As an Etsy seller in the print-on-demand space, optimizing your shop and listings for search is crucial for driving traffic and sales. With over 60 million active buyers searching Etsy every month, you want your products to be as visible as possible.
Read on for some quick hitting print on demand tips to make sure your Etsy SEO is on points and leveraging best practices for on-site search engine optimization.
Choose an Optimal Shop Title
Your shop name is a critical component for Etsy SEO. It will appear in search results and influence click-through rates.
When naming your print-on-demand shop, keep these tips in mind:
- Include relevant keywords that describe your niche, style or products offered
- Keep it short and memorable
- Have a unique name that stands out
- Avoid overused or generic names that could blend in
For example, "Modern Minimalist Posters" is a shop name that effectively communicates the niche.
Strategically Select Target Keywords
Conduct thorough keyword research to identify terms and phrases buyers are using to search for products like yours. Tools like Erank and Google Keyword Planner can provide keyword ideas.
When selecting target keywords, aim for specifics related to:
- Product type - t-shirt, poster, mug, etc.
- Design style - boho, retro, floral, abstract
- Occasions - birthday, anniversary, holidays
- Recipient - mom, dog lover, nurse
Also look for rising trends and long-tail variants for greater relevancy. Include the most relevant keywords in titles, tags and descriptions.
Write Optimized Listing Titles
Etsy listing titles have a major impact on click-through rate. Keep these guidelines in mind:
- Lead with your most important keyword
- Keep titles concise at around 50-60 characters
- Make sure titles are readable, accurate and compelling
For example: "Minimalist Ocean Sunset Print - Coastal Decor Poster"
Craft Descriptive Listing Descriptions
The listing description provides an opportunity to include keywords while also persuading the buyer. Best practices include:
- Writing at least 200 words of useful content
- Incorporating keywords naturally throughout
- Explaining what makes your product special
- Setting proper expectations for the print-on-demand item
Tag Listings Thoroughly
Tags play a pivotal role in discovery on Etsy. Follow these tips for optimizing tags:
- Include a mix of broader and precise tags
- Use all 13 available tag slots
- Leverage both single-word and multi-word tags
- Reuse relevant tags across listings
- Refresh tags to reflect new keywords
Since you likely can't use all of your relevant keywords in your title, tags are an excellent place to insert them to boost your Etsy SEO.
Display High-Quality Photos
Great listing photos do more than look nice. Compelling images can improve click-through rates from search. It will make no difference if you keywords are great and get you listed on the first page if nobody actually clicks into your listing!
For best results:
- Use lifestyle photos that put products in context
- Showcase any customization/personalization options
- Use appropriate props and backgrounds
- Feature different angles and details
- Meet Etsy's strict image quality standards
Using tools like PlaceIt and Kittl can up your mockup game and help you stand out from the crowd.
Prioritize Renewing Top Sellers
On Etsy, renewing a listing moves it up in search rankings. Renewal should be part of your promotion strategy.
- Renew best-selling items first
- Renew listings with high impressions and low sales
- Add new keywords when renewing to refresh
Just don't renew lackluster listings as that's a waste of money.
Consider Promoted Listings
Etsy ads allow sellers to get products in front of buyers actively searching. They can assist with boosting new or relevant products.
When using Etsy promoted listings:
- Start with a low bid to gauge performance
- Target keywords getting traffic but low sales
- Adjust bids and budgets based on earnings
- Monitor click-through rates and conversions
Used strategically, promoted listings complement great organic Etsy SEO.
Prompt New Buyers for Reviews
Positive reviews are social proof that impacts conversions. Reviews also directly influence search ranking on Etsy.
Tactfully request reviews by:
- Following up with customers asking for feedback
- Sending a thank you message with a review link
- Offering a coupon code for leaving a review
Response rates are highest in the first few days after purchase. Asking for customers to join your email list is also a great way to increase the lifetime value of a customer. Use Convert Kit or another email subscription service and add a link in your messages to customers.
Stay Active in Your Shop
Etsy's algorithm favors shops that show regular new activity and high customer engagement.
- Consistently add new listings
- Make frequent sales
- Quickly answer buyer questions
- Participate in community discussions
Active, growing shops signal relevancy in Etsy search.
Analyze Performance Data
Learn what's working by regularly analyzing your Etsy shop data. Look at:
- Search terms driving traffic and purchases
- Click-through rates from listings
- Conversion rates by listing
- Top performing keywords
- Recent reviews and responses
Use insights from the data to identify issues and opportunities to test and optimize. You may find that certain keywords work in one niche, but not in another. Or you may find that conversion rates in a specific niche don't justify putting any more time into creating listings. There is so much the data can tell you!
In Conclusion
Optimizing your Etsy print-on-demand shop for on-site search is essential for improving visibility and driving sales. By focusing on elements like strategic keywords, compelling listing titles and descriptions, relevant high-quality photos, promoted listings, and analyzing performance data, you can significantly boost your rankings in Etsy search results. Renewing top-performing listings regularly, prompting reviews, and staying active in your shop also signal to Etsy that your shop is relevant and engaging to customers. Follow this comprehensive guide to Etsy SEO best practices, and you'll be well on your way to increasing traffic and conversions for your print-on-demand products.
And if you're ready to take your POD business to the next level, make sure you're subscribed to the Print On Demand Cast newsletter and tune into the show each week!