Etsy SEO Tips: How to Rank Higher in Search Results

Your Etsy shop is part of a marketplace with over 89.1 million buyers in the first quarter of 2022 alone. However, over 5.5 million active sellers compete for these potential sales on the platform.

There are numerous benefits for those who can attract and retain customers. But how do you distinguish yourself from the crowd and sell? Getting noticed and increasing your Etsy sales will necessitate well-planned marketing efforts. Not to worry, because this article will teach you how to market your Etsy store.

You’ll learn how to target the right customer, optimize your SEO and content, and use the best marketing tools on your Etsy store. In addition, we’ll go over other marketing strategies to help you make informed decisions.

Best Way to Promote Your Etsy Shop

With the rising competition on Etsy, having an effective Etsy SEO strategy is crucial to stand out in search results and get more traffic. SEO for Etsy can help your shop rank higher in search results, making it easier for potential customers to find your products. By optimizing your listings with relevant keywords, tags, and descriptions, you can increase your chances of appearing at the top of search results and attracting more visitors to your shop. With the right Etsy SEO tips and techniques, you can improve your shop’s visibility, drive more sales, and grow your business.

Know Your Customer

Find the answer of whom you’re talking to and then target the right audience most inclined to purchase what you offer.

The right customer or target audience is a specific group of people who share similar characteristics or interests. A well-dedicated and directed ad campaign should target this group of potential customers; your product should meet their needs, and they should be aware of it.

How Do You Find Your Target Audience?

The procedure begins with research. To gather information on your current and ideal Etsy buyers, use the Stats section in Etsy’s Shop Manager as well as tools like Google Analytics and Google Trends.

Look for interests and keywords, then use Google Trends to see if the targeted inquiries are getting any attention.

For example, if you sell organic t-shirts, search for that term in Trends and Analytics to see who is searching for it, in which country, and in which region. Examine the following details:

• Demographics – age and gender.
• Geography – country, state, city, neighbourhood.

The Related Topics and Related Queries sections provide additional search terms as well as valuable insights into people looking for a product or Etsy items similar to yours.

By using similar keywords and cross-referencing terms and searches, you can learn more about who might become your new customers, such as:

• Interests – Favorite books, preferred music genres, entertainment fandoms, hobbies, sports, .
• Purchase intention – tools, apparel, beauty products, toys, smartphone cases, .
• Other – profession, education level, income, marital status, number of children.

Tips to Find the Target Audiences

The target customer includes more than just those who will use the product or make the purchasing decision. Supporters are people who heavily influence purchasing decisions, such as when children ask their parents to buy them a toy.

Sometimes a product is purchased for a different group by a target audience. For example, the Old Spice male brand is advertised to women because market research revealed that they buy the most male hygiene products.

Identifying your target customers is an ongoing process. It necessitates constant reevaluation, adaptation, and monitoring of customer behaviours and needs. To develop and cultivate a positive relationship with your customers, pay close attention to your Etsy statistics.

Keep content on Priority

A critical component of any marketing strategy is driving as much organic traffic to the website as possible. SEO and Content Marketing are the appropriate tools for this, and they should be used in tandem – good SEO practices will not compensate for poor-quality content. Excellent content, on the other hand, still requires good SEO to be visible.

The Etsy marketplace is a gated community with its own set of rules, metrics, and rankings. However, even within this restricted environment, quality content and search engine optimization are important, and there are ways to improve them.

Here are some most critical elements to consider:

Keywords

In the Marketing section, Etsy provides Search analytics and statistics, as well as insights into keyword search and traffic.

Aside from that, free and freemium tools like Seller-way, eRank, and Marmalead can help you conduct specialized keyword research for Etsy.

Use appropriate keywords in your Etsy shop title, sections, categories, listings, and product descriptions. If the keyword is frequently searched on the internet and is relevant to your product, include it in the appropriate element.

Product descriptions

Invest in quality product descriptions to ensure that the customer understands what you offer. When possible, use SEO keywords.

Titles 

Keep the titles short and to the point, with the most important keywords at the top. A title that is too long will only be displayed in part in search results.

Tags

Etsy allows you to add up to 13 tags to your listings. Fill them all with relevant product attributes and keywords, including long-tail keywords.

Images

Provide high-quality product images. Don’t overlook the importance of visuals in purchasing decisions.

Extra features

When possible, offer free shipping and include shipping costs in the product price, as shipping affects Etsy rankings.

SEO optimization is a never-ending process. Stay tuned, continue with keyword research on a regular basis, and update the titles and tags on your Etsy shop accordingly.

A blog on Etsy?

Etsy doesn’t offer a blog feature on the Etsy platform, but it is a fantastic marketing strategy if you have an Etsy-integrated website. Maintain a blog and include a link to your Etsy shop. It’s one of the most important tools for driving organic traffic to your store.

