Mastering Etsy SEO: Expert Tips for 2025 Success

What is Etsy SEO?

Etsy SEO refers to the strategies and techniques used to improve the visibility of your store and products on Etsy, as well as in external search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo.

Etsy operates as a closed marketplace with its own ranking system, which considers various factors to determine how products and stores appear in search results within the platform.

However, Etsy's strong PageRank on search engines means that optimizing your listings for SEO can also help you attract more traffic from outside Etsy, making your products discoverable on Google and other search engines.

Etsy SEO ranking factors

Several factors impact how your Etsy listing ranks in search results. Here's a breakdown of the key factors:

• Relevancy‍

Etsy prioritizes query matching. The closer your listing's tags, attributes, product descriptions, and titles are to what people are searching for, the higher your ranking will be.

• Listing Quality Score

‍If your product matches a shopper’s search intent, and they stay on your page for an extended period, Etsy will boost your listing quality score. However, if customers quickly click away, it suggests your listing may not be relevant to their needs, which could harm your ranking.

• Recency

‍New listings automatically receive a temporary search boost. Etsy’s algorithm measures how customers engage with these listings over time and adjusts the ranking accordingly. This also applies to new shops.

• Shipping Price

‍High shipping fees can discourage customers from buying. Etsy favors listings with free shipping or reasonable shipping costs. Consider including the cost of shipping in the product price to improve your ranking.

• Personalized Search

‍Etsy tailors search results to individual shoppers based on their browsing history and preferences. This means that your products may rank higher for certain customers depending on their interests.

• Language

‍Always use your shop’s primary language in your listings. Etsy automatically translates titles and labels, but human translations are more accurate than automated ones. If you're fluent in multiple languages, Etsy encourages creating multilingual shops to reach a broader audience.

15 Etsy SEO tips to get your shop noticed

To make your Etsy shop profitable, combining Etsy SEO with effective marketing strategies and high-quality listings is key. Here are some valuable insights and steps to help you stand out:

1.Choose an Etsy shop name that includes keywords

Your Etsy shop name plays a significant role in SEO and visibility on both Etsy and external search engines. Here's how to choose the perfect name for your shop:

Mandatory Requirements:

• Character Limit: Your shop name can have up to 20 characters.
• No Special Characters: Etsy doesn’t allow punctuation, symbols, or unique characters, and words cannot be divided by spaces.
• Trademark Check: Ensure your shop name is not trademarked by a third party. You can check for trademarks through a quick Google search, and verify domain availability on platforms like Namecheap.

Recommended Characteristics:

• Informative and Descriptive: Your shop name should clearly reflect what products you sell. It helps customers immediately understand your niche.
• Memorable and Reflective of Your Brand: A good shop name should stick in customers' minds, capturing your brand's tone and style.

SEO Recommendations:

• Incorporate a Primary Keyword: If possible, include a keyword that reflects your product type or niche in your shop name. This can boost SEO without sacrificing naturalness.
• Create a Consistent Brand： Consider building an external website using the same name (e.g., Pattern or WordPress). This helps with SEO and branding consistency, and you can also trademark the name for legal protection.

Other Tips for Picking the Perfect Etsy Shop Name:

• Use Name Generators: Tools like Namelix or Shopify’s Business Name Generator can help spark ideas.
• Test the Name: Use Etsy analytics and Google Search Console to track the performance of your shop name. Adjust if necessary before fully committing to it.
• Check Social Media Channels: Make sure the name resonates with your audience on social media, and ensure it's available as a handle across platforms.
• Secure Your Domain and Trademark: Once you've settled on a name, consider trademarking it and purchasing the domain name for a consistent brand experience.

2.Research and choose your keywords

Whether you're comparing Etsy vs eBay, Etsy vs Shopify, or other platforms, keyword research is the cornerstone of successful SEO. Keywords directly impact your visibility, ensuring that your store and products appear in search results when potential customers are looking for items like yours.

By using the right keywords in the right places, you help Etsy's algorithm understand what your products are, which ultimately increases your chances of being discovered.

Here's how to leverage keyword research for Etsy SEO:

How to find the best keywords for your Etsy shop

Choosing the right keywords is essential for improving your Etsy shop's visibility. Here's how to find the best keywords for your listings:

1.List Your Product Features :Write down the unique features of your product using both single words and short phrases.

