You’ve got your Etsy shop up and running, your products look amazing, and you’re ready for the orders to start rolling in. But wait—where are the customers? If you’ve found yourself wondering why your products aren’t getting as many views as you’d like, you might need a little help with Etsy SEO. Don’t worry—it’s not as complicated as it sounds! Let’s break it down and go over some simple steps to boost your shop’s visibility.
What is Etsy SEO?
First things first: SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. Essentially, it’s all about making sure your products show up when people search for things on Etsy. Etsy has its own internal search engine, and your goal is to make sure your listings are optimized so they appear near the top of search results.
Think of it like this: If someone is searching for a handmade candle, and you sell the most beautiful handmade candles, you want to make sure they find your shop first! Here’s how to make that happen.
1. Use Relevant Keywords
Keywords are the words and phrases that potential customers type into Etsy’s search bar. If your product titles and descriptions match what they’re searching for, Etsy is more likely to show your listing. So, it’s super important to use the right keywords in your titles, tags, and descriptions.
How to find the right keywords:
- Think like your customer. What words would you type in to find your product? Be specific! For example, instead of just “bracelet,” use “handmade silver bracelet” or “boho beaded bracelet.”
- Use Etsy’s search bar for hints. Start typing a word related to your product, and Etsy will suggest popular search terms. Those suggestions are great clues about what people are searching for.
- Check out your competition. Look at similar products in your niche and see what keywords other successful shops are using.
Pro Tip: The best keywords describe your product clearly, but they should also reflect its unique features, like color, material, or style.
2. Optimize Your Titles
Once you’ve nailed down your keywords, it’s time to work them into your product titles. Etsy gives you plenty of space to be descriptive, so don’t be shy! Your title should clearly describe what your product is, using your most important keywords at the beginning.
For example, instead of just saying “Ceramic Vase,” try “Handmade Ceramic Vase with Floral Design – Home Decor, Boho Style Pottery.” This tells both Etsy’s search engine and your potential buyers exactly what you’re offering.
Tip: Avoid keyword stuffing! It’s tempting to load your title with keywords, but it should still sound natural and readable.
3. Write Detailed Descriptions
After a catchy title comes your product description. While the description doesn’t directly affect SEO in the same way that titles and tags do, it’s still incredibly important. A well-written description not only helps your buyers understand what they’re getting, but it also gives Etsy more information to match your product with the right searches.
Be as detailed as possible. Describe the size, materials, colors, and how it’s made. If your product has a special story behind it, share that too! Buyers love to feel connected to what they’re purchasing.
Tip: Use some of your keywords naturally in the description. But remember, you’re writing for people, not just search engines!
4. Use All 13 Tags
When you list a product, Etsy gives you the option to add up to 13 tags. These are like extra keywords that help Etsy understand what your product is all about. It’s crucial to use all 13 tags—each one is a chance to match with a buyer’s search.
For example, if you’re selling a boho-style scarf, your tags could include “boho scarf,” “handmade scarf,” “festival fashion,” and “boho accessories.” Think about different ways someone might search for your product, and use those variations as tags.
Pro Tip: Don’t repeat the same keywords from your title or tags—mix it up with different but related terms.
5. Pay Attention to Your Categories and Attributes
When you’re listing a product, Etsy also asks you to select a category and attributes like color, size, or occasion. These choices are super important for SEO! Categories help Etsy organize your products and show them to the right people, while attributes give even more detail for specific searches.
For example, if you’re selling a handmade birthday card, you’d select categories like “Paper & Party Supplies” and attributes like “Birthday” and “Greeting Card.” The more specific you are, the better!
6. Promote Your Listings
Once your listings are optimized, you can give them an extra boost with Etsy Ads or by promoting them on social media. Etsy Ads lets you pay to have your listings appear at the top of search results, and it can be a great way to increase visibility, especially when you’re just starting out.
Sharing your products on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook can also drive traffic to your shop. Pinterest, in particular, is a favorite for Etsy sellers because it’s such a visual platform, and people often use it to discover products.
7. Keep Your Listings Fresh
Etsy favors active shops, so regularly updating your listings or adding new products can help keep your shop on Etsy’s radar. Even small updates—like refreshing your photos, tweaking titles, or adding new tags—can make a difference.
If you notice some products aren’t getting as many views as others, it might be time to experiment. Try different keywords, adjust your photos, or change up the description to see what works best.
Conclusion
Getting your Etsy products to the top of search results isn’t magic—it’s all about using smart strategies to help Etsy’s search engine match your listings with the right customers. With these tips, you can give your products the visibility they deserve and attract more buyers to your shop.
Remember, SEO takes a bit of patience and practice, but once you start applying these tips, you’ll see more eyes on your beautiful creations. Good luck, and happy selling!