Here are some tips for improving your Etsy SEO with an external blog:

• Create new, high-quality content while keeping SEO in mind. Begin with the same keyword research that was used to identify your target audience and create relevant content.
• Concentrate your efforts and create content that is specific to your products. Avoid making generic posts. Be informative and responsive to your customers’ needs.
• Continually and regularly publish. Promote consistency and trust, and establish yourself as an authority in your field.

Social Media and Etsy

Social media is an inexpensive and effective way to promote an Etsy shop. Each social platform has advantages and disadvantages. Different platforms will be best for different goals, such as increasing brand awareness and positive feedback, connecting with potential customers, and maintaining relationships.

On Etsy, there are several ways to promote listings and even sell via social media.

Basic Setup and General Options

• Prior to connecting Etsy to social media platforms, set up separate accounts for your Etsy shop on each platform. Etsy connects with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.
• Social Media Marketing options can be accessed by navigating to Shop Manager -> Marketing -> Social Media.
• If it is your first time in the Social Media section, you’ll find some options to connect to the available social networks. You can also find the same options by clicking on Social Media -> Social accounts/Listings section.
• You can create social posts directly from products, navigate to the Listings section, select the desired listing, and then click Manage -> Share.

How Do You Market Your Etsy Shop on Facebook and Instagram?

The most popular social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook, should be included in any Etsy marketing strategy.

• Go to Settings and select Facebook Shops to connect your Etsy shop to the Meta Business suite.
• Listings can be shared through Facebook and Instagram posts. This is possible through the Marketing and Social Media section.
• To sell on Instagram, you’ll need the Sell on Etsy app.

Instagram is ideal for Facebook cross-promotions and visual content. It is also good for reaching younger audiences and influencers in terms of relationship building and demographics.

Facebook provides a broader range of advertising options for Etsy businesses, including the ability to share Etsy products and listings, display photos and videos, and integrate an Etsy shop into a Facebook page. Customers in the latter case can purchase directly from the Facebook shop. Facebook groups are also fantastic for engaging with a variety of audiences.

Consider paid advertising on Facebook as well. From your business page, you can create new product ads or boost existing posts. Target specific audiences based on demographics, location, or interests.

Facebook’s weakest point is connecting with a younger audience, as it is primarily used by Boomers. Nonetheless, you can address this issue through Instagram cross-promotion. Finally, stay up to date on Meta business suite terms and conditions to avoid account and ad restrictions.

How Can You Use Pinterest to Promote Your Etsy Shop?

Pinterest has been integrated with Etsy for longer than the Meta business suite and can be found in the Marketing section as well as the Integrations page.

The platform has positioned itself as an idea catalogue and a visual search engine. 85% of its users use the network to get ideas and plan new projects, often purchasing merchandise to do so – 75% of Pinners say they’re always shopping.

Pinterest focuses on visual content. Its creative edge appeals to Etsy shoppers looking for artsy and vintage items, making the social media network a must-have marketing channel for Etsy sellers.

Creating a Pinterest pin from an Etsy listing provides insights and stats on the pins and the product, and it is possible to buy items from the saved pins. To create a pin from a listing, go to the Listings section, click on Manage and Share, or in the Social Media part of the Marketing section.

Pinterest boards are collections of pins, and users can add Pins from other boards to their own. This allows Etsy products with similar characteristics to the pins collected by Pinterest users to be displayed to them without paid advertisement.

Starting from Scratch on Etsy?

Perhaps you’re a new Etsy shop owner, a small business owner, or you’re still dealing with pressing issues like product selection and management.

OTT SEO is built to offer top-quality marketing services to businesses of all sizes. To begin, contact OTT SEO, it will take only a few minutes. OTT SEO Services has a large and flexible catalogue of high-quality marketing services that you can customize as per your business needs.

OTT SEO has all the resources, a team of industry experts, all the knowledge, and a track record you can easily rely on. So, without any worries integrate your Etsy shop with OTT SEO marketing right away to increase sales and make your Etsy shop a success.

Grow Your Email Database and Use It for Selling

Email marketing can inform your customer base about new products, updates, blog posts, interviews, promotions, and seasonal publicity. The resource is very effective for connecting with customers who have already demonstrated interest in your brand. It fosters relationships with potential and returns customers and keeps them informed about what your Etsy shop offers. Emails can keep your audience engaged and connected.

Additionally, email listings help your metrics substantially, gathering data and information on what appeals to new and repeat customers and getting them engaged.

Getting Subscribers

To begin, never add an email address to your list without first obtaining permission from the owner. It goes without saying that it violates Etsy policies and is illegal in several countries, not to mention that it is unpleasant and unwanted behavior that is more likely to alienate valuable customers and defame a brand.

Subscribers can sign up for your newsletter via social media, a dedicated website, or even in-person via traditional paper lists if they have the opportunity to present your Etsy shop products at fairs or other live events.

Make it as simple as possible to subscribe. Sign-up widgets can be added to your blog or website if you do not have an Etsy shop. Incorporate call-to-action buttons into your Facebook stores. Use social media and Facebook groups to connect with your subscribers.

