Etsy SEO: How to Rank on Etsy’s First Page in 2025 (New Guidance)

Want to sell more on Etsy? Then you can’t afford to ignore Etsy SEO. With over 90 million active buyers on the platform and thousands of new listings added daily, standing out isn’t about luck; it’s about strategy. And at the heart of that strategy is mastering Etsy SEO.

Whether you’re launching your first handmade product or trying to revive a slow shop, understanding how Etsy search works directly affects how many people see and buy your products. Etsy SEO helps your listings rank higher, show up in the right searches, and attract the shoppers already looking for what you sell.

Not sure how to make your Etsy shop more SEO-friendly? In this guide, we will explore the 15 best Etsy SEO tips to help your shop rank at the top of Etsy search results.

Let’s go!

---

What is Etsy SEO? 

Etsy SEO is the process of optimizing your product listings so they appear higher in Etsy search results. This can include adding relevant keywords to your titles, tags, and descriptions, using high-resolution images, completing all listing details, and understanding how shoppers search. The goal is to gain a higher position on the search result page, which can help get more views on Etsy and attract more potential buyers to your shop.

---

How Etsy Search Works?

So, Etsy SEO is directly affected by Etsy search. To boost the visibility of your products, it’s important to understand how this system works.

Etsy search works by matching a buyer’s search query with the most relevant listings on the marketplace. This process happens in two main steps: query matching and ranking.

First, Etsy looks at what the buyer types into the search bar. Then, Etsy’s algorithm will instantly analyze this input to find out the buying intent. It scans listings to find products with matching keywords in the title, tags, categories, and attributes. That’s why using the right keywords is key to getting found.

Next comes ranking. Etsy sorts the matched listings based on things like:

• Relevance: How well your keywords match the search
• Listing quality score: How often people click, favorite, or buy your item
• Recency: When a new listing is made, Etsy temporarily raises it in the search results. This is an effective way to help determine its quality score.
• Customer experience: Etsy boosts shops that offer great customer service. Key factors include your average review rating, response time, and case history over the last 3 months.
• Shipping price: Here is an important factor influencing a user’s buying decision and Etsy SEO. Normally, Etsy prioritizes shops that offer free or low-cost shipping to customers in the US.
• Shop location: In some countries, local items may appear somewhat higher in Etsy search result pages.
• Personalization: Search results are also personalized for each shopper. Notably, Etsy analyzes customer preferences and shows them the items they’re most likely to buy.
• Translation and language: All the store information must be in the language you chose when you started your Etsy account.

Now that you understand how Etsy SEO and search work, improving these areas will help your products appear more often and rank better. Let’s dive into the best Etsy SEO tips for your shop.

---

Etsy SEO Checklist: 15 Techniques to Improve Your Shop’s Visibility

Ready to uncover the best 15 Etsy SEO techniques to rank your listings and boost your store’s visibility yet? Let’s keep you waiting no longer and kick them off now! 

1. Research keywords with a buyer’s mindset

Keyword research is the foundation of SEO; it directly affects your visibility and sales. And Etsy is no exception. That’s why keyword research should always be your first step to succeed with Etsy SEO.

To research keywords the right way, follow these two key steps:

Learn how keywords work in Etsy search

To begin with, you’ll need to understand how Etsy SEO calculates which listings will appear in search results.

Items on Etsy must match a user’s search phrases, and exact matches will appear highest in the search results.

If a customer searches for an “animal sticker”, the search will return all items that contain both “animal” and “sticker” in the listing tags or titles. The system will replace those things based on keywords in the most relevant order.

Here’s what Etsy SEO considers when ranking search results:

• An exact phrase match is more powerful than matching individual search phrases. For instance, “animal sticker” will be prioritized over a match for “animal” or “sticker”.
• When a search term appears in both the title and tags of a listing, Etsy deems that listing to be more relevant than one with the search term only in the tags or title.
• Words at the beginning of titles are more important than words at the end. For example, “animal sticker waterproof” would rank above “waterproof animal sticker”.

