Etsy 10 min read

Etsy Listing Tips: How to Rank Higher with SEO-Optimised Descriptions

Master Etsy's search algorithm with proven SEO techniques. Learn how to write titles, tags, and descriptions that get your products found and sold.

By TakeFivve Team •
#etsy#seo#listings#optimization

With over 90 million active buyers, Etsy is a goldmine for creative sellers. But with 7.5 million sellers competing for attention, getting found is the real challenge. Here's everything you need to know about Etsy SEO in 2026.

How Etsy Search Actually Works

Etsy's search algorithm considers multiple factors when deciding which listings to show:

  • Query matching: Does your listing contain the search terms?
  • Listing quality: Click-through rate, favourites, purchases
  • Recency: Newer and recently renewed listings get a boost
  • Shop quality: Your overall shop ratings and history
  • Shipping: Free shipping and fast delivery are prioritised

You control most of these factors. Let's break down each element you can optimise.

Title Optimisation: The Most Important 140 Characters

Your title is the single most important ranking factor. Etsy gives you 140 characters - use them wisely.

Title Structure That Works

Follow this formula: [Primary Keyword] + [Secondary Keyword] + [Descriptive Details] + [Gift/Occasion]

Examples:

  • ❌ "Beautiful Cat Mug" (too vague, wastes characters)
  • ✅ "Cat Coffee Mug, Funny Cat Lover Gift, Ceramic Mug 11oz, Cat Dad Birthday Present, Pet Owner Cup"

Title Best Practices

  • Front-load keywords: Put the most important terms first
  • Use natural phrases: "Cat lover gift" not "gift cat lover"
  • Include variations: "Mug" and "Cup" target different searches
  • Add occasions: Birthday, Christmas, Valentine's Day
  • Specify attributes: Size, colour, material when relevant

Tags: Your 13 Chances to Rank

Etsy gives you exactly 13 tags, each up to 20 characters. Every tag is a potential search match.

Tag Strategy

  • Use all 13 tags: Never leave tags empty
  • Multi-word phrases: "cat coffee mug" not just "mug"
  • Mix broad and specific: "gift for her" + "cat mom birthday"
  • Include synonyms: "mug" and "cup", "t-shirt" and "tee"
  • Think like buyers: What would they actually search?

Tag Examples for a Cat Mug

  1. cat coffee mug
  2. cat lover gift
  3. funny cat mug
  4. cat mom gift
  5. cat dad present
  6. ceramic cat cup
  7. pet lover mug
  8. cat birthday gift
  9. kitty coffee cup
  10. cat owner gift
  11. crazy cat lady
  12. cat themed gift
  13. animal lover mug

Descriptions That Convert

Your description doesn't directly affect search ranking, but it massively impacts conversion rate. A buyer who clicks but doesn't purchase hurts your listing quality score.

Description Structure

  1. Hook (first 160 characters): This shows in search results - make it compelling
  2. Key benefits: Why should they buy THIS product?
  3. Product details: Size, materials, care instructions
  4. Shipping info: Processing time, delivery estimates
  5. Call to action: Encourage favouriting or purchasing

Description Template

🐱 The perfect gift for cat lovers! This adorable [product] features [design description]. Made with love for those who can't get enough of their feline friends.

✨ PRODUCT DETAILS
• Material: [material]
• Size: [dimensions]
• [Other relevant specs]

🎁 PERFECT FOR
• Cat moms and dads
• Birthday gifts
• Christmas presents
• Just because!

📦 SHIPPING
• Processing: [X] business days
• Ships from: [location]
• Tracking included

💬 QUESTIONS?
Message us anytime - we typically respond within 24 hours!

⭐ Don't forget to favourite this listing to save it for later!

Images That Get Clicks

Your first image determines whether buyers click through. Etsy recommends:

  • Square format: 2000x2000 pixels minimum
  • White or neutral background: For the primary image
  • Show the product clearly: Fill most of the frame
  • Add lifestyle shots: Product in use for secondary images
  • Include scale reference: So buyers understand the size

AI mockup tools like TakeFivve can generate consistent, professional images for every variation - saving hours of photography work.

Pricing Psychology

Your price affects perceived value and search placement:

  • Factor in Etsy fees: 6.5% transaction + 3% payment processing
  • Consider free shipping: Etsy boosts listings with free shipping
  • Use charm pricing: £19.99 converts better than £20
  • Check competitors: Price within the expected range for your category

The Renewal Strategy

New and renewed listings get a temporary search boost. Smart sellers use this strategically:

  • Renew underperforming listings: Give them a fresh chance
  • Time renewals for peak hours: When your target audience shops
  • Don't over-renew: It costs £0.20 each time and the boost diminishes

Automating Etsy SEO

Writing SEO-optimised listings for every product is time-consuming. AI tools can help:

  • Generate titles: Keyword-rich, properly formatted
  • Suggest tags: Based on your product category
  • Write descriptions: Platform-optimised content
  • Create mockups: Professional images for every variation

TakeFivve integrates directly with Etsy, letting you generate listings and publish in one workflow. What takes hours manually takes minutes with automation.

Start Optimising Today

Etsy SEO isn't complicated - it's about understanding what buyers search for and making your listings match. Focus on:

  1. Keyword-rich titles that use all 140 characters
  2. All 13 tags with multi-word phrases
  3. Compelling descriptions that convert clicks to sales
  4. Professional images that stand out in search results

Ready to automate your Etsy listings? Try TakeFivve free and see how AI can transform your workflow.