Uncovering Disturbing Secrets of Etsy SEO in 2020

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Sadness Surrounding the Video
3. The Prevalence of Know-It-All Comments
4. Testing Etsy SEO in 2020
5. Anecdotal Evidence and Aged Shops
6. The Challenge to Prove SEO Wrong
7. The Impact of Etsy Off-Site Ads
8. The Results of the Test
9. The Role of Sales in Etsy Ranking
10. The Role of Machine Learning in Etsy Search
11. The Flaws of E-Rank and Marmalade Data Feeds
12. The Continued Testing and Challenges

Article

Introduction

In the world of eCommerce, Etsy has made a name for itself as a popular platform for artisans and creatives to sell their handmade products. With its vast marketplace and millions of users, getting your products noticed on Etsy can be a challenge. One of the key factors in achieving success on Etsy is understanding and utilizing SEO (Search Engine Optimization) effectively. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of Etsy SEO in 2020 and discuss the challenges faced by new sellers in getting their products to the top of search results.

The Sadness Surrounding the Video

Before we dive into the details of Etsy SEO, it is important to address the somber tone of this article. The author begins by expressing their sadness in having to make this video, anticipating the negativity and criticism that will likely arise from it. They acknowledge the prevalence of know-it-all comments, which are often based on anecdotal evidence or hearsay. Despite their apprehension, the author urges the viewers to keep an open mind and to consider the information that will be presented.

The Prevalence of Know-It-All Comments

The author acknowledges that many experienced Etsy sellers may provide advice based on their own success, but their strategies may not necessarily work for a brand new shop. They challenge those who claim that SEO is solely about titles, tags, and descriptions, offering a reward of a thousand dollars to anyone who can prove them wrong. They highlight the importance of conducting personal tests and experiments, rather than blindly following the advice of others.

Testing Etsy SEO in 2020

The core focus of this article is centered around the author's personal test of Etsy SEO in 2020. They discuss their rationale for starting a brand new test shop to avoid any bias from an existing shop's history or sales. The author emphasizes that their test is based on the most recent data and not outdated information from previous years.

Anecdotal Evidence and Aged Shops

The author states that relying on anecdotal evidence or advice from sellers with established, successful shops may not be applicable to a new shop. They question the effectiveness of SEO strategies that may have worked for these seasoned sellers but may not yield the same results for a brand new shop.

The Challenge to Prove SEO Wrong

The author issues a challenge to the readers and viewers of the video. They offer a thousand dollars to anyone who can start a new Etsy shop in 2020 with no traffic or sales and prove that they can get their products to the top of Etsy search results. The challenge is framed as a means of encouraging others to share their knowledge and potential strategies for achieving high Etsy rankings.

The Impact of Etsy Off-Site Ads

The author speculates that the introduction of Etsy Off-Site Ads may have influenced changes in Etsy's search results. They suggest that Etsy may prioritize promoting shops that generate more than 10,000 dollars in revenue, potentially leaving newer shops struggling to gain visibility.

The Results of the Test

Based on the initial results of the author's test, they express concern that even optimizing SEO and making sales may not be enough to elevate a new shop's products in Etsy search results. The author describes their surprise at their own listings appearing at the very bottom, even below listings with no sales or history.

The Role of Sales in Etsy Ranking

The author questions the conventional wisdom surrounding the role of sales in improving Etsy rankings. Despite purchasing their own products multiple times, the author found that their listings continued to remain at the bottom of search results. This challenges the notion that increased sales alone can boost a shop's visibility on Etsy.

The Role of Machine Learning in Etsy Search

The author shares their suspicions regarding Etsy's use of machine learning to select search results. They question who is seeing their products at the top of search results, as neither themselves nor hundreds of besties from around the world could find their listings in top search positions. This leads to a discussion of the potential flaws in the data feeds provided by Etsy to SEO software such as E-Rank and Marmalade.

The Flaws of E-Rank and Marmalade Data Feeds

The author highlights a discrepancy between the search results shown by E-Rank and Marmalade and the actual search results on Etsy. They suggest that the data feeds provided by these software may be flawed or inaccurate, potentially leading to misguided SEO strategies.

The Continued Testing and Challenges

In conclusion, the author shares their intention to continue testing Etsy SEO for the next two weeks. They express skepticism regarding the impact of sales and the number of listings on a shop's ranking. The author invites readers and viewers to share their thoughts and insights, emphasizing the importance of personal experimentation and critical thinking in navigating the ever-changing landscape of Etsy SEO.

Pros

• The author presents a unique perspective on Etsy SEO, challenging conventional wisdom and offering personal insights.
• The article discusses a range of factors that may impact Etsy search rankings, including sales, machine learning, and data feed accuracy.
• The author offers a reward for anyone who can successfully prove their SEO strategies wrong, encouraging dialogue and sharing of knowledge.

Cons

• The article does not provide concrete solutions or strategies for improving Etsy SEO.
• Some readers may find the tone of the article overly negative or confrontational.
• The author's personal test and experiences may not necessarily apply to all sellers on Etsy.

Highlights

• The author challenges the effectiveness of traditional SEO strategies on Etsy.
• They highlight potential issues with data feeds provided by popular SEO software.
• The article invites readers to engage in critical thinking and experimentation with Etsy SEO.
• The author questions the impact of sales and the number of listings on Etsy search rankings.
• They discuss the potential influence of Etsy Off-Site Ads on search results.

FAQ

Q: Can a new Etsy shop achieve high rankings in search results? A: The author raises doubts about the ability of new Etsy shops to reach the top of search rankings through traditional SEO strategies. They issue a challenge for someone to prove them wrong.

Q: What role does sales play in Etsy search rankings? A: The author questions the assumption that sales alone can boost a shop's visibility on Etsy. They share their own experience of purchasing their own products multiple times without seeing an improvement in search rankings.

Q: Are E-Rank and Marmalade accurate for Etsy SEO? A: The author highlights potential flaws in the data feeds provided by E-Rank and Marmalade, suggesting that their search results may not align with the actual search results on Etsy. They caution against relying solely on these software for SEO strategies.

Q: How can sellers improve their Etsy SEO? A: The article does not provide specific strategies for improving Etsy SEO. Instead, the author encourages readers to engage in personal experimentation and critical thinking to navigate the complexities of Etsy SEO in 2020.