8 SEO strategies for resellers: A guide to keywords and techniques (2026)

SEO strategies for resellers help items rank higher in search results and get more sales. Here are 8 methods I’ve developed after managing thousands of listings across resale platforms over the years.

What does SEO mean for resellers?

By using search engine optimization (SEO) strategies on reselling platforms (or Google), your items will appear higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). Higher rankings mean more views, without paying for ads. 

To optimize, use clear photos, strong titles, and descriptions that include the right keywords and tags. When you stay consistent with this, your listings move closer to the top and attract more buyers over time.

Marketplace SEO vs. Google SEO

Getting top SEO rankings on marketplaces and Google makes your items easier to find and helps you build lasting trust with customers. Winning the top spots in SERPs also increases your chances of earning a better bottom line.

Marketplace vs. Google SEO: At a glance

Marketplace SEO helps you reach people browsing sites like eBay or Mercari. Your rank on marketplaces depends on title keywords, item details, hashtags (on some platforms), and how well you perform as a seller.

On the other hand, Google SEO reaches buyers searching the web before they land on a marketplace. To rank higher on Google, keep your listings or store pages full of useful keywords, update them often, and earn backlinks. Backlinks are links from trusted websites that connect to your store.

Regular web traffic and engagement signal authority to Google’s algorithm. These two factors help your pages rank higher and attract more qualified buyers over time.

Why is SEO the key to consistent sales?

Strong SEO is the key to consistent sales because it puts your listings in front of buyers already looking for what you sell. Use the right keywords in your titles and descriptions so search engines can match your items to what people type in. 

Relisting your items often also helps keep them fresh and visible in search results. 

For example, if you offer Nike sneakers using the title “Air Max 90 mens size 10 white” and relist them every few weeks on Mercari, they stay visible in both search results and new listings. 

8 SEO strategies: TL;DR

Strategy 1: Understand how marketplace search works

Listings that use exact keywords in the title, include size and condition details, and stay active often rank higher. Adding these details helps your items show up before competitors who skip these important steps.

Poshmark search and hashtags

Poshmark ranks listings based on title keywords, hashtags, and social engagement signals, including shares and follows. Understanding the following factors helps you appear in more search results and feeds:

• Title keywords drive search visibility: Poshmark’s algorithm prioritizes listing titles when matching buyer searches. Front-load titles with brand, style, and size to capture specific queries. For instance, “Free People floral maxi dress size small” ranks higher than a vague title like “Beautiful summer dress.”
• Hashtags expand your reach: Relevant hashtags like  #vintagestyle or #designerjeans place listings in trending and category feeds. Use up to 3 hashtags per listing to reach audiences beyond title searches.
• Shares increase listing priority: Sharing your listings during peak shopping hours refreshes visibility and signals engagement. Frequent sharing pushes your items higher in feeds and search results.
• Followers create repeat visibility: Your followers serve as a steady stream of traffic for your listings. If you have more followers, the algorithm places your shared items higher in their feed.

eBay SEO basics

eBay's search algorithm prioritizes detailed titles and item specifics. Here are the core elements you need to optimize on eBay: 

• Titles: eBay’s search engine scans listing titles first. Include precise details like brand, model number, size, and condition to attract buyers. A title such as “Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones black noise canceling” ranks higher than vague titles like “Great headphones” because it matches the exact search terms shoppers use.
• Item specifics: Complete every item-specific field, including brand, color, size, and material. These details help eBay match your listing to filtered searches. When buyers filter searches, only listings with completed fields appear. Incomplete listings lose visibility automatically.

• Category selection: Choose the most accurate category to reach the right audience. Listing vintage Air Jordans under “Athletic Shoes” instead of “Shoes” connects you with collectors browsing that niche, which improves both relevance and sales.
• Seller performance: eBay’s algorithm favors sellers with a proven track record. Maintaining a transaction defect rate below 2%, keeping cases closed without seller resolution below 0.3%, offering one-day handling time, and minimizing order defects (including cancellations, late shipments, and returns) increase your listings' placement in search results.

Mercari and Etsy visibility factors

Mercari and Etsy use algorithms that prioritize listing freshness, buyer engagement, and accurate tagging. Keep these tips in mind to maintain visibility and attract consistent traffic:

• Keyword freshness: Both platforms prioritize newly listed or recently updated items. Relist Mercari products every 30 days to reset timestamps. Renew Etsy listings every 3–4 months to keep listings active, as they expire after 4 months. 
• Engagement signals improve ranking: Mercari tracks likes and views. Etsy tracks favorites and cart additions. Items that earn likes soon after posting gain visibility in search feeds. Early engagement builds momentum and attracts buyers.
• Tagging accuracy for better discoverability: Mercari uses categories, whereas Etsy allows up to 13 searchable tags per listing. Tags like “handmade ceramic mug” or “vintage Nike windbreaker” reach targeted shoppers. Vague terms like “gift” or “clothing” attract traffic that rarely converts.

