To sell more handmade products, you’ll need to learn how to optimize your Etsy listings for search. Etsy is a bustling marketplace with millions of sellers competing for shopper’s attention. So it’s not just about having great products but also how you present them—both to potential customers and Etsy’s algorithm. This guide will help sellers optimize their listings for Etsy’s search algorithm to maximize potential sales.
In this guide, we’ll detail everything you need to know about optimizing your Etsy listings for SEO and for sales. We’ll also discuss how Marmalead’s Etsy SEO tools can assist in these areas, simplifying the process to help you achieve better results.
Key Takeaways
- đź“‹ Use all 13 tag slots with strategic, high-quality keywords to enhance search ranking. Focus on long tail keywords for better targeting and conversion.
- 🍊 Monitor listing analytics through Marmalead’s feedback on tag use, keyword engagement, and the presence of long tail keywords to significantly enhance listing performance.
- 📸 High-quality, well-lit photos and compelling listing videos are crucial. They attract attention and provide a clearer representation of the products, boosting buyer confidence and conversion rates.
- 🗣️ Craft detailed, clear, and engaging product descriptions using a conversational tone—this helps connect with potential buyers, making them more likely to purchase.
- đź’¬ Quick responses, fast shipping, and positive reviews improve your customer and market experience, influencing Etsy’s search algorithm and enhancing your shop’s visibility and trustworthiness.
Table of Contents
How to Optimize Etsy Listings for Search & Sales
When you optimize your Etsy listings for search, you increase ranking with the algorithm and the opportunity to sell more products. Both an important part of selling handmade, vintage, and print-on-demand products online.
However, there are two critical aspects when it comes to getting your products found by the right buyer and then sold to them. These aspects are your Etsy listing’s “SEO factors” and “sales factors.” Both are equally important. Without one or the other—you won’t sell anything, or nobody will find you.
Keep reading to learn how to optimize your Etsy listings for both.
Part 1: How to Optimize Etsy Listings for SEO
Sellers must focus on several areas to optimize your Etsy listings for SEO. This includes utilizing all 13 tag slots with high-quality keywords that customers actually use in search. But that’s not all—you’ll also need to understand how past conversions drive future sales and how your customer service relates to your Etsy listing quality score.
Let’s take a look at the various SEO factors you need to consider when optimizing your Etsy listings for search:
Use Quality Keywords as Etsy Tags
Optimizing your Etsy listings begins with strategically using high-quality keywords in your tag slots. This is fundamental in how Etsy search works to rank and display your products.
Here are the key strategies for leveraging tags and keywords effectively:
- Use all 13 tags: Etsy allows you to use up to 13 tags per listing. Use them all to increase the chances of your listing to appear in various searches. Each tag is an opportunity to target a unique search from potential buyers looking for products like yours.
- Focus on long tail keywords: Long tail keywords are more specific phrases that shoppers are likely to use when they’re closer to a purchase decision. These keywords typically have less competition and higher conversion rates. Incorporate these in your tags, titles, and descriptions to align closely with what your potential customers are searching for.
- Be consistent: Ensure that your main keywords are reflected both in your listing titles and tags. This consistency helps Etsy’s algorithm see your listing as more relevant to those searches, improving your visibility.
Use tools like Marmalead to research high-traffic keywords specific to your product. Incorporate these keywords not only in your tags but also in your titles and descriptions to enhance relevance in your niche.
Grading Etsy SEO Factors with Marmalead
Marmalead evaluates the strength of your Etsy listings through specific criteria directly related to these SEO factors. The higher your grade, the better your listing is optimized for Etsy search. While a lower grade means you’re not necessarily following Etsy’s best practices when it comes to SEO.
Here’s how Marmalead grades listings:
- Whether you use all 13 tags: Marmalead considers whether all 13 available tags are used in a listing. Using all tags maximizes exposure across different search queries. This is the easiest way to broaden your reach.
- Focus keyword engagement: Marmalead assesses the shopper engagement level of your focus keywords (those used in both titles and tags). Listings with high engagement levels on these keywords are rated favorably, showing active interest from engaged shoppers.
- Long tail keywords: Since it’s important to use long tail keywords, Marmalead assesses whether you use them in your Etsy tags and titles. Marmalead analyzes whether these keywords are truly niche-focused, enhancing your listing’s relevance in search results.
If you’re not yet using Marmalead to montitor your Etsy listings, it’s an easy way to imrpove perfomance with Etsy’s algorithm. Regularly check your Marmalead grades and make adjustments if your listings aren’t performing well. Focus on improving keywords with low engagement scores by replacing them with more targeted alternatives.
