Considerations for Tags on Etsy

Choosing tags is one of the more difficult tasks when listing an item on Etsy, mainly because many of us, including myself, are not entirely sure what and what not to include as a tag. Thus, with the help of various Etsians (see the end of this post), I compiled this guide to help you out with choosing tags. Keep in mind, these are just suggestions from other sellers and are therefore neither official nor mandatory.

General Suggestions – On Etsy, you have 14 available tags for each item. Use as many as you can. The search function is largely based on tags, so these will help people find your items. That said, use the tags appropriately. You want the people who are looking for an item like yours to be able to find it. Misused tags simply direct people to items they do not want and therefore will not purchase.

Because of the way Etsy is set up, you may want to use some of the words that are in your title or materials in your tags as well. For example, if I were to look for a wool sweater, I would probably just put “wool sweater” in the default “tags and titles” search. Thus, if “wool” is in your materials but not your tags or title, I would not find it. Also, tags are used to place your item in subcategories, so keywords in your titles may also make good tags.

Considerations – These may not all be important for your particular item, and you may want to consider other types of tags, but I hope these will at least give you some ideas.

In what category does it belong? – Your first tag is the main category. Choose the category that best fits your item. Remember that non-handmade items are only allowed in “Vintage” and “Supplies.” If your item is a commercial supply, choose “commercial” for your second tag.

After you have selected your category, the site will give you a list of related tags. Click on the appropriate tags to add them to your listing. However, do not limit yourself to the suggested tags. Add others that describe your item.

What is it? – This may seem basic, but categories are somewhat broad, so be sure to add a tag saying what exactly your item is. Also, consider whether or not there is another name for your item. For example, a hooded sweater is both a “sweater” and a “hoodie.”

What color is it? – Add tag(s) for the main color(s) in your item. If it is multicolored, add the tag “multicolor.” You may also want to consider the overall color scheme of your item. Possible tags: blue, red, yellow, pastel, bright, dark, black, white, neon

What style is it? – Style is one of the most forgotten considerations when making tags. To whom would your item appeal? Possible tags: victorian, gothic, classic, traditional, feminine, masculine, modern, retro, dainty, bold, asian, african, renaissance

What design(s) does it have? – Consider the overall shape of the item, if important. Do any distinct patterns appear on the item? Possible tags: striped, spiral, polka dotted, geometric, floral, plaid, checkered

Do any images appear on the item? – For artwork, what is the subject of your piece? Also consider describing the image. For example, if your item has a French flag on it, try adding the tags “flag” and “french.” Possible tags: flower, butterfly, rabbit, portrait, man, woman, kite, star, hearts, boat

What is the overall theme of your piece? – This may have some overlap with style and subject, but in case there are any important tags you missed, consider what emotions and ideas are in your item. Possible tags: love, death, peace, patriotic, sympathy, astronomy, chemistry, history

Towards what occasion(s) is your item geared? – This may or may not be applicable for your item. Is your item holiday-specific? Is it for a special occasion? For what season or situation was it made? Possible tags: holiday, christmas, valentines, wedding, graduation, birthday, all-occasion, formal, casual, mothers day, thanksgiving, winter, spring, summer, fall, autumn, indoor, outdoor

For whom is your item? – This may not be applicable for certain items, but it is very important for others, especially clothing and items that have phrases like “World’s Best Grandpa” on them. Possible tags: unisex, men, women, adult, children, baby, toddler, girl, boy, dog, cat, hamster, newborn, teen

What size is your item? – This is another tag that is very important for clothing but is also useful for other items, like that 32 oz. mug you just made. Consider overall size and if appropriate, length, width, etc. Possible tags: extra small, small, medium, large, extra large, plus size, maternity, long, short, wide, narrow, thick, thin, bulky

What is the texture and surface of your item like? – Again, this is a consideration that may not be important for certain items. For photographs and prints, you may want to describe the sheen of the picture. Possible tags: fluffy, soft, fuzzy, glossy, matte, textured, sparkly, unfinished, finished, painted, varnished, stretchy

What techniques were used in creating your item? – Consider how your item was made and if they are any special methods for which people might search. For artwork, is it an original or a print? Possible tags: crochet, knit, felted, chainmaille, embroidery, quilted, origami, kirigami, print, original, screen printed, amigurumi, braided

What features does your item have? – Think about what else might be important to people searching for items. For example, for a pair of gloves, are they fingered, half-fingered, fingerless, or convertible? Possible tags: long-sleeved, fingered, half-fingered, fingerless, drawstring, earflaps, laced, pocket, convertible, short-sleeved, spaghetti strap, sleeveless, hooded, food safe

What materials were used to make your item? – You probably do not need to put all the materials you used in your tags since they should already be in your materials section. However, as said above, if I were to look for a wool sweater, I would probably just put “wool sweater” in the default “tags and titles” search. Thus, if “wool” is in your materials but not your tags or title, I would not find it. Thus, you may want to consider what materials for which people may search using the “tags” search function. Possible tags: silver, gold, copper, wooden, wool, polymer clay, glass, pearl, acrylic

What else? – If you still have not used all 14 tags, try considering the following questions:
Is your item custom made or made-to-order?
Is it one-of-a-kind?
Is it made from recycled materials?
Will a portion of the proceeds go to charity?
Is the item on sale?

Acronyms – Here are some acronyms that may be used as tags. Some are general art and craft acronyms. Others were created by Etsians.
ACEO: Art Cards Editions and Originals (2.5” by 3.5”)
ATC: Artist Trading Card
AOP: Artist's Own Pattern
BFSC: Built from Scratch Clothing

DIY: Do it yourself, Design it yourself

EDA: Etsy Dark Art
OOAK: One of a Kind
PIF: Pay it Forward (This is for free items. Whoever purchases a PIF should list a PIF in their store to pass the favor on to someone else.)

SRA: Self-Representing Artist (SRA is a large group of glass workers who sell handmade art glass.)
TRIF: Trade it for Free (This is for items you may be willing to trade.)

Contributors: Dragon in Knots, Avenue Beads, Dyno, Anonymous

If you have suggestions for additions and corrections to this post, please contact me (Dragon in Knots) through Etsy.