SEO for Handmade Sellers: Naming, Keywords, Tags, and Descriptions

When you sell handmade goods online, the hardest part isn’t always making the products it’s getting discovered. That’s where SEO (Search Engine Optimization) comes in. Done right, SEO is like free advertising: your products show up when buyers are searching for exactly what you sell. Let’s break down how to master SEO for your handmade shop and make sure your listings work as hard as you do.

Naming Products for Search Engines

• Use natural language and be specific. Instead of “The Snuggle Bug”, try “Hand-Crocheted Baby Booties - Soft Cotton Newborn Shoes”.
• Avoid clever names without descriptors. Shoppers don’t type “Snuggle Bug” into Google; they type what they’re actually looking for.
• Front-load your product titles with the most important keywords.

Product names are one of the first things search engines and buyers look at. A clear, descriptive name gives both Google and your customers immediate context. Clever names might sound fun, but if they don’t describe the item, you’ll miss out on search traffic. Keep your main keywords near the start of the title, so even if it gets cut off in search results, the important part still shows.

Choosing Keywords

• Use tools like Etsy autocomplete, Google Trends, or even just Google’s search bar suggestions to see what buyers are actually searching.
• Focus on long-tail keywords (3–5-word phrases) such as “chunky knit wool blanket” instead of just “blanket”. These are less competitive and bring in higher-quality traffic.
• Brainstorm like a buyer: What words would you type in if you wanted to find your own product?

Keywords are the backbone of SEO. Picking the right ones means you’ll show up in front of buyers who are actively searching for your type of product. Long-tail keywords are especially powerful because they bring in shoppers who know what they want and are closer to making a purchase. Use keyword tools to validate your choices and stay aligned with real search behavior.

Writing Product Descriptions

• Prioritize the first 1-2 sentences that’s what Google and Yarnnu use most heavily.
• Answer buyer questions up front: What is it? Who is it for? What makes it special?
• Sprinkle in your keywords naturally. Don’t stuff them Google penalizes that.

A good product description does two things: it makes your product attractive to search engines and it persuades buyers to purchase. Lead with clarity by stating exactly what the product is. Then, expand with details that reassure the buyer: dimensions, materials, purpose, and uniqueness. Think of it as both marketing copy and SEO content in one.

Using Tags Effectively

• Always fill in all available tag slots. Every extra tag is another door for buyers to find your product.
• Mix broad tags (“crochet blanket”) with niche ones (“boho baby shower gift”).
• Think like your buyer. If you were shopping for your product, what words would you try?

Tags act like shortcuts that tell the marketplace and search engines what your product is about. The more tags you use, the more search opportunities you create. A blend of broad and specific tags ensures you appear in both general searches and highly targeted ones. The best tags reflect how your actual customers think and search not just what you call your product.

Image SEO

• Filenames matter. Don’t upload IMG_1234.jpg. Use hand-knit-scarf-blue-wool.jpg instead.
• Add alt text for every product photo. This not only helps SEO but also makes your shop accessible.
• Having good file names not only helps Google find your product it also helps with organization, so you know which photos go with what.

Images are a huge part of selling handmade goods. Search engines can’t “see” your photos, so filenames and alt text tell them what’s inside the image. Optimized photos can appear in Google Images, bringing in new buyers. Plus, descriptive filenames keep your files tidy and easy to manage.

SEO Tools in Yarnnu

Yarnnu comes with built-in SEO fields so you can:

• Edit titles and descriptions.
• Optimize tags for maximum reach.
• Add keywords and a meta title and description.

These tools make it simple to apply SEO best practices without guesswork. They are available for both products, and you shop itself to help buyers find you and your products. Many sellers guess at SEO, but Yarnnu’s tools give you a clear roadmap. Meta titles and descriptions affect how your products appear on Google, while optimized tags and keywords improve visibility on Yarnnu’s marketplace. By using these fields consistently, you’re telling search engines exactly what your shop offers. The sweet sport for a meta title is 60 characters and for a meta description between 150 and 160 characters. Keeping them in this range improves their pickup by Google.

Product Ranking Tips

• Consistency matters: update listings regularly.
• More engagement = higher ranking. Encourage reviews and shares.
• Monitor what works: check which of your listings are getting the most views and replicate that strategy.

Search rankings aren’t static they reward active sellers. Fresh content signals to search engines that your shop is alive and relevant. Products with higher engagement often rank better because they’re seen as more valuable to shoppers. Tracking performance helps you double down on what’s working instead of guessing.

Ready to bring more buyers to your handmade shop? Start optimizing your listings today using Yarnnu’s built-in SEO tools and watch your products climb the rankings.