Etsy SEO Tips – 13 Actionable Tips To Improve Your Etsy SEO

As a small business owner on Etsy, I understand the importance of getting my products seen by potential customers. That’s why I’ve spent countless hours researching and implementing Etsy Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategies. Some were more effective than others.

There are so many fake guru’s out there giving advice. Many don’t even have Etsy stores.

In this article, I’ll be sharing 13 actionable Etsy SEO tips that have helped me improve the visibility of my Etsy listings and increase sales.

Before diving into the tips, it’s important to understand what Etsy SEO is. Simply put, Etsy SEO is the process of optimizing your shop and product listings to rank higher in Etsy’s search results. This is crucial for increasing visibility and driving traffic to your shop.

Etsy SEO relies on a variety of factors, including the relevance, quality, and authority of your listings. By understanding and optimizing these factors, you can improve your Etsy SEO and increase your chances of being found by potential customers.

Key Takeaways

Effective Etsy SEO is crucial for increasing visibility, driving traffic, and staying ahead of competitors in the online marketplace.

Key factors that influence Etsy SEO ranking include relevance, listing quality score, recency, customer and market experience score, and shipping price.

Optimizing listings with contextually relevant keywords, providing high-quality images and descriptions, offering excellent customer service, and encouraging 5-star reviews are all essential for improving Etsy SEO.

Regularly updating a store with new products, monitoring Etsy statistics, using all 13 tags, and incorporating social media into the marketing strategy is also important for increasing visibility and engagement with potential customers.

What is Etsy SEO?

To grasp Etsy SEO, you need to understand how it works and its importance in boosting your shop’s visibility.

Etsy SEO is the process of optimizing your Etsy shop and listings to improve their visibility on Etsy search results. Essentially, Etsy SEO is similar to search engine optimization (SEO) for other search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo.

The importance of Etsy SEO can’t be overstated. Etsy SEO is critical to the success of any Etsy shop because it determines how easily my shop and listings can be found by potential customers on Etsy.

Without a solid understanding of Etsy SEO, your shop and your listings may not appear in Etsy search results, which means that you may miss out on valuable traffic and sales.

Therefore, to succeed on Etsy, you need to develop and implement a strong understanding of Etsy SEO to help your shop and listings rank higher on Etsy search results.

Why should you apply Etsy SEO?

Boosting your shop’s visibility through effective Etsy SEO is crucial for increasing your chances of being discovered by potential customers, driving traffic to your shop, and ultimately, boosting sales.

As an Etsy seller, you need to understand that the platform operates on a search algorithm that determines which items appear on the first page of search engine results. This means that if you want your Etsy store to be seen by potential customers, you need to improve your Etsy SEO.

You are paying (via the fees Etsy charges you) to get access to the customers that Etsy brings to the marketplace and SEO is one of the key ways of doing just that.

By applying these Etsy SEO tips, you can optimize your shop’s listings to rank higher on search engine results pages. This will help you reach more potential customers who are searching for products like yours.

Effective Etsy SEO can help you stay ahead of your competitors and increase your chances of making more sales. Therefore, it’s essential to learn and apply Etsy SEO best practices to ensure the success of your Etsy store.

Etsy SEO Ranking Factors – Summary

As an Etsy seller, it’s important to understand the various factors that influence your SEO ranking on the platform. These factors include:

• Relevance, which refers to how closely your product matches a buyer’s search query
• Listing quality score, which is based on factors such as product description, tags, and images
• Recency, which takes into account how recently your product was listed or updated (the more an item sells and is relisted, the more it stands a chance of selling again)
• Customer and market experience score, which considers factors such as reviews and sales history, click-through rate, and bounce rate.
• Shipping price, which can impact whether your product appears in search results for buyers who have set a specific price range.

By paying attention to these factors and optimizing your listings accordingly, you can improve your chances of appearing higher in search results and attracting more customers to your shop.

Etsy is very guarded on how the ranking factors apply and which are more important, but it’s generally accepted that the above are the key ranking factors.

Here is a bit more detail on each one:

Relevance

You can improve your Etsy SEO by making your listings more relevant to what people are searching for. One way to do this is by incorporating relevant keywords in your titles, tags, and descriptions.

Here are some tips to help you optimize your listings and increase their relevance:

• Conduct keyword research to find the most relevant keywords for your products.
• Use long-tail keywords that are more specific and less competitive.
• Place your keywords strategically in your titles, tags, and descriptions.
• Avoid keyword stuffing, which can negatively impact your ranking on Etsy’s search algorithm.

