What are tags on Etsy listings and how many should I use?
Etsy Pedia: What are tags and how many should I use?
TL;DR
Navigating Etsy’s search algorithm can feel like a riddle, but understanding Etsy tags is your key to unlocking visibility. While you get 13 precious tag slots per listing, the real magic isn’t just filling them, but filling them smartly. Think like your ideal customer and use descriptive, multi-word phrases. Too many tags can dilute your message, and too few leave you lost. Want to supercharge your Etsy SEO without the guesswork? Discover how our Premium SEO Guide can help you master tags and attract more buyers.
Table of Contents
- The Power of Keywords: What Are Etsy Tags?
- Decoding the Etsy Search Engine: How Tags Work
- The Golden Question: How Many Tags Should You Use?
- The Case for Quality Over Quantity
- Why Less Can Be More (Sometimes)
- The Ideal Strategy: Maximizing Your 13 Slots
- Crafting Killer Tags: Best Practices for Etsy Sellers
- Think Like Your Customer: Keyword Brainstorming
- Embrace Long-Tail Keywords
- Variety is the Spice of Listings
- Don’t Repeat Yourself (Too Much)
- Use Synonyms and Variations
- Consider Your Niche and Audience
- A Step-by-Step Guide to Adding and Optimizing Tags on Etsy
- Beyond Tags: A Holistic Approach to Etsy SEO
- Frequently Asked Questions about Etsy Tags
The Power of Keywords: What Are Etsy Tags?
As an Etsy seller, you’re not just selling products; you’re selling solutions, emotions, and unique craftsmanship. But how do potential buyers find your amazing creations amidst millions of listings? The answer, in large part, lies in Etsy tags. These often-overlooked elements are crucial for helping your products appear in Etsy search results. Think of them as the signposts that guide eager shoppers directly to your digital doorstep.
Tags are essentially keywords or short phrases that describe your product. When a buyer types a search query into Etsy’s search bar, the platform scans listings for relevant tags to match the query. The better your tags align with what people are searching for, the higher your chances of being discovered. Mastering Etsy tags is a fundamental step in any successful Etsy shop, impacting everything from traffic to sales.
Decoding the Etsy Search Engine: How Tags Work
Etsy’s search algorithm is a complex beast, constantly evolving to provide the best user experience. However, certain core principles remain consistent. Your tags are a primary signal to Etsy about what your product is and who it’s for. They work in conjunction with other elements of your listing, like your title, description, and attributes, to determine your search ranking.
When a buyer searches, Etsy looks for listings that best match their query. It prioritizes listings with relevant keywords, good customer reviews, recent sales, and a strong shop history. Your tags are your direct opportunity to tell Etsy’s search engine precisely what your item is. For example, if you sell handmade ceramic mugs with a floral design, tags like “handmade ceramic mug,” “floral coffee cup,” “gift for tea lover,” and “unique kitchen decor” are far more effective than just “mug” or “cup.”
Why This Matters: Without well-chosen tags, your product could be invisible to the very customers who are actively looking for it. It’s like having a beautiful shop on a deserted street.
Key Takeaways:
- Etsy tags are keywords that describe your products.
- They are crucial for visibility in Etsy search results.
- Tags work with other listing elements to determine search ranking.
The Golden Question: How Many Tags Should You Use?
This is where many sellers get stuck. Etsy provides you with 13 tag slots per listing. It’s tempting to fill every single one, assuming more is always better. However, the reality is a bit more nuanced.
The Case for Quality Over Quantity
Each tag you use should be as relevant and descriptive as possible. Think of each tag as a potential gateway for a customer. If you use a tag that’s only vaguely related to your product, you might attract clicks, but those clicks won’t convert into sales because the buyer isn’t finding what they expected. This can negatively impact your conversion rate, which is a key factor in Etsy’s search algorithm.
