The Complete Guide to Etsy Tags in 2025
Tags are one of the most powerful—and most misunderstood—tools for Etsy SEO. Used correctly, they can dramatically increase your visibility. Used poorly, you're leaving money on the table.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Etsy tags in 2025.
How Etsy Tags Actually Work
Etsy gives you 13 tag slots per listing, with up to 20 characters each. Here's what most sellers don't realize:
- Tags are equally weighted. Tag #1 isn't more important than tag #13.
- Tags work with your title. Etsy combines your title and tags to understand what your listing is about.
- Exact matches matter less now. Etsy's algorithm understands related terms and synonyms.
- Multi-word tags are more effective. "Coffee mug gift" beats "mug" every time.
The Golden Rules of Etsy Tags
Rule 1: Use All 13 Tags
This sounds obvious, but we see shops leaving tag slots empty constantly. Every empty slot is a missed opportunity to rank for additional searches.
If you can't think of 13 tags, you're not thinking creatively enough about how people search.
Rule 2: Think Like a Buyer
Put yourself in your customer's shoes. What would they type into the search bar?
For a handmade ceramic mug, buyers might search:
- "gift for coffee lover"
- "handmade pottery mug"
- "unique coffee cup"
- "artisan ceramic mug"
- "housewarming gift"
- "gift for mom"
Notice how these are phrases, not single words.
Rule 3: Use Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are specific, multi-word phrases. They have less search volume but much less competition.
Generic (high competition):
- mug
- gift
- ceramic
Long-tail (lower competition, higher conversion):
- coffee lover gift
- ceramic mug handmade
- unique kitchen gift
Rule 4: Don't Repeat Your Title
Your title and tags work together. If "ceramic coffee mug" is in your title, you don't need it as a tag—you're already ranking for it.
Use your tags to capture additional search terms that AREN'T in your title.
Rule 5: Include Gift-Related Tags
A huge percentage of Etsy purchases are gifts. Including gift-related tags expands your reach:
- gift for her
- gift for him
- birthday gift
- christmas gift
- housewarming gift
- gift for [specific person: mom, dad, friend, teacher]
Rule 6: Use Occasion and Seasonal Tags
People search by occasion. Capture these searches:
- wedding gift
- anniversary gift
- mothers day gift
- valentine gift
- christmas present
Update your tags seasonally to capture holiday traffic.
What NOT to Do With Tags
Don't Use Single Words
"Blue" "ceramic" "mug" "coffee" "cup" = 5 wasted tags
"Blue ceramic mug" "coffee lover gift" = 2 tags that actually work
Don't Repeat Variations
"Coffee mug" and "mug coffee" count as the same thing to Etsy. Don't waste a tag on word order variations.
Don't Use Trademarked Terms
Using brand names you don't own (Disney, Nike, etc.) can get your shop suspended. Not worth the risk.
Don't Stuff Unrelated Keywords
Adding popular but unrelated tags (like "Taylor Swift" on a mug listing) might get views but won't get sales—and could hurt your shop's standing.
A Real Tag Optimization Example
Before (common mistakes):
- mug
- cup
- ceramic
- blue
- pottery
- handmade
- coffee
- tea
- drink
- kitchen
- gift
- (empty)
- (empty)
After (optimized):
- coffee lover gift
- ceramic mug handmade
- blue pottery cup
- gift for her
- unique kitchen gift
- artisan coffee mug
- housewarming gift idea
- tea lover present
- birthday gift for mom
- cozy morning mug
- gift for coffee addict
- handcrafted drinkware
- pottery lover gift
The "after" version targets specific searches, uses all 13 slots, and captures gift-related traffic.
How to Find Great Tag Ideas
- Use Etsy's search bar. Start typing and see what autocomplete suggests.
- Check competitor listings. What tags are top sellers using?
- Think about your buyer. Who buys your product and why?
- Use seasonal events. Update tags for holidays and seasons.
- Check your stats. Etsy shows which search terms bring traffic.
Quick Tag Checklist
Before publishing, make sure you've:
- [ ] Used all 13 tag slots
- [ ] Included multi-word phrases (not single words)
- [ ] Added gift-related tags
- [ ] Included occasion/seasonal tags where relevant
- [ ] Avoided repeating keywords from your title
- [ ] Written tags that real buyers would search
Need help with your tags? ListBoost analyzes your listing and generates all 13 optimized tags using AI trained on top-performing Etsy shops. Try it free today.