Etsy has become one of the world’s largest marketplaces for handmade, vintage, and unique goods. With millions of active sellers competing for buyer attention, understanding and implementing effective keyword strategies is crucial for visibility and sales success. This comprehensive guide explores the top keywords on Etsy for 2025, how the platform’s search algorithm works, and actionable strategies to optimize your listings.
Current Top Keywords on Etsy (2025)
Based on recent data from eRank, these are the most searched keywords on Etsy as of the latest reporting period:
Top 20 Keywords (January 2025)
- Stickers
- Housewarming gift (tied for 1st place)
- Wall art
- Baby gift
- Gift for him
- Valentines gift for him
- Wall decor
- Valentine
- Personalized decor gift
- Pokemon
- Valentines gift for her
- Earrings
- Necklace
- Galentine gift
- Home decor
- Rings
- Keychain
- Digital prints
- Jewelry
- Shirt
Rising Trends (March 2025)
According to Marmalead’s data, these keywords are experiencing significant growth in search volume:
- Water Glasses (+33,201.72%)
- Phone Case (+161.63%)
- Forks (+11,748.71%)
- Drinkware (+25,985.19%)
- Valentine (+96.96%)
This demonstrates the importance of staying current with keyword trends, as they can shift dramatically month to month. Typically, 9-12 new keywords enter the Top 20 each month, making regular keyword research essential.
Understanding Etsy’s Search Algorithm
To effectively use keywords, it’s important to understand how Etsy’s search algorithm works.
How Etsy Search Matches Listings
When a shopper enters a search query, Etsy looks at these elements to find matching keywords:
- Titles: Primary place for your most important keywords
- Tags: 13 available tags that help match your listing to searches
- Categories and attributes: Act as additional tags
- Descriptions: Content is indexed but carries less weight than titles and tags
After identifying relevant matches, Etsy ranks listings based on:
- Query matching: How closely your keywords match the search
- Listing quality: Conversion rate, bounce rate, and customer engagement
- Customer experience: Shop policies, reviews, and overall service
- Recency: New listings or recently renewed listings may get a temporary boost
Keyword Research Strategies
Effective keyword research is the foundation of Etsy SEO success. Here’s how to conduct thorough research:
1. Use Etsy’s Search Bar
The simplest research tool is Etsy’s own search bar. Type potential keywords and note the auto-complete suggestions, which reflect actual user searches. Also, analyze what keywords successful competitors in your niche are using.
2. Leverage Keyword Research Tools
Several specialized tools can provide deeper insights into Etsy keywords:
eRank
- Provides data on popular searches, search volume, and competition
- Offers tools to track competitors and analyze trends
- Includes both free and paid plans
Marmalead
- Focuses on Etsy-specific keyword data
- Provides engagement metrics and keyword performance predictions
- Helps identify both broad and long-tail keywords
Alura
- Features a browser extension that shows data directly on Etsy
- Provides metrics on demand, competition, and conversion rates
- Helps identify keywords you can realistically rank for
Other Options
- EtsyHunt, Sale Samurai, EverBee, and Crest also offer keyword research functionality
3. Analyze Shop Stats
Review your Etsy Shop Stats to see which search terms are already bringing visitors to your shop. This data helps you understand what’s working and can guide future keyword optimization.
Types of Keywords to Target
Understanding different types of keywords will help you create a balanced strategy.
Short-Tail vs. Long-Tail Keywords
Short-tail keywords (1-2 words):
- Higher search volume but more competition
- Examples: “earrings,” “wall art,” “gift”
- Harder to rank for but can bring more traffic
Long-tail keywords (3+ words):
- More specific with less competition
- Examples: “personalized dog mom mug,” “vintage boho wall hanging”
- Lower search volume but higher conversion rates
- Better for targeting ready-to-buy customers
As explained by Marmalead: “Long tail keywords for Etsy help get your products in front of potential customers that are ready to buy. These shoppers use specific search terms because they know what they want.”
Category-Specific Keywords
Different product categories have their own high-performing keywords. Some notable examples:
- Jewelry: “personalized necklace,” “minimalist earrings,” “stackable rings”
- Home Decor: “wall art,” “throw pillow,” “macrame wall hanging”
- Gifts: “gifts for him,” “personalized gifts,” “housewarming gift”
- Seasonal: “valentine gift,” “christmas ornament,” “halloween decor”
Optimizing Titles with Keywords
Your title is the most important place for keywords as it heavily influences both search visibility and click-through rates.
Title Structure Best Practices
- Front-load important keywords: Place your most important keywords at the beginning of your title. The first 40 characters are especially crucial as they appear in search results.
- Use a clear format: A recommended format is:
- What it is (primary keyword) + What it does (feature keyword) + Who it’s for/occasion (target keyword)
- Example: “Personalized Dog Mom Mug | Ceramic Coffee Cup with Custom Name | Gift for Pet Lovers”
- Use all available characters: Etsy allows up to 140 characters for titles. Use this space wisely to include a variety of relevant keywords without keyword stuffing.
- Keep it readable: While keywords are important, your title should still be easily understood by humans. Use natural language and punctuation.
According to Etsy’s official guidance: “Focus on writing short, clear, descriptive titles that make it easy for shoppers who are scanning a busy search results page to see what you’re selling. Lead with the keywords that best describe what your item is.”
