Etsy keyword research: The complete guide + five top tools

Have you ever poured your heart and soul into creating a beautiful product only to find it buried in Etsy's search results? Don't worry, you're not alone. The key to unlocking buyer visibility and boosting sales on Etsy lies in mastering keyword research.

This guide will equip you with the strategies and tools you need to do effective keyword research on Etsy. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced seller, this guide is full of valuable information to help you succeed on the platform.

• Keyword research helps Etsy sellers boost visibility in search results. This involves finding specific terms that customers use to search for products, helping to drive more traffic and boost sales.

• Other than increasing search visibility, keywords are vital for improving Etsy SEO and increasing ROI for Etsy ads, providing a competitive edge, and increasing sales by making products more discoverable and relevant to potential customers. 

• Effective Etsy keyword research strategies include brainstorming seed keywords that describe your products, thinking like your customers, using Etsy's search suggestions, analyzing competitors, and utilizing free tools to expand your keyword list.

• Recommended Etsy keyword research tools include Alura Etsy Tool, eRank, Marmalead, EtsyHunt, and Keysearch. These tools offer features like search volume analysis, competitor analysis, and trend tracking to enhance keyword effectiveness.

• Selecting effective keywords involves balancing search volume and competition, ensuring relevance to the product, and incorporating seasonal or trending keywords to attract more buyers.

• Keywords should be strategically placed in titles, tags, and descriptions to maximize search visibility without compromising readability and detail in product descriptions.

• Gelato's print on demand service helps further optimize your Etsy store by streamlining production and shipping. This allows sellers to focus more on creative and marketing efforts, expand product ranges without inventory risks, and scale operations.

Imagine a customer searching for "unique, handmade ceramic mugs" on Etsy. Your beautifully crafted mug might be the perfect match, but if your listing isn't optimized with relevant keywords, it might never be seen. This is where Etsy keyword research comes into play.

Etsy keyword research is the art of uncovering the specific terms people use to find products like yours. By strategically incorporating relevant keywords into your Etsy Shop's listings, you significantly increase your chances of appearing in relevant searches, driving more traffic, and boosting sales. 

How it works

Etsy keyword research is about choosing the right words and phrases for your tags, titles, descriptions, categories, and attributes. This careful selection aims to match what customers are searching for, so your products are more likely to show up in their search results. This is the key to ensuring your products connect with customer searches.

When a customer's search matches keywords in your listings, Etsy's search algorithm comes into play. It gathers all corresponding listings and sorts them based on how relevant they are to the search query. This system is designed to provide an excellent customer experience, so your items will only be visible if they are highly relevant.

Just like other search engines, Etsy's search algorithm prioritizes keywords within listings. This means that relevant, well-researched keywords are the key to unlocking organic traffic and propelling your shop to the top of search results. Here are other reasons why keywords are important for your Etsy shop's search engine optimization (SEO):

• Competitive edge: Using the correct keywords helps you gain an edge over competitors by appearing in more relevant searches.

• Increased sales: When your product is easier to find and more visible, the likelihood of generating sales increases.

• Customer satisfaction: Accurate keywords ensure your products reach the customers who truly want them, leading to happier customers and better reviews.

Now that you understand the importance of keyword research, let's explore the strategies that will help you become a keyword-wielding master.

1. Brainstorm your seed keywords

Start by listing down words that accurately describe your products and their unique selling points. Think about the materials, styles, and functionalities. For example, if you sell hand-painted silk scarves, your core keywords might include "silk scarf," "hand-painted," "floral pattern," etc.

2. Think like your customers

Put yourself in the shoes of a potential buyer and consider the terms they might use to find your products. Would they search for "silk scarves for women" or "summer scarves"? Try to think about how your target audience would search for products similar to your offerings. Consider the language, terminology, and phrases they'd use. This mental exercise helps you build a more comprehensive list of keyword ideas.

3. Leverage Etsy's search suggestions

As you type keywords into the Etsy search bar, the platform offers helpful suggestions in a dropdown menu. These suggestions are fantastic indicators of what real Etsy customers are searching for. Utilize these suggestions to expand your seed list.

4. Analyze your competitors

Research successful shops in your niche. Browse their listings and analyze the keywords they use in titles, descriptions, and tags. Remember, however, to focus on creating unique content and avoid simply copying their approach.

5. Utilize free Etsy SEO tools

Etsy offers a few free tools that can aid your keyword research. The "Shop Stats" section provides information on the search terms buyers used to find your shop. Additionally, when listing a new product, Etsy offers suggested search terms based on your title and tags.

While the strategies above can help you get started, dedicated Etsy keyword research tools can supercharge your efforts. Here are some of the top tools: 

1. Alura Etsy Tool

This free Etsy keyword research tool by Alura specifically targets Etsy search data. Simply enter a seed keyword, and Alura generates a list of related keywords with estimated search volume and competition levels.

Additionally, Alura's keyword finder also showcases the top sellers for each keyword, giving you insights into market trends and competition. It's an effective tool, whether you're starting out or a veteran Etsy shop owner looking to boost your SEO strategy.

2. eRank

This paid tool offers a comprehensive suite of Etsy SEO features, including keyword research. Analyze search volume and competition, and identify long-tail keywords (more specific keyword phrases) that can attract targeted buyers. In addition, eRank's trend-tracking tool makes it easier for sellers to adapt to changing market dynamics and optimize their keywords accordingly.

