Whether you’re a seasoned Etsy seller or just starting a shop, it’s important to learn how to drive traffic to your business. For Etsy and other platforms, there are three main traffic sources: internal, external, and paid. Each has their own benefits and best practices, so let’s dive in and learn how you can set your shop up for success by using any or all of these pathways.
Internal Traffic Sources
Internal traffic refers to shoppers already browsing within the Etsy marketplace. Whether they’re searching with the Etsy search bar or revisiting their favorites, these visitors come to your shop directly from Etsy. To attract them, focus on optimizing your listings and shop for Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and quality. Use relevant keywords, upload high-quality photos, and write clear, informative product descriptions to increase your chances of matching and ranking in search results. eRank’s Health Check tool makes this easier by scanning your listings for common issues like spelling mistakes, missing photos, or unused tag slots so that you can fix them quickly and improve your visibility.
If you’re new to SEO or want to learn more about how to optimize your listings, check out eRank’s blog post How Etsy SEO Works: A Beginner’s Guide, as well as Etsy’s Ultimate Guide to Etsy Search.
External Traffic Sources
External traffic includes visitors who arrive at your shop from outside of Etsy. They may come from sources like social media, email lists, or search engines such as Google. To attract this traffic, follow Etsy’s best practices for Google optimization. These include:
- Using clean, single-image thumbnails instead of collages or text overlays
- Placing the most relevant keywords at the beginning of your listing titles
- Writing naturally and avoiding keyword stuffing
Learn more tips from Etsy by reading The Beginner’s Guide to Google SEO.
Sellers can also join Etsy’s Share & Save program, which rewards you when shoppers use your unique link to visit your shop and make a purchase. These external traffic sales can also improve your internal Etsy traffic, since every sale helps boost a listing’s quality score. If you haven’t signed up for Etsy’s Share & Save program, learn how to sign up and leverage this feature for your business with Etsy’s Share & Save Program: Boost Your Shop’s Visibility.
Paid Traffic Sources
Etsy offers two types of paid advertising: offsite ads and on-site Etsy ads. Offsite ads are optional for most new shops. Etsy promotes your listings on external platforms such as Google and charges a 15% fee on any sales that result from those ads. However, once your shop reaches $10,000 in sales within a 12-month period, offsite ads become mandatory, and the fee drops to 12%.
Etsy ads are internal, paid placements within the Etsy marketplace. You can opt in anytime and set a daily budget to have your listings appear in sponsored spots in search results. Every shop is different, so it’s important to calculate an ad budget that works for your business. eRank’s ROI Calculator can help you estimate how much you can comfortably spend. Keep in mind that sales aren’t guaranteed. Be sure to check out our blog post Are Etsy Ads Worth It in 2025? for a deeper look at what to consider before turning them on.
Bring More Eyes (and Buyers) to Your Etsy Shop
Driving traffic doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Whether you’re attracting browsers already on Etsy, connecting with shoppers through social media, or testing out paid advertising, every type of traffic has the potential to grow your business. The key is knowing how to use them strategically and staying flexible as your shop evolves.
With eRank by your side, you don’t have to figure it out alone. From keyword research and trend tracking to listing audits and ROI tools, we’re here to help you attract the right traffic and turn it into sales. Explore our Tools, dive into our Blog, and subscribe to our YouTube Channel for ongoing tips, walkthroughs, and expert advice. The more you learn, the better you can position your shop for long-term success.
