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Story by
stellaloella
Published on April 29, 2009 in How-To |
Photo by |
UPDATE: Please see the most recent information on this topic in our Help section. Click here!
We've been making some changes around the site that we hope will have a big impact. Over the past several months, we've implemented a series of changes to improve Etsy's SEO (search engine optimization). Improved SEO means that it's more likely Etsy pages will be found by people searching with sites like Google, Yahoo and other search engines. While we've done a lot of the work behind the scenes, Etsy sellers can also help maximize the impact of Etsy's SEO on their shop and item pages.
Meta Data: Understanding the Components
Much of this SEO work is done through meta data, which is part of a website's code that is read by search engines. Meta data for SEO has three main components: page title, meta description and meta keywords.
ABOVE: In this screenshot of the Jewelry Category, the meta page title is highlighted in orange in the web browser title bar.
The page title is visible on the site in the top bar of your web browser window. This also shows up when you add a web page to your browser's Favorites or Bookmarks. Ever wonder how a search engine gets the text for the link that is shown in results pages? That's right: it's the page title.
ABOVE: This screenshot shows how Google displays the meta page title and meta description for Etsy's home page in search results.
Both the page title and the meta description are displayed on search engine results pages. Search engines display just a short bit of text for the description, between 140-180 characters depending on the search engine. Meta keywords are generally not visible to someone viewing a web page, but they are used by search engines to help rank relevancy of pages in search results.
We’ve updated the meta data for many of the pages on Etsy: Category and Subcategory pages, the shopping features (like Treasury and Pounce), Etsy shop and item listing pages. Certain pieces of information you control for your shop and item listing pages can impact your shop's SEO. Below we'll explain how you can boost your Etsy shop's SEO.
Your Etsy Shop Pages
ABOVE: This diagram of jenniferladd's shop home page shows how Etsy uses parts of your shop text for the page title, meta description and meta keywords for your shop page.
The page title format on shop pages is: "[username] on Etsy - [Shop Title]"
You can partially control what appears here by using your Shop Title wisely. Your Shop Title is the text that appears in bold just below your banner in your shop. To edit your Shop Title, go to Your Etsy > Appearance. We recommend using this Shop Title to briefly describe your shop and the items you sell so search engines will pick it up more readily. You may also want to include your full name or your business name in your Shop Title if potential customers are likely to search for you that way.
The meta description is the short blurb that appears on a search engine result page to help people quickly learn what the page is about. For your Etsy shop page, the meta description is the first part of your Shop Announcement. We recommend you use the first 1-2 sentences of your Shop Announcement to describe your shop (what kinds of items you sell) and use welcoming language that will entice someone to explore your shop further.
Meta keywords are a less critical component to SEO, and various search engines use them differently to help rank relevancy of a page in search results. For Etsy shop pages, we have automatically pulled the Section Titles for the shop to be used as the meta keywords. We observed that many sellers use basic terms for their sections that translate relatively well into keywords. For example, it's common for jewelry shops to have Section Titles such as: bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings. To edit your Section Titles, go to Your Etsy > Sections.
Your Item Listing Pages
ABOVE: This diagram of an item listing page from FriendlyFairies shop shows how Etsy uses parts of your item listing text for the page title, meta description and meta keywords for your item listing pages.
On individual item pages, the page title format is:
• For handmade items – "Handmade [Category] on Etsy - [Item Title] by [username]"
• For vintage items – "Vintage on Etsy - [Item Title] by [username]"
• For supplies – "Craft Supplies on Etsy - [Item Title] by [username]"
Once again, you can partially control the information that appears as the page title for your listing pages. You create your Item Title on the first step of the listing process. (To edit an Item Title, go to Your Etsy > Currently for Sale, and click the edit link by the item you wish to edit. Make sure to click "finish" to save your changes.) We recommend you clearly describe your item in the Item Title so search engines will understand what the page is about.
