Etsy Tag Strategy: A Complete Guide to Using Tags for More Views and Sales

If you want to succeed on Etsy, you need to get your products in front of the right shoppers. Along with your titles, Etsy tags are one of the most powerful tools you have for matching your listings with customer searches. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about creating a winning Etsy tag strategy.

What Are Etsy Tags and Why Are They So Important?

Etsy tags are short phrases (up to 20 characters) that you can add to your listings to describe them. When a shopper enters a query into the Etsy search bar, the algorithm looks at listing titles and tags to find the most relevant products. Think of tags as keywords that help Etsy understand what you're selling.

A strong tag strategy is essential for:

• Improving Search Ranking: Well-chosen tags can significantly boost your visibility in Etsy search results.
• Attracting Qualified Buyers: Relevant tags bring shoppers who are actively looking for products like yours to your listings.
• Standing Out from the Competition: A smart tag strategy can help you capture traffic that your competitors are missing.
• Increasing Sales: More visibility and targeted traffic naturally lead to more sales.

How to Find the Best Tags for Your Etsy Listings

The key to effective tagging is to think like your customers. What words and phrases would they use to search for your product?

1. Brainstorm a Wide Variety of Keywords

Start by creating a comprehensive list of keywords and phrases that describe your product. Don't hold back—the more ideas you have, the better. Think about:

• Product Characteristics: What is it made of? What color is it? What size is it? (e.g., "sterling silver," "blue gemstone," "dainty necklace")
• Style and Aesthetic: How would you describe its style? (e.g., "minimalist jewelry," "boho decor," "art deco print")
• Intended Use and Occasion: Who is it for? What is it used for? (e.g., "gift for mom," "anniversary present," "nursery wall art")
• Technique and Materials: How was it made? (e.g., "hand-thrown pottery," "oil painting," "letterpress card")

2. Use an Etsy Tag Generator

Coming up with 13 unique and effective tags for every listing can be challenging. That's where an Etsy tag generator comes in handy.

The EtScope Etsy Tag Generator is a powerful tool that can help you:

• Generate dozens of tag ideas from a single keyword.
• Discover long-tail keywords that your competitors might not be using.
• Find tags with high search volume and low competition.
• Analyze the tags of top-selling listings in your niche.

3. Spy on Your Competitors

Your successful competitors are a valuable source of tag ideas. Search for your main keywords on Etsy and look at the listings on the first page. Scroll down to the bottom of the listing page to see the tags they are using.

Pro Tip: Don't just copy your competitors' tags. Use them as inspiration and look for patterns. If you see the same tag being used by multiple top sellers, it's likely a good one to consider for your own listings.

Best Practices for an Effective Etsy Tag Strategy

Once you have a list of potential tags, it's time to implement them. Here are some best practices to follow:

1. Use All 13 Tags

Etsy gives you 13 tags for a reason. Each tag is an opportunity to be found in a different search. Leaving tags blank is like leaving money on the table.

2. Use Multi-Word Phrases (Long-Tail Keywords)

Single-word tags are often too broad and competitive. Instead, focus on multi-word phrases, also known as long-tail keywords. For example, instead of using the tag "necklace," use a more descriptive tag like "silver moon necklace." This will attract more targeted buyers and give you a better chance of ranking.

3. Maximize the 20-Character Limit

Make the most of the 20 characters allowed for each tag. For example, instead of using two separate tags like "silver necklace" and "moon charm," you could combine them into one tag: "silver moon necklace." This frees up a tag for another keyword.

4. Don't Repeat Tags

There's no need to use the same keyword in multiple tags. Etsy's algorithm is smart enough to pull from all of your tags to match a search query. Also, avoid using plural and singular forms of the same keyword (e.g., "cat sticker" and "cat stickers").

5. Don't Repeat Categories and Attributes

Your categories and attributes also act as tags, so you don't need to repeat them in your 13 tags. For example, if your listing is in the "Gold Necklaces" category, you don't need to use "gold necklace" as a tag. This frees up space for other, more specific keywords.

6. Think About Synonyms

Use synonyms to reach a wider audience. For example, if you sell art prints, you could use tags like "wall art," "home decor," "art print," and "wall hanging."

7. Update Your Tags Regularly

Etsy trends change, so it's a good idea to review and update your tags periodically. Use your shop stats to see which keywords are driving traffic to your listings and which ones aren't. You can also use a tool like the EtScope Rank Checker to track your performance for specific keywords.

Conclusion

A well-executed tag strategy is a game-changer for any Etsy seller. By taking the time to research, select, and optimize your tags, you can dramatically increase your visibility, attract more of the right customers, and ultimately, make more sales.

Ready to supercharge your tag strategy? Try the EtScope Etsy Tag Generator and start finding the perfect tags for your listings today!