Etsy SEO Checklist for 2025

Running an Etsy shop can be both exciting and overwhelming. You pour time into creating unique products, taking stunning photos, and writing detailed descriptions, yet your listings may still not be getting the traffic you expect. 

That’s where SEO comes in. 

This Etsy SEO checklist will help you understand how to optimise your listings step by step so that your products rank higher, attract more visitors, and ultimately boost your sales.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find proven Etsy SEO tricks, actionable advice, and a clear explanation of how Etsy’s search algorithm works, all written in a friendly, professional tone that makes optimisation easy to follow.

Why You Need an Etsy SEO Checklist

Etsy is a search-driven platform. Most shoppers don’t browse categories; they search directly for what they want. This means visibility depends almost entirely on how well your listings align with what buyers are searching for.

An organised Etsy SEO checklist ensures that you never miss any key optimisation steps. It helps you:

• Identify and use high-traffic, low-competition keywords

• Improve the structure of your listings for better discoverability

• Increase engagement metrics like clicks and favourites

• Maintain consistency across titles, descriptions, and tags

• Build long-term visibility and brand trust

Think of SEO as the engine that drives your Etsy shop forward. Without it, even the best products can get lost among millions of other listings.

How Etsy Search Works

Before diving into optimisation, it’s essential to understand how Etsy decides which products appear first. According to Etsy’s official search guide, the platform uses an algorithm that considers several factors:

• Relevance – How closely your title, tags, and attributes match the buyer’s search terms

• Listing Quality Score – Etsy analyses engagement (clicks, favourites, purchases) to assess listing appeal

• Recency – Recently added or updated listings often get a short-term visibility boost

• Customer & Market Experience – Shops with positive reviews, quick responses, and accurate descriptions rank higher

• Shop Location – Local listings may get preference in some searches, depending on buyer location

By aligning your listings with these factors, you’re effectively telling Etsy’s algorithm: “This product deserves to be seen.”

The Ultimate Etsy SEO Checklist

Follow this Etsy SEO guide to ensure your listings are fully optimised and set up for success.

1. Conduct Thorough Keyword Research

Start by identifying what your ideal customers are searching for. Use tools like eRank or Marmalead to find keywords with a balance of search volume and competition.

Focus on long-tail keywords such as “handmade silver hoop earrings” instead of generic ones like “earrings”. These attract buyers who are closer to purchasing.

Etsy SEO trick: Keep a running list of your top-performing keywords and update them monthly based on traffic and conversion data.

2. Optimise Product Titles

Your title should clearly describe what you’re selling while naturally including your primary keyword. Place the most important keyword at the start of the title, since Etsy gives more weight to the first few words.

Example:
Good: “Minimalist Gold Necklace – Dainty Layered Jewellery for Women”
Bad: “Beautiful Handmade Necklace – Perfect for Gifts”

Avoid keyword stuffing and keep titles readable. Remember, your title isn’t just for the algorithm; it’s also what convinces shoppers to click.

3. Use All 13 Tags Effectively

Etsy allows 13 tags per listing, and each one is a valuable opportunity for discoverability. Use a mix of long-tail and short keywords, and include common search variations.

Etsy SEO trick: Combine related keywords to maximise exposure. For example, instead of two separate tags like “silver earrings” and “hoop earrings”, use “silver hoop earrings” for broader coverage.

Also, don’t duplicate words already used in your categories or attributes because Etsy automatically accounts for those.

4. Write Optimised Descriptions

Descriptions aren’t just for storytelling; they’re also indexed by Google. Use your primary keyword naturally within the first two sentences, then sprinkle secondary terms throughout the text.

Your description should:

• Highlight key features and benefits

• Answer common buyer questions such as dimensions, materials, or care instructions

• End with a gentle call to action like “Add to basket today”

According to Google Search Central, clear and keyword-rich descriptions improve both on-site and off-site visibility.

5. Add Strong Titles to Images

Etsy allows you to name your image files before uploading. Replace “IMG1234.jpg” with something descriptive, like “handmade-gold-hoop-earrings.jpg.”

This small step signals relevance to search engines, especially for Google Image Search. Include your keyword where possible, but keep it short and specific.

