideal for reaching art-loving audiences.

H4: Utilize Built-in Big Cartel Marketing Tools

Big Cartel offers basic marketing tools like discounts, promotions, and email reminders. These can help you build customer loyalty and increase sales.

Big Cartel’s Pros and Cons

While Big Cartel is an excellent platform for creatives, it may not be the right choice for everyone. Here’s a breakdown of its strengths and weaknesses:

Pros

• Affordable pricing with a free option
• Easy to use for beginners
• No transaction fees on any plan
• Mobile-friendly themes for better reach
• Creative-focused tools designed for artists

Cons

• Limited scalability for larger businesses
• Basic design options compared to other platforms
• Fewer integrations with third-party apps

Top Alternatives to Big Cartel

If Big Cartel doesn’t meet your needs, consider these alternatives:

Shopify

A robust eCommerce platform that offers more customization options, third-party integrations, and scalability. However, it comes with a higher cost than Big Cartel.

Etsy

Ideal for handmade and vintage items, Etsy offers a marketplace approach, allowing you to reach a broader audience. However, transaction fees and limited customization may be drawbacks.

Squarespace

Squarespace is great for users who want to combine eCommerce with blogging or content creation. The platform provides stunning templates and a high level of customization.

FAQs About Big Cartel

Q1: Is Big Cartel free?

Yes, Big Cartel offers a free plan that allows you to list up to five products. For more features and product listings, paid plans start at $9.99 per month.

Q2: Can I use my own domain with Big Cartel?

Yes, Big Cartel allows users to connect a custom domain to their store, which helps in building a unique brand identity.

Q3: Does Big Cartel take a commission on sales?

No, Big Cartel does not charge any commission on sales. This allows you to keep 100% of your profits, which is a significant advantage over other platforms.

Q4: How does Big Cartel compare to Shopify?

Big Cartel is a simpler, more affordable option tailored for artists, while Shopify is more feature-rich and suitable for larger businesses looking for extensive customization.

Q5: Is Big Cartel suitable for a growing business?

Big Cartel is best suited for small and medium-sized businesses, particularly artists and makers. For high-growth companies needing extensive features, other platforms like Shopify may be better.

Q6: Does Big Cartel integrate with social media platforms?

Yes, Big Cartel allows users to integrate their stores with Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms for easy sharing and promotion of products.

Tips for Success on Big Cartel

If you’re ready to dive in and make the most of Big Cartel, here are some final tips to keep in mind:

1. Engage with Your Audience: Build relationships with your audience through social media, email newsletters, and direct messaging.
2. Utilize Big Cartel’s Discount Features: Offering discounts or limited-time promotions can attract new customers and encourage repeat business.
3. Update Your Store Regularly: Keeping your inventory fresh and adding new products periodically keeps customers coming back.
4. Emphasize Quality: Quality matters, from the photos you use to the descriptions you write. High-quality visuals and detailed descriptions create a better shopping experience.

Conclusion

Big Cartel offers a unique eCommerce platform tailored for artists and small businesses that prioritize creativity and affordability. Whether you’re an artist looking to sell a few pieces or a small business aiming for growth, Big Cartel provides the tools to help you succeed without overwhelming you with complicated features or high costs. By following this guide and optimizing your store’s SEO and marketing strategies, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful online presence with Big Cartel.