I would love to share some excellent tips with you on this topic!
These tips can be beneficial to you whether you are starting your print-on-demand business and want to keep them in mind as you plan ahead, or if you have already built an established shop by using the basics but you want to level up.
SEO is a great strategy if you want to make more sales on Etsy and focusing on it is one of the best moves that you can make. When you optimize your listings, you’ll get your products in front of more shoppers, increase your chances of making sales, and build a successful shop that thrives.
Let’s dive into the 10 most effective Etsy SEO tips to attract more buyers, boost your sales, and help you grow your business. Each tip is designed to solve a common problem for us as Etsy sellers and will help you build a stronger, more visible shop.
1. Start with Strong Keywords
Using the right keywords is the foundation of great SEO.
Keywords are the words your buyers type into the Etsy search bar to find products like yours.
If you’re selling mugs with funny phrases on them, think about what a customer might search for to find your product. Some examples are: “Funny dog coffee mug”, “Knitting mug for mom” or “Funny golf t-shirt for dad”.
How to Find Great Keywords:
- Think like a buyer – What would you type in if you were shopping for your item or gift for someone?
- Use Etsy’s search bar – Etsy offers search suggestions as you type. These suggestions are real phrases shoppers use.
- Type in keywords related to your design that you think a buyer would enter and search for.
- See how Etsy autocompletes the phrase by adding words that buyers are already searching for on the platform.
- Check your competition – Look at which keywords successful shops are using.
- Use tools – SpotNiches and eRank are excellent tools that you can use to find and validate strong keywords.
Note: Never copy the work of other sellers, use it for inspiration only to see what is already working :)
Quick Tips:
- Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find tags that are used in listings that are selling well.
- Place your most important keywords first in your title and tags to maximize the visibility of your shop.
2. Craft Attention-Grabbing Titles
Your title is one of the first things shoppers see, so make it count.
An effective title will grab the shopper’s attention and quickly tell them what your item is.
How to Write Better Titles:
- Lead with your main keywords – Etsy reads titles from left to right, so keep your important keywords at the beginning.
- Keep it clear and simple – Your title should tell shoppers what the item is without overloading on words.
3. Optimize Your Tags
Tags are crucial in Etsy SEO because they help your listing appear in the right searches. Each listing can have up to 13 tags, and using all of them will increase the chance of your products being found.
Tagging Tips for More Visibility:
- Mix broad and specific tags – Include tags that describe your product specifically, like “Personalized Bass Fishing Tumbler” and broader tags like “Gift for Fisherman”.
- Use phrases buyers might type – Like “flower pillowcase” or “unique gifts”.
- Try synonyms – Cover all ways buyers might search, using “dad”, “father” and “papa”,” for example.
4. Write Descriptions that Connect and Convert
Your description doesn’t directly impact Etsy SEO, but it plays a major role in whether buyers complete a purchase. It also helps your item appear in Google searches, giving your shop even more reach.
How to Write Engaging Descriptions:
- Include a short, keyword-rich summary – Start with a few sentences about what makes your item special.
- Answer FAQs – Include product details like size, material, and care instructions.
- Use a friendly tone – Talk to your customers as if they’re right in front of you.
5. Boost Your Listing with High-Quality Images
Images are the first thing shoppers notice.
They might not affect SEO directly, but quality images can increase clicks and sales, which indirectly boosts your ranking.
Image Tips to Improve Clicks and Sales:
- Show all angles – Include close-ups and lifestyle shots that show your item in use (optional but effective).
- Use quality mockups – Good quality mockups make all the difference.
- Keep backgrounds simple – Avoid distracting backgrounds so your item stays the focus.
6. Refresh/Add Listings Regularly
Updating your listings, or adding listings regularly can improve your rankings. When Etsy sees an active shop, it’s more likely to show your listings to buyers.
How to Keep Listings Fresh:
- Change keywords or tags – Try new keywords or update tags based on trends.
- Update your photos – Swap out any outdated images.
- Adjust descriptions – Add any new details that could help buyers.
Note: it is worth updating listings that are not really selling. It will allow you to test things and show activity in your shop. However, I suggest not changing anything in listings that are already selling well. Rather add more listings than change something that is working.
7. Use Keywords in Your Shop Sections
Did you know your shop sections play a role in SEO? Each section title can include keywords, helping your items appear in specific searches.
How to Use Section Titles for SEO:
- Use clear, descriptive keywords – If you sell candles, try “Soy Candles,” “Scented Candles,” etc.
- Match sections to what shoppers are searching for – Think about how your products fit into categories buyers want to browse.
8. Build Trust with Reviews
Positive reviews can make a big impact on your shop’s success.
Etsy favors shops with lots of good reviews, as it signals that buyers trust you.
How to Get More Reviews:
- Follow up – After delivery, message your buyer to make sure they’re happy and kindly remind them that they are welcome to leave a review if they would like to do so.
- Provide excellent customer service – Happy customers are more likely to leave great reviews.
9. Analyze and Adjust Using Etsy Stats
Etsy provides free data about how shoppers interact with your listings. This data helps you understand what’s working and where you can improve.
How to Use Stats to Improve SEO:
- Track keywords that bring traffic – Look at which keywords are leading to clicks and refine as needed.
- See where shoppers drop off – If they’re clicking but not buying, consider updating photos or descriptions.
This is a more advanced topic and may be covered in a future blog post. It is completely optional. However, once your shop is successful and you are looking for something to give you an extra edge, then it will be perfect to learn how to make use of it.
10. Keep Learning and Experimenting
SEO is constantly changing, and what works now might be different next year. Stay updated on trends, try new ideas, and keep improving your shop’s SEO.
Ways to Keep Up with SEO:
- Follow Etsy forums and blogs – These often share useful tips.
- Experiment and adapt – Try new keywords, tags, or mockups and see what works best.
Call to Action: Ready to Boost Your Etsy Sales?
Implementing these 10 tips can make a huge difference in your shop’s visibility and sales. Start with one or two strategies, and watch as your shop grows with each improvement. Try these tips, and get ready to see more traffic, sales, and happy customers in your Etsy shop!
Interested in starting your own print-on-demand (POD) business, or taking your current business to the next level? Take a look at these amazing courses:
Low Hanging System
Dive into the most comprehensive online course designed to empower you to build an array of PROFITABLE income streams using simple designs and catchy sayings.
Learn how to design simple items and add them to marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon.
Low-Hanging AI
Two powerful bootcamps packed into one action-packed package designed to help you start, grow, or expand your Etsy and/or Amazon business – FAST.
It will be awesome to see you on the inside! :)