Find keywords for your Etsy listings

Put yourself in a buyer’s shoes while selecting which keywords will perform best for your search listings. Ask yourself: “What terms would you use to search for a specific product?”. Then, test those keywords by typing them into the Etsy search bar to see what comes up and determine if it’s a good fit.

Another Etsy SEO tip when researching keywords is to think of long-tail keywords or specific terms. That is because there is less competition, and people searching for exactly what they want are more likely to make a purchase.

To clarify, if you include “cotton customized name T-shirts” in your keyword list, users who search for that exact term will easily find your listing.

In terms of Etsy SEO, while thinking about prospective keywords, it’s easy to rely on physical item descriptions, such as the size or color of your item. You can refer to other search terms that a buyer might use, apart from describing your product in terms of what it is, such as the following:

• Occasion: Users may search for the terms like “bachelorette party,” “stocking stuffer,” “first anniversary,” and “tacky sweater party” on Etsy.
• Style: Consider how this influences the way your listing is found when your shoppers frequently have an aesthetic in mind. For example, “rustic”, “minimalist”, “nature-inspired”, “art deco”, and so on.
• Solution: You should provide your customers with a solution. Consider how a user may look for a way to solve their problem, such as “drawer organizer”, or “microchip pet tag”, etc.

In the end, you may want to use Etsy SEO tools to figure out the most relevant and potential keywords. We highly recommend EtsyHunt or other Etsy keyword research tools like Marmalead. 

2. Include keywords in your Etsy shop name

The #2 Etsy SEO tip is naming your shop properly. Your shop title serves as a brief business description. By including keywords that describe your products, you help not only search engines like Etsy and Google but also your potential customers know which items you make and sell.

For example, the shop name “Linenfox” clearly tells shoppers that the store specializes in linen products. It’s simple, easy to remember, and gives a quick idea of what the shop sells.

Your Etsy shop name can be up to 20 characters long. You can’t use spaces or punctuation marks, but you can use capital letters to make the words easier to read (e.g., “CraftCorner” or “Craft_Corner”). Plus, your shop name should be unique and not already taken by another Etsy seller or trademarked.

And here are some tips to include keywords in your Etsy shop name and choose a well SEO-optimized one:

• Consider your target audience: Align your name with your buyers. Example: “MommyAndMeCrafts” resonates with mothers shopping for family-oriented items.
• Highlight product attributes: Reflect material, color, or style in your name. Example: “RusticWoodenToys” clearly conveys your niche.
• Be memorable and unique: Catchy names like “WhimsicalWares” are easier for customers to recall while still hinting at your product type.
• Avoid generic names: Instead of “Crafts,” opt for something specific and keyword-rich.
• Incorporate relevant keywords: Identify your main product or service and include related keywords. Example: “ElegantJewelryDesigns” for handmade jewelry works better than “CreativeCrafts.”
• Use long-tail keywords: Focus on detailed phrases like “HandmadeCeramicMugs” instead of generic terms like “Mugs.”
• Avoid keyword stuffing: While it may seem advantageous to include multiple keywords in your shop name, this practice can backfire. Keyword stuffing can make your name sound unnatural and may lead to penalties from search engines or confusion among customers.

In 2025, when you’re starting out on Etsy and looking for some Etsy shop name ideas, leverage the power of AI. Tools like ChatGPT can help you generate name ideas and even optimize your Etsy shop name for SEO, making sure it fits your niche.

3. Optimize your Etsy shop page

Once you’ve added the right keywords to your shop name, it’s time to optimize the rest of your Etsy shop pages. These pages give shoppers and search engines a better idea of who you are, what you sell, and why they should buy from you.

Use your shop description to build trust.
Your shop description appears just below your shop name on your Etsy homepage. This is a great place to share your story, your creative journey, and your experience. Let buyers know what makes your products special, how long you’ve been creating, and what inspires your work. Google also pays attention to these details, so the more you show your expertise, the better.

Add images and a video to show your brand.
In the “About” section, you can upload one video and up to five images. Use this space to show your workspace, behind-the-scenes process, or a wide view of your product line. This helps build trust and makes your shop feel more personal.

