Your products are your babies. You’ve spent countless hours creating them, perfecting every detail, and now, you’re ready to share them with the world. But here’s the thing—nobody is going to buy them if your listings don’t stand out. You could have the most beautiful hand-knit scarves, the most intricate pottery, or the most unique jewelry, but if your product pages aren’t up to scratch, they’re going to get lost in a sea of Etsy listings.

In this tutorial, we’re going to turn your product pages into your secret weapon. I’ll show you exactly how to make your listings pop so that buyers don’t just look—they click that “Add to Cart” button and make a purchase. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right product photos to writing killer titles and descriptions. So let’s dive in and get those listings shining.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Product Photos – Let Your Work Shine

When it comes to online shopping, pictures sell. Buyers can’t touch, hold, or try on your products, so your photos need to do all the talking. A bad photo can make a great product look like something nobody wants, while a great photo can make even a simple item look irresistible. So let’s make sure your photos are the kind that stop a scrolling shopper in their tracks.

Here’s how to take product photos that stand out (no fancy camera required!):

1. Lighting is everything. If your photos look like they were taken in a dark basement, no one’s going to be clicking on them. Natural light is your best friend when it comes to product photography. Set up near a window, or head outside for some soft, natural lighting. Harsh overhead lights and flash can create unflattering shadows, so avoid those if you can.

2. Keep the background simple. The focus should be on your product, not on whatever’s going on in the background. Use a clean, plain surface—like a white table or a neutral wall—to keep things looking tidy and professional. If you want to add some props to style your photo, keep them simple and relevant (like adding a candle next to a handmade soap).

3. Show different angles. Give potential buyers a 360-degree view of your product. Take photos from multiple angles—front, back, side, close-up, and maybe even one that shows the scale (like holding the product in your hand or next to a ruler). The more information buyers can gather from your photos, the more confident they’ll feel about making a purchase.

4. Zoom in on details. Got a product with intricate details, textures, or patterns? Show them off! Take close-up shots so buyers can see the quality of your work. If you’re selling something handmade, this is especially important because people love seeing the craftsmanship.

5. Lifestyle shots can seal the deal. Sometimes, buyers need a little nudge to imagine how your product fits into their life. Lifestyle shots—photos of your product being used or styled in a real-life setting—can help them see the possibilities. If you’re selling a blanket, show it draped over a cozy couch. If you’re selling jewelry, model it on someone. These images make your product feel more relatable and desirable.

Pro Tip: You don’t need to hire a professional photographer to take great photos. You can do this with your smartphone as long as you follow the basics: good lighting, simple background, and sharp focus.

Step 2: Writing a Killer Product Title – Etsy SEO Gold Mine

Your product title is one of the most important elements of your listing. It’s not just about naming your product—it’s about making it searchable. Your title helps Etsy’s search engine figure out what your product is, and it also tells buyers at a glance what they’re looking at. A good title can be the difference between your listing showing up on the first page of results or getting buried.

Here’s how to craft a product title that’s both informative and SEO-friendly:

1. Be descriptive. This isn’t the time to be vague. Your product title needs to clearly state what the item is. Include key details like the type of product, the material, the style, and any other features that set it apart. For example, instead of just saying “Handmade Necklace,” try something like “Handmade Silver Boho Necklace with Turquoise Stone – Festival Jewelry.” It’s longer, but it gives buyers more information and helps your product show up in more searches.

2. Think like a shopper. What would your potential customer type into Etsy’s search bar to find your product? Put yourself in their shoes. Use keywords that people are likely to search for, like the type of item (necklace, candle, scarf) and specific characteristics (boho, minimalist, vintage). If you’re selling a giftable item, consider adding “gift” or “present” to the title too.

3. Keep it easy to read. While it’s important to include keywords, don’t go overboard. You want your title to be clear and easy for buyers to understand. If it looks like you just stuffed a bunch of random words together, people are going to scroll right past. Aim for a balance between SEO and readability.

4. Avoid fancy symbols. Special characters like & or | might seem like a cool way to break up your title, but Etsy’s search engine doesn’t handle them well. Stick with plain text to ensure your title is fully optimized.

Example: Bad title: “Handmade Necklace” Good title: “Handmade Silver Boho Necklace with Turquoise Stone – Festival Jewelry, Bohemian Style Gift”

See the difference? The good title gives a clear description of the product and includes keywords that people might search for. It’s also inviting without feeling overwhelming.

