By Kaleigh Moore June 29, 2025
Etsy is home to over 80 million active buyers searching for unique, handmade, and creative products. For sellers, that means massive opportunity—but also serious competition.
If you’ve launched your Etsy shop but aren’t getting the visibility you hoped for, don’t worry. There are proven ways to increase your product views and drive more sales, many of which are backed by Etsy’s own recommendations.
In this guide, you’ll learn 6 effective strategies to boost your Etsy traffic—covering search optimization, product photography, off-platform promotion, and email marketing.
Let’s dive in.
Show up in Etsy search results
Like Google or Amazon, Etsy runs on search visibility. If your products don’t appear when someone types in “boho earrings” or “pet memorial gifts,” you’re invisible. Etsy provides a Search Optimization Guide in its Seller Handbook, and here’s how to apply it:
Optimize for query matching
Etsy recommends targeting highly specific keywords—the exact phrases people use in search.
Example: Instead of targeting “jewelry,” use “sterling silver birthstone necklace.” Etsy will still categorize your listing under broader tags (like Accessories > Jewelry), but specific queries help you rise to the top.
🧠 Tip: Etsy search favors listings that match long-tail, niche keywords over generic ones.
Understand Etsy’s ranking algorithm
Etsy ranks listings based on purchase likelihood. Factors that affect this include:
- Relevancy: Match search terms in your title, tags, categories, and attributes.
- Listing quality score: Etsy tracks how often your listing leads to a sale. High-converting listings rank higher.
- Recency boost: New listings get a temporary visibility bump. But Etsy warns: constantly renewing listings isn’t an effective SEO strategy.
- Customer & market experience: Etsy rewards sellers with strong reviews, quick shipping, and completed shop policies.
Avoid search penalties
Etsy penalizes listings that include false, deceptive, or misleading content. Don’t stuff unrelated keywords or miscategorize your products. Honest, accurate listings help with trust and conversion.
Use high-converting listing strategies
Here’s how to turn Etsy’s algorithm into an advantage:
- Be ultra-specific: The more precise your titles, tags, and descriptions, the more relevant your traffic will be—and the better your conversion rate.
- Mind your pricing: Etsy emphasizes that price is “one of the most important factors customers consider before purchasing.” Find a sweet spot where your price reflects your value and still encourages clicks.
- Keep it honest: Align your photos, descriptions, and titles with what buyers actually get. Misleading listings lead to low reviews—and Etsy may demote you in search.
Attract clicks with better product photos
Think of your Etsy storefront like a virtual pop-up shop. Your photos are your curb appeal. Etsy shoppers often skim listings visually before they ever read a word.
📸 Tip: Etsy sellers who use clean, high-resolution photos from multiple angles tend to earn more clicks and conversions.
Etsy’s visual best practices
- Shoot from different angles: Mimic the in-person shopping experience.
- Don’t zoom in: Zooming can reduce image clarity. Instead, get closer to the product with your camera.
- Use natural light: Avoid flash when possible. Photos near a window feel more professional and inviting.
Promote your Etsy store beyond Etsy
A well-optimized Etsy listing is great—but relying solely on Etsy traffic can limit your growth. Smart sellers supplement it with off-platform promotion to drive more views.
Use social media to drive Etsy views
Etsy shoppers love discovery. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are perfect for showcasing your products in action.
- Post lifestyle photos or videos of your products
- Use hashtags like
#EtsySeller,#HandmadeBusiness, or niche-specific tags (e.g.,#BohoHomeDecor) - Add your Etsy link in your Instagram bio or Linktree
- Use Pinterest to share product pins that lead directly to your Etsy store
📊 Instagram posts with product tags see a 1,416% increase in traffic to shops.
Leverage YouTube or TikTok for product demos
If you’re comfortable on camera, try short-form content. Unboxings, “how it’s made” reels, or customer testimonials help build trust and drive sales. Include your Etsy link in the video description or profile.
Use email marketing to increase views and sale
Even if Etsy owns your storefront, your email list is something you own. It’s your direct line to loyal customers and people who already like your work.
Why email works for Etsy sellers
- You can send subscribers updates when you launch new products
- You can promote seasonal collections or sales
- Higher conversion rates from your email list boost your listing quality score on Etsy
💡 Email marketing creates a loop—more conversions mean better Etsy rankings, which brings more organic traffic.
Automate emails with AWeber + Etsy
Use AWeber’s email automation built specifically for Etsy sellers. It connects directly to your shop and pulls in product listings, so you can:
- Automatically email subscribers when new products go live
- Create a recurring newsletter with fresh items
- Save time with pre-built ecommerce templates
Here’s an example from Etsy seller ART-Tributes who uses automation to send out new product announcements:
Make Etsy part of a bigger ecosystem
Your Etsy store is your front door, but it doesn’t have to be your whole business.
Etsy is great for visibility and sales—but owning your audience, branding, and marketing channels (like email or a standalone website) gives you room to grow.
🧭 Treat Etsy as a traffic generator—not your final destination. Integrate tools like AWeber, Canva, or a personal website to build long-term business success.
Frequently asked questions
How do I increase visibility for my Etsy listings?
Use specific keywords in your titles, tags, and descriptions. Match buyer intent with long-tail phrases like “custom pet portrait in watercolor” instead of just “pet art.”
Does renewing Etsy listings improve views?
Not significantly. Etsy gives new listings a short-term boost, but renewing an old listing won’t increase visibility long-term. Focus on improving listing quality and relevancy instead.
What are the best ways to drive off-platform traffic to my Etsy store?
Use Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, and email marketing. These channels help attract customers who wouldn’t otherwise discover you on Etsy.
How does Etsy decide what to rank first in search results?
Etsy looks at relevancy, listing quality score (conversion rate), customer satisfaction, and shop policies. Listings that lead to more sales are ranked higher.
Can email marketing really help my Etsy sales?
Yes. Email helps you reach customers who already trust your brand. And when those customers buy, it improves your Etsy search rankings due to better conversion rates.
Turn Etsy into a storefront
A storefront is great. But it’s called the front for a reason.
Done right, your Etsy store can be an invaluable part of your online presence. But it doesn’t have to be your entire presence, either.
Integrate with AWeber to turn your Etsy storefront into something more—a way to attract foot traffic.
