---
name: etsy-keyword-research
description: Deep Etsy keyword research for digital products. Use when researching keywords for Etsy listings, finding profitable niches, analyzing search volume and competition, or optimizing listing tags. Produces actionable keyword lists with search volume estimates, competition scores, and strategic recommendations.
---

# Etsy Keyword Research

## Overview

This skill provides systematic keyword research for Etsy digital product listings. It goes beyond basic keyword suggestions to analyze profitability, competition, and strategic fit.

## Research Process

### Step 1: Gather Seed Keywords

Start with the product category and brainstorm seed keywords:

```
Product: [what they're selling]
Niche: [specific market, e.g., "LDS", "Christian", "boho"]
Format: [printable, digital download, template, etc.]
Use case: [wall art, activity, planner, etc.]
Audience: [who buys this - teachers, moms, etc.]
```

### Step 2: Expand Keywords Using Etsy Autocomplete

Use browser to search Etsy and capture autocomplete suggestions:

1. Go to etsy.com
2. Type seed keyword + each letter a-z
3. Record all autocomplete suggestions
4. These are REAL searches people make

**Example for "lds easter":**
- lds easter printable
- lds easter cards
- lds easter activity
- lds easter wall art
- lds easter coloring
- etc.

### Step 3: Analyze Competition

For each promising keyword, search Etsy and analyze:

| Metric | How to Find | What's Good |
|--------|-------------|-------------|
| **Results count** | Top of search page | <10K = low competition |
| **Top seller prices** | First page listings | Match or undercut |
| **Review counts** | First page listings | <100 reviews = beatable |
| **Listing quality** | Visual inspection | Poor photos = opportunity |
| **Bestseller badges** | Look for badges | Few badges = opportunity |

### Step 4: Estimate Demand

Demand signals to look for:

1. **Autocomplete ranking** - Higher = more searches
2. **Number of results** - More results = proven demand
3. **Bestseller badges** - Badges = sales happening
4. **Review velocity** - Recent reviews = active buyers
5. **Seasonal trends** - Check if keyword is seasonal

### Step 5: Score Keywords

Rate each keyword on a 1-5 scale:

| Factor | 1 (Bad) | 5 (Great) |
|--------|---------|-----------|
| **Demand** | No autocomplete | Top autocomplete |
| **Competition** | >50K results, big sellers | <5K results, small sellers |
| **Relevance** | Tangential fit | Perfect match |
| **Profit potential** | Race to bottom pricing | Premium pricing possible |

**Priority Score = (Demand + Relevance) - Competition + Profit**

### Step 6: Organize Output

Deliver keywords in this format:

```markdown
## 🎯 Primary Keywords (Use in Title)
| Keyword | Competition | Demand | Priority |
|---------|-------------|--------|----------|
| [keyword] | Low/Med/High | Low/Med/High | 🔥/✓/○ |

## 📝 Secondary Keywords (Use in Tags)
[List of 20-30 keywords organized by theme]

## 🚫 Keywords to Avoid
[Keywords that look good but have issues - explain why]

## 💡 Keyword Gaps Found
[Opportunities where demand exists but supply is weak]

## 📋 Recommended Tag Set (13 tags)
1. [primary keyword]
2. [secondary keyword]
...
13. [long-tail keyword]
```

## Tools & Methods

### Everbee (if available)
- Chrome extension for Etsy analytics
- Shows estimated monthly searches
- Shows estimated revenue per listing
- Use for validation, not primary research

### Manual Research (always do this)
- Etsy autocomplete (free, real data)
- Etsy search results count
- Competitor listing analysis
- Review reading for buyer language

### Browser-Based Research
Use browser tool to:
1. Search Etsy for keywords
2. Capture autocomplete suggestions
3. Analyze first-page listings
4. Check competitor tags (view page source or listing details)

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. **Trusting tools blindly** - Tools estimate; manual research validates
2. **Ignoring long-tail** - "lds easter printable for kids" beats "easter printable"
3. **Keyword stuffing** - 13 relevant tags > 13 random tags
4. **Copying competitors exactly** - Find gaps they missed
5. **Ignoring seasonality** - Easter keywords tank after April

## Output Checklist

Every keyword research deliverable must include:

- [ ] 5-10 primary keywords (title-worthy)
- [ ] 20-30 secondary keywords (tag-worthy)
- [ ] Competition analysis for top keywords
- [ ] Recommended 13-tag set ready to copy/paste
- [ ] Keywords to avoid with reasons
- [ ] Gap opportunities identified
- [ ] Seasonal considerations noted

## Learning Loop

**Before starting research:**
1. Check `references/feedback-log.md` for past learnings
2. Check `references/lds-keywords.md` for proven performers
3. Apply lessons from previous research

**After products launch (30 days later):**
1. Log results in `references/feedback-log.md`
2. Update `references/lds-keywords.md` with new proven keywords
3. Note any patterns that worked/failed

## Reference Files

- `references/lds-keywords.md` - Proven LDS keyword database (update with winners)
- `references/feedback-log.md` - Track predictions vs. actual results