• Shipping speed affects seller status: Both platforms reward fast shipping by increasing listing visibility and building buyer trust. Sellers who ship Mercari orders within 3 days may also rank higher in search, but we recommend shipping within as quickly as possible. Etsy sellers with shipping costs under $6 will rank higher. 

Strategy 2: Find the right keywords for your listings

By using the best keywords, you can connect your inventory with active searches and improve conversion rates across all platforms. Follow these steps to find the right keywords for your listings:

Step 1: Use the marketplace auto-suggest and sold listings

Type your product name into the marketplace search bar and review auto-suggestions to find actual buyer search terms. Filter sold listings of similar items. Then, identify which keywords appear in high-performing titles. 

For example, a reseller listing Coach bags might see that “Coach crossbody purse leather” sells better than “designer handbag.”

Step 2: Create a keyword bank for each platform

Keep a spreadsheet of keywords organized by platform and product category. Buyer language varies on each platform. For instance, Poshmark users might search “Free People boho dress” to emphasize style. eBay shoppers might just type “Free People floral maxi size small.” 

Use your keyword bank to accelerate listing creation. Your spreadsheet can help tailor titles for each marketplace when crossposting.

Step 3: Balance niche and high-volume keywords

Combine broad terms for visibility with detailed keywords that attract serious buyers. The term “running shoes” captures general traffic. But the keyword “Brooks Ghost 14 women’s size 8 neutral cushion” targets ready-to-buy shoppers searching for that exact model. 

Step 4: Avoid over-optimization and keyword stuffing

Avoid repeating the same word or adding irrelevant terms to rank higher. Titles like “Nike shoes, Nike sneakers, Nike running, Nike athletic shoes” appear spammy and perform poorly in search results. 

Instead, write natural, descriptive titles like “Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 running shoes men’s size 11.” Marketplaces favor listings that clearly match real buyer intent.

Step 5: Use a tool like Nifty that generates keywords from listings

Nifty is a crosslisting, automation, and analytics tool that uses AI to analyze product photos. From these photos, Nifty’s AI generates SEO-optimized titles, descriptions, and tags. The AI tailors results to the actual content of each listing. Each result aligns with real buyer search behavior.

Strategy 3: Optimize product titles and descriptions

Your title and description determine where algorithms place your listings, which directly affects visibility. Follow these tactics to write product titles and descriptions that attract buyers:

• Lead with brand, item type, and descriptor: Front-load your title with brand, product type, and a key feature. For example, “Patagonia fleece pullover quarter-zip navy blue medium” signals relevance to both algorithms and shoppers. And, it avoids a weak title like “Nice warm jacket.”
• Include size, material, or style for relevance: Add attributes like dimensions, fabric content, or design style to answer buyer questions early. A title like “mid-century modern walnut dresser 6-drawer 60 inches” includes searchable style, material, and size details.
• Write descriptions that convert and rank: Start with a search-friendly overview. Add measurements, condition, and key benefits next. For example, “Vintage Levi’s 501 jeans, original button fly, 32-inch inseam, authentic fading,” uses natural keywords. 

Strategy 4: Use tags and hashtags strategically

Tags and hashtags expand your listings beyond direct keyword searches. Marketplace algorithms link them to trending topics and browsing feeds. 

Each marketplace has a unique approach to tag usage. Etsy allows up to 13 searchable tags per listing. Mercari uses categories to improve filtered search placement. On Poshmark, hashtags like #poshmarkcloset or #vintagefinds can increase visibility in community feeds, but note that Poshmark only allows three hashtags per listing.  

With hashtags, buyers often discover products they weren’t actively searching for. For example, a jewelry reseller using tags like “handmade earrings,” “bohemian jewelry,” and “gift for her” plus #boutiquefinds captures more buyer paths. These reach both casual browsers and those conducting keyword searches.

Strategy 5: Keep listings fresh with regular updates

Marketplace algorithms push recently updated listings higher in search results and “just in” feeds. Follow these steps to keep your listings fresh:

Step 1: Understand the algorithm

Marketplace algorithms reward activity. They promote recently updated listings in search results and ‘just in’ feeds buyers check first. But, avoid oversharing personal or repetitive details in listings. Too many words bore readers and push them to check out someone else’s listing.

