13 Tips for Creating Effective Etsy Tags
Creating the right tags for your Etsy listings is crucial for getting your products discovered by potential buyers. Tags play a key role in Etsy's search algorithm, helping your listings appear in relevant search results. However, many sellers struggle with choosing the best tags, leading to lower visibility and fewer sales.
In this post, we’ll explore 13 tips for creating effective Etsy tags that will help you attract more customers.
1. Use All 13 Tags
Etsy allows you to use up to 13 tags per listing, and it’s essential to take full advantage of this. Each tag is an opportunity to get your product in front of more buyers, so use all of them.
Pro Tip: Think of variations in how people might search for your product, and use each tag to cover different possibilities.
2. Think Like a Buyer
Consider what a potential buyer might type into the search bar when looking for your product. Use those search terms as your tags. Remember, buyers often use specific phrases rather than single words.
Pro Tip: Instead of just “scarf,” use tags like “wool scarf,” “winter scarf,” or “handmade wool scarf.”
3. Include Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are more specific phrases that buyers might use when they’re closer to making a purchase. These keywords are often less competitive and can help your listing stand out.
Pro Tip: Use phrases like “personalized wooden jewelry box” or “vintage-style floral dress” to attract niche audiences.
4. Incorporate Synonyms
Don’t rely solely on the most obvious terms. Consider synonyms or alternative phrases that a buyer might use to describe your product. This broadens the range of searches in which your product might appear.
Pro Tip: If you’re selling a “sofa,” also include “couch,” “loveseat,” or “settee” as tags.
5. Use Regional Spellings and Terms
Etsy serves a global audience, so consider using both American and British spellings (e.g., “color” and “colour”). Additionally, think about different regional terms that might be used to describe your product.
Pro Tip: If you’re selling “jewelry,” also include the tag “jewellery” to capture buyers from different regions.
6. Target Seasonal and Holiday Shoppers
Use tags that reflect seasonal or holiday-related searches. Shoppers often look for items specifically for holidays, seasons, or special occasions.
Pro Tip: If your product could be a gift, include tags like “Christmas gift,” “Valentine’s Day present,” or “Mother’s Day gift.”
7. Include Style and Aesthetic Keywords
Many buyers search for products that fit a particular style or aesthetic. Whether it’s “bohemian,” “minimalist,” or “rustic,” including these keywords can help attract buyers looking for specific design styles.
Pro Tip: Use tags that describe the style, like “boho,” “vintage,” or “industrial,” depending on your product.
8. Consider Tags for Different Uses
Think about all the possible uses for your product, and create tags that reflect them. This can help your product show up in more diverse search results.
Pro Tip: For example, if you’re selling a blanket, include tags like “baby shower gift,” “picnic blanket,” or “sofa throw.”
9. Don’t Repeat Tags
Repeating the same word across multiple tags wastes valuable space. Etsy’s algorithm already considers the entire set of tags as a whole, so repeating doesn’t increase your chances of being found.
Pro Tip: Instead of repeating the word “scarf” in each tag, use “wool scarf,” “knitted accessory,” and “warm winter wear” to diversify your tags.
10. Use Phrases Instead of Single Words
While single words can be effective, phrases often capture more specific searches. Phrases give context to your product and can help match more detailed search queries.
Pro Tip: Rather than just “blue,” use “blue cotton dress” to capture more specific searches.
11. Stay Relevant
It might be tempting to use popular search terms that don’t fully apply to your product, but this can backfire. Irrelevant tags may bring in visitors, but they’re unlikely to convert into buyers.
Pro Tip: Stick to tags that truly describe your product to attract the right audience.
12. Experiment and Analyze
Etsy provides analytics tools that allow you to see how your tags are performing. Regularly review which tags are bringing in traffic and adjust your strategy based on what works best.
Pro Tip: Change up your tags periodically to test new keywords and improve your listing’s performance over time.
13. Use Etsy’s Auto-Suggest Feature
When typing in the search bar on Etsy, pay attention to the auto-suggestions. These are popular search terms that buyers are using, and incorporating them into your tags can be highly effective.
Pro Tip: Type in your main keyword and note the auto-suggestions that Etsy generates. Use these as your tags to align with buyer searches.
Conclusion
Etsy tags are a powerful tool for getting your products in front of the right buyers. By using all 13 tags, thinking like a buyer, and incorporating a mix of keywords, phrases, and styles, you can optimize your listings for maximum visibility.
Don’t forget to regularly analyze and update your tags based on performance data. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to boosting your Etsy sales through smarter tagging.
PS: If you're looking for a tool to optimize your tags with minimal effort, check out this tool.