How to start your own Etsy shop and be awesome at it! Vol #2

You recently opened your ETSY shop and your only customer has been your Mom!

Creating your First Sale on Etsy

In my last post I talked about the basics when opening your Etsy shop. We have since shared a delicious Kombucha drink together and even held hands. Remember? We might be ready to move on to Margaritas soon. I would say we are definitely getting closer on this journey. Now go sharpen your pencil.

Etsy SEO.  Optimize your listings with Query matching. ( Huh?) If your listings include the words a buyer has searched for your listings will show up in the results. Where it appears is determined by a variety of factors. No further instructions on this one. You can find that stuff all over Utube.

I realize this subject is about as appealing as a second - hand enchilada but if done right, it's a killer game - changer.

Keywords  
The keywords you add to your listings are an essential tool for matching your listings to buyer's searches. The keywords you use in your tags, titles, categories, and attributes work together. Etsy search gathers all the listings that have keywords that match a shopper’s query. 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. You may enter a letter or word into the search bar on Etsy homepage and a list of recently used keywords will show up. 

Titles and Tags.
Adding interesting descriptive, keywords and 'tags' to help you get found in searches is paramount. For this example I will assume you are selling pillows. No one searches for just 'pillow' - it's usually 'handmade pillow' , 'vintage pillow',  'floral pillows', 'soft personalized velvet pillows' etc etc. Finding a way to describe the item is important when you want to set yourself apart and target 'real' buyers.
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No - we are not playing tag!

What are titles?
When using titles. Think about what buyers would search for when looking for your items. Use specific keywords that describe what’s unique about your product - using 3 or 4 super relevant phrases. Google favors shorter more readable content. 

Lets assume you are selling very cool leather jewelry.  Here is an example for making great use of your titles: Leather stud earrings set, Brass triangle stud earrings, turquoise and gold leather round stud earrings.

The above example uses 3 very specific phrases to appeal to the buyers who are  looking for those items rather than trying to appear in the more general jewelry searches.

​Maybe figuring out your perfect titles will take forever or seems redundant. Trust me.  Put your sweat into it.  It's a win-win.

You are about to turn your shop into the rock star Cadillac of Etsy shops. What do you mean I'm exaggerating?
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What are tags?
Tags are your opportunity to include 13 phrases that describe your unique product. Make sure to use all 13 available! Each tag you add is a chance to match with a shopper’s search, so spread them around and add some variety!   They should match all phrases used in your title. For any left over tags use relevant phrases.  Consider size, scale, color, how it's made etc. Try to think like your potenial buyer. 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
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Tools for updating your titles and tagsIf you’re ready to give some of these techniques a try in your shop, there are few ways you can make quick changes to your listings. You can add or remove a tag from multiple listings at once by checking the box on those listings in your Shop Manager, clicking Editing option and selecting Edit tags from the dropdown list. You can also edit your titles and tags by using the Quick Edit tool, which lets you make updates without clicking into each listing.

Item descriptions. 
Add interesting descriptions to your listings. Unleash the inner writer in you. Buyers want to know a little bit more about each item - how do you make it, what material is it made of etc etc etc. Peppering this with key words should also help you get found. ​

Etsy Trend Guide. Since Shoppers’ interests shift and new listings are created on Etsy daily, your search rankings may change. Evolving and tweaking your search optimization strategy and keywords may help you stay ahead of trends and make the most of your Etsy search traffic. Brainstorm new keywords like you are brainstorming the latest fashion trend. Do it!

Search Analytics. 
 I admit I suck at it! Like I suck eat social media. But you won't! Your Dashboard or shop statistics give you in-depth data about the queries shoppers are using to find your items, which tags on your listings match shoppers searches, and how well your listings are converting from search. You can also see your average position in search results so you can track changes in your ranking as a result of your optimization efforts. So don't be 

I don't want to leave just yet but my my gang at home needs food. I am cooking German lasagne for the first time and it will probably take me 2-4 hours to figure out  (ugh). I promise to be back in a jiffy so we can finally move on to drinking Margaritas, talk about keeping your shop relevant and creating listings that kick ass. Yes, they will. Trust me.
Gina xoxo