Avoid These Etsy SEO Mistakes
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
1.1 About the Author
1.2 The Importance of Etsy SEO
- Etsy SEO Mistake #1 - Editing listings that are performing well
2.1 Understanding "performing well"
2.2 Risks of editing performing listings
- Etsy SEO Mistake #2 - Not waiting 60 - 90 days before tweaking a listing again
3.1 Debunking the myth of "resetting" a listing
3.2 The importance of giving listings time to settle
- Etsy SEO Mistake #3 - Not refreshing your eRank data
4.1 The purpose of eRank data refresh
4.2 How to refresh your eRank data
- Etsy SEO Mistake #4 - Only using one tool when performing research
5.1 Introduction to eRank tools
5.2 Utilizing different eRank tools for comprehensive keyword research
- Etsy SEO Mistake #5 - Relying too much on Grades
6.1 Understanding eRank's grading system
6.2 The limitations of grades in determining SEO success
- Etsy SEO Mistake #6 - Assuming your rank is static
7.1 The impact of personalized search on Etsy
7.2 Using eRank's rank checker tool to check your average position
- Etsy SEO Mistake #7 - Starting your keyword research too narrow / specific
8.1 The importance of starting broad in keyword research
8.2 Refining keywords through eRank's Keyword Tool
- Etsy SEO Mistake #8 - Guessing keywords rather than using a keyword research tool
9.1 The significance of data-driven keyword research
9.2 Using eRank for accurate keyword predictions
- Etsy SEO Mistake #9 - Using the Etsy search bar as your primary keyword research tool
10.1 The limitations of the Etsy search bar for keyword research
10.2 Cross-referencing Etsy search bar terms with eRank's keyword tool
- Etsy SEO Mistake #10: Incorrectly filling out your attributes
11.1 Understanding the purpose of attributes on Etsy
11.2 Using attributes correctly for effective product categorization
- Conclusion
12.1 Embracing Etsy SEO as a science
12.2 Importance of research, analysis, and persistence
12.3 Seeking guidance from Etsy SEO experts
Article: Top 10 Etsy SEO Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting advice on Etsy SEO? As an Etsy seller, navigating the world of search engine optimization can be challenging, especially with the abundance of theories and myths out there. But fear not! As an Etsy SEO Doctor, I'm here to dispel the misconceptions and guide you towards success.
Before we delve into the details of the top 10 Etsy SEO mistakes to avoid, let me introduce myself. I'm Starla Moore, the founder of the Handmade Alpha Academy for Etsy sellers and a manager at eRank.com, Etsy's most popular SEO tool. With my experience and expertise, I've witnessed countless Etsy SEO blunders that can hinder your shop's performance.
Mistake #1 - Editing listings that are performing well: It's tempting to tweak listings that are already doing well, but this can be detrimental to their success. Whether a listing has high views, occasional sales, or consistent sales, tinkering with tags and titles of performing listings risks removing crucial terms that contribute to their performance. Proceed with caution and focus on other optimization aspects instead.
Mistake #2 - Not waiting 60 - 90 days before tweaking a listing again: There's a common myth that making changes to your Etsy SEO resets your listing and requires a waiting period for re-indexing. However, this is far from the truth. The 60 to 90 days timeline is when Etsy observes shopper interactions to assign a listing quality score. Therefore, frequent tweaking disrupts this process, so give your listings time to settle before making further changes.
Mistake #3 - Not refreshing your eRank data: If you rely on eRank.com for keyword research, it's crucial to refresh your data regularly. The platform doesn't update every user's data in real-time to maintain website performance. So, make sure to refresh your data when prompted or manually refresh it to ensure accuracy in your keyword analysis.
Mistake #4 - Only using one tool when performing research: Don't limit yourself to a single tool for keyword research. eRank offers a range of powerful tools that can streamline your research process and provide comprehensive insights. From comparing keyword statistics to tracking search trends, exploring different eRank tools can significantly enhance your SEO strategy.
Mistake #5 - Relying too much on Grades: Grades on eRank don't determine the success of your SEO or the keywords you use. They are a checklist that reviews listings based on Etsy's best practices. Grades are essential for new listings, but they shouldn't be the sole indicator of your listing's performance. Don't be discouraged by bad grades if your listing is already performing well.
