Top 10 Etsy SEO Mistakes to Avoid

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Avoid Repeated Words in Titles and Tags
3. Steer Clear of Unnecessary Plurals
4. No Trademarked Words or Phrases
5. Limit Short Tail Keywords
6. Write for Buyers, Not Just Algorithms
7. Capitalize Your Keywords
8. Spellcheck and Avoid Misspellings
9. Skip Spacers and Separators
10. Don't Write in Different Languages
11. Avoid Copying Titles, Tags, and Descriptions

How to Optimize Your Etsy SEO: What Not to Do

Introduction

Welcome to the world of Etsy SEO! As a successful Etsy seller with over $450,000 in revenue, I'm here to guide you through the do's and don'ts of optimizing your Etsy listings. In part one of this series, we covered the essentials of Etsy SEO. In this follow-up, we'll focus on what you should avoid. So, let's dive in and ensure your Etsy SEO is on the right track.

Avoid Repeated Words in Titles and Tags

One crucial rule to follow is avoiding repeated words in your titles and tags. If you've already used a word in your title, there's no need to use it again in your tags. This optimization tactic ensures you're not wasting valuable space.

Steer Clear of Unnecessary Plurals

Similar to avoiding repeated words, refrain from adding unnecessary plurals to your keywords. Etsy's algorithm understands root words and will rank your listing for variations. For instance, if you rank for "gift," you'll also appear in searches for "gifts."

No Trademarked Words or Phrases

Do not use trademarked words or phrases in your titles, tags, or descriptions. Etsy monitors trademark infringement, and using well-known brands like Starbucks or Disney could lead to your listings being taken down.

Limit Short Tail Keywords

While it's fine to include a few short tail keyword phrases in your listings, it's best to limit them to about two per title or tag. Long tail keyword phrases often perform better, and you can save short tail phrases for tags.

Write for Buyers, Not Just Algorithms

Remember to write your listings for human buyers, not just algorithms. Avoid crafting titles that are overly keyword-stuffed and hard to understand. Writing for clarity and engagement is crucial for your conversion rate.

Capitalize Your Keywords

Make your listings look professional by capitalizing the main words. Proper capitalization is not only visually appealing but also conveys professionalism to potential buyers.

Spellcheck and Avoid Misspellings

A simple yet important step is to check your listings for misspelled words. Misspellings can hinder your rankings and deter potential buyers.

Skip Spacers and Separators

Using spacers or separators, like horizontal bars or dots, between keywords is unnecessary. They waste precious space and don't significantly impact your ranking.

Don't Write in Different Languages

Avoid writing words in different languages solely to rank for those languages. Etsy and search engines translate based on your customers' language preferences, so writing in multiple languages isn't necessary.

Avoid Copying Titles, Tags, and Descriptions

Lastly, refrain from copying titles, tags, and descriptions word for word from other listings. Originality and uniqueness in your listings are key to standing out in a crowded market.

By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to optimizing your Etsy SEO effectively. Remember, it's not just about pleasing algorithms; it's about creating listings that engage and convert buyers. Happy selling!

Highlights

• Avoid using repeated words in titles and tags.
• Refrain from adding unnecessary plurals in keywords.
• Do not use trademarked words or phrases.
• Limit the use of short tail keywords in titles and tags.
• Write listings for human buyers, not just algorithms.
• Capitalize your main keywords for a professional look.
• Check for and eliminate misspelled words.
• Skip spacers and separators between keywords.
• Avoid writing in different languages for ranking.
• Be original and avoid copying others' listings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why is avoiding repeated words important in Etsy SEO? A1. Repeated words in titles and tags are unnecessary and waste valuable space. Etsy's algorithm understands root words, so using them more than once doesn't significantly impact your ranking.

Q2. Can I use trademarked words in my listings? A2. No, using trademarked words or phrases, such as brand names like Starbucks or Disney, is against Etsy's policies and can result in your listings being taken down.

Q3. How many short tail keywords should I use in my listings? A3. It's best to limit short tail keyword phrases to about two per title or tag. Long tail keywords are often more effective in attracting buyers.

Q4. Why is capitalizing keywords important in listings? A4. Capitalizing main keywords in your listings not only looks professional but also enhances readability and appeals to potential buyers.

Q5. Should I copy titles and descriptions from other listings? A5. No, copying titles, tags, and descriptions from other listings is not recommended. Originality and uniqueness are essential to stand out in the competitive Etsy market.

These FAQs should help you navigate the do's and don'ts of Etsy SEO effectively.