For listing pages, the meta description is taken from the first portion of your Item Description. You create your Item Description on the first step of the listing process. (To edit an Item Description, go to Your Etsy > Currently for Sale, and click the edit link by the item you wish to edit. Make sure to click "finish" to save your changes.) Remember: search engines only display the very beginning of this text, just 1-2 sentences. We recommend you use the first part of your Item Description to draw in potential shoppers: describe your item briefly and use engaging language to encourage them to want to find out more.
Meta keywords on item listing pages are taken from the listing's tags. You tag your listing on the second step of the listing process. (To edit the tags on a listing, go to Your Etsy > Currently for Sale, and click the edit link by the item you wish to edit. Make sure to click "finish" to save your changes.) If you're using your tags wisely for Etsy's on-site search already, then most likely you'll be in pretty good shape with your tags for SEO. For more help with tagging, check out Guidelines & Tips: Tagging on Etsy.
These are a few easy ways you can help bring more targeted traffic to your Etsy shop from search engines by improving the SEO of your shop and item listing pages. Search engines are complex, and there are several other factors that contribute to how high your pages rank in search engine results. For more insight on some of these other factors outside your Etsy shop and item listing pages, you may want to read Shop Makeover Series: Google PageRank Tips for Your Etsy Shop.
Seller Handbook | Shop Makeover Series
P.S. These exercises are also published in the Etsy Success Mailing List. Sign up here to get helpful tips delivered to your inbox twice a week!
247 comments Login to add your own!
somedaynewyorker
PlayingHouse
This is really helpful, great advice. Time to start editing to make things more search engine friendly.
OffTheHooks
thank-you that is very helpful information. i noticed some changes, but wasn't sure why- now I know!
rikrak
cozycottagecreations
michelemaule
minouette
Thanks for the tips. I noticed some of these changes in what I have been seeing in my Google Analytics report, so it seems they changes are having an impact.
TSmithDesigns
adoreneko
HAREandDRUM
VERY helpful. Searching for myself in Google, I have recently figured out that I need to keep all titles to the point rather than overly poetic. I reserved the poetry for descriptions, but now I know I need to do some editing there, too! Thank you!
VintageEye
Thanks for your continuing efforts to improve Etsy!
They are always greatly appreciated!
FlanneryCrane
DalkullanJewelry
I saw some things at my shop to change. Thanks so much for the helpful advice!
3squares
Thank you for this useful information on a sometimes-confusing subject.
CarryTheWord
Thank you for all the work you constantly do to improve Etsy for all of us!
beautifulbridget
EJPcreations
LaCometaLab
roundabout
Thanks for breaking this all down. Very helpful information here!
jenniferlynnstudio
Great information..I have been going back and forth to my site and the article..Thanks!
humblebea
Great information, I am going to make some changes! Thanks for featuring my pinafore above, that's awesome! (-:
MGMart
SewnNatural
this is fantastic - thanks so much, very appreciated. The article is well-organized and very clear. Thanks.
zombuki
MNHPhotography
Marang97
Thanks for the tips and insight! Making my changes to my sight as we speak! :)
dadadreams
therainbowroom
Have started working on this, thanks for the great advice and so well explained and illustrated : )
KBShimmer
lovelygifts
thecraftpantry
BabbidgePatch
bylynnkrestel
4TheSparrowsNest
This is very interesting...thanks for breakin' it down, Etsy!
HappyCloudMoments
Thank you! Now, I have to go change my section names...
LisaFerinDesigns
Lots of good advice, especially for this newbie! I'll start tweaking...thank you!
MyJunkyTrunk
meanoldbags
I don't know how else to say this without seeming rude, but your article needs revision. You might check out William Zinsser's "On Writing Well". He reminds writers to speak in an active voice and avoid "that, that the, and this" constructions. A little practice makes one's writing so much easier and delightful to read:)
dlkdesigns
ageratum
Thanks! All the little info how-to's will surely make etsy a better place to be. I love it here! The picks are really good ones too! :) Donna
missindie
sweetbeets
Excellent information. Thank you for implementing these changes!
FrucciDesign
beadfreaky
Thanks for all the work you've put into this- and giving us the info.
mykonos
vaeda
kittytrishia
Thank you so much for all of the hard work you do, I have already noticed a big difference ever since all search drop down categories are now equal (i.e. handmade, vintage, supplies etc.) This is great information to further improve getting people to my shop.