Step 2: Refresh listings regularlyThe best relisting intervals vary by marketplace. Here’s how relisting works on some popular platforms:

• Poshmark: Share or relist items daily to stay visible, but respect the 60-day relisting policy to avoid landing in Poshmark Jail. The algorithm rewards frequent engagement, so consider rotating the listings you share each day instead of reposting everything at once.
• Mercari: Relist every month. Mercari’s algorithm prioritizes freshness and seller activity, so regular updates keep your items higher in search results and “Just For You” feeds.
• eBay: Use ‘Sell Similar’ or update listings every 30 days to trigger recency signals without resetting listing history. eBay rewards steady activity rather than constant relisting.
• Etsy: Refresh or renew listings every 4 months, especially for seasonal or trending items. Etsy favors recently renewed listings, but overdoing it can waste renewal fees.
• Depop: Relist or refresh listings every 30 days. Depop’s feed emphasizes new and active posts, so consistent updates keep your inventory circulating among engaged buyers.

When relisting, add relevant, fresh information in each update, rather than spammy edits that damage credibility.

Step 3: Automate to save time and improve reachUse reselling tools like Nifty to schedule relists across platforms such as Poshmark, Mercari, and eBay. Nifty optimizes timing for peak shopping hours, freeing up time for sourcing and customer engagement. Smart automation keeps items circulating through top search positions while maintaining a natural posting rhythm.

Strategy 6: Expand SEO to Google and beyond

Relying solely on marketplaces limits your reach to only the shoppers who are already browsing those platforms. Here’s how to expand your reach to Google and social media:

Tip 1: Optimize shop pages for Google

By optimizing your shop profile, your listings can appear in Google results when buyers research products outside the platform. This captures organic traffic before buyers ever reach Etsy or eBay, building lasting brand recognition. 

Follow these 6 steps for optimizing your listings on Google: 

1. Research buyer search terms with tools: Use Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, or Etsy’s search bar to find the exact phrases shoppers use (e.g., “mid-century modern vase” or “vintage wall mirror”). Save them to a spreadsheet for later use in your titles and descriptions.
2. Optimize your shop homepage: Add your main keywords naturally in your shop title, bio, and banner text. For example, instead of “Sarah’s Finds,” write “Sarah’s Vintage Home Decor | Mid-Century, Retro & Ceramic Pieces.” Google indexes your keywords, so they influence how your shop appears in search results.
3. Add keywords to product titles and meta descriptions: Include 1–2 target keywords in each product title and use clear, descriptive wording (e.g., “Vintage Mid-Century Ceramic Vase – 1960s Pottery Home Decor”). In the product description, naturally describe an item’s size, material, and style.
4. Rename and tag product images: Before uploading, rename each image file with descriptive keywords (e.g., mid-century-ceramic-vase.jpg) and add alt text that matches. Google Image Search uses multiple signals to understand images, including file names, alt text, and surrounding content. Descriptive file names help provide context, but alt text is the most important metadata for image SEO. Both should be optimized for best results.
5. Link your shop externally: Add your store link to your social profiles, blog, or YouTube channel. These backlinks inform Google that your shop is trustworthy and help improve your ranking over time.
6. Keep content fresh: Update product listings every few months with new photos or adjusted keywords to signal ongoing activity. Google favors updated, relevant pages over static ones.

Tip 2: Create keyword-rich bios and profiles

In your shop profile’s bio or about sections, describe what you sell using targeted keywords. Write lines like, “I sell vintage band tees, concert merch, and rare 90s streetwear.” These words communicate your niche to both Google and marketplace algorithms, connecting your profile with the right audience.

Tip 3: Optimize your listings on social media

Social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram count as excellent search engines, where optimized posts drive ongoing traffic. Use these 6 steps to optimize your social media SEO: 

1. Research search-friendly keywords: Find the phrases buyers actually use on Pinterest, Instagram, or Google. Use these exact terms in your captions, pin titles, and descriptions to match shopper intent.
2. Use clear, high-quality visuals: Post bright, eye-catching images that highlight product details. Add subtle branding or a logo, so your posts stand out in feeds and build recognition over time.
3. Write keyword-rich titles and captions: Describe each product naturally using your target keywords. For example: “Refinished walnut credenza perfect for a modern home.” Avoid filler or repetitive hashtags that don’t add search value.
4. Add alt text and tags for SEO: Use Pinterest descriptions and Instagram’s “Advanced Settings” to write alt text that visually describes the product and includes key terms. Add relevant tags for style, material, or category to improve visibility.
5. Link directly to your listings: Always include your product or shop link in every pin or post. Including these details drives traffic directly from social discovery to your listings.
6. Stay consistent and engage: Post several times weekly, reply to comments, and refresh visuals regularly. Consistent posting signals activity to algorithms and keeps your listings visible longer.

