Etsy listing titles allow 140 characters, you can use 13 tags with 20 characters each, and descriptions support up to 102,400 characters. The recommended title length is 70-120 characters for optimal search visibility. Multi-word phrases in tags are stronger than single words. Important SEO note: the first 160 characters of your description appear in Google search results, making that opening text critical for external search traffic.

This guide covers Etsy listing optimization for creative sellers in 2026.

Etsy Character Limits Overview

Title Optimization (140 Characters)

Why Titles Matter Most

Etsy search priority: Titles are the most important ranking factor in Etsy’s search algorithm.

What Etsy indexes:

• Every word in your title
• Order of words (front-loaded = stronger)
• Match to buyer search queries

Title Formula

Recommended structure:

[Primary Keyword] [Secondary Keyword] [Style/Material] [Gift Occasion]

Title Examples

Jewelry (138 chars): “Personalized Name Necklace Gold Filled Custom Name Pendant Dainty Jewelry Gift for Her Birthday Anniversary Bridesmaid Gift Minimalist”

Home Decor (140 chars): “Macrame Wall Hanging Large Boho Decor Handmade Woven Tapestry Fiber Art Neutral Living Room Bedroom Above Bed Housewarming Gift for Home”

Art Print (135 chars): “Mountain Landscape Print Watercolor Art National Park Poster Nature Wall Art Hiking Gift Outdoors Decor Travel Adventure Gallery Wall Art”

Title Best Practices

Recommended length: 70-120 characters

Do:

• Front-load most searched keywords
• Include gift-giving occasions
• Use natural phrases (not just keywords)
• Stay within 70-120 characters for best results

Don’t:

• Keyword stuff unnaturally
• Use ALL CAPS
• Include shop policies or shipping info
• Repeat the same keyword multiple times

Tags Strategy (13 Tags, 20 Characters Each)

Tag Limits

Per listing: 13 tags maximum Per tag: 20 characters maximum

Use all 13: Each tag is a search opportunity

Key insight: Multi-word phrases in tags are stronger than single words. “boho wall decor” performs better than just “boho”.

Tag Types to Include

1-3 tags: Primary keywords “macrame wall hanging” “boho wall decor”

2-3 tags: Style/aesthetic “bohemian decor” “minimalist art”

2-3 tags: Materials/technique “handmade woven” “cotton rope art”

2-3 tags: Gift occasions “housewarming gift” “birthday gift her”

1-2 tags: Room/use “living room art” “bedroom wall art”

Tag Best Practices

Multi-word phrases are stronger: “handmade jewelry” beats “handmade” + “jewelry” Unique from title: Include keywords not in your title Long-tail specific: “boho wedding gift” vs. just “wedding”

What NOT to Tag

Avoid:

• Single common words (“blue,” “pretty”)
• Misspellings (Etsy auto-corrects)
• Tags in languages you don’t speak
• Irrelevant trending terms

Description Optimization (102,400 Characters)

Description Sections

Critical SEO note: The first 160 characters of your description appear in Google search results. Make this opening text compelling and keyword-rich.

Recommended structure:

[Opening hook - first 160 chars appear in Google] (160 chars)
[Product details - what buyer receives] (300-500 chars)
[Materials and dimensions] (200-300 chars)
[Customization options if applicable] (200-300 chars)
[Shipping and handling info] (200-300 chars)
[Care instructions] (100-200 chars)
[Shop story/personal touch] (200-300 chars)

SEO in Descriptions

First 160 characters appear in Google: Craft your opening carefully for external search traffic

Etsy indexes descriptions: Include keywords naturally throughout

But don’t stuff: Write for buyers first, then optimize

Description Best Practices

Do:

• Use short paragraphs
• Include dimensions/sizes clearly
• Answer common questions
• Add personality and story

Don’t:

• Copy-paste identical descriptions
• Use blocks of keywords
• Include links (Etsy removes them)
• Write walls of text

Shop-Level Character Limits

Shop Title (55 Characters)

What it’s for: Your shop’s tagline Where it appears: Shop banner, search results

Example: “Handmade Macrame & Boho Wall Decor | Custom Orders”

Shop Announcement (1,200 Characters)

What it’s for: Shop updates, policies, news Where it appears: Shop homepage

Include:

• Current promotions
• Processing times
• Holiday schedules
• Welcome message

About Page (5,000 Characters)

What it’s for: Your maker story SEO value: Helps with Etsy search and brand building

Include:

• Your story and background
• Materials and process
• What makes your shop unique
• Photos of workspace

Section Titles (24 Characters)

Purpose: Organize shop listings Limit: 24 characters per section

Examples:

• “Wall Hangings” (13 chars)
• “Custom Orders” (13 chars)
• “Gift Sets” (9 chars)

SEO value: Sections help buyers navigate and can rank in search.

Etsy Search Algorithm Tips

What Etsy Weighs

Ranking factors:

1. Title keyword relevance
2. Tags matching search
3. Listing quality score
4. Shop quality score
5. Recency (new/renewed listings)
6. Conversion rate

Listing Quality Signals

Positive signals:

• Favorites
• Sales
• Complete listings (all fields filled)
• Quality photos
• Competitive pricing

Renewal Strategy

Renewing listings:

• Gives temporary boost
• Costs $0.20 per renewal
• Strategic for slow periods

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use all 140 characters in my title?

The recommended range is 70-120 characters. Don’t pad with irrelevant words, but don’t leave valuable keyword space unused either.

Do tags need to be in my title too?

Some overlap is fine, but use tags for keywords that didn’t fit in your title.

How important are descriptions for Etsy SEO?

Descriptions are searchable but less weighted than titles and tags. Critically, the first 160 characters appear in Google search results, so craft your opening carefully.

Should I use multi-word tags or single words?

Multi-word phrases are stronger than single words. “boho wall art” (13 chars) performs better than just “boho” (4 chars).

How often should I update titles and tags?

Review quarterly. Update when you notice keyword trends or if listings aren’t getting views.

Does capitalization matter in Etsy titles?

Not for search, but title case improves readability for buyers.

Key Takeaways

• Title limit: 140 characters (recommended: 70-120 characters)
• Tags: 13 tags maximum, 20 characters each—use all 13
• Multi-word phrases in tags are stronger than single words
• Description: 102,400 characters max
• First 160 characters of description appear in Google results
• SKU: 32 characters
• Titles are the most important search ranking factor

Conclusion

Etsy’s character limits give you room to optimize for search while telling your product’s story. Keep titles within the recommended 70-120 character range, use all 13 tags with multi-word phrases (stronger than single words), and craft your description’s first 160 characters carefully since they appear in Google search results. The handmade marketplace rewards sellers who balance SEO with authentic, descriptive content. Try our free letter counter → to verify your Etsy listings maximize character limits for best visibility.