RiverOtterWidget
galit
WireBliss
Thank you for the great article. Need to re look int my shop description.
dragonhouseofyuen
thanks for this Stella - great to see it all spelled out! (for me at least!)
jenniferladd
smutopia
lilworkerb
That is definately need to know information, I'm sure EVERYONE is glad to get.
Archivia
very helpful, thank you! I am going to change a few small things on my page.
VintageTwenty
This is certainly important food for thought. I plan to incorporate these pointers into my store.
worksandfinds
PDXfabricdeli
fairytaletreasures
Waterrose
HerenciaVintage
I love the changes made to the pages..it looks very cool to see handmad...at the top of the page,thanks!
norakaren
FeltInspired
Xenotees
OverTheTop
Thanks for the info. I thought that materials were part of the search too...but apparently not?
baconsquarefarm
Alot to digest at one reading, thanks all, will need to upgrade-change keywords and descriptions.
alwaysadorable
So clean and clear cut now! I am looking forward to working over this article a few more times to better my shop! Great work, thanks!
TianaCHE
plumprettysugar
vantiani
vivilian
SleepingporchStudio
We're so focused on our crafting and art that I think we forget about the business side of things sometimes, and in particular, the way the computer works. These are good tips, and I plan to look my page over.
SleepingporchStudio
We're so focused on our crafting and art that I think we forget about the business side of things sometimes, and in particular, the way the computer works. These are good tips, and I plan to look my page over.
t17b17
Thanks Etsy! I have noticed using google analytics that hits to my shop from search engines has gone way up, I hadn't realized why until now. Wonderful!!
redyellowandblueink
The more these articles are posted, the more I learn. At first it all sounded like high tech mumbo jumbo. But I am starting to get the hang of this stuff and incorporate it when I can-thanks so much for the tips.
CutieDynamite
woollypuppy
martice
summerground
BiaBeads
Thanks for the precious insight - Time to rethink titles and description... will I be able to let go of my poetic titles? ( gosh my beads and jewelry have all got their own name in ITALIAN......!!! dear me.....)
Tors
Thanks for the advice it is really helpful to know which bits the computer uses. I am better with a sewing machine than a computer! Thanks again a real help.
FriendlyFairies
AliBaliJewellery
Some great advice, I made a few small tweaks to my shop!
slinkymalinkicat
SusanKJewelry
zeropumpkin
cristinadavid
beccamari
lucywallis
Liyana
Mimiandlola
BeadsInTheBelfry
FashionTouch
I have noticed the changes and had some questions. Glad they are answered here!!! THank you!!!
PhineasandLou
mythunderstood
jorgensenstudio
alexkeller
TreeHuggerStudio
everyeskimo
decoratethediva
Awesome article!!! I'm very excited to be included in the storque example. Thank you!!!I have seen a change in traffic for the better when I took the time to go over many of my pieces of jewelry listed and focus on tags and titles. ~Renee
OhFaro
RhubarbIncident
littlepinkpebble
cobocollective
dogties
KalliopeJewelry
MeadowbelleMarket
Need I say that artists aren't always the best salespeople?? The creative process is a feeling, something that comes from the heart, not just a means to the end result of getting a sale (of course we can all relate). Thanks for the tips on how to be the best of BOTH!! Much appreciated.
vitaminadesign
Lunatiger
This is very exciting. I'm hoping the new improve searches help unknown etsians with their shop.
artsyfingers
Very helpful tips, looking forward to improve my shop .
Thank you so much.
MonkoPhotography
Great information, thanks!! And thanks SO much for including my singing cows from my ara133photography shop!! :)
thestapeliacompany
This is really helpful. I just adjusted my shop a bit thanks to this. Thank you!
MayaBella
Thanks so much! I have already made some changes learned here. Super!
