Should You Sell on Amazon or Build Your Own Website in 2025?
Selling on Amazon is powerful, but building your own website is essential — smart brands do both to grow and stay safe.
One of the most common questions I get from entrepreneurs is this:
“Should I sell on Amazon or build my own ecommerce site?”
My honest answer?
Do both — and always have a backup.
Let me explain why.
🛒 Why Amazon (and other platforms) work
Selling on Amazon, Etsy, or similar platforms is tempting — and for good reason:
Huge traffic, already there.
Built-in trust and infrastructure.
Logistics, payments, even ads — all in one place.
If you’re just starting out or testing product demand, these platforms can give you instant traction.
But here’s the catch: you don’t own the platform.
I've seen sellers with 6-figure revenue lose their stores overnight due to sudden account suspensions, policy changes, or algorithm shifts.
That’s why…
🌐 You must build your own site
Having your own website isn’t just about independence — it’s about brand ownership.
You control the customer relationship.
You decide the UX, the story, the pricing.
You can build email lists, retargeting funnels, and a true brand identity.
But yes — it’s more work.
And yes — marketing your own site can be more expensive at the beginning.
That’s why most smart brands do both.
🔄 Diversify or Die
In 2025, ecommerce isn’t a platform game.
It’s a risk management game.
👉 Never put all your eggs in one basket.
Amazon can be your traffic source.
Your own website can be your brand home.
And if one fails? You’re still alive.
My Advice?
Start where you can move fast (Amazon, Etsy, etc.)
But invest in building your own site from day one.
Even if you don’t drive traffic to it now — it’s your safety net, your brand hub, and your future.
What’s your take on this? Are you team “platform”, team “independent”, or somewhere in between?