how etsy uses tags
Tags contribute to your listing's placement in Etsy search results. Etsy matches tags against buyer search queries using exact and close match. Tags are also used to surface your listing in "related items" sections on other product pages.
multi-word tags outperform single words
A tag like "shopify liquid snippets" is far more valuable than "shopify" alone. It targets a specific searcher and faces less competition. Use all 20 available characters per tag for maximum reach.
the three tag categories
- Exact match — your primary search query verbatim: shopify liquid code
- Variant match — synonyms and related terms: liquid theme snippets
- Long-tail — specific use-case phrases: shopify custom sections
tags to avoid
- Single broad words ("digital", "download") — too competitive, too vague
- Words already in your title (Etsy combines both for ranking, so you're not losing them)
- Seasonal tags that don't apply year-round (unless intentional)
finding tag ideas
Type your main keyword into Etsy search and note the autocomplete suggestions — these are actual buyer queries. eRank's tag analyser shows search volume and competition scores for each tag. Aim for medium-volume, low-competition tags when starting out.