Search engine optimization on Etsy can feel a little complicated sometimes. The algorithm has a lot of different factors working together to determine where your listings will show up in the search results. So does your Etsy description affect how you show up in Etsy's search results? Let's talk about it!
Understanding Etsy SEO
Etsy's search algorithm uses a variety of factors to determine where you should be ranking. Some of these factors you can control (like your tags, titles, and yes, your descriptions), and some you can't (past sales history, reviews, etc).
Your listings will move up and down in the algorithm over time depending on how well they're performing for certain keywords. Remember: Etsy wants these searches to result in a sale because they make money when you make money. So listings with a high conversion rate will be more likely to rank for my keyword phrases.
How Etsy Descriptions Affect SEO
Just because your listing description is a factor in the Etsy SEO algorithm, doesn't mean you want to keyword stuff your entire description. Only the first few sentences of each listing description are factored into the algorithm. So adding a bunch of random keywords throughout won't help you rank for more keywords.
Instead, focus on adding relevant keywords in the first few sentences of your description. Make sure to avoid keyword stuffing by copying your entire title into the description. This looks spammy to search engines and will affect how often your potential buyers are reading your listing description.
Best Practices for Etsy Descriptions
Because only a small portion of your description is relevant in the search algorithm, you want to make sure to that you're optimizing the first few sentences with your most important keywords. Then you want to focus on using the rest of your description to help your listing convert.
Let's discuss some best practices to optimize your listings effectively:
Start with a strong opening: Hook buyers with a compelling first sentence that highlights your product’s unique value. Include a target keyword phrase or two and make sure to vary it from listing to listing.
Include all relevant information: If your buyers need to know something before they purchase, you need to include it in your description. If buyers have to contact you to ask questions, you're less likely to make the sale.
Make your descriptions easy to skim: Buyers don't read and you aren't going to change that. Make sure your listings are really easy to skim so buyers can quickly get the information they need and move on to the next step.
Don't make your descriptions too long…or too short: Too short and your buyers won't have all the info they need to purchase. Too long and they won't read any of it because it looks daunting. Strike a balance by including all relevant information in a concise manner.
Highlight the benefits, not just the features: Explain how your product solves a problem or enhances the buyer’s life.
Incorporate a friendly, conversational tone: Write like you’re talking to your ideal customer to build trust and engagement.
Avoid overly technical language or jargon: Keep descriptions clear and easy to understand for all buyers.
Don't link to your social media accounts: You want people to buy? Then don't ask them to follow you on social prior to purchasing. They'll be just as likely to get distracted on Instagram than they would be to come back and actually make that purchase from you.
End with a Clear Call to Action (CTA): Encourage buyers to purchase, ask a question, or explore related listings.
Etsy SEO Tips
Your listing ranking in Etsy's search algorithm depends on more than just your descriptions. The Etsy SEO algorithm includes your titles, tags, descriptions, and your listing quality score, among other factors. Here are some of my best Etsy SEO tips:
Use the most relevant keywords: Keyword research isn't a phase you can skip when it comes to getting your Etsy shop found in search. Find the relevant keywords that your buyers are actually using to search for your products and that aren't overly competitive.
Don't copy other Etsy sellers: Just because a listing is getting sales, doesn't mean its keywords are working. Don't copy another listing without doing your own keyword research.
Not all search engines are the same: There's a lot of SEO advice out there for Amazon and Google, but the Etsy algorithm is it's own. Don't apply advice you learn from external search engines and their algorithms to your Etsy listing.
Watch search intent: A search term might sound perfect for your product, but make sure to always check the search results. If the listings on the first page don't look like they fit with your product, you might be targeting the wrong keyword rankings.
Don't duplicating your titles: You should not use the same title from one Etsy listing to another. Duplicated titles too spammy to search engine like Etsy.Does Etsy Description Matter for SEO?
Google SEO
Your description on your Etsy listings can affect Google search results, however, it's important to remember that most Etsy listings don't show up on Google individually. Your listings are more likely to show up on Market Pages, which are curated, or in Google Shopping results.
You can see an example of an Etsy Market page below. The URL will include the word “market” in it which indicates that the page is curated in some form.
FAQ:
Can I put links in my Etsy descriptions:
You can…but they won't be clickable unless they link to another Etsy page. You can link other listings or even search results in your own Etsy shop.
If you'd like to link an offsite page, make sure to tell your buyers to copy and paste the link into their browser as it won't be clickable.
Does Alt Text help Etsy SEO?
While alt text helps make Etsy more accessible as a website, it does not affect Etsy's search algorithm.
Conclusion
Getting organic traffic through Etsy search through your SEO is one of the fastest ways to get more customers on the platform. While your listing descriptions do play a small role in the algorithm, don't forget that keyword research, tag and title optimization, and high-quality images are just as important to getting organic traffic on Etsy.
Have more questions about your descriptions on Etsy? Join my free Facebook group just for Etsy sellers here.
Ready to get consistent sales on Etsy? Click here to sign up for my next free live class! You'll learn how to get more visibility on Etsy without relying on social media.