CraftTwins
ImagineMDD
Thanks so much for the help. It's sometimes hard to figure out how keywords and Etsy tags and meta tags differ, etc. Important stuff. :)
CantaloupeCorner
Boy, I tell you, I didn't know any of this. Off to update my shop. . .
windylou
As soon as I digest all this info, I'm definitely going to make some changes!
patysclay
Thanks very much for the tips, I just updated my titles on my store
patty
JewelryObsessed
kittyanydots
GigiBoards
limitz
rozzie
oooh very informative. Thanks for writing and I'm glad to have found this.
babastudioPrague
alfastudio
EviesToolEmporium
I have a question!
My meta keywords now come up as:
handmade metal stamp sets,handmade jewelry pliers,handmade hammers and accessories
,handmade vises and accessories,handmade magnification tools,handmade scrapbooking
tools,handmade brushes,handmade all other tools,handmade copper disc sets,handmade pre and reserved orders
My items are not 'handmade'. They are supplies!
Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you,
Michelle @ Evie's Tool Emporium
EviesToolEmporium
And a second question! When you look at this item for example it comes up as 'Handmade' in the search! I do however have it tagged 'Supplies'.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you,
Michelle @ Evie's Tool Emporium
monkeyandsquirrel
ovgilliesdesigns
Kikiburrabeads
stellaloella
Hi EviesToolEmporium--
Hm, it looks like Etsy is automatically appending "handmade" to meta keywords for shops. I will look into that further, as it doesn't make much sense for supply or vintage shops. Thanks for letting me know.
As for why your item is coming up in a "handmade" search on Etsy -- it's because you have that item tagged "handmademn." Is this an Etsy Team Tag? I'd recommend not using a tag that includes the word "handmade" on commercial, non-handmade items.
Glamaroni
EviesToolEmporium
Hi stellaoella-
Thank you so much for your super fast response!
I appreciate you looking into the "handmade" meta keywords! It didn't make sense to me either!
Yes, "handmademn" is the Etsy Minnesota team and I am a member! The team name was recently changed from "teammn" to "handmademn". On Thursday I changed my tags to reflect the new name. Then on Saturday I noticed the "handmade" search which confused me! I will take the "handmademn" tags off immediately because I don't want to cause any confusion.
Again, thank you for getting back to me so quickly!
Michelle @ Evie's Tool Emporium
PAINTINGSBYSAM
themefragrance
beaneandco
Great article! So much helpful information for the non-computer savvy person. Thanks!
southernladysvintage
atelierpompadour
auleecreations
Vanessa
TamlinSky
This is by far the most useful Storque article I have read. Thanks so much!
bigdeal168
uniquelyelegant
go2girl
sisterandme
Mogwaii
Rokemet
Thank you so much for this badly needed information. Being new to this I am really grateful for any tips that enable me to access what seemed to be inaccessible.
MaisonMilli
Thank you so much! Explained in a way that is easy to understand and easy to follow, and that itself is absolutely fantastic.
Regards,
Milli.
LinsCraftsAndThings
I'm so glad I read this article. My shop can really use a boost. I will be making changes immediatly. Thanks!
pumpkinbear
Wow. I changed SO MUCH in my etsy shop based on your article. Thanks!
Mindielee
Wow, thanks for all of the tips. I'll get to work changing some things as a result!
RipeThreads
PurpleBears
I can't wait to go back over my etsy shop and use these great guidelines to tweak better SEO. Thanks for the practical and easy to do tips.
NovelBauble
Good advice... already changed a few things around and anxious to check my Google Analytics tomorrow and see if that made any difference! Keep the great tips coming!
Timberleaf
SaritasJewelryBox
TinaFrancisDesigns
I found this very helpful. I will now change a few things and know that I'm making the correct changes. Thank you!
myownlittleuniverse
great info for the internet challenged such as myself! :)
MermaidsTearsJewelry
As an Etsy newbie I realize just how much there is to learn and how much time it will take to institute all selling techniques...EEK!
AlexandersDesigns
stonz
TheNightjar
this is very helpful to me and! where do i find a cutie pie like humblebea's grey lotus pinafore wearing sweetie pie? that is one adorable little girl!
DarriellesClayArt
GalvezBijoux
VenezieBags
craftykathleen
Excellent advice!!! I especialy enjoyed learning more about the "shop title" and its importance. Thanks!
