PLEASE explain SEO and how it works

[Former_Member]

Might sound odd but can you please explain SEO and how it works.
What tweaking worked for you?
Thanks in advance.

[Former_Member]

Here's a link to a discussion on this topic that I had found very helpful: http://www.etsy.com/teams/10713/cindylouwho-team/discuss/10196168/

[JoArtyJo]

This article explains all you need to know and has loads of useful links. Must read for all of us in my opinion! :-)

http://etsymentors.blogspot.co.uk/p/critique-your-own-shop.html

[Former_Member]

The easiest answer is there is no easy answer. By design the specifics of the searches are vague and constantly changing so people cant "figure them out" and gain an advantage over everyone else.

The best advice for someone new is to do a search for the type of item you are trying to sell, take a look at the items that come up on top of the search. How are they titled? What keywords? etc and use them as a guide for your listings.

Some general hints are.

Use the most common search words several time not only in the title but also at the first of the description and in the keywords.

Think like a buyer, what search word or words would they use if looking for your items. Use them for keywords you can have 13, use them all.

Be patient, the search updates are not instant, can take anywhere from several days to over a week for your changes to be picked up and reflected in the searches.

Daniel Smith

[Former_Member]

Recent posts on our blog might be helpful:

http://www.indiemade.com/resource/etsy-tips-using-keywords-item-titles

http://www.indiemade.com/resource/etsy-tips-increase-views-keyword-tags

[Former_Member]

definitely no easy answer.
there are a few key tips to remember that the links above talk about.
i have done alot of learning through trial & error unfortunately :)

[GabriellasTreasures]

Rhonda,
It is way too much information for anyone to answer here. Read all of the above links, go to the Etsy handbook read that too. Then you will know what questions you have.

It is confusing if you do not know anything about seo, it takes time and a lot of work. Good Luck!

[Former_Member]

The basics of SEO (or search engine optimization) is not as "impossible" to learn as some people like to think.

Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of affecting the visibility of a website or a web page in a search engine's "natural" or un-paid ("organic") search results. In general, the earlier (or higher ranked on the search results page), and more frequently a site appears in the search results list, the more visitors it will receive from the search engine's users. SEO may target different kinds of search, including image search, local search, video search, academic search, news search and industry-specific vertical search engines. Read more about this here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Search_engine_optimization

Anyone can learn the basics of SEO. The search engines, like Google, do update their search algorithm now and then but changes are documented and possible to keep up with.

The most basic part of SEO is the use of words or text on each Web page in a way that is recognized by the search engines and adds value to your web page. This includes the use of keywords that clearly describe what each web page (or listing ) is about. There are databases that store real search queries (words and phrases) all over the Internet. These databases cab be used to research keywords - words that are used frequently to look for whatever it is that you are selling. Keywords are one very important part of SEO and the best place to start.

Here are a few Etsy forum posts that might help:
About one Google Algorithm change: http://www.etsy.com/teams/7722/business-topics/discuss/8523243/

SEO Myths You should NOT believe:
http://www.etsy.com/teams/11352/relevancy-and-seo-for-all-etsy-shops/discuss/11211672/page/1/

[Former_Member]

There are also Relevancy and SEO Teams on Etsy that can help anyone get a better understanding of SEO

[Former_Member]

Mary, thanks for sharing the links - great info. I always say think like your customer. How would your customer search for your stuff? It's not always how we describe a product, it's about how customers might search for the kind of product you sell. Google's free keyword tool is a great starting point.