If you’re an Etsy seller looking to improve your shop’s performance, A/B testing—also known as split testing—is a valuable strategy. Small changes to your listing photos, SEO, descriptions, and pricing can impact buyer engagement, search ranking, and ultimately, conversion rates. However, making changes without a plan can lead to mixed results or even hurt your sales.
To optimize effectively, you need a structured approach. A/B testing allows you to experiment with changes methodically, compare results, and make data-driven decisions to improve your shop. Let’s walk through the steps to set up and run a successful A/B test using eRank’s tools.
However, always remember the eRank Golden Rule: Never change the SEO of a listing that is performing well for you. Why? You could accidentally remove a term or keyword that brings traffic to your shop.
Use eRank’s Changes Tool
Before making any adjustments to a listing, it’s important to establish a baseline for that listing. You want to have a clear picture of the average views and sales that listing has on a daily basis so that you can compare results at the conclusion of your A/B test.
eRank’s Listing Changes tool simplifies this process by taking daily snapshots of your tracked listings, allowing you to monitor key stats such as views and favorites. Turn on “Track Changes” for the listing you want to test at least a week before making any edits.
For an in-depth tutorial, check out the How to Use eRank’s Changes Tool blog article.
Duplicate the Listing to Test
The first step to performing an A/B test is to make a duplicate copy of the listing that you wish to test. From your Etsy Shop Manager Listings page, click the gear below the listing and click “Copy” to make a duplicate listing of that product.
Once you have the copy, perform your changes to that copy (listing B), NOT your original listing (listing A). After you are happy with the changes you’ve made, activate the listing so that it is also live in your Etsy shop. Go into eRank and begin tracking the changes to both the copy and the original, if you weren’t tracking it already.
Compare the A/B Listings
After allowing your test run for a set duration—at least 30 days, it’s time to review your results. While you can see the impact on individual listings via the Changes tool, you can see how the stats of 2 listings look side by side using eRank’s Compare Listings tool.
With the Compare Listings tool, you can compare up to four listings at a time by using their Etsy Listing ID numbers. Not only can you compare your own listings but also any listing currently active on the Etsy platform. This is a great way to see how your listings stack up against each other, as well as against listings from your competitors.
Here you’ll see metrics such as favorites, quantity available, and daily views. You will also see the full title and tags for each listing, making it easier to spot the differences between them.
Refine Your Strategy with A/B Testing
Optimizing your Etsy listings is like running a science experiment—small, strategic changes over time yield the best results. If you adjust too many elements at once, it’s difficult to know which change made the biggest impact. By using eRank’s Listing Changes Tool and Compare Listings Tool, you can refine your SEO, improve buyer engagement, and increase sales with confidence.
Need more guidance? Join the conversation in the eRank Facebook Group, explore more Etsy SEO insights on the eRank Blog, or view helpful tutorials on eRank’s YouTube Channel.
View the video below for a step-by-step example of A/B Testing with eRank’s Jessica.