By following these optimization tips, you can increase the relevance of your listings and improve your Etsy SEO. This will help your products appear higher in search results, leading to increased visibility and sales.

Listing Quality Score

To improve your chances of appearing at the top of search results on Etsy, it’s important to understand the concept of listing quality score. This score is determined by various factors such as the relevance of your keywords, the accuracy of your product descriptions, and the quality of your images.

The higher your listing quality score, the more likely your listings will be shown to potential customers when they search for relevant keywords. The Etsy search algorithm takes into account the listing quality score when displaying search results.

Make sure to provide clear and detailed product descriptions, use high-quality images, and maintain a high level of customer satisfaction. By focusing on your listing quality score, you can improve your visibility on Etsy and attract more customers to your Etsy store.

Recency

As a seller on Etsy, you want to ensure that your products are visible and easily accessible to your target market.

One way to do this is by continuously updating your store with fresh and new content. This is where recency comes into play.

Recency refers to the time frame in which your products were last updated or added to your store. Etsy’s algorithm takes into account the recency of your products when ranking them in search results.

This means that the more recent your products are, the higher the chances of them appearing on top of search results. Thus, it is crucial to regularly update your store with new products or refresh your existing ones.

By doing so, you communicate to Etsy that your store is active and relevant, which improves your chances of being seen by potential buyers.

Customer and Market Experience Score

Imagine browsing through Etsy and coming across a store with beautiful product photos, detailed descriptions, and prompt responses from the seller – this is the kind of customer and market experience that can greatly impact your store’s success.

Etsy SEO is not just about optimizing your listing titles and tags, but also about creating a positive experience for your customers.

Etsy wants happy customers. So, the more satisfied your customers are with their experience on Etsy, the higher your scores will be, and the more likely you are to appear in relevant search results.

Shipping Price

Lowering your shipping prices can be a game-changer for attracting more customers and increasing sales. Here are three ways to optimize your Etsy shipping prices to improve your Etsy SEO:

1. Offer free shipping: Customers love free shipping, and many will choose a product with free shipping over one that has an additional shipping fee. Consider offering free shipping on orders over a certain amount to incentivize customers to buy more.
2. Use calculated shipping: Calculated shipping allows you to charge customers based on the size and weight of their order, which can help you avoid overcharging or undercharging for shipping.
3. Optimize your packaging: The size and weight of your packaging can affect the cost of shipping. Consider using smaller and lighter packaging to save on shipping costs.

Etsy is keen to make sure that people selling on Etsy offer low-price shipping. Etsy allows you to set shipping free over $35 which helps Etsy remove the perception that shipping on Etsy is expensive.

Etsy Shop Location

One key factor that can impact your shop’s visibility on the platform is your location. As an Etsy seller, you should optimize your shop location to increase your chances of being found by potential buyers.

When setting up your shop, make sure to choose the correct location that best represents where your products are made or shipped from. This will help Etsy’s search algorithm to identify your shop and products when a buyer searches for items within your area.

Etsy wants to reduce shipping times to their customers so Etsy takes into account the customer’s location and the shop’s location so they can show the customer ‘local’ items.

Shopper’s Etsy Habits

Understanding shopper’s habits is crucial for maximizing your shop’s visibility and sales potential on the Etsy platform. As a seller, you need to be aware of what your potential customers are searching for and how they are navigating through the Etsy search engine.

Here are three actionable tips to help you understand shopper’s habits and increase traffic to your shop:

1. Use long-tail keywords: Long-tail keywords are more specific and descriptive than generic ones. Shoppers who use long-tail keywords are more likely to be looking for something specific, and if your listings match their search query, your items are more likely to appear in their search results.
2. Analyze your shop’s traffic: Use Etsy’s built-in analytics tool to track which keywords and search terms are bringing traffic to your shop. Use this information to optimize your listings and tags accordingly.
3. Stay up-to-date with trends: Keep an eye on the latest trends and popular searches on Etsy. Incorporate these trends into your shop’s listings and tags to increase visibility and attract shoppers who are searching for these items.

By understanding shopper’s habits, you can make informed decisions about how to optimize your shop for the Etsy search engine and increase your chances of making sales.

Context-Specific Ranking (CSR)

CSR takes into account a variety of factors, including the shopper’s location, past purchases, and search history, to deliver the most relevant and personalized results possible.