Why Less Can Be More (Sometimes)
Overloading your tags with irrelevant keywords, or using very broad, generic terms, can actually harm your visibility. If you tag a handmade knitted scarf with “clothing,” “fashion,” “winter,” “gift,” “sale,” “handmade,” “artisan,” “unique,” “cozy,” “warm,” “accessories,” “women’s fashion,” and “scarf,” you’re casting a very wide, but very diluted, net. Some of these are good, but many are too general and might bring in irrelevant traffic.
The Ideal Strategy: Maximizing Your 13 Slots
The sweet spot for Etsy tags is to use all 13 slots with highly relevant, specific, and descriptive phrases that your target audience would actually search for. The goal is not to stuff keywords, but to use each slot strategically to capture different search queries.
Pro Tip: Imagine you’re a shopper. What specific phrases would you type into the search bar to find your item? Use those exact phrases.
Key Takeaways:
- Etsy allows 13 tag slots per listing.
- Prioritize relevance and specificity over simply filling slots.
- Irrelevant tags can hurt your conversion rates and SEO.
- The ideal strategy is to use all 13 slots with highly targeted phrases.
Crafting Killer Tags: Best Practices for Etsy Sellers
Now that we know how many to use, let’s focus on how to choose the best ones. This is where your creativity and understanding of your customer truly shine.
Think Like Your Customer: Keyword Brainstorming
Put yourself in your ideal buyer’s shoes. What words would they use? Consider the problem your product solves, the occasion it’s for, the style, the materials, and the recipient. For instance, for a “personalized leather journal,” a buyer might search:
- “custom leather notebook”
- “personalized diary for writer”
- “anniversary gift for husband”
- “engraved journal with name”
- “handmade leather sketchbook”
Embrace Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific search phrases. They often have lower search volume but much higher conversion rates because they indicate stronger buyer intent. Instead of “necklace,” aim for “dainty gold initial necklace” or “sterling silver personalized pendant necklace.” These are more descriptive and likely to attract buyers who know exactly what they want.
Variety is the Spice of Listings
Don’t use the same exact phrase in multiple tags. Instead, use variations. If you have “blue ceramic mug,” also consider “hand-painted blue coffee cup,” “artisanal pottery mug,” or “blue stoneware tea mug.” This broadens your reach to capture different search nuances.
Don’t Repeat Yourself (Too Much)
While some repetition of core concepts is unavoidable (e.g., “mug” might appear in multiple tags), avoid repeating the exact same word or phrase multiple times within your 13 tags. Etsy’s algorithm is smart enough to understand synonyms and related terms.
Use Synonyms and Variations
Think about different ways people might describe your product. For a “dog bandana,” consider “puppy accessory,” “pet neckwear,” or “doggy bib.”
Consider Your Niche and Audience
Are you selling to eco-conscious consumers? Artists? New parents? Tailor your tags to their language and interests. For example, for an eco-friendly tote bag, tags like “reusable grocery bag,” “organic cotton shopper,” or “sustainable fashion tote” are perfect.
Why This Matters: Well-crafted tags don’t just help buyers find you; they help the right buyers find you – the ones most likely to purchase.
Key Takeaways:
- Brainstorm keywords from the customer’s perspective.
- Utilize specific, long-tail keywords.
- Use a variety of descriptive phrases and synonyms.
- Tailor tags to your niche and target audience.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Adding and Optimizing Tags on Etsy
Here’s how to practically implement these strategies on the Etsy platform:
- Log in to your Etsy account and navigate to your Shop Manager.
- Go to Listings and click on the listing you want to edit, or click “Add a listing” if creating a new one.
- Scroll down to the “Tags & Attributes” section.
- Brainstorm your keywords using the methods discussed above. You can use tools like ETShop.ai or EverBee to research what’s trending and what your competitors are using.
- Enter your tags into the available slots. Each tag should be a phrase of up to 20 characters. You have 13 slots.
