Why does an item pop up and another with the same tags don't?

[KAGITLIK]

I'm trying to wrap my head around how Relevancy works: when I type in a certain search phrase that people used to view my items, one item shows up in first or second page, but another one with the exact same title arrangement and tags is nowhere to be found. I thought getting favorites and more views would put one of them above the other, but my shop is very new and even in those terms there's practically no difference between these items.

Also confusing is why when an item that has about three tags containing "gift box" shows up in a search for jewelry box, and one that has jewelry box in title and tags is again nowhere to be found.

Am I missing something obvious? I'd really appreciate thoughts on my item titles and tags...

[SophiasWonderland]

Thank you for asking, I was thinking the same thing.

[SuedeSentiment]

I think I read recently that someone's theory is that items that are more 'popular' as in having sold more times or had more views or something tend to be more likely to make the first few pages than others. I wonder if that's what you're noticing? I wish we could figure this whole thing out!

[RanaHats]

Good question, would love an answer.

[Former_Member]

i read somewhere here on etsy that it has to do with views and backlinks to the product. I have noticed that our products with higher views get higher placement by keyword. I think it may also have to do with the competitiveness of the tag...when I get a little more specific we tend to pop up higher.

[KAGITLIK]

@ Kirsten and Lara H; I think I recently read that too. But it doesn't really explain the relevancy difference between items that have same tags and title arrangements and close, if not the same, view and favorite counts.

Backlinks can certainly be a factor though...

[PaperHeartandInk]

I am trying to figure this out too. It's illusive to me.