Tip 4: Create a website that doubles as your e-commerce hub

Build a site where you can both sell products and publish niche-specific content. This combination strengthens your brand identity and gives you control over SEO. Post blogs, YouTube embeds, or TikToks related to your niche. You can feature tutorials, product reviews, or behind-the-scenes sourcing stories. 

Don’t know how to code? These days, programming to create a website is no longer necessary. Use no-code website builders like Wix or Squarespace to create a stunning and professional-looking website. 

These platforms have e-commerce features that also allow you to sell your products, providing yet another outlet for reaching more buyers.

Tip 5: Build backlinks and authority

When you publish helpful, shareable content on your website, you attract backlinks naturally from Reddit threads, fashion bloggers, and other online communities. 

Backlinks tell Google that your website is trustworthy and niche-relevant, which increases your rankings in SERPs. Focus on creating evergreen, detailed posts that other sellers or bloggers want to reference. 

You can also create backlinks by writing guest posts on reputable sites in your niche. Reach out to reseller and e-commerce blogs like eCommerce Fastlane and The Retail Exec. Provide them with background information about your sales experience and propose a few topics on which you can share insights. Note any submission requirements before you contact these and other blogs.

Strategy 7: Use tools to automate SEO and track performance

Manual SEO optimization across multiple platforms eats into valuable selling time. Here are some automation tools that can handle title optimization and performance tracking. 

Strategy 8: Track your results and adjust

SEO performance changes constantly because algorithms are updated and buyer behavior evolves. Follow these points to reveal which strategies result in sales and which need adjustment:

• Use analytics to see rankings: Platform analytics show which listings generate the most views, clicks, and conversions. Checking your stats weekly might reveal which terminology to prioritize in future titles, helping you find keywords that connect with searchers.
• Identify best-selling categories by keyword: Analyzing which product categories and keywords drive your highest sales helps you focus inventory sourcing on proven winners. Buyers’ purchasing decisions should align with demonstrated keyword performance, illustrating demand patterns.
• Rework low-performing listings regularly: Items sitting unsold for 30-plus days need fresh titles, updated photos, or revised pricing. Consider using seasonal keywords and specific brand information to better match current search trends and buyer interests.
• Test keywords across multiple listings: Experiment with different keyword strategies to reveal which keywords perform best for your specific niche and audience. This helps you adopt winning keywords across your entire inventory for compounding visibility improvements.

SEO for reselling is a long-term process. Algorithms evolve, buyer habits shift, and keywords that work today might fade next season. You should also monitor and maintain your SEO strategy to build lasting visibility.

How Nifty helps improve your SEO

Now that you’ve explored the best SEO strategies for resellers, it’s time to turn strategy into sales. Nifty is a crosslisting platform that helps your listings rank higher, saving you time and allowing you to sell faster, all from one command center. 

Here’s how Nifty supports smarter SEO for resellers:

• AI listing optimization: Snap a picture and let Nifty’s AI create SEO-optimized titles, keyword-rich descriptions, and trending hashtags.
• Crosslist for wider reach: Post your items on Poshmark, eBay, Mercari, Depop, and Etsy (more coming soon!) in just a few clicks. 
• Auto-delisting protection: Nifty automatically removes sold items across marketplaces, keeping your listings clean and accurate.
• Bulk tools that scale: Schedule, relist, or update dozens of items at once. Nifty keeps your inventory fresh, which helps ranking and engagement.
• Actionable analytics: Track which listings perform best, find your top keywords, and spot underperformers to refine your SEO strategy over time.

Start with a 7-day free trial and see how Nifty can improve your profits. 

FAQs

1. What does SEO mean for resellers?

SEO for resellers means optimizing product listings to rank higher in marketplace and Google searches, attracting more buyers without relying on ads. This strategy utilizes targeted keywords in titles and descriptions, adds accurate tags, completes item specifics, and keeps listings fresh through regular updates.

2. Do hashtags really help on reseller platforms?

Yes, hashtags really help on reseller platforms. They expand your reach beyond basic keyword searches by connecting listings to trending categories and community feeds. Using hashtags like #vintagefinds or #boutiquestyle attracts shoppers who discover products they weren’t actively searching for, creating extra traffic that complements your title keywords and strengthens overall visibility.

3. Should I update my listings for better visibility?

Yes, you should update your listings for better visibility. Relist items on Poshmark every 60 days, on Mercari and eBay every 30 days, on Etsy every 4 months (after items expire), and on Depop every 30 days. Relisting too quickly can negatively impact your item’s ranking in a platform’s algorithm.