Hey there, fellow Etsy sellers! If you’ve found yourself wondering why your shop isn’t getting the love it deserves, you’re not alone. Many of us have been there, especially in that critical first year when you're trying to figure out the ever-elusive SEO. So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of fixing those SEO issues and making sure your shop shines bright in search results.

Understanding Etsy SEO

First things first, let’s talk about what SEO really is and why it matters. SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is all about helping Etsy understand what you’re selling so they can properly categorize your products. If Etsy doesn’t know what your shop is about, it’s like a lost puppy in a big city—confused and wandering!

Think of it this way: if you write vague tags, Etsy might just wave goodbye and send you to the back of the bus. So, our job is to give Etsy clear, concise listings that accurately reflect what we sell. This is where the magic happens!

Identifying the Problem

Now, let’s get to the juicy part. If you feel like you have an SEO problem, it’s often a sign that something else is off, like your photos or prices. If you’ve been open for a year and still struggling, or if you’ve made only a handful of sales, it’s time to dig deeper.

Here’s a fun exercise: run some ads! Yes, ads can actually help you identify where Etsy is placing you in search results. You’ll see the keywords you’re being promoted under, which can give you insights into whether Etsy understands your offerings.

Step 1: Run Ads for Insights

When you run an ad, click on “view details” under the ad picture. Scroll down to find “searches that led to this ad.” This is your goldmine! You’ll see the exact keywords that brought people to your listing. If you’re getting impressions but no clicks, that’s a sign you need to tweak your photos or pricing.

Broad Match Keywords: A Double-Edged Sword

Now let’s talk about broad match keywords. If you sell a “dog leash,” your listing could also show up for “puppy collar.” Sounds great, right? But wait! If people searching for puppy collars aren’t clicking on your listing, Etsy will learn that your keywords aren’t working. You don’t want to be lost in a sea of irrelevant searches!

Step 2: Be Specific

Instead of stuffing your listings with every keyword imaginable, focus on speaking clearly about what you sell. This means using specific, targeted keywords that accurately describe your product. For example, instead of just “necklace,” try “minimalistic gold necklace.” This helps Etsy categorize you correctly.

Creating Compelling Listings

Now that we’ve set the stage, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of creating those compelling listings. Grab a piece of paper and draw a line down the center. On one side, list what your product is. On the other, jot down who is searching for it and why.

Step 3: Identify Your Audience

Understanding your audience is crucial. Are they searching for a birthday gift? A wedding present? Try to pinpoint the occasion and the emotions tied to it. But don’t overload your listing with every occasion under the sun; keep it focused!

Step 4: Optimize Your Keywords

Now, let’s get to the keywords! Your main keyword should be the first thing you include in your title. If you’re selling a minimalistic necklace, your title could be something like “Minimalistic Gold Necklace – Perfect for Everyday Wear.” Make sure to repeat your main keywords a couple of times in the description to emphasize their importance.

Listing Variations: The Secret Sauce

Here’s a little secret: creating multiple listings for the same product can be beneficial! Change the photos and tweak the keywords slightly for each listing. This way, Etsy has a chance to experiment and see which listings perform better.

Step 5: Experiment with Listings

Create two or three variations of your necklace listing, each targeting different keywords. This not only helps Etsy learn what works but also allows you to experiment with different photos to see which one pops!

Targeting Keywords for Special Occasions

Special occasions are a goldmine for Etsy sellers. If you have a product that could be a great gift, make sure to highlight that in your listing. For example, you could create a listing titled “Minimalistic Gold Necklace – Perfect Mother’s Day Gift.” This specificity helps you stand out in search results.

Recap and Final Thoughts

So, to wrap it all up, if you feel like your SEO is lacking, start with these steps:

Run ads to gather data on where you’re being presented.
Use specific, targeted keywords that clearly describe your product.
Identify your audience and tailor your listings to their needs.
Create multiple variations of your listings to give Etsy options.
Highlight special occasions to attract more buyers.

Remember, SEO is just the front line. Your photos and pricing play a huge role, too. So keep experimenting and tweaking, and you’ll be on your way to making those sales!

Happy selling, friends! Let’s get your Etsy shop the attention it deserves!

Work with me!

I offer one on one coaching

Step-by-Step: How to Fix SEO Problems for Your Etsy Shop