Etsy is so crowded these days, it can feel completely overwhelming to think about how many other listings you are competing against. But there are ways you can give your Etsy listings a bit of a visibility boost. Here’s how Etsy search works and how you can find relevant keywords to improve your chances of getting found.

How does Etsy search work?

Etsy search is a tool that matches shoppers with the items they are looking for. Ultimately, the Etsy search algorithm wants to keep customers satisfied by matching them with high quality, relevant products so that they will make a purchase and return in future.

The Etsy search works in two stages. Firstly, it matches the search query to listings that match, and secondly, ranking. Let’s look at these in further detail.

Query Matching

When a potential customer types something in the Etsy search bar, the algorithm will try to match that query with the relevant listings by looking for relevant keywords. This is why it is so important to use the right keywords in your titles, descriptions, alt text and product tags. It is also important to fill in all the categories, attributes and materials. Give the algorithm as much information as possible so it can match your listing to the right buyers.

This is also why you need a range of keywords across your listings. If you use the same keyword repeatedly, you miss out on opportunities to get found under other (relevant) search terms.

In Etsy’s words: “If those keywords are an exact match for the query, your listing may be ranked higher in results because it’s seen as more relevant to the search.”

Remember though, you must keep your descriptions accurate and truthful.

Ranking

The next thing that impacts Etsy search results is the ranking of the shop and listing. This is why it is important to offer the best service possible and keep customers happy to keep your shop in good standing. The Etsy search ranking is decided based on the following things:

Relevancy- is your item relevant to the search query? The more relevant the listing, the higher it will rank.

Shop Quality- Your shop should have all policies and sections completed. You need an attractive shop front with clear profile picture, shop icon and description.

Listing Quality- You need to fill in all sections- have a clear title, description, 10 high quality images with alt text, video, 13 tags, attributes, materials.

Listing Engagement- The Etsy search ranking looks at whether your listing has sold previously, what its conversion rate is and whether your listing is meeting customer expectations. This is why you need to make sure your listing is accurate and all information is available for customers.

Recency- New and re-listed items do get a temporary boost in rankings while the algorithm learns how customers will interact with your listing. Please note, listing and re-listing items for this boost should not be your only Etsy strategy, you still need to be creating engaging, informative and truthful listings as your main priority.

Customer Service- Happy customers, happy algorithm. Aim to keep your shop in good standing, encourage reviews from happy customers and offer the best service. Dispatch items quickly, respond to messages and queries swiftly. You know the drill.

Shoppers’ Habits- Etsy search uses Context Specific Ranking technology to determine what each customer is more likely to buy based on their specific interests and behaviours.

What are Etsy keywords?

In their most basic form, Etsy keywords are terms that people search for. Keywords are not necessarily just a single word, in fact, it is better to use keywords that are 2-3 words in length because they are more specific and therefore more likely to help you get found. These are called long-tail keywords and they are your new best friend when it comes to improving Etsy search results.

Etsy keywords feature in several places, including listing titles, descriptions, alt text and product tags. It is important not to just repeat the same keyword (or slight variations) over and over, as this is keyword stuffing. It also limits your opportunities to get found with other relevant search terms.

Etsy keyword dos and don’ts

Do use all 13 tags

Don’t repeat words in your tags if you can help it.

Don’t worry about trying to include misspellings, typos and plurals. Let Etsy worry about that.

Do create clear titles with a long-tail keyword

Don’t stuff keywords

Do research relevant keywords

How can I find relevant keywords?

One of the best ways to find Etsy keywords is to think like your perfect customer. Imagine what they would be searching for when they want to find your item. What problem does it solve? For example, is it a ‘gift for bridesmaids’, or ‘make up storage’. Think about the types of things you type into the search bar when you want to find a product.

Another way to find keywords is to start typing in the search bar yourself and see what it suggests.

There are also various tools that you can use to find keywords, such as eRank and Marmalead. We’ll look at Etsy keyword tools in more detail soon as they deserve a whole post of their own.

Summing Up

Etsy search can feel a bit like black magic. With a little research and implementation of the Etsy best practices listed above, you can give your listings the best chance to get found. Remember, most Etsy shops are just listing and hoping, so make sure you get the advantage by optimising your shop and offering the best quality service.