2.Put Yourself in the Shopper’s Shoes :If you were a customer, what terms would you type in the Etsy search bar to find a product like yours? Make a list of these potential search terms.

3.Research Competitors :Look at top-selling shops that offer similar products. Pay attention to their descriptions, tags, and titles. Check reviews to understand what customers like about these products and why they’re best-sellers. Also, look for areas that could be improved and note these.

4.Combine Your Lists :Compare the lists you’ve created. Focus on the terms that overlap with successful competitor listings and that best describe your products.

Once you have your keyword list, test them across these platforms:

1. Etsy Search :Check how your keywords perform on Etsy’s search bar to see if they match popular searches.
2. Social Media :Search keywords on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook to gauge audience interest through hashtags and posts.
3. Search Engines :Test keywords on Google or Bing to see how well they rank outside of Etsy.
4. Keyword Tools :Use Etsy-focused tools like eRank, Alura, and Marmalead to measure keyword performance on the platform.
5. SEO Tools :Try tools like Semrush and Google Trends for broader keyword insights and trends.

By following these steps, you’ll find the best keywords for your Etsy shop, which will help boost your search rankings and sales.

How to search for keywords on Etsy

Etsy’s search engine offers valuable insights into what shoppers are looking for, based on previous searches and current trends. Here's how to use it for keyword research:

1.Navigate to the Etsy homepage at www.etsy.com.

2.Enter your product type in the search bar (e.g., "custom T-shirts"). As you type, Etsy will suggest related terms based on popular searches.

3.Try adding words like "for" (e.g., "T-shirts for aunties")

4.Add "with" (e.g., "t-shirts with the american flag") to get even more relevant keyword suggestions.

Where to Insert Keywords

To improve your ranking, insert keywords in the following places:

• Product Titles and Descriptions :Ensure they are clear and contain the most relevant keywords.
• Meta Titles and Descriptions ：Include keywords in the backend metadata for better visibility.
• Image Alt Text ：Describe images with keywords to help search engines index them.
• Domain Name & Blog Posts ：If you have an external site, use the same keywords across the domain and blog content linked to your Etsy shop.
• Feedback and Reviews ：Encourage customers to mention keywords in their reviews to improve your shop’s relevancy.

3.Use keywords in product titles and descriptions

To enhance your Etsy SEO, place the most important keywords at the beginning of your product title. This helps potential buyers instantly recognize what your product is, boosting your chances of getting more clicks and sales.

However, avoid stuffing your title with too many keywords. Etsy’s algorithm can detect when keywords are unnaturally inserted, which can hurt your ranking.

Use exact match phrases that shoppers are likely to type in their search queries.

Tips:Avoid vague or overly broad phrases like "Women’s T-Shirts, Cool T-Shirts, Black T-Shirts." These are not specific enough and can confuse shoppers, leading to lower conversion rates.

Best Practices:

• Craft unique titles for each product listing to help Etsy differentiate your items from competitors.
• Keep titles concise but informative, ensuring they are under Etsy’s 140-character limit for full visibility.
• Consider Google SEO for offsite ads and ensure your product titles are optimized for external search engines like Google.

4.Use all 13 product tags in each listing

Etsy allows you to use up to 13 tags in each listing, with each tag containing up to 20 characters. Maximize this feature by using all the available tags to increase your product's chances of appearing in Etsy search results.

Target long-tail keywords and multi-word phrases instead of single words. Long-tail keywords, like "vintage mom mug," are more descriptive and often match more specific search queries than individual tags like "vintage" and "mom mug."

Avoid repetition – don’t use the same keywords across multiple tags. Also, don’t copy categories or attributes as tags.

Use different keywords in separate sections of your listings to boost your chances of matching relevant search queries.

Use regional phrases for international audiences. For example, “football gift” in the UK and “soccer present” in the US target different regions with similar meanings.

Skip plurals – Etsy recognizes root words, so using “gift” instead of “gifts” saves you space and improves search matching.

Be accurate with spelling – even if a common misspelling is used, stick to the correct spelling to ensure better search matching.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about which tags to use, check your competitors’ listings for inspiration. You can do this by clicking "Explore related searches" under product images or at the bottom of their product page. This can help you find valuable keyword ideas for your own listings.

