7 Etsy tag mistakes that hide your listings from buyers
By the EtsyRank Pro team · · 5 min read
In short
The most common Etsy tag mistakes are leaving tag slots empty, using single words, repeating near-identical phrases, using your shop name, using trademarked brands you don't own, ignoring occasions and recipients, and choosing phrases buyers don't search. Fix them by using all 13 tags with distinct 2–3 word buyer phrases.
1. Leaving tag slots empty
Every empty tag is a search you can't appear in. Etsy gives you 13 — use all of them.
2. Using single words
"Mug" competes with every mug on Etsy. "Custom name mug" tells Etsy exactly what you sell and who wants it.
3. Repeating the same phrase
"Gold necklace", "gold necklaces" and "necklace gold" mostly cover the same search. Use the slots for different angles instead: material, style, occasion, recipient.
4. Adding your shop name
Buyers who know your shop name will find you anyway. Spend the slot on a phrase new buyers search.
5. Using brands you don't own
Trademarked names can get listings removed. Describe the style instead, for example "boho wall art" rather than a brand name.
6. Forgetting occasions and recipients
Many buyers shop for someone else. Tags like "gift for mom", "teacher gift" or "wedding favor" match those searches.
7. Guessing instead of checking
Type a tag idea into Etsy's search bar and look at the suggestions. If Etsy suggests it, real people are searching for it.
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