How To Use Long-Tail Keywords For Better Etsy SEO

Using long tail keywords is an important foundation for strong Etsy SEO and ranking higher in Etsy search.

‍

Higher rankings increase your chances of getting your products discovered by interested shoppers, ultimately leading to more sales.

‍

In this article, you’ll learn how to tell long-tail keywords apart from broad keywords, and some of my favourite ways to find long-tail keywords for your Etsy listings.

‍

Let’s get started.

‍

‍

What Are Long Tail Keywords?

Long-tail keywords are specific and descriptive keyword phrases that shoppers are likely to use when they’re close to making a purchase.

‍

Unlike single-word or broad keywords (like "jewelry," "t-shirt," or "candle"), long-tail keywords are:

• Specific and descriptive
• Usually 3-5 words long
• Less competitive
• Used by shoppers with higher purchase intent

‍

It’s important to know that not all multi-word phrases are long-tail keywords. For example, a phrase like “handmade women jewelry” is not considered long-tail because it’s not specific and face high competition.

‍

‍

Comparing Different Types Of Keywords

Short-tail keyword (e.g. “Rings”)

• Broad and not descriptive
• Higher competition
• Lower purchase intent by shoppers - They are just browsing. Don’t have a clear idea of what they want to buy yet
• Lower conversion rate

‍

Medium-tail keyword (e.g. “Rose quartz ring”)

• Medium-to-high competition
• Average purchase intent by shoppers - They have a better idea of which type of products they want to buy, but not the specific details.
• Medium-to-low conversion rate

‍

Long-tail keyword (e.g. “Dainty sterling silver rose quartz ring”)

• Specific and descriptive
• Lower competition
• Higher purchase intent by shoppers - They know what they want. They are now comparing options between different shops (likely from you and your competitors)
• Higher conversion rate

‍

‍

How Etsy’s Search Algorithm Works with Long-Tail Keywords

Etsy’s search algorithm can recognise individual words and shorter keywords within long-tail keywords. Your long-tail keywords include shorter, broad keywords within them. For example, that means a listing optimised for "dainty sterling silver rose quartz ring" can also appear in searches for "rose quartz" and "ring."

‍

Also, exact matches are not necessary for your listings to show up in Etsy search. Like the example from above, the listing can show up for keywords like “silver ring rose quartz” even though there isn’t an exact match.

‍

Because of that, it’s almost always a good idea to use a good variety of descriptive long-tail keywords for your Etsy listings.

‍

‍

Why Long Tail Keywords Are Better for Etsy Sellers

Lower Competition

Specific, longer keywords face less competition, increasing your chances of ranking higher in search results.

‍

Higher Conversion Rate

Shoppers using long-tail keywords typically have higher purchase intent and are further along in their buying journey. That means shoppers using long-tail keywords are more likely to buy, which improves your conversion rate. As you may know, conversion rate is also one of the most important ranking factors for the Etsy search algorithm.

‍

Improved Algorithm Understanding of Your Products‍

Descriptive, long-tail keywords help Etsy's search algorithm better understand your products, which can improve the chance of your products showing up to the right shoppers in the suggested listing section on the listing page.

‍

‍

Crafting Effective Long-Tail Keywords

To create targeted long-tail keywords, always think about ways to make your keywords more specific and descriptive for your product.

‍

One way to do that is to combine your main product keyword with descriptive elements like these:

• Colour - e.g. “red knitted scarf”, “pastel watercolour painting”
• Material - e.g. “canvas tote bag”, “resin wooden cutting board”
• Size - e.g. “oversized chunky knitted blanket”, “2oz dropper bottle label”
• Style - e.g. “rustic coffee table”, “art deco gemstone earrings”
• Occasion - e.g. “Christmas party invitation”, “bridal party games”
• Technique - e.g. “wheel-thrown ceramic mug, “kintsugi flower vase”
• User - e.g. “gift basket for mum”, “baby girl crochet hat”
• Pattern - e.g. “floral wall art”, “geometric patchwork quilt”
• Feature - e.g. “adjustable laptop stand”, “reversible tote bag”
• Location - e.g. “Bondi beach aerial photography”, “fireplace wood rack”
• Season - e.g. “summer straw hat”, “winter wool mittens”

‍

‍

5 Ways To Finding Long Tail Keywords

• Use Etsy's search bar autocomplete - This is one of the best free methods to find long-tail keywords, because the autocomplete suggestions are based on up-to-date data from actual Etsy shoppers. As you type your main keyword into the search bar, Etsy will suggest longer search terms. For example, when you type "tote bag," you may get suggestions like "tote bag with zipper" or "tote bag personalised." One limitation of this method is that the suggested words appear at the end of the phrase, so you might not get long-tail keywords like "cotton tote bag" using this technique alone.
• Analyse your competitors' listings - Your biggest competitors have likely done extensive keyword research already, so it’s always a good idea to check the long-tail keywords they are using to see whether there are any that you have missed. Etsy research tools can help speed up the process.
• Analyse your own Etsy shop stats - Go to your dashboard and click on’ Stats’. You can then click into individual listings to see more details about the keywords that lead shoppers to click on your listings. You'll often discover keywords that you're not actively targeting but are still generating clicks. You can then either add these new keywords to your existing listing titles and tags, or create new listings to better target them.
• Use keyword research tools - Tools like Alura and EtsyHunt each have dedicated keyword research features that can help you speed up the process of finding long-tail keywords. One advantage is that you can also see the estimated demand and competition level of those keywords so that you can choose the ones that have higher demand with lower competition.
• Generate keyword ideas with AI tools - AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT can be great resources for generating long-tail keyword ideas. The newer versions of those tools even let you upload your own product photo to generate keywords that are more specific to your product.

‍

For more methods of finding long-tail keywords, read this Etsy keyword research article.

‍

‍

What’s Next

Researching long-tail keywords is only a part of your Etsy SEO strategy. For more insights, read my Etsy SEO Guide.

‍

Or if you would like to get all the strategies you need to grow on Etsy, including mastering Etsy SEO, consider joining GYC Etsy Academy 2.0.

‍