Complete your shop policies.
Don’t skip the shop policies section! Be sure to fill out important details like shipping times, payment options, and your return or exchange policy. This isn’t just good for SEO; it also helps buyers feel confident when deciding to place an order.

4. Write keyword-rich listing titles

After optimizing your shop name and pages, the next big focus is your listing titles, which play a major role in Etsy search.

Etsy recently updated its guidance on how to write better titles, reflecting how buyers actually search today. A well-written title helps both Etsy search and buyers understand your product, so make it clear, concise, and keyword-smart.

Here’s how to craft optimized listing titles that work:

• Start with the product name: Add the keyword that reflects the main item type first, like “backpack,” “earrings,” or “planner,” so shoppers instantly know what you’re selling.
• Include key traits up front: Highlight important details early, such as material, color, or size. Example: “Leather Crossbody Bag – Small Tan Purse with Adjustable Strap.”
• Keep titles short and clear: The product title is best on Etsy when it is under 15 words. Focus on the traits that make your item unique, not keyword stuffing.
• Avoid filler or vague words: You also should skip terms like “beautiful,” “perfect,” or “must-have.” These don’t help with SEO and can be included in your product description instead.
• Don’t repeat keywords: Repeating phrases like “leather bag leather purse” doesn’t help and clutters your title. Say each important word once instead.
• Skip sale or price info: You don’t need to say “on sale” or “free shipping.” Etsy adds badges for that automatically in search results.

Here’s a quick example of how to apply these tips to improve your listing title:

❌ Personalized Father’s Day Gift Dad T-Shirt Father Shirt with Names
✅ Personalized 100% Cotton Dad T-Shirt: Custom Kids’ Names S–XL

5. Craft clear and detailed descriptions

Your product description plays a key role in both Etsy SEO and buyer confidence. Search engines read your full page content, so writing a detailed, keyword-friendly description can help your listing appear in more searches.

Start strong by clearly stating what the item is in the first sentence. A shopper (or Etsy!) should be able to read that line and instantly know what your product is. Include important keywords naturally, but don’t stuff or repeat the same phrases too often.

After your intro, go deeper. Describe the item’s key features, including available sizes, materials, and color options. Mention personalization if it’s available, and highlight what makes your product unique. Share your main selling points in a way that helps buyers imagine owning or using your product.

Once again, put yourself in the shopper’s shoes. What would you want to know before buying this item? Make sure your description answers those questions clearly and confidently.

6. Use smart attributes

When listing a product on Etsy, you’ll be asked to choose from a set of built-in attributes. These aren’t just for organizing your shop—they actually help Etsy match your products with the right shoppers.

Think of attributes as extra SEO power. They work like bonus keywords, helping your listings show up in more relevant search results.

Attributes describe the core features of your item, not how someone might use it. What you see will depend on the category. For example, clothing items often include size and color, while home goods may have material or finish options.

Want to make the most of Etsy SEO? Be sure to fill in attributes like:

• Size and color
• Main material
• Whether it’s custom-made or ready-to-ship
• Single item or bulk order
• Special features (like handmade, recycled, or vintage)
• Basic product purpose (e.g., gift bag, storage basket)

Using detailed, accurate attributes helps Etsy understand exactly what you’re selling—and puts your listing in front of shoppers searching for just that.

7. Choose the right category

Picking the right category is just as important as using the right keywords when it comes to Etsy SEO. Etsy’s built-in categories act like search terms, helping match your product to what shoppers are searching for.

Etsy offers a wide range of categories and subcategories, from digital prints to handmade furniture and collectibles. You can’t create your own category, but with so many options available (and constantly updated), you likely won’t need to.

Remember, the more accurate your category, the more visibility your item can get. So when choosing a category for your products, be as specific as possible. For example, “Wall Art > Digital Prints” instead of just “Art” gives your listing a better chance of appearing in relevant search results.

8. Use high-quality photos (and video)

Great photos are essential for both Etsy SEO and buyer trust. First impression matters. And your first photo is especially important, it’s the one that shows up in search results, so make it your best.

Etsy allows up to 10 photos and 1 video per listing. Use this space to show your product from different angles, in different variations, and in real-life settings. Highlight details like color, size, and texture.

