The key to Search Engine Optimization (or SEO) success on Etsy is picking the most effective keywords for your shop and items. This helps your products come up faster for customers who are looking online via Google, Etsy, and other search engines. Here are three simple ways to generate keywords and phrases to use in your Etsy listings.
1. Brainstorming
Sit down with a pen, a pad of paper and a few of your products, and spend some time brainstorming a bunch of keywords for your shop. It’s best to start with the obvious descriptors for your items and then gradually become more specific. For example: if I were brainstorming keywords for my raven necklace, I would begin with simple terms like “necklace,” “jewelry,” “raven,” “bird,” and “animal.” Then, I would get more specific and choose words like “Gothic,” “cosplay,” “fantasy,” etc. The best thing about this brainstorming exercise is that you’ll end up with descriptors you might not have thought of before. After making this list, use it to improve your listing titles, item descriptions, and tags.
2. Etsy’s Search Bar
Another easy (and free!) way to come up with keywords for your listings is to use Etsy’s main search bar. Simply type one of your keywords into the search bar at the top of the page, and it will automatically generate the most popular searches on Etsy that include your word. If you then add a space after your keyword, you will get a slightly different set of keyword phrases. Now you have instant ideas for your listing and tag keywords!
3. Shop Stats
Once you’ve had items listed on Etsy for a while, check your shop stats to see where your views are coming from on the Internet. Use these stats to help improve your listings by focusing on those keywords that get your items viewed and removing the ones that are not bringing in shoppers. Be aware that, unlike your titles and item descriptions, which will help with Etsy, Google, etc., tags are used for Etsy searches only.
By: Rebecca George from Purple and Lime, Inc.
A HUGE thanks to Rebecca for sharing her knowledge with us. Check out her Etsy shop and then comment below to let us know how do YOU optimize your keyword usage.
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Thank you so much for the information I want to start up my shop soon but I want to learn of what to do and don’ts. I really would appreciate any information that will help me and others! Thank you so much!
I am so thankful that I found this website in a link in Pinterest! This is the most helpful thing ever! I have one question through… How many keywords do we use? As many as we can?