To optimize your listings for CSR, it’s important to use relevant keywords that accurately describe your products. Consider what search terms your potential customers might use and incorporate those keywords into your titles, tags, and descriptions.

It’s also important to regularly update and refresh your listings to ensure they remain relevant and appealing to shoppers. By taking advantage of Context-Specific Ranking, you can increase your shop’s visibility on Etsy and attract more potential customers to your listings.

13 Helpful Etsy SEO Tips

When it comes to good Etsy SEO there are a few key things to keep in mind. Here’s what I’ve learned:  

Research Keywords

So you think you’re a keyword expert, huh? Well, let me tell you, simply guessing what people might search for won’t cut it. You need to dig deep and research the heck out of those keywords if you want to optimize your listings like a pro.

This is the first step in Etsy SEO; conducting thorough Etsy keyword research.

This means finding both primary and longtail keywords that are relevant to your product and have a high search volume. 

The key is to find a balance between highly searched keywords and those that have less competition.

One helpful tool for Etsy keyword research is the Etsy search bar itself. Start typing in a potential keyword and see what auto-populates. These are suggestions based on what other Etsy shoppers are searching for.

Another option is to use third-party Etsy keyword research tools like eRank, Alura, and EtsyHunt. These tools can help you find related keywords and give you insights into the search volume and competition.

By taking the time to research your keywords, you can improve your Etsy SEO and increase your chances of being found by potential customers.

Use Longtail Keywords

Longtail keywords are longer phrases that are more specific and targeted than broad keywords.

By incorporating longtail keywords into your product titles, tags, and descriptions, you can optimize your Etsy shop for search engines and improve your Etsy ranking and stand a better chance of your listings matching the user’s search.

When selecting longtail keywords, think about what your ideal customer would type into the search bar. Instead of using generic keywords like ‘necklace’ or ‘bracelet’, try using more specific and descriptive phrases such as ‘handmade silver charm necklace’ or ‘boho leather wrap bracelet’.

By using longtail keywords, you not only increase the chances of your listings appearing in relevant search results, but you also attract customers who are more likely to make a purchase. 

And you will stand a better chance of getting your Etsy listing’s on the first page of the search.

Incorporating long-tail keywords is just one of the many actionable tips for improving your Etsy shop’s SEO and attracting more customers to your online store.

Use All 13 Etsy Tags

Gone are the days of simply matching your Title and Tags. Etsy search works differently now.

Make sure to utilize all 13 tags available to you when optimizing your Etsy listings for SEO. These tags are crucial to maximizing the visibility of your listings and improving your chances of attracting potential customers with varied interests and preferences.

By using all 13 tags, you increase the likelihood of your listings appearing in relevant search engine results, which is essential for driving traffic to your store and increasing sales.

When choosing your tags, it’s important to be strategic and choose keywords that accurately describe your product and are commonly searched by your target audience. Don’t be afraid to get specific and use long-tail keywords to differentiate your listings from competitors.

Use the Main Keyword in the Title, Tags, and Description

One of the most effective ways to get your Etsy listings on first page of search, is by incorporating your main keyword into your listing’s title, tags, and description. By doing so, you’re making it clear to both Etsy’s search engine and potential buyers what your listing is all about.

To help you understand the importance of this strategy, here are three key benefits of using your main keyword in your Etsy listings:

• Improved search rankings: By including your main keyword in your title, tags, and description, you’re making it easier for Etsy’s search engine to understand what your listing is all about. As a result, your listing is more likely to show up in relevant search results, increasing your shop’s visibility and attracting more potential buyers.
• Better click-through rates: When potential buyers see your listing in search results, they’re more likely to click through to your listing if they see that your title, tags, and description include the search term they’re looking for. By using your main keyword in these areas, you’re making it clear to buyers that your listing is relevant to their search, increasing the likelihood that they’ll click through to your shop.
• Increased buyer confidence: When buyers see that your listing includes their search term, they’re more likely to feel confident that your product is what they’re looking for. This can lead to increased sales and positive reviews, helping to establish your shop as a reputable source for high-quality products in your niche.

Dont Overuse Your Main Keyword

Using your main keyword, yes, overusing it, no.

Be cautious not to excessively repeat your primary keyword in your listings as it can negatively impact your search rankings and come across as spammy to potential buyers. While it’s important to include your main keyword in your titles, tags, and descriptions to optimize your Etsy SEO, overusing it can do more harm than good.