Allow customers to exchange their email addresses for free products or services. It could be a rewritten e-book, DIY instructions, exclusive video tutorials, an Etsy promotion, or coupon codes.

Essential Tips on Email Marketing

• Be wary of spam trigger words such as free, winner, and contest. For up-to-date spam trigger lists, use free checkers such as Blogiestools or Mailmeteor.
• Maintain consistency. Email marketing is a strategy for not only developing relationships and data but also for generating trust. Send test emails to ensure formatting consistency across multiple devices.
• Maintain as much of a regular schedule as possible. The sweet spot for sending email marketing is between one email per week and one email per month.
• Image optimizers can be used to reduce the size of photos. Larger images may cause spam alerts, and email blocking, and take longer to load on mobile devices. Also, take the time to edit all of the alt text in the images to ensure that your message is clear and readable if the images don’t load properly.
• Review and adapt – After sending some emails, use the available tools and analytics, as well as dedicated email marketing tools like Mailchimp, to see which links and content generated the most engagement and conversions.
• Build on variations such as the size of the photos and the length of the text descriptions.

Create Etsy Ads

When combined with SEO optimization and other Etsy marketing practices, Etsy ads, also known as promoted listings, are effective.

Following the optimization of product listings, descriptions, and SEO, Etsy sellers can launch an ad advertising campaign by following these steps:

1. Proceed to the Shop Manager.
2. Navigate to Marketing, then Etsy Ads, and Get Started.
3. If this is your first time creating Etsy ads, specify your objectives as needed.
4. Set a daily budget of at least $1.00.
5. Click on the Start Advertising button.

Offsite Ads on Etsy

Etsy offers an offsite ads program in addition to promoted listings. Previously limited to Google Shopping, the program has expanded to promote products chosen primarily based on the Etsy quality score in search engines and social media platforms.

In the case of conversions, Etsy will charge a 15% fee for sellers with annual sales less than $10,000 and a 12% fee for those with sales greater than $10,000.

Because there is no initial investment or risk, many sellers consider it a win-win situation. Etsy, on the other hand, uses cookies to track ads for 30 days. The fee will be charged by purchase if you make another purchase after clicking during that time period.

Furthermore, the seller has no control over the products advertised, and only shops with less than $10,000 in revenue can opt out of the program. Opting out is possible through the Shop Manager’s Settings section. Click Stop promoting my products and then Offsite ads.

If Etsy repeatedly promotes a shop product on other platforms, carefully calculate your profit margin, shipping rates, and other fees to avoid financial loss in future purchases.

Search Engine Marketing

Pay-per-click (PPC) advertisements are placed on search engine results pages by search engine marketing (SEM). It is not the same as PPC on social media platforms.

PPC for SEM can include small text-only ads or full product advertisements with images, prices, and reviews.

SEM is a low-cost method of increasing traffic and conversions to an Etsy shop. Offsite advertising on Etsy includes SEM and advertising on social media pages, but sellers have no control over what is advertised.

Those who want to control their SEM campaigns independently of Etsy offsite advertising should open an account with Google Ads or Microsoft Ads (previously, Bing ads).

Although a higher bid amount increases the likelihood of an ad appearing in search results, it is not the most important factor in SEM.

The Quality Score is the most important factor in displaying a PPC-advertised product in Google search results.

Google defines it based on click-through rate (CTR), keyword and ad text relevance, landing page relevance and quality, and Google Ads account history.

In short, search engine marketing (SEM) is diverse and complementary to SEO and social media advertising. Nonetheless, all forms of advertising have some fundamentals in common, beginning with keyword research and relying on quality content.

Try Your Hand at Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing can help you expand your business’s reach and increase your Etsy sales.

Collaboration with a reputable influencer or brand ambassador may have a significant impact on a shop’s range and sales, as it can benefit from the traffic and trust generated by these individuals or pages.

Awin is in charge of the Etsy affiliate program. It encourages other websites to link to an Etsy shop. If one of these users makes a purchase in the shop, the website owner will be paid 4% of the order price.

Etsy, like the Etsy ads program, will track returning customers and sales with cookies and charge an eventual next purchase accordingly. Cookies will track affiliates for 30 days on the web but only seven days in the Etsy app.

To join the Etsy affiliate program, you do not need to sign a contract. Awin’s terms and conditions must be accepted by the shop owner. The program can be exited at any time. Similarly, Etsy can terminate affiliates at any time.

Keep up to date on any changes to the Etsy affiliate program and Awin’s terms and conditions, particularly those pertaining to fees.

Conclusion: Start Marketing your Etsy Shop Now!

This article explained how to market your Etsy shop, including the main marketing strategies for increasing search ranking, shop traffic, and sales. Now you are capable of developing and implementing your marketing strategy to promote your Etsy shop and stay ahead of the competition. If you need help in marketing then feel free to contact Over The Top marketing company. The company has the experience, knowledge, and resources to make your shop a success.