Master Etsy's Search Algorithm & SEO in 2023

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Inaccuracies of the Etsy Help Section
   • 2.1 Tag and Title Relevancy
   • 2.2 Exact Phrase Matches
   • 2.3 Importance of Title Words
   • 2.4 Title and Tags Match
3. Etsy's Shift Towards Contextual Search
4. The Impact on Sellers
   • 4.1 SEO Best Practices
   • 4.2 Short Titles vs Long Titles
   • 4.3 Driving Traffic to Etsy
5. Conclusion

The Inaccuracies of Etsy's Help Section: A Deep Dive into How Etsy Search Works

Introduction

As an Etsy seller, understanding how Etsy search works is crucial for maximizing product visibility and driving sales. However, the information provided in the Etsy Help section may not be entirely accurate or up to date. In this article, we will explore and debunk the inaccuracies found in the Etsy Help section regarding tag and title relevancy, exact phrase matches, the importance of title words, and title and tags match. We will also discuss Etsy's shift towards contextual search and its impact on sellers. Finally, we will provide practical SEO best practices for navigating these changes and driving traffic to your Etsy shop.

The Inaccuracies of the Etsy Help Section

1. Tag and Title Relevancy (2.1)

The Etsy Help section states that in order to be found on Etsy, the buyer's search word or phrase must be present in the listing's tag and title. However, our investigation reveals that this is not entirely true. We found that approximately 26% of the listings on the first page of search results were missing words from the search query. This indicates that Etsy search does not strictly adhere to the tag and title relevancy criteria as stated in the Help section.

2. Exact Phrase Matches (2.2)

According to the Etsy Help section, listings with exact phrase matches in the title are considered stronger than matches on individual words. However, our analysis of Etsy search results showed that only 60% of the listings on the first page had all the search words in the title. This means that 40% of the listings either did not have all the words in the title or split them between the title and tags. Therefore, the claim that exact phrase matches are prioritized is also inaccurate.

3. Importance of Title Words (2.3)

The Etsy Help section states that words at the beginning of the title are considered more important than words at the end. However, this has not been true for years, as confirmed by the head of the search team during a live Q&A session. Our observations align with this, as we found that the important search words were distributed throughout the title rather than concentrated at the front. Therefore, it is not necessary to have the most important words at the beginning of the title to appear in the first page of search results.

4. Title and Tags Match (2.4)

The Etsy Help section suggests that if a word or phrase appears in both the title and the tags, it is considered more relevant by the search algorithm. However, we discovered that 26% of the listings on the first page of search results were missing some of the search words, indicating a lack of title and tags match. This contradicts the information provided in the Help section.

Etsy's Shift Towards Contextual Search

Etsy has been moving towards a more contextual search approach, utilizing synonyms and attempting to understand the intent behind search queries. While this aligns with the practices of popular search engines like Google, it has resulted in some irrelevant search results on Etsy. This shift reflects Etsy's desire to provide more personalized and diverse product recommendations to users, but it also presents challenges for sellers in terms of appearing in relevant search results.

The Impact on Sellers

1. SEO Best Practices (4.1)

Despite the inaccuracies in the Etsy Help section, it is essential for sellers to continue implementing SEO best practices. This includes writing accurate titles, providing detailed descriptions, and filling tags with relevant keywords. While the weightage of individual factors may vary in Etsy's search algorithm, adhering to these best practices ensures that your listings are informative and optimized.

2. Short Titles vs Long Titles (4.2)

Contrary to popular belief, short titles do not provide an advantage in Etsy search. The first page of search results is dominated by listings with long titles that extensively utilize the available title space. Therefore, it is advisable to use descriptive and keyword-rich titles that effectively communicate what your items are.

3. Driving Traffic to Etsy (4.3)

As Etsy embraces a contextual search approach, driving external traffic to your Etsy shop becomes increasingly important. Whether through social media promotion, paid ads, or utilizing Etsy Ads, directing interested individuals to your listings helps establish relevance and boosts your overall performance in search results.

Conclusion

While the information provided in the Etsy Help section may not accurately reflect how Etsy search works, it is crucial for sellers to stay informed and adjust their SEO strategies accordingly. Etsy's shift towards contextual search emphasizes the importance of accurate listings, effective keyword usage, and driving external traffic. By implementing these strategies and continually adapting to Etsy's evolving search algorithms, sellers can optimize their presence and increase their chances of success on the platform.