This post is ongoing coverage of using tags in listings and in searches.

Someone reported what she regarded as a search bug. When she searched her own shop with “rose gold,” she retrieved a listing tagged with “gold” and “rose quartz.” The listing was not tagged with either “rose” or “rose gold.” But according to Chris aka Revolving Dork,

[t]his is the way it’s intended to work, and will likely continue to work — but we’re working on revisions that should make things easier.

A similar example of search bleeding was cited in a recent Storque article discussing removal of inappropriate tags without telling the seller (our previous coverage). In that article, Etsy said a search of “stocking” will pull up items tagged with “stocking stuffer.” Because of this bleed of the “stocking” tag during search, Etsy cited use of “stocking stuffer” for soap as an example of inappropriate tagging. Presumably this is an example of a target for auto-removal once the Etsy tool is implemented.

Etsy also recently expanded the range of tags suggested during the listing flow (http://etsynews.com/471/jewelry-soap-dish-pot-pipe/ ).

kfarrell says:
The suggested tags are meant as a starting point, and can be helpful when trying to think of words to describe your item.

Obviously you will need to use your own judgment and creativity when tagging your particular item.

If you do not find the tag suggestions helpful, you are free to enter your own tags into the boxes, provided they are relevant words to your item.

Interesting to think what would happen if the Etsy-suggested tags are later identified by another Etsy tool as “inappropriate” (due to intentional bleed or some other reason) and automatically removed from the listing(s) without telling the seller. Would the seller’s account be dinged?

My head is spinning.

UPDATE (additional info):

We recently increased the number of tags suggested on step 2 of the listing process to show a maximum of 23 suggestions. . . .

If you do not find the tag suggestions helpful, you are free to enter your own tags into the boxes, provided they are relevant words to your item. When choosing tags, keep in mind the following:

* Do tag your item with a variety of descriptive words.
* Do tag all supplies with the word supplies.
* Do tag all non-handmade goods with commercial. The second tag for all commercial supplies or vintage items should be commercial.
* Do tag your item as mature if it may not be suitable for those under 18. Please see the rules for listing mature content in the DOs and DON’Ts for more specific information.
* Don’t tag your item with unrelated terms. If you have made a bracelet, do not tag it with earrings.
* Don’t tag supplies with potential uses for them. Yarn should not be tagged with hat or scarf.
* Don’t tag your item with gift suggestions. Items should not have tags like Christmas gift or stocking stuffer. You may add these words in your description.
* Don’t put multiple ideas in one tag. It is fine to list sterling silver, jump rings, long sleeve, or diaper bag as one tag because these words are related, and when they stand alone do not relate to the item being listed. However, tagging multiple words such as bracelet pendant clasp in one box is abuse.
* Don’t tag your item with the username of another seller.
* Don’t tag your item with the name or acronym of an Etsy Team to which you are not a member.

You do not need to tag with both the singular and plural.

If there is a particular category you want your item to appear in, you will need to use that exact tag in your listing. So if you want your item to appear in Pets > Toy > Chew, you will need the tags chew and toy in your listing.

Happy tagging!

For more information on tagging, please see these informative Storque articles!

(bolding in original)