Set Your Listing Categories & Attributes
Selecting the correct category and attributes for your listing is the first opportunity you get to tell Etsy what your product is all about. It’s kind of like your 14th tag slot. From here, Etsy’s algorithm will look at your tags to help determine how relevant your product is for a specific Etsy search.
Here’s why your listing categories and attributes matter:
- Selecting the right product category: Accurately categorizing your product places it in specific search results relevant to potential buyers. This targeting helps connect your products with the right audience, who are more likely to purchase from your shop.
- Attributes help define your product: Including detailed attributes—such as color, material, size, and style—not only refines the search within Etsy but also signals to Etsy’s algorithm the specific details of your listing. This increases the chances of appearing in highly relevant search results, ensuring your products are seen by shoppers who are looking for exactly what you’re offering.
Spend time browsing through categories on Etsy to see where top-selling items similar to yours are categorized. Learn from successful listings by using similar attributes and categories that are aligned with your own products.
Understanding your Etsy Listing Quality Score
Your Etsy listing quality score is the magic number Etsy uses behind the scenes to grade the quality of your listing. But it’s not a number you can find out yourself.
This score is determined by several factors:
- Conversion rate: Etsy evaluates how frequently a listing converts views into sales. A higher conversion rate boosts the quality score, as it indicates to Etsy that shoppers find the listing appealing and relevant.
- Click-through rate: The frequency with which shoppers click on a listing after seeing it in search results also affects the quality score. More clicks suggest higher relevance and attractiveness.
- Favorites and interaction: Additional shopper interactions, such as adding a listing to favorites, can positively impact the quality score.
Increase your click-through rates by experimenting with different primary listing photos. Track changes in your conversion rate after each adjustment to find the most appealing imagery for your target audience.
Improving Your Customer & Market Experience
Your customer service plays an important role in how Etsy ranks your listings. The best way to put this into perspective is by understanding how Etsy grades you for Star Seller—this will help you figure out where you stand with Etsy’s algorithm.
Here are some tips to improve customer service:
- Put the customer forward: Quick response times and swift resolutions to buyer’s questions enhance your shop’s reputation. Aim to respond to messages within 24 hours.
- Fast shipping and positive reviews: On-time shipping and consistently positive reviews boost your customer service score, making your listings more attractive in search results. Always ship within your processing times and aim for a 4.8 review average.
- Complete your shop policies and profile: Complete and clear shop policies and a detailed ‘About’ section contribute positively to your market experience score. Etsy values transparency and detailed information, which reassures buyers and can lead to better search placement.
Enable auto replies to ensure an immediate response to shoppers, then make sure you get back to their request as quickly as possible.
Get a Small Bump in the Algorithm with Recent Listings
The freshness of a listing plays a small role in its visibility on Etsy. New or recently updated listings receive a temporary boost in search rankings—Etsy’s algorithm favors fresh content to keep the marketplace vibrant and up-to-date.
It’s not something that can completely tip the scale, but regularly updating your listings can:
- Attract more views: Fresh listings can catch the attention of returning shoppers (whose algorithm is already in your product space) looking for new items.
- Test new keywords: Updating your listings allows you to adjust your SEO strategies by incorporating new keywords based on current trends.
- Maintain relevance: Regular updates ensure that your listings stay relevant seasonally and stylistically, aligning with shopper expectations and current market demands.
Schedule regular updates for your listings. Even minor edits, such as tweaking listing photos or adjusting low-performing tags can refresh your listings. Use seasonal trends to introduce limited-time products that attract more views.
Part 2: How to Optimize Your Etsy Listings for Sales
When you optimize your Etsy listings for search, the end goal is that it leads to more sales. But you won’t sell anything if your listings aren’t set up with sales in mind. This means using all available photo slots with visually appealing photos and writing in-depth descriptions that paint your listings in a positive light.
Let’s explore how to optimize your Etsy listings for higher conversion rates and more sales:
Grading Sales Factors with Marmalead
Marmalead evaluates the effectiveness of your Etsy listings using specific criteria related to sales factors. This criteria helps sellers understand how likely a listing will be purchased after being found in Etsy search.
These factors include:
- Photos used: We recommend using at least 10 photos to fully showcase your product from various angles and contexts.
- Detailed descriptions: Aim for a 250-300 word description that incorporates focus keywords and additional relevant keywords. Your listing descriptions should be detailed yet concise.
- Number of sentences: Your listing description should ideally be broken down into 25-30 sentences, utilizing both paragraphs and bullet points for clarity.
- Description readability: Maintain simple language that can be understood at about a 12-year-old’s reading level, avoiding unnecessary jargon unless it’s specific to your product.
- Sentiment and tone: The tone of your listing description should be positive, as this tends to engage potential buyers more effectively and enhance their interest in your product.
