Before we dive into specific strategies, let’s understand how eBay & Etsy search algorithms work.

✅ How eBay’s SEO (Cassini Algorithm) Works

eBay uses Cassini, its internal search engine, to rank product listings. Cassini ranks products based on:

• ✔ Title keywords: Matches relevant search queries
• ✔ Item specifics: Detailed product attributes
• ✔ Seller performance: Positive feedback, fast shipping
• ✔ Pricing & promotions: Competitive pricing, discounts
• ✔ Customer engagement: Click-through rate (CTR) & conversions

✅ How Etsy’s SEO Works

Etsy’s search engine ranks products based on:

• ✔ Keywords in titles, tags, and descriptions
• ✔ Listing quality score: Clicks, favorites, purchases
• ✔ Customer & seller history: Reviews, responsiveness
• ✔ Recency of listing: Newer listings get a temporary boost
• ✔ Shipping & pricing: Free or low-cost shipping boosts ranking

Now that we know how these platforms rank products, let’s optimize your listings!

Just like Google, keyword research is the foundation of SEO on eBay and Etsy.

🛠 Best Keyword Research Tools for eBay & Etsy SEO

• 🔍 eBay: Terapeak, eBay Advanced Search, Google Keyword Planner
• 🔍 Etsy: Etsy Search Bar, Marmalead, Erank, Google Trends

📌 Where to Place Keywords?

• ✅ Product Title: Primary keyword in the beginning
• ✅ Description: Naturally include keywords
• ✅ Item Specifics (eBay): Add all relevant attributes
• ✅ Tags (Etsy): Use all 13 available tags
• ✅ Categories & Attributes: Ensure correct classification

Example (Etsy Product Title for Handmade Jewelry):

• ❌ Bad: "Beautiful Necklace"
• ✔ Good: "Handmade Silver Boho Necklace – Layered Pendant for Women – Gift for Her"

✏️ eBay SEO: Writing the Best Titles

• ✅ Max out the 80-character limit
• ✅ Use primary keywords at the start
• ✅ Add brand name, material, color, size, and features
• ✅ Avoid unnecessary words like "Wow" or "Look"

Example eBay Title (for Sneakers):

• ❌ "Wow! Amazing Red Sneakers for Sale – Free Shipping!"
• ✔ "Nike Air Max Red Running Shoes – Men's Size 10 – Lightweight & Durable"

📝 Etsy SEO: Writing the Best Titles & Descriptions

• ✅ Use descriptive, keyword-rich phrases
• ✅ Include who it's for, what it does, and any key details
• ✅ Write scannable, easy-to-read descriptions
• ✅ End with a call to action

Example Etsy Title (for Handmade Candles):

• ❌ "Cute Candle for Home"
• ✔ "Handmade Soy Scented Candle – Lavender Vanilla – Aromatherapy Gift for Relaxation"

eBay & Etsy favor listings with high-quality images because better visuals improve click-through rates (CTR) and conversions.

• ✅ Use at least 6-10 clear, high-resolution images
• ✅ Include different angles & close-up shots
• ✅ Use a clean white background for professional appeal
• ✅ Showcase product size & features
• ✅ Add lifestyle images (people using the product)
• ✅ Etsy: Upload short videos for better ranking

Pro Tip: Use Alt Text (image descriptions) on Etsy to improve discoverability.

Pricing plays a huge role in SEO rankings.

• ✅ Check competitor prices before setting yours
• ✅ Offer discounts & bundle deals to increase conversions
• ✅ Provide free shipping if possible – Etsy boosts listings with free shipping in search results

Example: Instead of selling 1 item for ₹500, offer a bundle of 3 for ₹1,200 to encourage higher order value.

eBay & Etsy prioritize trusted sellers with high engagement.

🔹 eBay Seller Tips:

• ✅ Maintain fast response times to inquiries
• ✅ Offer hassle-free returns
• ✅ Earn Top Rated Seller status for priority ranking
• ✅ Ship items quickly & provide tracking details

🔹 Etsy Seller Tips:

• ✅ Get 5-star reviews by providing great customer service
• ✅ Respond quickly to messages
• ✅ Encourage repeat buyers with special discounts

Pro Tip: Ask satisfied customers to leave a review – positive feedback improves rankings!

• 🔹 eBay: Use Promoted Listings (Pay-Per-Click ads for eBay search results)
• 🔹 Etsy: Use Etsy Ads (to appear at the top of search results)
• 🔹 Leverage Social Media (Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok) to drive external traffic
• 🔹 Run Seasonal Discounts to boost sales and improve ranking

✅ It typically takes 1-4 weeks for Etsy and eBay algorithms to reflect changes.

✅ Regularly update titles, descriptions, and images every few months to stay competitive.

✅ Yes! Etsy boosts listings with free shipping, and eBay favors competitive shipping rates.

✅ Focus on keyword-rich titles, detailed item specifics, and a high seller rating.

✅ Use Marmalead, Erank, Etsy Autocomplete, and Google Trends for research.

✅ Terapeak, eBay Advanced Search, and Google Keyword Planner.

✅ Yes! Higher click-through rates (CTR), saves, and purchases improve rankings.