PinkWhimsy
Thank you so much! I wondered why my items weren't showing up on search engine. I'm re-doing my shop and hope to be found more easily now.
samsstuff
Good info! I recently updated a lot of my shop, I can see that there are more things I can do. Thanks for the hints. I hadn't realized where the descriptions & search terms where coming from. I will be doing more updating.
OverallBeing
exquisiteaccessories
haptree
I'm just setting up my shop, thank you this will save me so much time!
bastiano
Thank you. This is very helpful and some more tech things learned about web pages that I like a lot.
justlouisdesigns
This was such a good artical - can't wait to set my shop up properly!
ThePenpoint
Thanks! I didn't realize there was this much that I could do to affect things. Gotta go start renaming stuff. ;-)
Softpencil
shh303
Key points well mapped out for all of us visual leaner's. I hadn't really thought about the larger search engines. Thanks so much for all the great help and guidance!
Ctbydonna
ibeautiful
ixela
idlehandsdesigns
allisajacobs
super helpful & clear information and diagrams. Very much appreciated!
somethinspecial
LolasCraftShop
ToyNicoles
Thank you for this information! Wishing us all increased sales!!
Nicoel
angelene
ROandKO
Talidesign
cherylspurplecow
Thanks for all the information. It is difficult to figure all this out by yourself. You have made it easier to understand. Now I can correct some of the information in my shop.
Thank You
RoseysWorld
gemmawithag
aquaflame2
LastChantsStudio
I think you read my mind...always had wondered how a SEO thinks. Now it all makes sense, even to a low techie like me. Simpler than I thought. (Whew!) Good job!
MudsEvolutionPottery
Thanks so much for taking time to put this together. I had only been focusing on using all of my available keywords.
themonstermaker
sewonandsewon
I am new to etsy - this is great, any info to help with searching is appreciated.
2sistersthings
timasartstudio
VintageEye
stellaloella,
what a wonderful, informative and uber-useful article!
so clear and well written that even a technically challenged etsian like me can understand and apply
the ideas! thank you!
theeye
you say you've pulled the section titles from our shops into the meta tag keywords, yet you've added 'handmade' to each and every section. why would you do that? who searches for 'handmade flower photos'? makes no sense
IkvothaMashiach70
ephemeralarts
sweetrice
itsalovelycake
this is very useful but I still think our shop name should come first on each individual listing -- we need to be represented as separate artisans rather than Etsy branded products!
bigyellowtaxivintage
Thank you. I can now see putting the word "vintage" in my title description is redundant.
I do, however, wonder why the words "on Etsy" in any title description is being used. If people want to find, say, Vintage on Etsy, they will go directly to Etsy. No one will enter Vintage on Etsy in any search engine, instead they will go directly to Etsy to find vintage. The same goes for Handmade, Supplies etc. If you feel having "on Etsy" is important, why not tag it at the end of the title description? By doing so, sellers would gain more characters to best describe their item in the title description. Optimum title description means greater potential for people to find an item in a search and, by extension, Etsy.
LaPellaPottery
My category name is HUGE! So when I add in:
Handmade Ceramics and Pottery on Etsy - by LaPellaPottery
it only leaves me ten characters for my title. Ten???
I have no issue with some of this, but please shorten these a bit. Why not have just:
"Handmade Pottery on Etsy.... by LaPellaPottery"
OR
"Handmade on Etsy - ....by LaPellaPottery"?
Save us some room, please.
PrairieCoastArt
Nice explanations with screen shots. Very helpful. I will be making adjustments in the keywords, titles -- pretty much everything! As a newbie I was winging it.
RSSDesignsInFiber
This article is actually really helpful on understanding what in your shop and on listings shows up in searches.
Originally, reading it helped make some changes to my shop title and announcement -- and now I understand why listing titles need to be shorter and each word clearer in describing the item.
I have re-done a bunch of my titles in my shop, but still have a bunch to do.
Takes time and really applying the data to choose the right words - I am trying to choose the words that I would look for in a listing title if I was looking -- and also I think the listing title needs to give enough info, but also some mystery, so the searcher is interested enough to actually view the listing.