Step 3: Product Descriptions That Tell a Story

Your photos grabbed their attention, your title made them curious, and now your product description is where you seal the deal. This is where you get to tell buyers why they need your product in their life. But here’s the trick—you don’t want to overload them with unnecessary details. Keep it clear, concise, and engaging.

Here’s how to write a product description that makes people want to click “Buy Now”:

1. Start with a hook. The first sentence should grab the buyer’s attention. Think of it as a mini sales pitch. Why should they care about this product? What makes it special? This is your chance to make your item stand out from the competition.

   Example: “Wrap yourself in the luxury of this handwoven cashmere scarf, crafted with care to add a touch of elegance to any outfit.”

2. Tell a story. You’re not just selling a product—you’re selling an experience. Help the buyer imagine how your product fits into their life. Is it the perfect gift? Is it something they’ll treasure for years to come? Storytelling helps create an emotional connection with your customer.

   Example: “This candle was inspired by cozy winter nights spent by the fire. Hand-poured using all-natural soy wax, its warm vanilla scent will make your home feel like a winter wonderland.”

3. Highlight the key features. Once you’ve got their attention, make sure to give them the details they need to know. What size is it? What materials is it made from? What colors are available? Use bullet points for these key details so they’re easy to scan.

   Example:

   • Size: 20 inches x 60 inches
   • Material: 100% cashmere wool
   • Available colors: Cream, Charcoal, Burgundy

4. Keep it simple. You don’t need to write an essay. Your description should give buyers the information they need without overwhelming them. Keep your sentences short and to the point, and break up the text with bullet points or headings where necessary.

5. Include a call to action. Don’t forget to tell buyers what to do next! A simple “Add this stunning piece to your cart today” or “Perfect for gift-giving—order yours now” can give them that extra nudge to complete their purchase.

Pro Tip: Avoid technical jargon that might confuse buyers. Remember, not everyone will be familiar with the terms you use in your craft. Keep your language simple and accessible.

Step 4: Tags and Categories – Helping Buyers Find You

Tags and categories are like the signposts that lead buyers to your shop. Etsy’s search engine relies on them to figure out what your products are and who might be interested in them. If you’re not using the right tags, your listings might never show up in search results—even if someone is looking for exactly what you’re selling.

Here’s how to use tags and categories to your advantage:

1. Choose relevant categories. When you create a listing, Etsy will prompt you to choose a category for your product. This is the broadest way to label your item, so make sure you choose the one that fits best. For example, if you’re selling jewelry, you might categorize it under “Accessories” or “Jewelry,” depending on the specific item.

2. Use all 13 tags. Etsy allows you to add up to 13 tags per listing, and you should use every single one of them. Think of tags as keywords that help buyers find your product. Include both broad and specific tags, like “handmade soap,” “lavender soap,” and “organic bath products.”

3. Think like a shopper. What words would someone use to search for your product? Put yourself in their shoes and brainstorm the most likely search terms. If you’re selling a gift item, use tags like “gifts for her” or “birthday gift.” If your product has a specific style or theme, include that too.

4. Use synonyms. Different people might describe your product in different ways. For example, if you’re selling a scarf, some buyers might search for “shawl” or “wrap.” Include those synonyms in your tags to cover all your bases.

Step 5: Pricing Basics – Are You Underpricing Your Work?

Pricing is one of the hardest parts of selling online, especially if you’re new to it. You don’t want to price your products so high that buyers are scared off, but you also don’t want to underprice them and end up working for peanuts.

Here’s how to find the sweet spot:

1. Start with your costs. First, calculate how much it costs you to make the product. This includes the cost of materials, packaging, and any tools you use. Don’t forget to factor in the time it takes to make each item, and pay yourself a fair hourly wage.

2. Check out the competition. Take a look at what similar products are selling for on Etsy. This will give you a sense of the market rate for items like yours. Don’t feel pressured to match their prices exactly, but use this as a guideline to help you set a competitive price.

3. Factor in Etsy’s fees. Don’t forget that Etsy takes a cut of every sale. Make sure you factor in the listing fee, transaction fee, and payment processing fee when calculating your prices.

4. Consider offering free shipping. Etsy’s algorithm favors listings that offer free shipping, so it’s worth considering. You don’t have to eat the cost of shipping—just factor it into your product price.

Wrapping It Up – Your Listings Are Ready to Shine

You’ve now got all the tools you need to create listings that stand out on Etsy. From stunning product photos to killer titles and descriptions, you’re well on your way to turning those clicks into sales. The key is to take your time, be intentional about every part of your listing, and always think about what will appeal most to your potential buyers.