When it comes to selling on Etsy, choosing the right words to describe your products can make all the difference. While it may be tempting to use popular keywords and phrases to attract customers, there are certain words that should be avoided in order to prevent your listings from being deactivated or infringing on intellectual property or trademark rights.
For instance, using words like “Disney” or “Harry Potter” to describe your products may seem like a good way to attract fans of those franchises, but it can actually lead to legal issues if you don’t have the proper licensing or permission. Additionally, using too many keywords or stuffing your titles with irrelevant words can make your listings look spammy and turn off potential buyers.
By being mindful of the words you use in your Etsy listings, you can increase your chances of getting found by the right customers and avoid any legal or policy violations. In the following sections, we’ll explore some of the most common words to avoid in Etsy listings and provide tips for choosing the right keywords to make your products stand out.
Understanding Etsy SEO
When it comes to selling on Etsy, having a good understanding of Etsy SEO is crucial to the success of your shop. Etsy SEO, or search engine optimization, is the process of optimizing your listings to rank higher in Etsy’s search results. This means that when a buyer searches for a specific item on Etsy, your listing will appear closer to the top of the search results, making it more likely to be seen and purchased.
Relevance of Keywords
One of the most important aspects of Etsy SEO is choosing the right keywords for your listings. Keywords are the words and phrases that buyers use to search for items on Etsy. By including relevant keywords in your listing titles, tags, and descriptions, you can increase the chances of your listings appearing in search results.
However, it’s important to avoid using irrelevant or misleading keywords in your listings. This can lead to a high bounce rate, where buyers quickly leave your listing after realizing it’s not what they were looking for. Etsy’s search algorithm also takes into account the relevance of your keywords, so using irrelevant keywords can actually harm your search rankings.
Etsy Search Algorithm Basics
Etsy uses a complex algorithm to determine which listings appear at the top of search results. While the exact details of the algorithm are kept secret, there are a few basic principles that can help you optimize your listings for search.
First, Etsy takes into account the relevance of your keywords, as mentioned above. It also considers factors like your listing’s title, tags, and description, as well as your shop’s overall reputation and sales history. The more sales and positive reviews your shop has, the more likely your listings are to appear at the top of search results.
In addition to these factors, Etsy also places a strong emphasis on the quality of your listings. This includes factors like the quality of your product photos, the accuracy of your item descriptions, and the overall professionalism of your shop. By focusing on these aspects of your shop, you can improve your search rankings and attract more buyers to your listings.
Common Words to Avoid
When creating listings on Etsy, it’s important to avoid certain words that could potentially infringe on intellectual property or trademark rights. Here are some common words to avoid:
Generic Descriptors
Using generic descriptors can make it difficult for buyers to find your products. Instead of using generic terms like “handmade” or “vintage,” try to be more specific about your products. For example, if you sell handmade jewelry, use descriptors like “beaded,” “gemstone,” or “silver” to help buyers find your products more easily.
Subjective Terms
Avoid using subjective terms like “unique,” “one-of-a-kind,” or “best” in your listings. These terms can be difficult to prove and may mislead buyers. Instead, focus on describing the features and benefits of your products in a clear and concise manner.
Overused Buzzwords
Using overused buzzwords like “boho,” “rustic,” or “shabby chic” can make your listings blend in with the crowd. Instead, try to use more specific and descriptive terms that accurately describe your products. For example, if you sell bohemian-style clothing, use descriptors like “flowy,” “colorful,” or “ethnic-inspired” to differentiate your products from others.
By avoiding these common words, you can create more effective and unique listings that accurately represent your products and attract more buyers.
Effective Keyword Strategies
When it comes to optimizing Etsy listings, using effective keyword strategies is crucial. Here are some tips to help sellers choose the right keywords and improve their chances of getting found by potential customers.
Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are phrases that are more specific and targeted than broad keywords. By using long-tail keywords in their listings, sellers can attract more qualified traffic and stand out from the competition. For example, instead of using the broad keyword “necklace”, a seller could use a long-tail keyword like “handmade silver necklace with turquoise pendant”. This keyword is more specific and targeted, and is more likely to attract potential customers who are looking for that exact type of product.
Specificity in Descriptions
In addition to using long-tail keywords, sellers should also focus on being specific in their descriptions. By providing detailed and accurate descriptions of their products, sellers can improve their chances of getting found by potential customers. For example, instead of using a generic description like “beautiful necklace”, a seller could describe their product as “handmade silver necklace with a unique design and turquoise pendant”. This description provides more information and helps potential customers get a better sense of what the product looks like.
Keyword Placement
Finally, sellers should also pay attention to where they place their keywords in their listings. Keywords should be included in the title, tags, and description of the listing. However, sellers should avoid overusing keywords or stuffing them into their listings. This can lead to a negative user experience and may even result in penalties from Etsy. Instead, sellers should focus on using keywords in a natural and organic way that enhances the overall quality of their listings.