5.Select specific categories

Etsy provides a detailed range of categories and subcategories, covering everything from art and collectibles to furniture and digital prints. While you can't create custom categories, the existing structure is regularly updated, ensuring there's usually a category that fits your products.

How Categories Help:

• Categories act as keywords, helping Etsy match your items with relevant buyer searches and preferences.
• Selecting the right category increases the chances of your products showing up in search results, improving visibility.

Tip:If your product doesn’t perfectly fit into a specific category, choose a more general one like "accessories" and use tags to highlight the product's unique attributes for better targeting.

6.Add relevant attributes

Etsy offers a range of predefined attributes to include in your listings. These not only help customers find exactly what they're looking for but also function as keywords that boost your product’s visibility in search results.

Attributes describe the product’s characteristics (not its usage). They vary by category – for example, t-shirts and hoodies have attributes like size and color, while tote bags may focus on material and style.

Key Attributes for Ranking:

• Size
• Color
• Product purpose
• Material
• Manufacturing information
• Bulk or individual purchase
• Optional customization
• Unique features

7.Improve Etsy SEO with competitive shipping costs

High shipping fees can deter buyers and lead to abandoned carts. To combat this, Etsy has made shipping costs a ranking factor, encouraging sellers to provide competitive or even free shipping options.

For US-based sellers, offering free shipping is especially advantageous due to Etsy's free shipping guarantee, which helps boost your visibility in search results.

Tips to Optimize Shipping Costs:

• Offer free shipping on orders above a certain amount to attract buyers and improve your rankings.
• Use Etsy’s shipping tools to calculate accurate and cost-effective rates.
• Include shipping fees in the product price for a seamless shopping experience.
• Check the Etsy Help Center for detailed guidance on enabling free delivery.

8.Renew your listings regularly

Renewing your listings can provide a temporary boost in Etsy search rankings, helping your products gain visibility during peak shopping times.

When and How to Renew Listings:

• Strategic Timing: Use tools like Google Trends or conduct polls on social media to identify when your target audience is most active.
• High-Traffic Periods: Schedule renewals during seasonal shopping events, holidays, or other peak traffic times.
• Avoid Overuse: While renewing can help in the short term, relying solely on it is not a sustainable Etsy SEO strategy.

9.Use high-quality photos: Place the best images first

Etsy gives preference to listings with high-quality photos and videos, rewarding them with better visibility. Since 90% of Etsy shoppers prioritize picture quality, this step is crucial for driving clicks and sales.

Key Tips for Optimizing Your Photos:

• Highlight Your Best Photo First: This is the first impression buyers get, so make it count.
• Use All Ten Photo Slots: Showcase your product from multiple angles, emphasizing its unique features.
• Add a High-Quality Video: A short clip (up to 100MB) demonstrating the product in use or unpacking builds trust and transparency.

How to Make Your Photos Stand Out:

1. Consistency Is Key: Maintain a cohesive brand aesthetic with consistent colors, lighting, and tones.
2. Stay Trendy: Keep up with popular design and color trends to attract modern shoppers.
3. Leverage Tools: Use tools like the Tapstitch Product Creator or mockup generators like Placeit to create polished product previews.
4. Show the Real Deal: Order samples and take your own photos for authenticity.

10.Complete the Etsy shop about section

The About Section isn’t just an introduction—it’s a powerful tool to improve your Etsy shop’s visibility and ranking. Filling out this section can enhance your customer and market experience score, a key factor in Etsy’s SEO algorithm.

Sharing your story helps create an emotional connection with buyers, fostering loyalty and trust.

11.Add clear policies to your store

Although optional, having clear policies in your Etsy shop can directly improve your customer and market experience score, a critical ranking factor on Etsy search engines.

Why Policies Matter:

1. Improved Ranking: Complete policies enhance your shop’s credibility, helping it rank higher.
2. Customer Trust: Transparency about returns, refunds, and cancellations builds buyer confidence.
3. Legal Compliance: If you sell in the EU, a privacy policy is required to meet GDPR regulations. Similar legal obligations may apply in other regions.

Benefits of Clear Policies:

• Professionalism: They project credibility and reliability.
• Conflict Prevention: Policies clarify terms, minimizing disputes.