Optimizing Tags with Keywords
Tags are a critical component of your Etsy SEO strategy, as they directly tell Etsy’s algorithm which search terms your listing should rank for.
Tag Optimization Best Practices
- Use all 13 available tags: Each tag is an opportunity to match with a shopper’s search, so use all of them.
- Use multi-word phrases: Instead of single words like “bracelet” or “custom,” use phrases like “custom bracelet” that more specifically describe your product.
- Include long-tail keywords: These more specific phrases help you target buyers with clearer purchase intent.
- Avoid repetition: Don’t repeat the same keywords in multiple tags, and don’t duplicate categories or attributes in your tags.
- No need for variations: Etsy automatically accounts for plurals, common misspellings, and regional spelling differences, so you don’t need to use tags for these variations.
According to Printify: “Use multi-word phrases and long-tail keywords wherever possible. Long-tail keywords are longer and descriptive (usually containing more than three words).”
Keyword Placement Beyond Titles and Tags
While titles and tags are critical, keywords should be strategically placed throughout your Etsy listing:
Product Description
- Include your main keywords in the first few sentences
- Incorporate keywords naturally into the text
- Don’t simply repeat your title or list keywords
Categories and Attributes
- Select the most accurate category for your item
- Fill out all relevant attributes
- These act as additional tags and help buyers filter search results
Shop Sections
- Name your shop sections using keywords that shoppers might search for
- This helps with internal shop navigation and SEO
Shop Title and Announcement
- Include your main keywords in your shop title
- Use relevant keywords in your shop announcement when appropriate
Common Keyword Mistakes to Avoid
1. Keyword Stuffing
Contrary to what some believe, repeating the same keyword excessively doesn’t improve your ranking. In fact, it can make your listing look spammy and hurt user experience.
According to Koalanda: “A widespread myth in the Etsy community is that keyword stuffing, or cramming as many keywords into your listings as possible, improves your ranking.”
2. Duplicating Keywords Across Elements
Don’t repeat the same keywords in your tags that are already covered by your categories or attributes. This wastes valuable tag opportunities that could be used for additional keywords.
3. Using Irrelevant Keywords
Using popular but irrelevant keywords might bring traffic but won’t lead to sales. This can hurt your conversion rate and, consequently, your search ranking.
4. Neglecting to Update Keywords
Keyword trends change frequently on Etsy. Failing to update your keywords in response to seasonal changes or shifting trends can result in missed opportunities.
Seasonal and Trending Keywords
Etsy search trends have strong seasonal patterns that sellers should leverage:
Seasonal Planning
Plan 1-3 months ahead for major holidays and seasons:
- Valentine’s Day (December-January)
- Easter/Spring (January-February)
- Halloween (July-August)
- Christmas (September-October)
Current Trending Categories
Based on recent data, these product categories are showing significant growth:
- Gift-related items: “Stocking stuffer” (+581.06%), “Gifts for her” (+69.57%), “Gifts for him” (+38.94%)
- Personalized products: “Personalized gifts” (+25.52%)
- Collectibles and pop culture: “Pokémon” (+38.23%), “Arcane” (+29.37%)
- Seasonal items: “Valentine” (+96.96%), “Calendar” (+96.88%)
Tools for Keyword Research and Analysis
Several specialized tools can help with Etsy keyword research:
eRank
- Features: Keyword research, competitor analysis, trend tracking
- Data provided: Search volume, engagement, competition
- Pricing: Free plan available with paid upgrades
- Best for: Comprehensive shop analysis and competitor tracking
Marmalead
- Features: Keyword performance predictions, engagement metrics
- Data provided: Search volume, engagement, competition
- Pricing: Paid subscription with free trial
- Best for: In-depth keyword analysis and long-tail keyword discovery
Alura
- Features: Browser extension, quick keyword analysis
- Data provided: Demand, competition, views, favorites, estimated sales
- Pricing: Free and paid options
- Best for: Real-time keyword research while browsing Etsy
Monitoring and Adjusting Your Keyword Strategy
SEO is not a “set it and forget it” process. Regular monitoring and adjustment are essential:
Using Etsy Stats
Regularly check your Etsy Stats to:
- Identify which keywords are bringing traffic
- Monitor conversion rates for different keywords
- Track how changes to your listings affect performance
A/B Testing
Test different keyword approaches:
- Try different title formats
- Experiment with different combinations of tags
- Keep what works and replace what doesn’t
Staying Current
- Review top keyword lists monthly
- Adjust for seasonal trends
- Keep an eye on trending products in your category
Conclusion
Mastering Etsy keywords is an ongoing process that requires research, testing, and adaptation. By understanding current trends, the Etsy search algorithm, and best practices for keyword optimization, you can significantly improve your shop’s visibility and sales.
Remember these key points:
- Research and use both high-volume and long-tail keywords
- Place your most important keywords at the beginning of your titles
- Use all 13 tags with specific, multi-word phrases
- Avoid keyword stuffing and unnecessary repetition
- Regularly update your keywords based on performance and trends
With consistent application of these strategies, you’ll be well-positioned to compete effectively on Etsy in 2025 and beyond.
