10 Etsy SEO Mistakes That Are Costing You Sales (And How to Fix Them)
Etsy is a fantastic platform for selling handmade and unique products, but if your listings aren’t optimized, they might never reach the right buyers. Many sellers struggle with SEO (Search Engine Optimization), which directly impacts how often their products show up in search results.
Here are 10 common Etsy SEO mistakes and how to fix them!
1. Using Titles That Are Too Short or Vague
🚫 Mistake:
A title like "Cute Mug" or "Handmade Necklace" is too broad and won’t rank well in search results.
✅ How to Fix:
Use long-tail keywords that describe the item clearly.
Example: Instead of "Cute Mug," try "Personalized Coffee Mug with Name - Custom Gift for Coffee Lovers."
2. Not Researching Keywords
🚫 Mistake:
Guessing keywords instead of using research tools means missing out on high-traffic search terms.
✅ How to Fix:
Use tools like Etsy’s search bar (autocomplete), EverBee, eRank, or Marmalead to find what people are actually searching for.
3. Not Using All 13 Tags
🚫 Mistake:
Leaving some of Etsy’s 13 tag slots empty means missing out on potential traffic.
✅ How to Fix:
Use all 13 tags with a mix of broad and specific terms.
Example: For a wooden ring, your tags could include:
wooden ring, handmade ring, nature jewelry, eco-friendly ring, rustic wedding band, minimalist jewelry, boho jewelry
4. Ignoring Seasonal Keywords
🚫 Mistake:
Keeping the same keywords year-round without adjusting for seasonal trends.
✅ How to Fix:
Update listings for seasonal searches like "Mother’s Day gift" in March-April or "Christmas stocking stuffer" in October-December.
5. Keyword Stuffing in Titles
🚫 Mistake:
Cramming too many keywords in a title makes it hard to read.
Example: "Handmade Mug Coffee Mug Cute Mug Pottery Mug Gift Mug"
✅ How to Fix:
Keep it natural and readable.
Example: "Handmade Ceramic Coffee Mug - Unique Pottery Cup - Gift for Coffee Lovers"
6. Writing Weak Product Descriptions
🚫 Mistake:
Only writing one or two sentences, or skipping important details.
✅ How to Fix:
- Describe the size, material, color, and any customization options.
- Answer common buyer questions in the description.
- Naturally include some keywords (but don’t overdo it).
Example:
"This handcrafted ceramic mug holds 12oz and features a rustic glaze finish. It’s perfect for coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Each piece is unique due to the handmade process."
7. Using Only One or Two Photos
🚫 Mistake:
Listings with fewer photos get fewer sales because buyers want to see details.
✅ How to Fix:
Use at least 8-10 high-quality images, including:
- Different angles
- Close-ups of details
- Size reference (next to a ruler or hand)
- Packaging (how it looks when shipped)
- Lifestyle shot (the product in use)
8. Not Renewing Listings at the Right Time
🚫 Mistake:
Etsy gives a slight boost to newly renewed listings, but renewing at random times won’t help.
✅ How to Fix:
Renew listings when your target audience is active.
- Weekends and evenings tend to be peak shopping times.
- Use Etsy Stats to see when you get the most traffic.
9. Ignoring the Importance of Reviews
🚫 Mistake:
Not encouraging buyers to leave reviews means fewer trust signals for new customers.
✅ How to Fix:
- Send a friendly post-purchase message thanking them and reminding them to leave a review.
- Deliver great packaging and fast shipping for a better customer experience.
10. Forgetting About Off-Etsy Traffic
🚫 Mistake:
Relying only on Etsy search when other platforms can drive extra traffic.
✅ How to Fix:
- Share listings on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook to attract more buyers.
- Use Pinterest for long-term traffic (pins last much longer than social media posts).
Final Thoughts
Etsy SEO isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about consistently improving your listings based on what works. Start by fixing one or two of these mistakes, and you’ll likely see better search rankings and more sales!
💡 Which of these mistakes have you made? Let me know in the comments!