12.Promote your shop page to get inbound links

To boost your shop’s SEO and achieve better placement in search results, you need effective promotion strategies. Here are some practical methods:

Guest Blogging for Exposure

• Partner with bloggers in your niche and write guest posts on their sites.
• Showcase your expertise, promote your products, and include backlinks to your Etsy store.
• Benefits: Improves your network, boosts SEO, and establishes authority in your field.

Leverage Social Media

• Build a loyal customer base by creating accounts on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
• Share behind-the-scenes content, customer stories, and product promotions.

Pro Tip: Traffic from social media channels can improve your Etsy shop’s visibility and ranking.

Utilize Pinterest as a Search Engine

• Pinterest isn’t just social media; it’s a powerful image-based search engine.
• Create pins with your primary keywords from Etsy listings and link them to your products.
• Engage with Pinterest users by sharing project ideas, DIY tips, or visual inspiration related to your products.

Optimize for Pinterest SEO

• Include relevant keywords in your pin descriptions and boards to attract more views.
• Promote your products strategically and even consider Pinterest affiliate marketing for additional reach.

13.Experiment and adjust your strategy

Stay flexible as Etsy’s algorithm evolves. Test new tactics regularly and track your performance to refine your approach.

Tools to Use:

• Etsy Search Analytics: Analyze keywords, traffic, and conversions in the Marketing section.
• Etsy Stats: Check traffic sources, ad performance, and conversions in the Shop Manager.

Tips:

• Experiment with keywords and promotions.
• Monitor metrics to spot trends and adjust.
• Keep up with Etsy updates to align your strategy.

14.Make your customers come back

Not only is it good for your business and brand image, but the Etsy algorithm also loves stores with recurring customers.

Explore these ideas for creating a loyal customer base:

• Answer customer messages promptly and professionally.
• Use social media to build relationships by participating in groups, creating polls, and publishing regularly.  
• Send discount coupons for future purchases and to attract potential buyers.
• Email special offers to customers.
• Add small presents like badges or custom stickers to orders.
• Prepare personalized thank you cards.
• Keep strict business ethics. That includes avoiding copyright infringement and not using photos deceptively to represent measures or results you do not really have.
• Have clear policies.

Remember: Do not promise more than you sell, or you will be tied to negative feedback, which could tarnish your brand.

15.Use announcements and paid advertising

Boost visibility and engagement by utilizing shop announcements and Etsy advertising.

How to Add a Shop Announcement

1. Open Shop Manager.
2. Click the pencil icon near Sales Channels.
3. Scroll to the Announcement section below your shop banner.
4. Add your announcement and hit Save.

Tip: Keep announcements short and relevant to highlight sales, new products, or updates.

Try Paid Advertising

• Use Promoted Listings to appear higher in Etsy search results.
• Pay per click to reach target demographics and attract buyers.
• Leverage Etsy Offsite Ads to promote your shop on Bing or Google.

Other Strategies

• Promote your store on social media.
• Encourage word-of-mouth referrals for organic growth.

FAQ

1.How do I know if my SEO is working?

You can track your Etsy SEO performance using tools like eRank or Etsy's own shop statistics. These tools help you see how many visitors are coming to your shop, which keywords are working best, and where your sales are coming from. By checking these regularly, you can adjust your strategies to improve!

2.Does shipping price affect sales on Etsy?

Yes, the shipping price can really affect whether people decide to buy something! Many shoppers prefer free shipping, so if you can, consider including the shipping cost in the price of your product. This might make your product more appealing and increase your chances of sales.

3.How can new sellers without a sales history improve their Etsy SEEO and compete with more established shops?

New Etsy sellers can boost their SEO by using relevant keywords in titles, descriptions, and tags, showcasing products with high-quality images, and offering competitive pricing. Engaging with the community, responding quickly to customer inquiries, and offering unique products can also help attract traffic and build credibility. These strategies will improve visibility and drive sales.

How to get noticed on Etsy: Conclusion

Now that you know how to use Etsy SEO to your advantage, it’s time to put these tips into action. By optimizing your listings, using high-quality images, and engaging with the community, you’ll set your shop up for increased traffic, sales, and success.

Track your results, make adjustments when necessary, and continue refining your strategy to boost visibility. With these steps, you’re on the path to building a thriving Etsy business.

Got any other tips for increasing Etsy traffic? Share them in the comments!