The Biggest Etsy SEO Mistake (And How to Fix It)

What’s the biggest Etsy SEO mistake you think you’ve made?

Have you ever wondered why some Etsy sellers get tons of traffic on products that honestly aren’t even that great, while others—maybe even you—have amazing products but barely any visits to their shop?

I’ve been there.

After nine years of selling on Etsy, making over $1 million in profit, and helping more than 4,000 Etsy sellers grow their businesses without ads, I’ve discovered one major truth:

Traffic doesn’t go to the best product, it goes to the product that’s easiest to find.

And that’s where SEO comes in.

#1 Biggest Etsy SEO Mistake

In this post, I’m going to teach you the #1 biggest Etsy SEO mistake I see Etsy sellers making, even those who’ve been on the platform for over a decade—and how to fix it today. You can literally implement this in the next hour and start seeing results within a few weeks.

The biggest Etsy SEO mistake I see Etsy sellers making is this:

They only describe their product, not its purpose.

It sounds simple, but it’s a game-changer.

Most sellers are so close to their own products that they think and write like a maker, not like a buyer. They focus on describing what the item is, its size, color, material, or style—instead of focusing on why someone would buy it or how it will be used.

That shift from product-focused to purpose-focused is what separates listings that get buried from those that blow up in search.

Let me show you how this plays out.

Why Purpose Matters More Than Description

Buyers come to Etsy looking for solutions, not specifications.

They’re not searching for a “10mm walnut hammer with script font engraving.”
They’re searching for a “Father’s Day gift for dad who loves woodworking.”

Etsy shoppers are driven by intent, they want to solve a problem, celebrate an occasion, or express something personal. When your titles and keywords reflect that intent, your listings start showing up more often in search.

And this is especially important now because Etsy is more competitive than ever. What worked in 2020 no longer works today. The sellers succeeding right now are the ones who understand how to write SEO for humans, not just the algorithm.

Tips to Avoid Making The Biggest Etsy SEO Mistake

Step 1: Focus on Long-Tail Keywords

Your titles should include long-tail keywords, search phrases with three or more words that describe the purpose of your product.

For example, if you’re selling print-on-demand wall art, you might see sellers using titles like:

“Bettenblick personalized poster, family cartoon portrait, custom city print.”

Who’s searching “Bettenblick”? Almost no one.

Instead, rewrite it based on purpose:

“Personalized family portrait wall decor, apartment cartoon wall hanging, pet portrait, couple anniversary gift.”

This captures multiple sets of long-tail keywords that reflect how real buyers search:

• personalized family portrait
• family portrait wall decor
• apartment wall hanging
• couple anniversary gift

You’ve now connected your listing to several relevant searches instead of just one vague idea.

Step 2: Apply This to Handmade and Digital Products Too

This strategy isn’t just for wall art—it applies to every Etsy category.

Let’s look at a handmade example:
A listing titled, “Thank God I get to wake up by your side sign, bedroom decor, master bedroom sign.”

Nobody is typing that into Etsy. It’s too specific and repetitive.

Instead, think about purpose:

“Rustic wooden bedroom sign, wedding gift, home decor, bridal shower table decor, farmhouse theme housewarming gift.”

See the difference? Now you’re targeting:

• rustic wooden bedroom sign
• wedding gift home decor
• farmhouse housewarming gift

These are all high-intent search terms that reach buyers, not browsers.

Here’s a digital example:

“100 forgiveness affirmation quote video reel bundle for Instagram story TikTok YouTube Canva template.”

That’s keyword stuffing, and it doesn’t work.

Instead:

“Forgiveness affirmation video bundle for Instagram, self-love TikTok content, Canva template for influencers.”

You’re still descriptive, but now it’s natural, readable, and based on purpose.

Step 3: Don’t Repeat Short-Tail Keywords

Many sellers think repeating short keywords (like “bedroom sign bedroom decor bedroom wall art”) will help them rank. It actually does the opposite—it makes your listings compete against themselves.

Instead, focus on overlapping long-tail keywords. This means creating phrases that share words but attract unique searches.

For example:

“Wedding gift for newlyweds”

“Rustic farmhouse wedding decor”

“Home decor for couples”

They all overlap with “wedding” and “decor,” but each targets a different search intent. That’s how you scale visibility without keyword stuffing.

Step 4: Match the Way Buyers Actually Search

Here’s a golden rule for Etsy SEO:

Customers search general → specific → specific.

Not specific → specific → general.

So they’ll type:
✅ “Digital planner neutral”
✅ “Monthly budget spreadsheet Google Sheets”
✅ “Instagram templates plant themed”

But not:
❌ “Neutral digital planner”
❌ “Google Sheets monthly budget spreadsheet”
❌ “Plant themed Instagram templates”

When you start thinking like a buyer instead of a maker, your SEO naturally improves.

Step 5: Repackage and Duplicate Listings Strategically

If you want to boost visibility fast, duplicate your listings with new long-tail keyword combinations.

You’re not making fake copies—you’re creating new doors that buyers can walk through to find your product.

Each version targets a slightly different audience or intent. For example:

“Couple portrait anniversary gift”

“Family portrait wall decor”

“Pet memorial portrait print”

All are true for the same product—but now you’re showing up in three times as many searches.

Bonus Tip to Avoid the Biggest Etsy SEO Mistake

Are you guilty of making this Etsy SEO mistake?

After implementing these SEO changes, you’ll typically start to see results within three to four weeks. That’s when Etsy begins to test your listings in different searches and push them higher as engagement improves.

It’s a compounding effect—each click, favorite, and sale helps your listings climb.

A Free Gift for You

I know how frustrating it can feel to do all the “right things” and still not see traction. That’s why I created a free 16-step daily checklist you can use to start building momentum in your Etsy shop—no ads required.

These are the same steps I recommend to every seller I coach, from brand-new shops to those making over half a million a month.

👉 Download the Free Etsy Growth Checklist

If you have any questions about SEO or your listings, reach out to me and my team at team@dylanjaras.com

or connect with us on Instagram (@dylanjaras) and YouTube (Dylan Jaras).

We’d love to help you grow your Etsy shop and start seeing the traffic your products deserve.

FAQ

1. How long does it take for Etsy SEO changes to show results?
   Typically, you’ll start to see changes in your traffic and ranking within 3–4 weeks. Etsy’s algorithm tests new listings over time, so be patient and consistent.
2. Should I use Etsy ads while fixing my SEO?
   No. Focus on organic SEO first. Once your listings convert consistently, you can use ads to scale, not to survive.
3. Can I use the same keywords on multiple listings?
   Yes—but vary your long-tail combinations. Each listing should target slightly different search intents to maximize visibility without internal competition.

Ready to Grow Your Etsy Shop in 2025?

I’ve helped thousands of students generate over $10 million in Etsy revenue, and I want to help you too

Download my 16-Step Etsy Checklist with profit-focused action steps you can use daily to drive more traffic, sales and momentum fast!”

 Start with my Etsy Kickstart Course – the exact system you can use to scale your shop to six figures.

 Or explore EtSEO, my Etsy SEO software built to help your listings rank higher, faster.

2025 can be the year your shop finally breaks through. These strategies are just the beginning—are you ready to use them?