Use Visually Appealing Listing Photos
To increase sales on Etsy, exceptional photography is essential. Start by ensuring your photos are well-lit and reflect your product in a positive light. Use platforms like Pinterest and Instagram for creative inspiration.
Incorporate various types of shots and styles:
- Macro photography: Focus on small details with a shallow depth of field to highlight the texture and quality of your Etsy products.
- Full product shots: Capture the entire product to give customers a complete view of what they’ll receive.
- Lifestyle shots: Show your product in use to help customers visualize its place in their own lives.
- Sizing/color variations: Display all available options to inform and attract customers with different preferences.
Invest in a basic photography setup with good lighting. Use a plain background to ensure your product stands out. Take multiple photos from various angles and include at least one image that shows the product being used in its intended environment.
Write Listing Descriptions That Sell Products
Writing compelling listing descriptions is an easy way to convert views into sales on Etsy. A well-crafted listing description not only informs but also engages potential buyers by giving them a deeper insight into your products.
Here’s how you can craft Etsy listing descriptions that resonate with potential buyers:
- Start strong: Use the first few sentences to grab the shopper’s attention with key information and relevant keywords. Highlight your product’s unique benefits.
- Be clear and concise: Use short sentences and straightforward language to make your description easy to read and understand. Avoid industry jargon unless it directly appeals to your target audience.
- Detail product features: List the key features of your product, such as dimensions, materials used, and any other relevant specifics. This helps buyers understand exactly what they’re purchasing.
- Highlight unique qualities: Emphasize what sets your product apart from others. This could be the handmade process, the origin of materials, or any unique features that enhance its appeal.
- Paint a picture with words: Suggest various ways the product can be used and describe the textures, colors, smells, or sounds associated with it. This helps buyers visualize the product’s value in their own settings.
- Tell a story and make your product the hero: Connect emotionally by sharing the story behind your product or how it can be used to solve a problem. This can help your product stand out and engage customers on a deeper level.
Start your description with the most important information—what the product is, what it’s used for, and why it’s unique. Use bullet points to break down important details like dimensions and care instructions.
Optimize Listings with Your Customer in Mind
Optimizing your Etsy listings with the customer in mind involves striking a balance between appealing to Etsy’s search algorithms and authentically engaging your target audience.
Consider these sales factors to engage with your target audience:
- Write for your audience, not just the algorithm: Craft your listings to appeal directly to your potential customers. Use a conversational tone that resonates with them, rather than just filling your descriptions with keywords for SEO purposes.
- Engaging product descriptions: Tell a story about each product to make it relatable. Highlight its uses, the inspiration behind it, and any unique features that might captivate your audience.
- Use inviting and positive language: Keep the tone of your descriptions and titles positive and inviting. This approach not only enhances readability but also helps establish a pleasant emotional connection with the shopper.
- Visual storytelling with photos: Take photos that do more than just show the product. Use images to tell a story, illustrate the product in use, and highlight details that might appeal to the senses and emotions of your target audience.
- Be consistent across listings: Ensure that your tone and style are consistent across all listings to maintain a strong brand identity. This consistency helps build trust and recognition with your customers.
Create Engaging Listing Videos
Creating engaging listing videos for your Etsy products can significantly boost your sales potential by giving shoppers an authentic view of your products.
Here’s how to make your videos stand out:
- Showcase your product in action: Demonstrate how your product is used to help potential buyers visualize it in their own lives.
- Highlight key features: Use video to point out features that are hard to convey through photos alone, such as the scale of the product or details in motion.
- Maintain high-quality production: Ensure your videos are well-lit and the audio is clear. Consider using a tripod to stabilize your shots for a professional look and feel.
- Keep it short and sweet: Aim for videos that are 15 to 30 seconds long. This is long enough to capture interest without losing the viewer’s attention.
- Use text overlays: Use text sparingly to highlight important features or selling points, especially if they might not be obvious from the visuals alone.
Use your smartphone to create high-quality short videos showing your product in use. Highlight features that are hard to convey through photos alone, such as the scale or versatility of the product. Keep videos concise and focused on the product’s benefits.
Over to you
Optimizing Etsy listings for both the search algorithm and customer engagement is essential for standing out in a crowded marketplace. By strategically using SEO techniques and ensuring your listings are visually appealing and engaging, you can increase visibility and attract more potential buyers.
Remember, a successful Etsy listing starts with a great product but depends entirely on how you optimize it. Use Marmalead to refine your SEO strategy and focus on high-quality images and product descriptions.
To maintain success over time, continue to adapt and refine your approach based on real results and customer feedback. We hope you find this information helpful to your Etsy shop!
As always, happy selling!
