In the Basket - 16th May 2025

🔥 Etsy’s New “Q Score” – What It Means for You

We’re kicking off this week’s issue with a deeper look at how Etsy search is evolving , and why Josh Silverman’s recent comments shed new light on where things are heading. 🧠✨

You might’ve already heard of Etsy’s “Q Score” (short for Quality Score), a metric that’s been quietly shaping search results since October 2024. But in a recent talk, Etsy’s CEO gave us a clearer picture of just how central this shift really is, and what it means for sellers who prioritise customer experience over cut-throat pricing.

🧵 Why It Matters

For years, Etsy’s algorithm largely prioritised listings it thought were most likely to convert. That meant cheaper, fast-selling items often surfaced first, even if the seller’s service wasn’t great.

Q Score changes that. Silverman confirmed Etsy is now weighting “quality of experience” much more heavily in search. Things like reviews, dispatch reliability, clear communication, and solid return policies are all likely part of the equation. The goal? Make sure buyers not only buy, but come back, and reward the sellers who deliver that kind of experience. 🙌

Still, as with all things Etsy SEO, it’s not the full picture. Etsy uses a blend of visible and hidden signals to rank listings. So while Q Score is now a major factor, it’s one piece in a much larger, constantly evolving algorithm. 🧩

🛠️ What You Can Do

• ✅ Prioritise reviews
  Strong, consistent feedback sends a clear signal that your shop delivers what it promises. A gentle post-purchase nudge never hurts.

• ✅ Ship on time (or early)
  Etsy’s system tracks late dispatches. Prep ahead for peak seasons, and build in margin if you work to order.

• ✅ Respond promptly
  Buyers expect timely replies, and Etsy appears to reward responsiveness. Even a quick “Thanks, I’ll check and get back to you” can help.

• ✅ Tidy up your listings
  Clarity reduces refunds and buyer confusion. Descriptions, titles, and tags should all reflect what’s actually being sold.

• ✅ Think long-term
  Q Score is likely cumulative. A consistently strong record will matter more than short bursts of activity.

💬 Bottom Line

This isn’t a brand-new announcement, but Silverman’s remarks make it clearer than ever that Etsy is leaning into quality, not just conversions. That’s good news for handmade sellers who take pride in service and craftsmanship, not just cutting costs. But no single tweak will guarantee better visibility. Your best strategy is still the same: offer a great product, deliver a great experience, and let that reputation do the heavy lifting.

Have thoughts on this one? We’d love to hear your take, pro, con, or somewhere in the middle.

❓ Ask Me Anything:

Q: “I’m getting some sales, but I’d love to turn those buyers into regulars. What’s the best way to get repeat customers on Etsy?”

That’s a great question. You’ve worked hard to get the first sale (woohoo!) 🎉 But how do you get that buyer to come back?

Repeat customers are Etsy gold, they’re easier to convert, tend to spend more, and already love what you do. But with Etsy owning the buyer relationship, it takes a little extra effort to build that loyalty. Good news? It’s totally doable. Here’s how:

• 💌 Make the first impression count
  Fast shipping, thoughtful packaging, and a kind thank-you message go a long way. Bonus points for small surprises, like a freebie, discount code, or handwritten note. It turns a one-time order into a feel-good experience ✨

• 📲 Stay gently in touch
  Use Etsy’s messaging (sparingly!) to check in after delivery. Ask how they liked their item, or let them know about a restock. Keep it warm and helpful, not salesy 🤝

• ⭐ Encourage reviews and favorites
  Happy reviews = happy algorithms and more trust. A kind nudge in your thank-you note can help. If someone favorites your shop, they’ll get alerts about your new listings too 🔔

• 🛍️ Think like a buyer
  What would they want next? Create listings that naturally lead to more, matching items, seasonal versions, gift sets, or bundles that reward them for coming back 🧩

• 📷 Stay visible outside Etsy
  Social media can help turn customers into followers. Share behind-the-scenes moments, new launches, or customer love to stay top of mind between purchases 💬💛

✨ Quick Tip:
If you sell digital or repeat-use products, try setting up an Etsy coupon that auto-sends to buyers after their first purchase. Easy win, no extra work 🔁

Getting a repeat customer isn’t just good for your sales, it means you’re doing something right. Keep delivering joy, and they’ll keep coming back 💫

Have a question? 🤔 Hit reply and ask, we might feature your question here in next week’s issue.