Keywords 101: Everything You Need to Know(Part 2)

 

Tagging don’ts

• Don’t repeat tags. The 13 tags you add should all be as unique as possible. For example, having tags such as “octopus art print” and “animal wall decor” will get that listing in front of more potential buyers than “octopus art” and “octopus print”. We’ll share more tips on diversifying your tags below.
• Don’t repeat categories and attributes. The categories and attributes you add act like tags, so if an exact phrase appears in your categories, you don’t need to add it as a tag. For example, if your item is in the Statement Ring category, you don’t need to add “statement ring” as a separate tag.
• Don’t include misspellings. Etsy search redirects shoppers to the correct results if they make a common mistake so you shouldn’t misspell keywords on purpose to reach shoppers who’ve made a tiny typo.
• Don’t add tags in multiple languages. The titles and tags you add should be in the language you choose when setting up your shop. We’ll translate what you enter when we look for listings that match the search query. If you speak multiple languages, you can choose to translate your listings yourself. If you add your own translation, you can also add translation for your titles and tags. 
• Don't worry about plurals. When a shopper enters their query, we look at the root words for the phrase they typed in and match them to the root words in your listings' keywords. For example, a search for "diaries" would still be matched with listings with the tag "diary" because they have the same root word.

Brainstorming ideas for tags

It’s important to use all 13 tags and to add some variety (and avoid repeated phrases). Think about what makes your products unique and how shoppers might search for those items. You might have to get creative to come up with phrases that are 20 characters or less. If the keyword phrase you want to target is longer than 20 characters, adding multiple phrasal tags containing those terms can still help you match with those searches.

For example, let’s say your target customer is looking for “minimalist diamond engagement rings”, a very descriptive search that’s way more than 20 characters. Break the phrase into multiple phrasal chunks that a shopper might use in search, such as “minimalist jewelry” and “diamond ring” and “engagement ring”. These phrases are more descriptive than breaking up the keywords into single words like “minimalist” or “ring” but still contain all the terms that might appear in your target customers’ search.

Descriptive tags that clearly and accurately describe what your product is are a great place to start, but there are lots of different kinds of tags you can try.

Descriptive

The categories you add to your listings should describe what your product is, but adding a few descriptive tags lets you describe your product in your own words. Remember: Multi-word phrases are better than individual descriptive words.

Examples: 1920s cat brooch, reusable straw pouch, striped ceramic mug, set of four coasters

Materials and techniques

You’re the expert on your product – add tags that highlight how it’s made or what’s unique about it. If you sell personalized or custom items, be sure to add some tag phrases that contain those words. Get specific and describe the techniques or methods you use. Examples: Hammered cuff, custom embroidery, reclaimed wood frame, personalized tumbler

Who it’s for

Give shoppers who are shopping for a gift but need inspiration some ideas with tags that describe who a product might be great for. Think of your target customer and who the ideal gift recipient might be.

Examples: Gifts for boyfriend, gifts for newlyweds, gifts for new moms, teacher gift

Shopping occasions

Put yourself in the shoes of a shopper who’s looking for the perfect gift to celebrate one of life’s milestones. Imagine yourself as a host looking to make an event extra special. What kinds of phrases would they search for that would be relevant to your products?

A quick reminder: Occasion attributes should be used to describe listings that are made for that occasion, so the Christmas attribute is great for Christmas stockings or ornaments. Adding occasion-based tags to your listings is one way you can reach shoppers looking for items that might be appropriate for an occasion, but not designed specifically for it.

Examples: First anniversary, christening gifts, stocking stuffers, hen party, animal themed party

Solution-oriented

Maybe your products solve some need for a shopper, making their life a little easier or helping them feel like an awesome gift-giver/parent/friend. Imagine how a shopper looking for a solution to their problem (be it a blank wall in their flat or a messy purse) might search for it.

Examples: Wardrobe organization, workout headbands, lunch box decal, indoor garden

Style

A shopper’s personal aesthetic informs their purchase decisions. We all want to feel like the things we buy showcase our great taste to the world. Use tags that describe the unique style of your products so shoppers who know what they’re looking for can find them.

Think about the time period, palette or aesthetic that matches your product and combine that with a word that describes what your product is to create a multi-word, phrasal tag.

Examples: Art deco lamp, minimalist ring, rustic wall décor, typographic print

Size

For some products, scale can be key. Try adding tags that describe the size and shape of your products to reach shoppers looking for the right fit.

Examples: Shallow basket, large beach bag, toddler trousers, tiny gold hoops