Mistake #6 - Assuming your rank is static: Etsy's personalized search algorithm tailors search pages based on a user's unique IP address and browsing habits. So, relying on the search results you see while signed in or using specific settings may not reflect the actual rank of your listings. Utilize eRank's rank checker tool, which strips personalization, to get a more accurate understanding of your average position in search.
Mistake #7 - Starting your keyword research too narrow / specific: To effectively capture the right keywords, start broad and then refine your search. For example, when searching for keywords related to a beige wool chunky knit throw blanket, begin with the term "blanket" and explore the Keyword Suggestions to uncover stronger longtail keyword phrases. This approach improves your chances of ranking in search.
Mistake #8 - Guessing keywords rather than using a keyword research tool: Avoid relying on guesswork when it comes to keyword selection. Instead, use a reliable keyword research tool like eRank to access actual data on monthly search volume and anticipated search trends. Data-driven decision-making ensures you're using keywords that have proven popularity and relevance.
Mistake #9 - Using the Etsy search bar as your primary keyword research tool: While the Etsy search bar may seem convenient for keyword research, it primarily serves shoppers by displaying available products. The recommended phrases in the search bar may not accurately reflect search volumes. To confirm, cross-check these terms with eRank's keyword tool for reliable data on keyword popularity.
Mistake #10 - Incorrectly filling out your attributes: Attributes play a crucial role in categorizing your products on Etsy. They facilitate the connection between your item and a shopper's search query. While it may be tempting to add attributes related to holidays or occasions, only use them for items that are genuinely themed for those specific times. Misusing attributes can lead to confusion and inaccurate search results.
In conclusion, Etsy SEO is a science that requires time, research, and persistence. Embrace the process of forming hypotheses, testing keywords, analyzing results, and refining your strategies. Don't be discouraged by failed experiments; they are valuable learning experiences that contribute to your SEO expertise. Seek guidance from trusted Etsy SEO experts, like myself, to navigate the ever-evolving world of SEO and achieve success on Etsy.
Highlights:
- Avoid editing performing listings to maintain their success.
- Give your listings time to settle before making further changes.
- Regularly refresh your eRank data for accurate keyword analysis.
- Utilize multiple eRank tools to enhance your keyword research process.
- Don't solely rely on grades; they don't determine SEO success.
- Use eRank's rank checker tool to assess your average position in search.
- Start broad in keyword research and refine as necessary.
- Base your keyword selection on data, not guesswork.
- Supplement Etsy search bar terms with eRank's keyword tool for accurate insights.
- Use attributes correctly to categorize your products effectively.
FAQ:
Q: Can I edit my listings even if they are performing well?
A: It's generally advised not to edit listings that are already performing well. Making changes to tags and titles of successful listings may remove crucial terms that contribute to their performance, negatively affecting their visibility in search results.
Q: How long should I wait before tweaking a listing again?
A: It's recommended to wait 60-90 days before making further changes to a listing. This allows Etsy to observe shopper interactions and assign a listing quality score. Frequent tweaking can disrupt this process and potentially harm the listing's performance.
Q: How accurate are eRank's grades in determining SEO success?
A: Grades on eRank's listing audit tool are designed to review listings based on Etsy's best practices. However, they do not determine the success of your SEO or the keywords you use. Grades are most useful for new listings to ensure they follow Etsy's guidelines, but they may not reflect the actual performance of well-performing listings.
Q: Can I check my rank on Etsy?
A: Due to Etsy's personalized search algorithm, it's challenging to check your rank by searching for your own listings. The search results you see are tailored to your unique IP address and browsing habits. To get a more accurate understanding of your rank, you can use eRank's rank checker tool, which provides an average position in search once personalization has been stripped.
Q: Can I use the Etsy search bar for keyword research?
A: While the Etsy search bar is a useful tool for shoppers, it may not provide accurate data for keyword research. The recommended phrases in the search bar are based on available products in the marketplace, not necessarily the actual search volumes. It's recommended to cross-check these terms with eRank's keyword tool for reliable insights into keyword popularity.