Video helps too. A short clip (under 100MB) can show movement, packaging, or how your item is used. It makes your listing more engaging and builds buyer confidence.

Don’t forget alt text. Alt text describes your images for both visually impaired users and search engines. Add clear, keyword-rich descriptions like: “handmade ceramic mug with blue glaze and curved handle.”

More quality visuals = better visibility and more sales.

9. Make use of all 13 tags

Do you know that the asterisk (*) beside these fields is mandatory? In fact, Etsy takes into account the information supplied in all of them when displaying search results.

Although the tags area is optional, it is critical to provide various tags in order to optimize your listings for search. Speaking of which, you should use all 13 tags to improve Etsy SEO. 

You should consider synonyms that consumers would use to search for your item when brainstorming tags, such as “cap” and “hat”.

Additionally, we examine how a shopper’s region influences their search for an item. If you sell flip-flops, you might want to use the term “thong sandals” to reach shoppers in other nations. Long-tail keywords can also be used in your tags.

When it comes to Etsy SEO and tagging, it’s worth noting that:

• Tags should not be repeated. For instance, if you sell baby headbands, you shouldn’t use both “baby headbands” and “infant headbands”. Instead, use a range of tags such as “baby headband” and “infant headpiece” to bring your items in front of more sellers.
• If a tag is already present in attributes, don’t use it. You don’t need to add a tag for “red and gold vintage earrings” if you previously specified that you’re selling red and gold vintage earrings. Thus, you don’t need to fill out your item’s attributes – the extra data you can add to your listings after picking a category.
• Tags should not contain plurals or misspellings. When a user enters a query, Etsy scans for root words and redirects users who make frequent spelling mistakes.
• Adding tags in several languages isn’t a good idea. Only use the language you choose when you create your store. Etsy will help translate your listings.

10. Avoid keyword-stuffing

When a buyer searches on Etsy for something, the search algorithm will only show one or two listings from a single seller. It’s mostly depending on how closely the listings match the user’s search. De-clumping is a technique used by Etsy to ensure that a diverse range of stores appears in the search results.

To be more specific, when you search for “Photo decor frames & displays” on Etsy, a large number of distinct shops will be revealed in the picture below.

When it comes to Etsy SEO, you shouldn’t use the same primary keyword for more than a couple of your items because of the Etsy de-clumping. Or else, you’ll be competing with yourself in search results.

For example, if you sell a range of swimwear in your shop, using the term “swimwear” for every item you have for sale isn’t a good idea. Instead, vary your keywords by utilizing the term “swimwear” a few times and come up with related terms like “one-piece swimsuit”, or “boho beachwear”.

11. Regularly update your listings

Recency is a factor in the Etsy search algorithm when you create a new listing, and it receives a temporary boost.

As a result, Etsy can learn about how customers engage with it and use that information to evaluate the listing’s quality score. Renewed listings also receive a similar boost, which can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. That’s because Etsy will retain your listings depending on how frequently consumers look for specific items.

Moreover, renewing or relisting your products on a regular basis isn’t an effective long-term Etsy SEO strategy. It can be beneficial to renew listings at specific times.

For instance, if you’ve already optimized the keyword and it’s incredibly competitive, it may be beneficial to give it a boost. You should choose particular times when a massive number of people are browsing on Etsy and making purchases. Or else, you won’t see much of a gain if you refresh a listing at 3 AM on Monday because it isn’t peak traffic time.

Beyond that, always stay updated with the latest Etsy search trends to make any adjustments if necessary.

12. Advertise your store to get inbound links

Both the Etsy SEO algorithm and the search engines attempt to produce relevant and entertaining search results. They achieve this in a variety of ways, including exposing sites or items that are often linked to other sources.

While you can link your Etsy shop to your own website or blog, you should also look for other chances to improve Etsy SEO. Here are a few suggestions to advertise your Etsy shop:

• Make contact with other websites and bloggers to have your shop’s listings featured. In exchange for free products, request reviews from influencers.
• Contact other Etsy shop owners to discuss strategies to promote your products through cross-promotion.
• Start an affiliate program for your store. This is when you team up with industry influencers that promote your products to their followers via email, blog posts, and social media. Affiliate programs are less expensive than advertising, making them a cost-effective approach to getting more sales on Etsy.

