Etsy SEO is more than just adding keywords. It’s about optimizing strategically so the right buyers find your products. Even experienced sellers make mistakes that lower their search ranking, reduce visibility, and ultimately hurt sales. Fortunately, small adjustments can make a huge difference in how your shop performs.
Below, we’ll cover three common Etsy SEO mistakes and how to fix them using eRank’s tools to improve your visibility and attract more shoppers.
Mistake #1: Using Vague Tags Instead of Long-Tail Keywords
Many sellers assume that broad, one-word tags will attract more buyers, but the opposite is true. Generic terms like “mug” or “jewelry” face extreme competition, making it difficult for your listing to rank high in search results. Plus, these keywords don’t tell Etsy enough about your product.
How to Fix It:
✔ Use long-tail keywords. These are specific, multi-word phrases that shoppers use to search for exactly what they want. For example, instead of “bracelet,” use “dainty gold stacking bracelet” or “personalized silver cuff bracelet.” You’ll still show up in broad searches for “bracelet,” but you’ll also increase your visibility in more targeted, high-intent results.
✔ Find the right keywords with eRank’s Keyword Tool. This tool shows search volume, competition levels, and trending terms, helping you choose keywords that shoppers are actively searching for.
✔ Compare keyword performance with eRank’s Compare Keywords tool. Not sure if “handmade ceramic mug” is better than “artisan coffee cup”? This tool helps you analyze multiple terms side by side so you can pick the best-performing keywords.
✔ Save Keywords in Keyword Lists. Easily track the ones you’re using—and the ones you’re testing—as search trends evolve.
🛠️ Fix It Now: Go to eRank’s Keyword Tool and start researching long-tail keywords for your niche!
📚Additional Resources: Harness the Power of Keyword Lists, Holiday Strategizing with eRank’s Compare Keywords Tool, and How to Find Long Tail Keywords for Etsy.
Mistake #2: Skipping or Misusing Etsy Attributes
Etsy provides built-in attributes like color, size, material, and occasion to help shoppers filter and refine their searches. These attributes act like extra tags—and skipping them means you’re missing out on valuable exposure in filtered search results. However, avoid selecting attributes that don’t accurately apply to your product. This can cause your listing to appear in irrelevant search results, confuse Etsy’s algorithm, and lead to frustrated buyers who expected something different.
How to Fix It:
✔ Always fill in all relevant attributes when creating or editing a listing. Think of them as bonus keywords Etsy uses to categorize your products.
✔ Be specific and accurate. If your product is red, don’t leave the color field blank or vague. Use the exact terms Etsy provides in the dropdowns.
✔ Review your listings regularly. As Etsy updates its attribute options over time, you may be able to select more accurate or helpful choices than when you first created the listing.
✔ Use eRank’s Listing Audit tool to quickly see which listings are missing important attributes that could be helping your visibility.
🛠️ Fix It Now: Review attributes for your best-sellers and underperformers. Adding or refining them could give you a visibility boost with just a few clicks.
📚Additional Resources: Using Etsy Attributes Effectively, Using Holiday Attributes Effectively, and Audit Your Draft Listings with eRank.
Mistake #3: Forgetting to Update Holiday or Seasonal Keywords
Seasonal keywords have an expiration date. If your listing still includes “Valentine’s Day gift” in July or “Christmas present” in March, it won’t align with current shopping trends, causing it to lose visibility in search results.
How to Fix It:
✔ Track seasonal keyword shifts with eRank’s Trend Buzz. This tool shows which keywords are currently trending so you can update your listings ahead of peak search times.
✔ Use eRank’s Monthly Trends to analyze past seasonal searches. This feature helps you identify patterns so you can plan for future holiday shopping trends.
✔ Refresh listings after major holidays. Swap your “Christmas gift” tag for “winter gift” or “Valentine’s gift” for “romantic gift” to keep your listing relevant as shopping trends shift.
🛠️ Fix It Now: Check eRank’s Trend Buzz for seasonal keyword trends and update your listings accordingly.
📚Additional Resources: Tips for Holiday Success on Etsy, How to Find What’s Selling on Etsy, and Find Trending Keywords with eRank’s Trend Buzz Tool.
Keep Your Etsy SEO Fresh & Effective
SEO isn’t something you can set and forget. To stay competitive, sellers must refine their keywords over time, optimize images to match changing customer shopping habits, and track seasonal trends. Avoiding these common mistakes will increase your visibility and help you attract more buyers.
🌟Always remember the Golden Rule of SEO: Don’t change the keywords for a listing that’s already selling well!
✅ Need better keywords? Use eRank’s Keyword Tool to find long-tail, high-converting search terms.
✅ Want to analyze your listings? Run an eRank Listing Audit for insights on tags, titles, and attributes.
✅ Looking for seasonal keyword trends? Check eRank’s Trend Buzz to stay ahead of shopping patterns.
✅ What some additional resources? Check out SEO Basics and 5 Essential eRank Tools for Handmade Business Owners.
Start optimizing your Etsy SEO today and give your shop the visibility it deserves! With eRank’s powerful tools, you can take the guesswork out of search engine optimization. Discover high-performing keywords, strengthen your titles and tags, and align your listings with what Etsy’s algorithm and shoppers are really looking for. Whether you’re revamping existing listings or launching new ones, eRank gives you the insights to improve your SEO and drive more traffic to your shop. Smarter Etsy SEO starts with eRank!