Instead, focus on incorporating your main keyword in a natural and contextual manner that accurately reflects the content of your listing. To avoid overusing your main keyword, consider using synonyms, related terms, and variations throughout your listing. This will not only help you rank for a wider range of search terms, but it will also make your listings more readable and appealing to potential buyers.

Dont Keyword Stuff

Avoid stuffing your listings with repetitive keywords, as this can harm your search rankings and turn off potential customers. Keyword stuffing refers to the practice of adding too many keywords in a listing, making it look spammy and unnatural. While it may seem like a smart strategy to rank higher in search results, it can actually backfire.

The Etsy algorithm is designed to detect and penalize keyword-stuffed listings, which means that you may end up appearing lower in search results or not at all. Don’t keyword stuff your Etsy listings. Instead, focus on using relevant and specific keywords that accurately describe your products.

Don’t repeat Words In the Title & Tags

You think it’s a great idea to use the same words over and over again in your title and tags, but it’s actually hurting your chances of being found by potential customers.

For one, it looks and reads terribly. Secondly, you are wasting space that could be used for other keywords.

When you repeat words in your title and tags, you are essentially telling Etsy’s search bar that you only have one keyword to offer. This makes it difficult for the search bar to understand what your product is about, and as a result, your product will not appear in relevant search results.

To avoid this mistake, make sure that you do not repeat words in your title and tags. Instead, use a variety of keywords that accurately describe your product.

Offer Low Price Shipping

Offering low-price shipping can be a game-changer for your Etsy shop. It can attract more customers who are looking for affordable options. By offering affordable shipping options, you can improve your chances of getting more traffic to your Etsy shop.

This is because shoppers are more likely to click on listings that have reasonably-priced shipping fees. In addition, offering low-price shipping can also improve your chances of getting more sales. You are providing customers with an incentive to purchase your products when you offer affordable shipping options.

This can lead to more sales, which can ultimately help you improve your Etsy SEO. By following this actionable tip, you can make your shop more attractive to customers and improve your chances of success on Etsy.

Update Listings That Arent Selling

To improve your sales on Etsy, it’s important to update any listings that aren’t selling by refreshing the photos, titles, and descriptions. As an AI language model, I’ve analyzed the platform and identified the following actionable tips for you to update your listings:

• Check the competition: Look at listings similar to yours that are selling well and analyze their titles, descriptions, and photos to see what you can improve on.
• Use high-quality photos: Make sure your photos are clear, well-lit, and show the product from different angles.
• Optimize your titles and descriptions: Use relevant keywords in your title and description to help your listing appear in search results.

Remember, updating your listings is an ongoing process, so make sure to regularly check and adjust them to keep up with the competition and improve your sales.

Updating your listings is a crucial step in improving your sales on Etsy. 

Monitor Your Etsy Statistics

Keep an eye on your sales and traffic by monitoring your Etsy statistics, so you can make informed decisions to boost your success. Etsy provides a wealth of data on your shop’s performance, including the number of views, favorites, and sales you receive.

By analyzing your Etsy statistics, you can track which keywords are bringing the most traffic to your shop and adjust your listings accordingly. This will help you optimize your shop’s visibility and ultimately boost your sales.

By staying on top of your Etsy statistics and making informed decisions, you can take actionable steps to improve your shop’s performance and achieve greater success on the platform.

Get More 5-Star Reviews

You need to up your game when it comes to getting more 5-star reviews if you want to boost your credibility and attract more customers to your shop, ASAP.

Why are 5-star reviews so important? Well, they not only improve your shop’s overall rating but also increase your chances of getting featured on the Etsy marketplace, which can significantly improve your visibility.

So, how can you get more 5-star reviews? First off, make sure you’re providing excellent customer service and delivering high-quality products. Encourage your customers to leave a review by sending them a follow-up message after their purchase and offering a discount on their next purchase as a thank you.

You can also add a note in your packaging reminding them to leave a review. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback and address any negative reviews promptly.

Be Active In Your Shop

Whilst hard to prove, I’m pretty sure Etsy rewards active sellers. 

When I’ve taken time away from my store for a prolonged period sales pick up once I come back and am active in my store each day.

Being active in your shop is crucial for maintaining a strong presence and engaging with potential customers. This is especially important when it comes to optimizing your Etsy SEO.

