Society6 Tag Generator Guide: Get More Eyes on Your Art

Society6 Tag Generator Guide: Get More Eyes on Your Art

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Table of Contents

  1. Understanding Society6 Tags & the Algorithm
  2. Step-by-Step Guide to Effective Tagging
  3. Maximizing Your Tagging Strategy
  4. Society6’s Pricing Change: A New Opportunity
  5. Bonus: Art Generation & Uploading Resources
  6. Focusing on High-Profit Items
  7. FAQ Section
  8. Conclusion

Understanding Society6 Tags & the Algorithm

What are Society6 Tags?

Society6 tags are essentially keywords that act as signposts, directing customers to your art. When a customer searches for a specific term or phrase, the Society6 algorithm scans the metadata of your artwork (title, tags, and description) to determine if it’s a relevant match. Therefore, tags are crucial for appearing in Society6 search results and getting your work seen.

How the Society6 Algorithm Works:

  • Single-Word Focus: Unlike some other print-on-demand sites that prioritize long-tail keywords, the Society6 algorithm prioritizes individual words over phrases. This means that using accurate and relevant single-word tags is crucial for increasing your art’s discoverability.
  • Individual Word Search: Society6’s search functionality allows users to filter search results by individual words. This means that if your tags are too broad or don’t accurately reflect the individual elements of your design, your work might get lost in the shuffle.
  • Visual Example: Let’s say you have a design featuring a pink elephant pattern designed for kids. You might be tempted to use a tag like “kids elephant pattern.” However, using individual tags like “pink,” “elephant,” “pattern,” and “kids” will dramatically increase the chances of your design appearing when a customer uses those individual filter words.

Step-by-Step Guide to Effective Tagging

  • Think Like a Customer: Before you start tagging, put yourself in the shoes of a potential customer. What words or phrases would they use to search for artwork like yours? Consider the theme, style, medium, subject matter, and any other defining characteristics of your design.
    • Example: If your design is a watercolor painting of a sunflower field in Tuscany, consider terms like “watercolor,” “sunflower,” “flowers,” “field,” “Tuscany,” “Italy,” “landscape,” “yellow,” “summer,” etc.
  • Use Single-Word Tags Whenever Possible: This is the most important point for Society6 SEO. Every single word you use as a tag increases your chances of appearing in relevant searches.
  • For Multiple-Word Tags:
    • Limit to Three Words: If you need to use phrases, keep them short and sweet for better algorithm recognition. A two to three-word tag is much more likely to be picked up by the algorithm than a longer, more complex phrase.
    • Use Dashes Instead of Spaces: For multiple-word tags, use dashes instead of spaces. For example, “Abstract-Floral-Art” instead of “Abstract Floral Art.” This helps the algorithm read the individual words more effectively.
  • Focus on Design Intent & Be Precise: Don’t settle for generic terms; be specific. Your tags should accurately describe the unique qualities of your artwork.
    • Example: “Geometric-Minimalist-Design” is far more effective than just “Design.”
  • Utilize Society6’s Creative Briefs: These briefs, found on the Society6 blog, are a goldmine for discovering trending themes and popular search terms. Use them to brainstorm relevant tags for both new and older designs.

Maximizing Your Tagging Strategy

  • Tag Quantity: Society6 allows you to use up to 20 tags for each design. Aim to use all of them, but ensure that every tag is relevant and not repetitive. Avoid using slightly different variations of the same word as this can be considered keyword stuffing.
  • Update Older Designs: Society6’s tagging system has evolved over the years. Designs uploaded before October 2016 may be using an outdated description-based tagging system. Take the time to revisit and update your older designs with relevant single-word tags for optimal discoverability.
  • Avoid Keyword Stuffing: Using irrelevant or overly repetitive tags can actually harm your search ranking. The Society6 algorithm is designed to detect and penalize attempts to manipulate search results. Focus on authentic, relevant tags that genuinely reflect your artwork.

Society6’s Pricing Change: A New Opportunity

  • New Pricing Plans: In late 2023, Society6 introduced new pricing plans. The free plan allows for 10 design uploads. The mid-tier plan allows for 100 uploads for a monthly fee. The Pro plan offers unlimited uploads for a slightly higher annual fee.
  • The Opportunity: While the Pro plan might seem like a hurdle for casual sellers, it presents a massive opportunity for serious artists who are committed to building a successful Society6 business. Many casual sellers will likely opt for the free plan or abandon the platform entirely, resulting in significantly less competition. This means increased visibility and a greater chance of success for Pro plan members.
  • Justifying the Cost: The annual cost of the Pro plan is a small investment compared to the potential for passive income it unlocks. Think of it as a necessary business expense that will pay for itself many times over as you increase your sales.

Bonus: Art Generation & Uploading Resources

  • PatternHippo: This free website is a treasure trove of downloadable patterns. You can easily adapt these patterns for various Society6 products, providing a quick and easy way to create new content.
  • Truly Unlimited: This paid tool allows you to leverage the power of virtual assistants. These assistants can help with downloading, uploading, and managing your art across multiple print-on-demand platforms. Truly Unlimited is an excellent option for artists who want to scale their business efficiently and free up their time to focus on creating.

Focusing on High-Profit Items

  • Society6 has notably higher profit margins on larger prints like wall art than on smaller items like stickers.
  • While diversifying your product offerings is a good practice, strategically focus on creating and tagging designs suitable for high-profit products to maximize your earnings.

FAQ Section

  • Do I need a Society6 Tag Generator? While there are society6 tag generators available, they often lead to the use of generic and ineffective tags. Manual tagging, using the strategies outlined in this guide, will give you far better results.
  • How often should I update my tags? Regularly review and update your tags, especially when Society6 releases new Creative Briefs or when seasonal trends shift.
  • Can I use the same tags on Redbubble and Society6? While there might be some overlap in relevant tags, each platform has its own unique algorithm and user base. It’s best to tailor your tags to the specific requirements of each platform.
  • How important is my design title? Your design title is a key piece of metadata. Make it descriptive, relevant, and enticing to both customers and the search algorithm.

Conclusion

Effective tagging is the key to unlocking success on Society6. By implementing the strategies discussed in this guide, you can get your art seen by more potential customers and begin to earn passive income from your creations. Remember to think like a customer, use precise and relevant tags, and avoid keyword stuffing. With the recent pricing changes, Society6 is now a more fertile ground than ever for dedicated artists who are ready to take their print-on-demand business to the next level.