Etsy SEO! - Tools You Will Need

Definition of SEO: according to google it is defined as - "Search engine optimization is a methodology of strategies, techniques and tactics used to increase the amount of visitors to a website by obtaining a high-ranking placement in the search results page of a search engine (SERP) -- including Google, Bing, Yahoo and other search engines."

Okay, first let me be frank with you. I work at SEO every day. Yes, every day. Why? Because words "trend" and that means words like bodacious or wassup might not apply any more. But what does that mean when it comes to Etsy SEO? Well, this blog will link you to some very helpful tools to TEACH you what SEO is and how to master it. Do you need to pay for this? Nope! It is free and helpful advice to get you started on good SEO!


First, you must do your research! I know, you are thinking "awww... can't you just like.. do magic and it magically works over night?". Sadly, this is not how this works. Many seem to forget you must work at SEO to get it right and make it work for you. Yes, that means spending time doing research and then applying that research to your listings. Yes, you could spend money to get people to do this for you. In fact, it is a business that has sprung up since Etsy has really took off. You can find people right and left that advertise "pay x amount and get SEO done", etc. If you have that kind of money to spend, by all means... use those people. They get paid to do what you CAN do for free! Yes, free! That is if you don't mind taking the time and work at SEO. If you have the time and patience... read on. Otherwise go search Etsy for someone to do your SEO for you.

Okay, made it this far in the blog? Good for you! Now let me share a few secrets with you.

Where can you find good research material? Youtube is a popular place and it is a great tool to help you get started. There is 100s of videos out there on Etsy SEO. Below are a few links to some more popular channels:

RichMomBusiness
dansafkow - Going to include him, because I think he has some really neat ideas!
southerncharmwreaths
Etsy SEOTalk

There is literally 100s of channels that talk about Etsy SEO, but I do believe these channels will be the most helpful. Because Etsy did change some things with their search back in 2015. So, I would suggest looking at all videos after October of 2015. This is when the new stuff was being added, etc. Personally, I would look at videos around January of 2016 and up. As these would be the most current.

Also, for your research, I would suggest going over to Google and typing something like "Etsy SEO" or "Etsy SEO help" or even "Current Etsy SEO help". As these will pull up all kinds of blogs, articles, etc. to help in your research. Even the Etsy Seller Handbook. Which has loads of helpful information. I would suggest reading the handbook at least once a week. Etsy has really started changing and adding new information there!

Secondly, there is some really nice free website tools you can use! Some may require to pay a monthly fee to use their advance settings, but their free tools are great if you need keyword ideas. What are keywords? Keywords are your money makers. Basically words that will get your shop found!

Okay, ready for some neat websites? Below is a few that I have found and each has some really nice tools:

Marmalead - You have to pay a monthly fee to use their advance settings, but they do have a free keyword tool that is very helpful.
Etsy Rank - A free website with a load of tools! My favorite section is the critique area and color trend.
Moz.com - Tools - This website has some nice free tools you can use as well.

These will help you get your foot in the door and get you more acquainted with SEO. I would suggest using all the websites above daily or as often as needed. Because things change at the drop of a hat!

Finally, find you some great groups on social media and stick with them. They will be your glue, your friends, and will help you with your shop. One thing I absolutely love about Etsy is the community of people and how helpful they are. Yes, you will run into a few rotten maters (southern for tomato), but overall there is some really great people out there.

I suggest joining a few Facebook groups. A couple of my favorite places are:

Thriving on Etsy! - Love the admin there. Super sweet and always has something to share!
We Need To Succeed & A-Team - A very warm and welcoming group of people. They are always very helpful!

Of course there is Etsy teams you can join too that are wonderful. We Need To Succeed and A-Team both have Etsy team pages on Etsy. Look them up and join them!

After doing all the research, what now? Well, you need to learn how to use those keywords correctly. Where they need to go and how best to use them on your listing/item. Which is another whole different discussion, but let me give you the short answer here:

On your Etsy listing/item (where you add your listing) you will have these key areas to use your SEO skills. They are:

Title
Description
Tags

Title, you have x amount of characters to use. I would suggest using commas to separate your keyword phrases (yes phrases). Such as: Blue beaded chunky necklace. That is a keyword phrase. People search phrases, not words.

Description, put your soul into this area. Include your keywords (or phrases) where it sounds correctly and make sure you sound like.. well.. you. People want solutions and want to know your soul. Let this be the area you shine at! Also, make sure you include a link back to your store front and maybe a link to an in store search (your store of course!) of similar products. Keeps people in your shop longer.

Tags, use all 13 tags. All of them! I can't stress this enough! Also, make sure the keywords and phrases you use in your titles are in your tags too! If your title keywords don't make 13 tags, do some research and add in phrases or word combos that people would likely use to find your items. Think of what you would search for and add it. You may be surprised at what gets your found!

ALL of this information is at your fingertips and free! Now, use these tools and go out there and get to work on your SEO!



Next time on W.P. Artisans - Branding. What it is and how you can best use it!