How the viewer duplicates the title could make a difference - sometimes it takes really reading the listing to understand what it is and if you would be interested enough to buy -- or in my case, as I do Treasuries and blog posts about listings on Etsy, to promote it.
CarDonCreativeDesign
All I've heard lately is Meta this and Meta that, and was a bit concerned about it. This article is wonderful! It explains so much and is easy to understand.
I'm not as bad off as I feared :)
Thanks for the great help!
NutfieldWeaver
Thanks you. I just changed my shop title. Somehow this whole concept has slipped by me! I'll be interested to see if my hit rate changes.
Super info!
indigoflameworks
101BestBeads
I am not sure this is a good idea. My listings are coming in way lower now that you have made "Craft Supplies on Etsy" the main part of my meta title. This space is prime real estate on the search engines and when someone is looking for something more specific this will lower the ranking level. Why does this even have to be a part of the title? Why not just Etsy? or how about nothing except just the actual item title? After all if the link entices the person searching they are coming to Etsy anyways. I am confused..how does this make sense for you Etsy? Gosh isnt it enough that our url's include the name Etsy in it already?
Please don't do this..it is hurting my shop traffic. Sales are so way down now.
emcisaac
I am no longer visible/found on any SEO, this is a real muck up and needs to be rectified immediately, not the 1 - 2 weeks you mention in your forum post.
ninadinoff
thesistersstudio
So Etsy implemented this SEO mid-end of April. Who in Etsy's customer/client base participated in the Beta Program to see what the results and impact would be. Was there a beta test done? Was anyone as in customer/client base asked to participate. Or is this a complete arbitrary program that was implemented without any input whatsoever from the customer/client base.
I'd be interested in knowing what the Etsy IT Admin thought this was going to do, how was it justified as a bona fide program that would benefit the customer and client base.
This is just me from the Hi-tech world wondering how they did that, and I am assuming that a beta was done showing the pros and cons and ramifications of doing so. Someone must have done a cost analysis right?
GoldenUnicornMinis
I too would like to know if this change was at any time beta-tested and by whom - just Amin? any sellers?
DantesSpirit
No. NoNoNo.
Take off the 'Handmade blankity blank on Etsy' crap from my listings NOW.
I did NOT give you permission to add to MY TITLES. IF I had wanted it there, *I'D* have added myself!
Thanks a lot for knocking everything I have listed out of search engines by adding your tripe.
3+ years worth of selling here is now down the drain thanks to you. Enjoy the last bill payment you'll get from me until this is fixed.
I will no longer be renewing listings or adding new ones. My selling business is now going to your competitors.
1022SeaShellAve
minusOne
bannerarts
Great read. Helped tremendously in revising my item descriptions and shop titles, sections, etc.
Now let's see how it works.
circlesareforever
AmandaKLockrowJewels
I'm a little late to the game, but thanks so much for the information.
Enuwbe
Assemblages
mustlovehomedecor
Is there a way to make this page printer friendly? Am I missing it?
StudioCherie
This article is not up to date! Could you edit it to show correct info?
PintassilgoPrints
Thank you for sharing this valuable information. I certainly have to make a lot of changes.
funtoprint
lemonadehandmade
tremendously helpful. I'm continually amazed at Etsy's level of support. Thanks!
mammysshop
Pearlk2
FaithAnnOriginals
All your meta-hints are greatly appreciated!! Will we be seeing more?
almostnecessities
lillith
so helpful, i appreciate all the time and effort admin and others put into these articles! thanks!
randompanda
I'm a newbie and am wondering why all my stuff was up on google the 1st month and now everything is gone :(
MRSBAUBLES
great tagging advice. love the color chart - that is a new one for me!
Laquita33
PeaceMealDesign
This is the most useful info I've ever read about metadata and all that jazz. Three cheers for Storque!
etincelledesign
billiewren
Thankyou so much for all the lovely advice. It is great to have all the technical components broken down into such simple catagories.
IntentionalStones
Thank you for the great advice. It's all a work in progress
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