6. Focus on High-Quality Photos

Visuals are critical to click-through rates. Bright, clear, and well-composed photos not only appeal to shoppers but also improve engagement metrics that influence ranking.

Use natural light, clean backgrounds, and consistent angles across all listings. Etsy recommends at least five high-resolution images per product, showing scale and use.

7. Encourage Positive Reviews

A steady flow of five-star reviews can significantly improve your shop’s trust signals. Encourage satisfied customers to leave feedback by following up after delivery and providing exceptional service.

Etsy SEO trick: Include a small thank-you card in your package encouraging buyers to share their experience if they loved the product.

8. Keep Listings Fresh

Update listings regularly with new keywords, titles, or photos. Etsy rewards active shops with increased visibility. Even small updates show the algorithm that your store is well-maintained.

Try to renew or tweak a few listings every week rather than updating everything at once.

9. Offer Competitive Pricing and Shipping

Etsy’s algorithm favours listings with free shipping and fair prices. If possible, roll shipping costs into your product price and offer free delivery to key markets.

Transparent pricing and fast processing times help improve your conversion rates and customer experience score.

10. Improve Your Shop’s Overall Performance

Beyond individual listings, Etsy also looks at your shop’s health. Maintain strong response times, detailed policies, and accurate inventory.

Etsy SEO trick: Use your “About” section to tell your brand story with relevant keywords. This helps build trust and can attract off-site search traffic.

How Do I Do SEO on Etsy?

If you’re wondering how to do SEO on Etsy, start with this simple three-step framework:

1. Research Keywords – Identify search terms that match your products

2. Optimise Listings – Apply those keywords in your titles, tags, and descriptions naturally

3. Analyse and Adjust – Use Etsy Shop Stats to monitor which listings attract traffic and sales, then refine accordingly

SEO is not a one-time job. It’s an ongoing process that evolves as trends and algorithms change. Sellers who review and adjust their listings regularly are the ones who stay ahead.

If all this sounds too much for you, no worries! You can always hire a reliable SEO agency, such as Famoso, to be your helping hand.

Bonus Etsy SEO Tricks to Boost Visibility

While the checklist above covers essentials, these additional tactics can help you gain an extra edge.

1. Leverage Pinterest for Backlinks

Pinterest drives significant traffic to Etsy because it acts as both a search engine and social platform. Pin your listings regularly, using keyword-rich captions and hashtags.

2. Track Seasonal Trends

Use Google Trends or Etsy search suggestions to spot seasonal opportunities. For instance, “Christmas gift for teachers” or “Valentine’s Day bracelet” keywords can dramatically increase visibility during holidays.

3. Analyse Competitor Shops

Look at top-performing sellers in your niche. Pay attention to their keywords, product photography, and pricing. Don’t copy; instead, identify gaps and opportunities to differentiate your own listings.

4. Improve Conversion Rates

Etsy tracks engagement metrics like favourites, purchases, and reviews to determine listing quality. Focus on improving your click-through and conversion rates by offering clear descriptions, professional photos, and responsive customer service.

5. Use Shop Updates and Blog Posts

Regular shop updates or connected blogs (if you have your own website) help build authority. Cross-promoting content and linking back to your Etsy listings can generate additional organic traffic.

Why a Professional Etsy SEO Guide Makes a Difference

Etsy SEO can be time-consuming, especially when balancing product creation, customer service, and marketing. A professional SEO agency like Famoso can streamline this process by handling keyword research, competitor analysis, and optimisation tailored to your niche.

At Famoso, our experts combine data-driven insights with creative marketing strategies to help Etsy sellers improve visibility, traffic, and conversions. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale your business, we’ll build a strategy that aligns with your goals and brand identity.

Use This Etsy SEO Checklist to Grow Your Shop

By following this Etsy SEO checklist, you’ll create stronger, more discoverable listings that attract the right buyers. From keyword research to listing updates and customer engagement, every element plays a role in your shop’s success.

Remember, SEO isn’t a quick fix. It’s a long-term strategy that rewards consistency and quality. Combine these optimisation steps with regular performance tracking, and you’ll see steady improvements in visibility and sales.

If you’re ready to boost your Etsy shop’s growth and get professional guidance, contact Famoso today for a free consultation. Our team can help you turn your listings into high-performing, search-friendly assets that convert visitors into loyal customers.