Maximizing Etsy SEO: Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes

Table of Contents

Introduction

Mistake #1: Matching Titles and Tags

Mistake #2: Repeating Attributes and Categories

Mistake #3: Repetition in Titles and Tags

Mistake #4: Repeating the Same Keywords

Mistake #5: Unnecessary Misspelling and Plurals

Understanding Etsy SEO

The Importance of Relevancy

Choosing Focus Keywords

Maximizing Characters for Variety

Conclusion

10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Optimizing Etsy SEO

Etsy is a popular online marketplace for handmade and vintage items, but getting your products found in Etsy search can be challenging. Many sellers make mistakes when it comes to optimizing their titles and tags, which can prevent their products from being seen by potential buyers. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 mistakes to avoid when optimizing Etsy SEO, as well as provide tips and strategies to help you improve your product visibility and increase sales.

Mistake #1: Matching Titles and Tags

One common mistake that many Etsy sellers make is believing that their titles must match their tags exactly. This is not true and can actually hinder your chances of being found in Etsy search. While it is important to include relevant keywords in both your titles and tags, you should not repeat all of your tags in your title. This not only limits the space available for other keywords, but it also makes your title look like it was written for a computer rather than for human beings. Instead, focus on including the most relevant keyword or phrase in your title and use the remaining characters to include a broader variety of keywords.

Mistake #2: Repeating Attributes and Categories

When creating a listing on Etsy, you are given the option to select attributes and categories that describe your product. Many sellers make the mistake of repeating these attributes and categories in their titles and tags unnecessarily. Etsy considers these attributes and categories as tags, so there is no need to duplicate them in your 13 available tags. This is a missed opportunity to include additional unique tags that could help shoppers find your product. Additionally, the parent categories of your selected sub-category will also act as tags for your listing, so there is no need to repeat them either.

Mistake #3: Repetition in Titles and Tags

Repeating keywords in your titles and tags is another common mistake that can limit your product's visibility. While it may seem logical to include the same keywords multiple times, doing so actually reduces your chances of being found by a broader audience. Instead of repeating the same keyword multiple times, focus on adding different keywords to your titles and tags to increase your reach. For example, instead of repeating "floral wall art" three times, you can use different variations like "botanical print" or "floral home decor".

Mistake #4: Repeating the Same Keywords

Similar to the previous mistake, many sellers believe that they need to repeat the same keyword multiple times in their tags to increase their chances of being found. However, this is unnecessary and can actually limit your product's visibility. Instead of using the same keyword multiple times, try using different variations and synonyms to attract a wider audience. For example, instead of using "Boho wall art" and "floral wall art" in your tags, you can include keywords like "botanical print" or "nature-inspired decor".

Mistake #5: Unnecessary Misspelling and Plurals

Some sellers think that including misspellings and plurals of keywords in their tags and titles will help them cover more search terms. However, Etsy's search algorithm is smart enough to account for misspellings and plurals, so there is no need to include them as separate keywords. Instead, focus on using the available characters to include more relevant and diverse keywords. This will increase your chances of being found by more people who are using different search terms.

Understanding Etsy SEO

To effectively optimize your listings for Etsy search, it is important to understand how Etsy's search algorithm works. When a shopper enters keywords into the Etsy search bar, Etsy compares those keywords to your titles, tags, categories, and attributes to determine the relevance of your listing. The more closely your listing matches the shopper's search, the higher it will appear in the search results. This means that your listing can either be an exact match or a broad match for the keywords entered by the shopper.

The Importance of Relevancy

Relevancy is a key factor in Etsy's search algorithm. To maximize your chances of appearing higher in the search results, it is important to choose 1 or 2 key phrases that best describe your item and are the most relevant. These focus keywords should be repeated in both your title and tags. However, it is also important to use the remaining characters in your title and tags to include different search terms and keywords. This will provide more variety and increase your chances of being found by a wider audience.

Choosing Focus Keywords

When selecting your focus keywords, it is important to strike a balance between being too broad and too specific. If your keywords are too broad, your listing may appear in search results that are not relevant to your product. On the other hand, if your keywords are too specific, your listing may not appear in search results that are relevant to potential buyers. It is recommended to choose keywords that accurately describe your item and are targeted towards your ideal audience.

Maximizing Characters for Variety

To maximize the visibility of your listings, it is crucial to use all the available characters in your titles and tags to include a variety of different search terms and keywords. This will increase your chances of being found by more people who may be searching for different terms related to your product. By diversifying your keywords, you can attract a wider audience and increase your chances of making more sales.

Conclusion

Optimizing your Etsy SEO is essential for increasing your product's visibility and attracting potential buyers. By avoiding common mistakes such as matching titles and tags, repeating attributes and categories, and excessive keyword repetition, you can improve your chances of appearing higher in Etsy search results. Remember to focus on relevance, choose accurate and targeted focus keywords, and use the available characters to incorporate a variety of search terms and keywords. By implementing these strategies, you can enhance your Etsy SEO and increase your sales potential.