13. Offer better customer experience

Etsy always wants to give customers the best shopping experience possible; therefore, the marketplace determines whether a shop has an excellent customer service record. If the shop is, the likelihood of its listings appearing higher in search results will increase.

You should complete every area of your business to confirm your business complies with Etsy’s standards. It should be the About, Shipping, Payment options, Returns & Exchanges, and Privacy Stores sections. If your store has these areas filled out, it’ll have more selling potential and higher search ranks.

Your customer service level can also negatively affect your Etsy SEO. Responding to customer inquiries quickly, completing returns and exchanges, and responding to negative feedback can result in favorable reviews and improve search results. On the other hand, disagreements with buyers or issues with intellectual property infringement might have a negative impact on search ranking.

14. Generate backlinks to Etsy shop

Generating backlinks to Etsy shops is a valuable contributor to the overall Etsy SEO strategy. Mostly, backlinks can help improve your rankings, visibility, and organic traffic. Furthermore, if you can generate backlinks from sites in relevant niches, your Etsy shop will then gain much more credibility. 

Discussing backlinks in depth, several key factors should be considered when generating backlinks. First and foremost, paying close attention to relevancy and site quality is crucial. As mentioned, we suggest prioritizing websites from related niches in your field that have high ratings. This is useful for both increasing your visibility and credibility, as well as for general evaluation by Google and Etsy search engines. 

Following that, you must ensure you have a natural link-building strategy to your website to achieve desirable Etsy SEO results. This can be achieved through continuous quality improvement, encompassing both products and customer support. As you have managed to enhance the general quality, it is unsurprising that other sites may refer to your Etsy store. 

Finally, consulting extensively with Etsy’s policies on external links and ensuring your approach aligns with them is recommended. Especially, staying away from low-quality and spammy links is a must for any Etsy seller. By conducting these two tasks and updating with our Etsy backlink tips, you will likely avoid many unnecessary troubles.

15. Promote your Etsy shop on social media

Despite being an indirect factor in Etsy SEO, social media still has the strength to shift your online business success. 

Doubtlessly, social media is a powerful marketing tool that helps to increase traffic and raise sales volume. That’s why you should consider utilizing social media if leveraging profits and reaching more customers are your goals. Let’s check a few ways to do so. 

• Link Etsy to social media: Why not link your Etsy shop with any social media platform you are active on? Remarkably, potential platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and especially TikTok can draw the attention of a massive audience. Surely, this would be a helpful tip regarding SEO for Etsy.
• Share Etsy listings regularly: We highly advise sharing your product listings with compelling visuals on social media as another approach to your target audience. This way, you have gained a chance for higher visibility and organic traffic to the main store. 
• Stay active in relevant communities: Engage with dynamic and relevant communities. You may find a great customer base with high buying intent.
• Promote user-generated content: User-generated content can be reviews, taggings, and mentions from customers. Obviously, UGC is a piece of concrete evidence showing customers’ satisfaction with your brand. By promoting UGC, you are not only gaining more organic traffic but also a better reputation.

---

Etsy SEO – FAQs

---

Final Words – Stay Fresher for Etsy SEO

In 2025, the quality of customer service on Etsy remains largely unchanged from previous years. However, because the industry is becoming more competitive every second, it’s something you’ll have to always be “active” about.

If you’re a professional seller, a little refresher on your Etsy store will help you keep the search traffic coming. If you’re new, follow the tips above to lay a solid foundation, get those first sales, and become a behemoth on Etsy! Besides, some technical SEO consultants might also effectively aid your SEO efforts.

If you already have a business website and want to expand your sales by selling on Etsy, LitCommerce can be your ideal partner. LitCommerce is a SaaS system that enables e-sellers to list and sell products on top platforms and manage all data from a single dashboard. Should you have any concerns, feel free to reach out to us via our 24/7 live chat. It is a pleasure to accompany you!