By following these effective keyword strategies, sellers can improve their chances of getting found by potential customers and increase their sales on Etsy.
Listing Optimization Tips
Etsy is a popular marketplace for handmade, vintage, and unique items. As a seller, it is important to optimize your listings to increase visibility and sales. Here are some tips for optimizing your Etsy listings:
Utilizing Etsy Tags
Etsy tags are an important factor in your listing’s visibility. Use relevant tags that accurately describe your product. Avoid using irrelevant tags or tags that are too broad. It is recommended to use all 13 tags available to you.
Balancing Keywords and Readability
Keywords are important for SEO, but it is also important to balance them with readability. Avoid using too many keywords in your title or description, as it can make your listing look spammy and difficult to read. It is recommended to use long-tail keywords that are specific to your product.
Monitoring Listing Performance
It is important to monitor your listing’s performance to see what is working and what is not. Check your listing’s views, favorites, and sales regularly. Use this information to make changes to your listing, such as updating tags or adjusting pricing.
By utilizing these tips, sellers can optimize their Etsy listings for better visibility and sales.
Words That Sell
When it comes to creating an effective Etsy listing, it’s important to use words that sell. These are words that grab the attention of potential buyers and entice them to make a purchase. Here are some tips for using action-oriented language and benefit-focused terms in your listings.
Action-Oriented Language
Action-oriented language is all about encouraging buyers to take action. This means using words that create a sense of urgency and motivate buyers to make a purchase. Here are some examples of action-oriented language to use in your Etsy listings:
- Limited time offer
- Act now
- Don’t miss out
- Order today
- Buy now
By using these types of phrases in your listings, you can create a sense of urgency and encourage buyers to take action.
Benefit-Focused Terms
Benefit-focused terms are all about highlighting the benefits of your product. This means using words that describe how your product will improve the buyer’s life. Here are some examples of benefit-focused terms to use in your Etsy listings:
- High-quality
- Durable
- Long-lasting
- Comfortable
- Stylish
By using these types of phrases in your listings, you can help buyers understand the benefits of your product and why they should make a purchase.
Remember, when it comes to creating an effective Etsy listing, it’s important to use words that sell. By using action-oriented language and benefit-focused terms, you can create a listing that grabs the attention of potential buyers and encourages them to make a purchase.
Avoiding Legal Issues
When creating an Etsy listing, it is important to avoid using trademarked terms and copyrighted phrases to avoid any legal issues. Here are some tips to help Etsy sellers avoid potential legal problems.
Trademarked Terms
Etsy sellers should avoid using trademarked terms in their listings. For example, using the term “Post-it” in a listing is a violation of 3M’s trademark. Instead, sellers can use the term “sticky note” to describe the same product.
Here are some other examples of trademarked terms that should be avoided:
| Trademarked Term | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Bubble Wrap | Inflated Cushioning |
| Chapstick | Lip Balm |
| Dumpster | Front Loader Waste Container |
| Velcro | Hook and Loop Fastener |
Copyrighted Phrases
Sellers should also avoid using copyrighted phrases in their listings. This includes phrases from popular movies, books, and songs. Using these phrases in a listing without permission from the copyright holder can result in legal action.
Here are some examples of copyrighted phrases that should be avoided:
- “May the Force be with you” (Star Wars)
- “Winter is coming” (Game of Thrones)
- “Just keep swimming” (Finding Nemo)
Sellers can avoid using copyrighted phrases by creating their own unique descriptions for their products.
By following these guidelines, Etsy sellers can avoid potential legal issues and create successful listings on the platform.
Cultural Sensitivity in Listings
When creating listings on Etsy, it is important to be culturally sensitive and avoid language that could be offensive or exclusionary. Inclusive language is essential to ensure that everyone feels welcome and valued.
Inclusive Language
Using inclusive language means avoiding words or phrases that may be discriminatory or offensive to certain groups of people. For example, using gender-neutral language is a simple way to be more inclusive. Instead of using words like “he” or “she”, use “they” or “them”.
Another way to be more inclusive is to avoid using terms that are specific to one culture or religion. For example, using the term “Christmas” in a listing may not be appropriate if the product is not specifically related to that holiday. Instead, use more general terms like “holiday” or “festive”.
Avoiding Stereotypes
Stereotypes can be harmful and perpetuate negative attitudes towards certain groups of people. When creating listings, it is important to avoid using language that reinforces these stereotypes. For example, using phrases like “exotic” or “tribal” to describe a product can be offensive to certain cultures and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
Instead, use more neutral language to describe your product. Focus on the specific details and attributes of the product rather than relying on stereotypes or generalizations.
By being culturally sensitive and avoiding language that could be offensive or exclusionary, sellers can create listings that are welcoming and inclusive to all potential buyers.