- Example: For a “Handmade Sterling Silver Moonstone Ring”
- “moonstone silver ring”
- “sterling silver boho ring”
- “June birthstone jewelry”
- “dainty gemstone ring”
- “handmade minimalist ring”
- “gift for her celestial”
- “crystal engagement ring”
- “witchy moon ring”
- “artisanal fine jewelry”
- “unique stacking ring”
- “opalite mystic ring”
- “statement gemstone ring”
- “ethereal jewelry design”
- Example: For a “Handmade Sterling Silver Moonstone Ring”
- Review your tags: Ensure they are relevant, specific, and varied. Check for any typos.
- Publish or update your listing.
Pro Tip: Regularly review your tags for your top-selling items. As trends change or customer language evolves, you may need to update them. Also, consider refreshing tags on underperforming listings. For a deep dive into optimizing all aspects of your listings, our Listing Audit Service can provide personalized recommendations.
Beyond Tags: A Holistic Approach to Etsy SEO
While tags are a critical piece of the Etsy SEO puzzle, they are not the only piece. To truly maximize your visibility, you need to think holistically.
- Titles: Your listing title is the most important SEO element. Use your primary keywords at the beginning of your title. For example, “Handmade Sterling Silver Moonstone Ring | Boho Celestial Gemstone Jewelry | Gift for Her.”
- Descriptions: Write detailed, keyword-rich descriptions that tell a story about your product and answer potential customer questions.
- Attributes: Fill out all relevant attributes (color, size, material, occasion, style, etc.). These act as filters for buyers and provide crucial data to Etsy’s search engine.
- Photos & Videos: High-quality images and videos are essential for attracting clicks and conveying value, which indirectly impacts SEO. Consider using our Etsy Listings Video Templates to create engaging visuals.
- Shop Sections: Organize your shop with clear sections that use relevant keywords.
- Reviews: Encourage customers to leave reviews. Positive reviews boost trust and can improve your search ranking.
- Keywords in Attributes: Don’t forget that keywords in attributes are also read by Etsy.
To truly master these interconnected SEO elements, our comprehensive SEO Guide offers in-depth strategies for every aspect of your Etsy listings.
Key Takeaways:
- Tags are one part of a larger SEO strategy.
- Titles, descriptions, attributes, and visuals are also vital.
- A holistic approach ensures maximum visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions about Etsy Tags
Q: Can I use phrases with more than 20 characters in my tags?
A: No, each individual tag phrase has a character limit of 20 characters. You can combine shorter phrases to create longer, more descriptive tags, but each one must fit within the limit.
Q: Should I use the exact same tags for similar items?
A: It’s best to use similar but slightly varied tags for similar items. Each listing should have tags that are specific to that particular item. Using identical tags across multiple listings can lead to internal competition, where your own items compete against each other in search results.
Q: How often should I update my tags?
A: You should review and update your tags periodically, especially for underperforming listings or when you notice new trends emerging. For best-performing items, a review every few months can help you stay relevant.
Q: Do tags affect Etsy Ads?
A: While tags directly influence organic search, Etsy Ads also consider the relevance of your listings. Well-optimized tags and titles contribute to your listing’s overall relevance, which can indirectly improve ad performance by ensuring your ads are shown for relevant searches.
Q: Is there a tool to help me find good tags?
A: Yes, there are several keyword research tools available, such as ETShop.ai and EverBee, that can help you discover trending keywords and analyze competitor tags.
Understanding and implementing effective Etsy tags is an ongoing process, but it’s one of the most impactful ways to improve your shop’s visibility and attract more buyers. By thinking critically about your customer, using descriptive long-tail keywords, and strategically filling your 13 tag slots, you can significantly boost your chances of success on the platform.
Ready to take your Etsy journey to the next level? Explore our Etsy Guides & courses for more expert advice and practical strategies. And if you’re just starting out or looking to refine your entire shop, consider our Etsy Shop Audit Service for a personalized roadmap to success.
We’d love to hear from you! What are your biggest challenges with Etsy tags? Share your questions and insights in the comments below!