One way to stay active is by consistently updating your listings with new and relevant information. Or making expired listings active. 

Promote Your Shop

Etsy likes it when you bring traffic (and customers) to the platform. So, promoting your store outside of Etsy means you get rewarded for the traffic that comes to Etsy from your promotion.

To get your shop noticed, start spreading the word and let everyone know about the amazing products you have available. One of the best ways to promote your shop is through social media.

Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can help you reach a wider audience and drive traffic to your Etsy shop. Make sure to include links to your Etsy listings in your social media posts to make it easier for people to find your shop.

Etsy SEO Tools To Help

Your competitors are using Etsy-specific tools, so why aren’t you?

There are many tools out there each with different feature sets.

My favorite three are Alura, eRank, and EtsyHunt.

You don’t need them all but you do need tools that use Etsy data to show you things like:

• Keyword Data including search volume, competition, and trends
• Listing and Shop audits to check if you have SEO optimized your store.
• The keywords and tags your competition is using
• Estimated sales data so you can find products that are selling

With the help of these Etsy SEO tools, your shop will be as sharp as a well-oiled machine, driving traffic and making sales like a finely-tuned engine.

Conclusion

SEO can be challenging on any platform including Google and Etsy.

Hopefully, this article has helped you learn valuable insights on how to improve your Etsy shop’s visibility and drive more sales, so why wait?

Start implementing these strategies today and see the incredible impact they can have on your business!

Here are some final takeaways to keep in mind as you work through the Etsy SEO process:

• Remember that Etsy SEO is an ongoing process. Keep track of your progress and continue to refine your approach as you go.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies. What works for one shop may not work for another, so be willing to try new things and see what works best for you.
• Stay up to date on the latest Etsy SEO trends and best practices. The world of SEO is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay informed and adapt your approach accordingly.

By following these tips and staying committed to the Etsy SEO process, you can improve your search results and drive more traffic to your Etsy listings. With a little time and effort, you can take your Etsy shop to the next level and achieve your business goals.

FAQ’s

What is Etsy SEO and why is it important?

Etsy SEO refers to the process of optimizing your Etsy shop and individual listings to appear higher in Etsy search results. It is important because it can increase your visibility and help your products get noticed on Etsy.

How can I improve my Etsy SEO?

There are a few key ways to improve your Etsy SEO: conduct thorough keyword research, optimize your title and tags, link your Etsy shop to your social media channels and other websites, and regularly analyze and adjust your SEO strategies based on results.

What is keyword research and how does it relate to Etsy SEO?

Keyword research is the process of identifying the words and phrases that people search for when looking for products like yours. It is critical to your Etsy SEO strategy because it informs your choices around the words and phrases you use in your titles, tags, and descriptions.

How can I conduct effective keyword research for my Etsy shop?

Use tools like Google AdWords Keyword Planner and EtsyRank to research and analyze relevant keywords and phrases. Consider factors like search volume, competition, and relevance when selecting your keywords.

What is the relationship between my title and tags and my overall Etsy SEO?

A: Your title and tags are among the most important elements of your Etsy SEO strategy. Using relevant and specific keywords in both can improve your shop and listing ranking in Etsy search results, making it more likely that your products will be found by potential buyers.

What can I do to get my Etsy shop noticed?

In addition to optimizing your SEO, market your Etsy shop on social media and other channels, offer promotions, take high-quality photos of your products, and use engaging descriptions and titles.

How does Etsy search work?

A: Like Google, Etsy uses an algorithm to determine what items show up first in search results. It considers factors like relevance, customer satisfaction, and shipping speed.

Can improving my Etsy SEO also help me rank higher on Google?

Yes, improving your Etsy SEO can have a positive impact on your ranking in Google search results as well. When your Etsy shop and listings are optimized, they are more likely to show up in Google search results related to your products.

How can I tailor my overall Etsy SEO strategy for long-term success?

Consistency is key. Develop a sustainable, long-term Etsy SEO strategy, regularly analyze your results, and adjust your tactics as necessary. Consider partnering with an SEO expert to gain additional insights and support.

Are there any useful tips or tricks for improving my Etsy SEO?

Yes, consider optimizing your shop for SEO by focusing on relevant categories and subcategories, using multi-word phrases in your titles and tags, regularly updating your product listings, and taking advantage of Etsy’s built-in SEO tools like the Etsy Rank and Marmalead.