Etsy gives you 13 tags per listing. Most sellers either leave some blank or stuff them with random words. But in a crowded category like wall art and canvas prints, using all 13 tags wisely has a direct impact on your visibility. Here's how to make your tags actually work for you.
Use All 13 First
Every empty tag is a missed search. Etsy only matches your listing to words that appear in your tags (and title). If you only use 6 tags, you've closed off more than half the ways buyers could find you.
- •Fill all 13 tags, no exceptions.
- •Avoid single-word tags. Use 2-3 word phrases like "abstract wall art" instead of just "art".
- •Repeating a word in both your title and a tag strengthens the relevance signal for that search in Etsy's eyes.
Think Specific, Not Broad
"wall art" is far too broad; you'll compete with millions of listings. Buyers usually search with more defined terms: "boho bedroom wall art", "minimalist line art print", "neutral living room decor". These long-tail phrases get fewer searches but convert much better.
- •Combine style + room + product type: "mid century kitchen print".
- •Add color and theme: "sage green botanical print".
- •Don't forget gift-intent searches: "housewarming gift wall art".
Use Each Tag from a Different Angle
A common mistake is making all 13 tags nearly identical. "abstract art", "abstract print", and "abstract wall" all target the same search and don't reinforce each other. Instead, treat each tag like a new doorway.
- •Style tags: boho, minimalist, vintage, scandinavian.
- •Room/placement tags: bedroom, office, nursery, hallway.
- •Occasion tags: gift, birthday, anniversary.
- •Format tags: vertical print, large canvas, set of 3.
Follow Seasons and Trends
Searches are seasonal. "fall decor" spikes in autumn, "christmas wall art" explodes in December. Adding relevant tags a few weeks ahead of these windows, then pulling them afterward, can meaningfully boost your visibility.
WallArtTools' keyword and trend research tools, along with A/B title tests, help you see which phrases actually get clicked and convert. The "emphasized words" and "banned words" you set in Store Parameters tell the AI what to prioritize and what to never use when generating tags and titles, so every one of your 13 tags serves your strategy.
Review Them Regularly
Tags are not a "set and forget" job. Listings that get views but no sales may be attracting the wrong audience. Listings with few views are probably targeting the wrong phrases.
- •Check view and conversion rates monthly in Analytics.
- •Replace underperforming tags with fresh phrases.
- •WallArtTools' SEO refresh and store audit features flag weak listings in bulk.
Practical takeaway: fill all 13 tags, dedicate each to a different specific phrase (style, room, occasion, format), don't miss seasonal windows, and review performance once a month to swap out weak tags. Tags are the most controllable lever on your free visibility, so don't waste them.