What’s going on with Etsy? My sales aren’t the same
Lately, I’ve noticed my Etsy sales have dropped a lot, and I know I’m not the only one. My shop isn’t getting as many views, and the orders just aren’t coming in like before (from nice 15-20 daily sales to 3-5).
After talking to other sellers, it’s clear that many of us are going through the same thing. So I wanted to share what I think is happening and what we can do about it.
At first, I thought maybe it was just my shop or my products, but after checking Etsy groups and reading other sellers’ posts, I realized it’s a bigger issue. A lot of people are seeing the same drop in sales, even those who’ve been doing well for years.
Less traffic to ETSY = Fewer views
The main thing I’ve noticed is that my shop isn’t getting as much traffic as it did before, my listings don’t show up in search results like they used to, and my daily views are way down. That tells me Etsy probably changed something in how it shows listings to buyers because I haven't updated all my listings.
Or maybe there was something going on with my store which I wouldn't suspect at all.
Etsy often updates its search system, and even small changes can make a big difference. It might now be showing fewer listings more often or focusing on shops that use Etsy Ads.
What could be causing this
Etsy hasn’t said exactly what’s going on, but I think it’s a mix of things:
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The search algorithm might have changed. Not the ETSY's one but Google's. More about that below;
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There’s more competition now, with new sellers joining all the time;
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Paid ads may be showing up more than regular listings;
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Buyer habits are different, people are shopping less or in different ways;
All of this together can make it feel like your shop just “disappeared” overnight.
Understanding the decline: Google's algorithm changes and Etsy traffic
In my analysis, I believe the recent drop in Etsy sales can be attributed to significant changes in Google's search algorithm. Google's August 2025 spam update, which began rolling out in early August, has had a noticeable impact on website traffic across various platforms.
This shift suggests that Google's updated algorithms are affecting how Etsy listings are indexed and ranked, leading to reduced visibility and fewer visitors to our shops.
As a result, it's crucial for Etsy sellers to adapt their strategies to maintain and grow their online presence. This includes optimizing listings for Etsy's evolving search algorithms, enhancing product visibility through improved SEO practices, and diversifying traffic sources beyond Google to ensure sustained sales and shop growth.
September 2025 on Google
In September 2025, Google made a significant change by disabling the &num=100 parameter, which allowed users and SEO tools to view up to 100 search results on a single page. This adjustment has led to noticeable drops in reported impressions and keyword visibility for many websites, including Etsy shops.
The primary reason for this decline is that the &num=100 parameter was commonly used by bots and SEO tools to scrape search results, generating artificial impressions that inflated the data. With the removal of this parameter, these bot-driven impressions have disappeared, leading to a more accurate representation of actual user interactions in Google Search Console.
Consequently, while your shop's performance may appear to have declined, this is likely due to the removal of inflated data rather than a genuine drop in visibility. It's important to focus on metrics such as actual clicks and conversions to assess your shop's true performance.
What Is Etsy doing?
Etsy has recognized the impact of changing search algorithms on seller traffic, and they are taking steps to help. One of the new features Etsy rolled out uses AI to automatically adapt listing titles and keywords.
This update is designed to improve how listings appear in both Etsy search and Google search results, helping sellers regain visibility and attract more visitors to their shops. While it won’t solve everything overnight, it’s a helpful tool for staying competitive in the evolving marketplace.
What I’m doing about it
Instead of just waiting for things to improve, I’ve been trying different things to see what helps.
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Updating my listings: I’m changing my titles with and without AI, tags, and photos to match what people are searching for right now;
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Trying new ideas: I’m testing small changes, like new keywords or slightly different prices;
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Getting traffic from other places: I’m sharing more on social media and Pinterest so I’m not relying only on Etsy;
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Watching my shop stats: I’m keeping an eye on what gets clicks and what doesn’t, so I can make smarter changes.
It’s a lot of trial and error, but that’s how we learn what works.
Staying flexible
The truth is, Etsy is always changing. What worked before might not work now, and that can be frustrating. But it’s also part of running a business online.
I’m trying to look at it as a chance to learn and grow. If you’re going through this too, don’t give up. Keep testing, stay creative, and remember that slow periods happen to everyone.
To sum it up: Yes, Etsy feels different right now, and many of us are seeing lower sales. But with some patience, new ideas, and a willingness to adapt, we can still find success. It just takes time and a little experimenting.
Etsy sales outlook for 2026
As we look ahead to 2026, Etsy sellers can anticipate a dynamic marketplace shaped by evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements; industry experts suggest that success will hinge on adaptability and strategic foresight.
Sasha Hutchison, a digital product strategist, emphasizes the importance of early trend adoption:
"The sellers who win in 2026 will: 1) Spot emerging categories early, 2) Launch ahead of buyers, 3) Package trends in ways people already want."
Additionally, financial analysts project steady growth for Etsy's revenue, with forecasts indicating a rise to approximately $289 billion in 2026.
To thrive in this evolving landscape, we - the sellers - should still focus on identifying niche markets, leveraging data analytics, and embracing innovative marketing strategies. By staying attuned to these trends, Etsy shops can position themselves for success in the coming year.
