Etsy Listing Audit Checklist: Optimize Like a Pro

Even the best Etsy listings can be improved over time. An Etsy listing audit is a systematic review of your products to ensure they are fully optimized for both the Etsy algorithm and for converting shoppers into customers. Regularly auditing your listings is one of the most effective ways to boost your shop's performance.

Use this checklist to walk through your listings one by one and identify areas for improvement. For a more automated and in-depth analysis, try the Rankista Listing Auditor.

The Ultimate Etsy Listing Audit Checklist

✅ 1. Title

Your title is critical for getting found in search.

• [ ] Is my most important keyword at the very beginning? Shoppers and the algorithm see this first.
• [ ] Is my title descriptive and easy to read? Does it clearly state what the item is?
• [ ] Am I using long-tail keywords? Example: "Minimalist Gold Necklace" instead of just "Necklace."
• [ ] Is the title between 80-140 characters? This provides enough detail without being cut off.

✅ 2. Photos & Video

Your photos are your first impression. Make them count.

• [ ] Am I using all 10 photo slots and the video slot? Each one is a chance to inform and persuade.
• [ ] Is my main "hero" image bright, clear, and on a simple background? This is your thumbnail and needs to be scroll-stopping.
• [ ] Do my photos show the product from multiple angles? (Front, back, close-up details).
• [ ] Do I have a lifestyle/in-context shot? Help buyers visualize the product in their life.
• [ ] Is there a photo to show scale? (e.g., next to a coin, in a hand).
• [ ] Is the lighting bright and even, without harsh shadows?

✅ 3. Tags

Tags are your direct line to the Etsy algorithm.

• [ ] Have I used all 13 available tags? Don't leave any blank.
• [ ] Am I using multi-word, descriptive phrases (long-tail keywords)? "Custom Pet Portrait" is much better than "Custom," "Pet," and "Portrait" separately.
• [ ] Do my tags reflect different ways a customer might search? Think about synonyms, materials, style, and occasion.
• [ ] Have I avoided repeating keywords that are already in my attributes or categories? Use that space for something new.

✅ 4. Description

Your description is your sales pitch.

• [ ] Does my opening sentence include my main keyword and a key benefit? This is what shoppers see first.
• [ ] Do I focus on benefits, not just features? How does the product make the customer's life better?
• [ ] Is the description easy to scan? Use short paragraphs and bullet points for key details (dimensions, materials, care instructions).
• [ ] Do I have a clear call-to-action (CTA)? (e.g., "Add to cart," "Message us for custom orders").

✅ 5. Attributes

Attributes act as powerful filters in Etsy search.

• [ ] Have I filled out every single relevant attribute? (Color, size, style, material, occasion, etc.).
• [ ] Are my attributes specific and accurate?

✅ 6. Pricing & Shipping

Your pricing strategy can make or break a sale.

• [ ] Is my price competitive but still profitable? Have I accounted for all fees, materials, and time?
• [ ] Am I offering free or fairly priced shipping? High shipping costs are a top reason for abandoned carts.
• [ ] Are my processing times accurate and realistic?

How to Tackle Old Listings

Auditing your entire shop can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to approach it:

1. Start with Your Top Performers: Go to your Etsy Stats and identify your most-viewed but lowest-converting items. A small tweak here could have a big impact.
2. Audit Your Underperformers: Look at listings with few or no sales. These are prime candidates for a complete overhaul of photos, titles, and tags.
3. Work in Batches: Don't try to do everything at once. Set a goal to audit 3-5 listings per week.
4. Track Your Changes: Keep a simple spreadsheet to note what you changed and when. This will help you see what works.

Regularly auditing your listings is a proactive way to stay ahead of the competition and ensure your shop is always performing at its best.