3. Marmalead

Another paid option, Marmalead offers in-depth keyword research, competitor analysis, and listing optimization tools. It provides valuable insights on keyword trends to help you stay ahead of the curve. 

Moreover, the tool makes it easy for you to identify the top-performing keywords in your niche, ensuring your products stand out amongst the competition. It offers a user-friendly interface and comprehensive reporting, making it an asset for any Etsy seller committed to enhancing their store's visibility.

4. EtsyHunt

This paid tool focuses on uncovering long-tail keywords and analyzing competitor listings to identify their top-ranking keywords. It also provides valuable metrics like keyword competition, search volume, and click rates, helping you better understand keyword insights. 

This user-friendly platform shows trend charts for keywords, allowing you to visualize the popularity of terms over time and equipping you with the data to stay ahead of market trends. This tool is ideal for sellers looking to delve deeper into niche markets.

5. Keysearch

This unique Etsy keyword generator offers comprehensive keyword research specifically geared toward Etsy sellers. Its strong emphasis on Etsy SEO ensures your listings are primed to succeed on the platform. Keysearch can generate keyword ideas and far-ranging data insights, helping you craft listings that prominently feature in search results. Notably, it's excellent for analyzing competitor keyword usage, giving you a competitive edge.

Not all keywords are created equal. Here's how to select the perfect ones for your Etsy shop:

Strike a balance between search volume and competition

Ideally, you want keywords with high search volume (lots of people searching) and low competition (easier to rank for). However, this sweet spot can be elusive. Consider using a strategic mix of:

• High-volume, high-competition keywords: These attract a wider audience, increasing the chances of getting noticed, especially for established shops.

• Long-tail, low-competition keywords: These are more specific phrases with lower search volume, but they target a more niche audience genuinely interested in what you offer.

Relevance is key

Don't be tempted to chase high-volume keywords that don't truly reflect your products. Chasing irrelevant keywords might lead to higher listing views, but it's a numbers game with low conversion rates.

Focus on keywords that accurately represent your offerings. This ensures your creations appear in relevant searches and attract genuinely interested buyers. Relevancy is a two-way street: you find the right customers, and they find the perfect product.

Stay seasonal and trendy

Seasonal keywords can significantly boost your visibility. For example, if you sell winter hats, then consider optimizing your winter hat listings with terms like "cozy knitted beanie" in the fall to catch the holiday shopping wave.

Similarly, trending topics offer a chance to capitalize on current customer interests. Did a popular celebrity wear a style similar to your handmade jewelry? Integrate that trend term into your listing! Don't be afraid to experiment with trending keywords, but remember to maintain relevance to your brand.

Now that you've identified your golden keywords, it's time to strategically integrate them naturally into your listings:

• Titles: Make your titles clear, concise, and keyword-rich. Include the most relevant keyword at the beginning of your title, followed by other relevant keywords and enticing details about your product.

• Tags: Etsy allows 13 tags per listing. Utilize all 13 slots strategically, incorporating a mix of high-volume, medium-volume, and long-tail keywords.

• Descriptions: While keywords are important in descriptions, prioritize readability and informative content. Weave in relevant keywords naturally throughout your descriptions, highlighting product features, benefits, and materials.

Now that you've cracked the code on keyword research for your Etsy listings, you need to ensure no production bottlenecks steal your business momentum! This is where Gelato's print on demand (POD) service comes in with its cutting-edge solution.

Gelato's POD service handles everything from printing your designs on high-quality products to fulfilling customer orders and shipping them directly. This frees you up to spend more time on the creative and strategic aspects of running your Etsy shop, allowing you to leverage your keyword research skills to their full potential and attract customers eager to buy your products.

Here's how Gelato empowers Etsy sellers:

• Focus on what you do best: Unleash your creativity and dedicate more time to design and marketing, leaving the production hassles to Gelato.

• Expand your product range: Experiment with new product offerings such as custom hats, bio phone cases, sustainable tote bags, and more without worrying about upfront inventory costs.

• Reduce risk: Minimize financial risks associated with unsold inventory.

• Scale with ease: As your shop grows, Gelato's global fulfillment network scales seamlessly to meet your increasing demand.

Ready to take your Etsy shop to the next level? Sign up for Gelato and subscribe to one of the affordable plans to harness its innovative POD solutions.

What is the best Etsy keyword tool?

Many tools aid Etsy keyword research, but eRank stands out due to its comprehensive features. Besides keyword research, eRank offers product selection assistance and SEO suggestions. However, EtsyHunt, Alura, and Marmalead are also valuable tools that you can choose from depending on your specific needs and budget. Examine each tool and select the one that best suits your requirements.

Does Etsy have SEO tools?

Yes, Etsy does have SEO tools designed to optimize your page. These tools, which include features like keyword trackers, trend identifications, and analytics breakdowns, help increase your visibility by enhancing your search ranking. While Etsy provides built-in SEO tools, other third-party tools, like eRank, EtsyHunt, Marmalead, and Alura, can also be beneficial in gaining deeper insights into your SEO performance.

How do I find competitors' keywords on Etsy?

To find competitors' keywords on Etsy, you can start by analyzing their listings and identifying common terms used in their titles, descriptions, and tags. Tools like EtsyHunt and Marmalead also offer features that allow you to analyze competitors' shops to see which keywords they are targeting and how their listings perform in search results.