Etsy Tags That Rank in 2026: 13-Tag Strategy Guide

Who this is for

You've listed products on Etsy. Maybe you're getting some views, maybe not. Either way, you've noticed those 13 tag slots and wondered: am I using these right?

This guide explains how Etsy tags actually work, how to fill all 13 slots without wasting any, and how to capture the long-tail searches that lead to sales.

The goal

More visibility. More clicks. More sales. Tags are one of the main ways Etsy matches your products to what shoppers search for. Waste them, and you're invisible. Use them well, and you show up for searches you didn't know existed.

How Etsy tags work

When a shopper searches on Etsy, the algorithm looks for matches between their search terms and your listing's keywords—found in your title, tags, categories, and attributes.

Tags give you 13 additional keyword slots beyond your title. Each tag can be up to 20 characters. The algorithm checks for two types of matches:

• Exact match: Your tag contains the exact phrase the shopper searched
• Broad match: Your tag contains some of the search words, but not in the exact order

Exact matches tend to rank higher. But broad matches still count—especially for long-tail searches where buyers combine multiple terms.

The 13-tag strategy

Use all 13 slots

Every empty tag is a missed opportunity. Etsy gives you 13 chances to match different searches. If you only use 8 tags, you're leaving 5 potential keyword matches on the table.

Use multi-word phrases, not single words

A tag like "custom bracelet" is stronger than two separate tags: "custom" and "bracelet." The phrase matches more specific searches and frees up another slot.

Instead of: "blue" + "ceramic" + "mug"

Try: "blue ceramic mug" + "handmade coffee cup" + "gift for tea lover"

Don't duplicate categories or attributes

Your category and attribute selections already act like tags. If you put your listing in the "Statement Ring" category and also add "statement ring" as a tag, you've wasted a slot.

Check your category path and attributes before writing tags. Skip anything that's already covered. For a deeper dive into how attributes work and which ones to fill out, see our Etsy attributes guide.

Balance broad and specific

Broad tags ("home decor," "jewelry") put you in high-traffic searches with heavy competition. Specific tags ("boho macrame wall hanging," "sterling silver stacking ring") have less traffic but higher intent.

A good split: 3-4 broader tags for visibility, 8-9 specific tags for conversions.

Long-tail keywords: what they are and why they matter

A long-tail keyword is a specific, multi-word search phrase—usually 3 to 5 words. Examples:

• "minimalist gold hoop earrings"
• "personalized dog portrait watercolor"
• "vintage cottagecore linen dress"

Why long-tail searches convert better

Shoppers using long-tail searches know what they want. They're further along in the buying process. A search for "earrings" is browsing. A search for "minimalist gold hoop earrings for sensitive ears" is ready to buy.

Listings that rank for long-tail terms often convert at higher rates. Conversion rate is one of Etsy's most important ranking factors, so this becomes a virtuous cycle: better conversions push you higher in search, which brings more buyers who are ready to purchase.

How to handle phrases longer than 20 characters

Etsy's 20-character limit means you'll need to split some long-tail keywords across multiple tags. Split where it makes sense:

"Sterling Silver Gemstone Necklace" (33 characters) becomes:

• "sterling silver" (15 characters)
• "gemstone necklace" (17 characters)

Both phrases are searchable on their own, and together they capture the full long-tail intent.

Common tag mistakes

Repeating words across tags. Tags like "octopus art" and "octopus print" waste a slot. Try "octopus art print" and "sea creature wall decor" instead—you'll match more unique searches.

Copying your title exactly. Your title already gets indexed. Tags should expand your keyword coverage, not duplicate it. Use tags for synonyms, regional variations, and alternate phrasings.

Using single words. "Blue" as a standalone tag is nearly useless. "Blue ceramic vase" captures a real search query.

Adding misspellings. Etsy's search automatically corrects common typos. Don't waste tags on intentional misspellings—they won't help.

Ignoring regional differences. If you sell internationally, remember that "trainers" and "sneakers" are the same product. "Grey" and "gray" matter too.

Compliance note: what not to put in tags

Tags are subject to the same rules as your title and description. Violations can get your listing removed—or your shop suspended.

Trademarked terms. Don't use brand names in tags—even if your product is similar or compatible. "Disney style" in a tag can trigger an infringement report.

"Inspired by" workarounds. Adding "inspired by [brand]" doesn't protect you. If the trademark owner reports it, Etsy will remove the listing.

Medical claims in tags. The same rules that prohibit health claims in descriptions apply to tags. "Anxiety relief" or "heals inflammation" as a tag will get flagged just like it would in your title.

Misleading descriptors. If your product isn't cashmere, don't tag it "cashmere." Mislabeling violates Etsy's policies and can result in listing removal.

Celebrity names. Using a celebrity's name to attract searches—when your product has no official connection—can result in takedowns.

Tags feel like a hidden part of your listing, but Etsy's policies apply to them fully. For a complete breakdown of trademark, medical claim, and handmade violations, see our Etsy listing compliance guide.

Tag checklist

Before publishing, verify:

• All 13 tag slots are filled
• Each tag is a multi-word phrase (not single words)
• No tags duplicate my category or attributes
• No tags repeat the exact same words as other tags
• I've included regional synonyms where relevant (gray/grey, sneakers/trainers)
• I've covered both broad and specific search terms
• Long phrases are split logically across multiple tags
• No trademarked terms or brand names
• No misleading descriptors
• Tags accurately describe the actual product

FAQ

Do tags need to match my title?

No. Tags and titles are indexed separately. Use your title for your primary keywords and your tags to expand coverage with synonyms, variations, and long-tail phrases. For title-specific strategy, see our Etsy title formula guide.

Should I use the same tags on every listing?

Only if every listing is identical. For most shops, each product should have tags specific to that item. Reusing the same 13 tags across different products limits your search visibility.

How often should I update my tags?

Check your Shop Stats monthly. If a listing isn't getting traffic, try refreshing its tags with different keyword variations. Seasonal products may need tag updates as trends shift. Tools like eRank can help you identify which keywords are trending and which have less competition.

Can I use spaces and punctuation in tags?

Use spaces between words. Avoid punctuation—Etsy strips most of it anyway. "Hand-made" and "handmade" are treated the same.

What if my long-tail keyword is way longer than 20 characters?

Split it into logical chunks. "Minimalist diamond engagement ring" becomes "minimalist ring" + "diamond engagement ring." Both capture partial matches, and together they cover the full phrase.

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Tags are one of the easiest SEO wins on Etsy. Fill all 13 slots, use phrases instead of single words, don't repeat yourself, and think about what your buyers actually search for. Do that consistently, and you'll show up in more searches than most of your competitors.

For the other parts of your listing, see our guides on titles, descriptions, and attributes.

Want help generating optimized tags for your listings? Try our free Etsy Tags Generator to create all 13 tags in seconds.

Sources

• How to Use Tags to Get Found in Search – Etsy Help
• Keywords 101: Everything You Need to Know – Etsy Seller Handbook
• Checklist: Optimize Your Shop for Etsy Search – Etsy Seller Handbook
• Mastering Etsy Tags: The Definitive Guide (2026) – Printify
• Etsy Tags: How to Use All 13 Slots Wisely – GrowthWillow
• Etsy SEO Long Tail Keywords – Tizzit
• 4 Policy Best Practices When Listing Items on Etsy – Etsy Seller Handbook