Have you ever wondered how Etsy decides which items to show you when you search for something?
This is where the Etsy algorithm comes in.
It’s smart AI code that picks out the best things for you to see. Let’s learn more about how it works and how it can help both shoppers and sellers on Etsy.
What is the Etsy Algorithm?
The Etsy algorithm is a special computer program. It looks at many things to decide which items to show you when you search on Etsy.
Its job is to make sure you find what you want and enjoy your shopping time.
Think of the algorithm as a very smart librarian.
When you ask for a book, the librarian doesn’t just give you any book.
They think about what you like, what other people have enjoyed, and what’s new. The Etsy algorithm does the same thing but for all the items on Etsy.
How Does the Algorithm Work?
Let’s say you want to buy a funny birthday card for your friend.
You go to Etsy and type “funny birthday card” in the search box. In just a second, you see many cards. But how did Etsy choose which ones to show you first?
Here’s what the algorithm looks at:
Words That Match: The algorithm looks for cards that have the words “funny,” “birthday,” and “card” in their title or description. This is why it’s important for sellers to use the right words when they list their items.
Popular Items: If lots of people have bought a certain card and liked it, the algorithm might show that one near the top. It thinks, “If many people like this card, you might like it too!”
New Items: Etsy likes to give new items a chance to be seen. So if someone just added a brand new birthday card to their shop, you might see it pretty high up in the search results.
Good Shops: The algorithm also looks at the shops selling the cards. If a shop has been around for a while and has many happy customers, their items might show up more often. Etsy wants to make sure you’re buying from good shops.
Clear Pictures: The algorithm likes listings with bright, clear pictures that show the item well. Good photos help you see what you’re buying, and that makes Etsy happy.
Active Shops: Shops that add new items often and always ship things on time are liked by the algorithm. It sees these shops as reliable and busy.
Good Reviews: When people buy something and leave a nice review, it helps that shop. The algorithm sees those good reviews and thinks, “This must be a great shop!” Then it might show their items more often.
How Sellers Can Work with the Algorithm
If you have a shop on Etsy, or if you’re thinking about starting one, here are some ways you can work with the algorithm to help more people see your items:
Use the Right Words: Make sure to use words in your titles and descriptions that people might search for. If you’re selling a funny birthday card, use those words in your listing.
Take Great Photos: Use clear, bright pictures that show your item well. This helps buyers see what they’re getting, and the algorithm likes that.
Keep Your Shop Active: Try to add new items often. Also, always ship things on time. This shows Etsy that your shop is busy and reliable.
Get Good Reviews: After someone buys from you, ask them nicely to leave a review if they’re happy with their purchase. Good reviews help your shop look great to the algorithm.
Make Different Versions: If you have an item that sells well, try making different versions of it. For example, if you sell birthday cards, you could make funny ones, sweet ones, and ones with animals on them. This gives shoppers more choices, and it helps your shop show up in more searches.
Fill Out Everything: Etsy gives you lots of space to describe your items. Use all of it! Fill out every section, like tags and details about your item. This gives the algorithm more information, which helps your items show up in the right searches.
Answer Questions Before They’re Asked: Try to think of questions buyers might have about your items. Then, answer these questions in your item descriptions. This makes shopping easier for buyers, and the algorithm likes that.
Why the Algorithm Matters for Shoppers
You might be thinking, “Why should I care about the algorithm?” Well, it actually helps you in many ways when you shop on Etsy:
It Saves You Time: Instead of looking through millions of items, the algorithm helps you find what you want faster.
It Shows You Good Stuff: The algorithm tries to show you items from good shops with happy customers. This means you’re more likely to have a good shopping experience.
It Helps You Discover New Things: While the algorithm shows you things that match what you searched for, it also might show you new and interesting items you didn’t know about.
It Makes Shopping Fun: By showing you items that match what you like, the algorithm helps make your Etsy shopping more enjoyable.
Remember, You’re in Control
Even though the algorithm is smart, you’re still in control of what you buy. You can always look through more search results if you don’t see what you want right away.
You can also use different search words to find different items.
The algorithm is there to help, but you make the final choice about what to buy. It’s like having a helpful friend who suggests things, but you decide what you like best.
In fact, the Etsy algorithm is a tool that tries to make shopping better for you and selling easier for shop owners.
Design Nexus newsletter – Get simplified Etsy tips and modern marketing strategies — plus a free Digital Product Starter Kit!
Creative But Fine newsletter – This is your source if you want more detailed guides about Etsy and graphic design.
I have made an entire section of helpful and mostly free tools you can use to build a successful online business on Etsy. See the tools here.
Kittl – A go-to place for any person, who wants to make money with print-on-demand on Etsy.
Creative Fabrica. They have millions of cheap graphics that can elevate your t-shirt design.
Vectorizer – This tool transforms your image into a vector with seconds. scalable without losing the quality.
Disclosure: Some of the links above may contain affiliate partnerships, meaning, at no additional cost to you, NechEmpire may earn a commission if you click through to make a purchase.
I'm Miroslav, a passionate graphic designer, Etsy seller and AI enthusiast. At NechEmpire, I'm here to share my knowledge and skills. I want to turn your design passion into a successful online business.
