- Etsy lets you add links via Shop Announcement, About section, and external Social Media links in your shop settings.
- Etsy does not allow direct external links in listings (would bypass Etsy's checkout). Violation can suspend your shop.
- For multiple destinations, use a link-in-bio service like UniLink in your shop About + tie via your About me, message, and shipping insert cards.
Where Etsy Allows Links
| Location | Links allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shop Announcement | Yes | ~120 chars, top of shop |
| About section | Yes (hyperlinked) | ~5,000 chars |
| Social Media (shop settings) | Yes (Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, etc.) | Multiple platforms |
| Listing description | NO external links | Etsy restricts to keep buyers on platform |
| Listing title | NO links | Plain text only |
| Listing photos | NO links in image text | Etsy can flag |
| Shipping insert cards (physical) | Yes — your own URL on packaging | Most flexible option |
| Direct messages with buyers | Yes (after purchase) | Personal communication |
How to Add Social Media Links in Etsy Shop Settings
- Open Shop Manager → Settings → Info & Appearance.
- Scroll to Social Media.
- Add URLs for:
- X / Twitter
- TikTok
- YouTube
- Save.
These appear as social icons on your shop page.
How to Add Links to Your Etsy About Section
- Shop Manager → Settings → Info & Appearance.
- Click Edit next to "About your shop."
- Write your story (5,000 chars).
- Insert links: type the URL — Etsy auto-detects and makes them clickable.
- Save.
The About section is one of Etsy's most-read pages. Use it to:
- Tell your story.
- Mention your other platforms (Instagram, YouTube).
- Link to your link-in-bio for full destinations.
- Add brand voice and personality.
How to Add Shop Announcement
- Shop Manager → Settings → Info & Appearance.
- Edit Shop Announcement (~120 chars).
- Use for: holiday hours, sales, shipping delays.
Note: links in Shop Announcement aren't clickable. Use the About section for clickable URLs.
What Etsy DOES NOT Allow
Etsy strictly prohibits:
- Links in listing descriptions to buy outside Etsy.
- Links to your own checkout/website to bypass Etsy fees.
- Promotional URLs in listing titles or photos.
- Encouraging buyers to reach out outside Etsy for purchases.
Violations can result in shop suspension. Etsy has 1B+ buyer searches/month — they're protecting their cut.
How to Use Shipping Inserts to Drive Traffic
The most powerful Etsy growth tactic: physical shipping inserts.
- Print business cards or thank-you cards.
- Include:
- Your link-in-bio URL.
- Discount code for repeat purchases (off-Etsy if you have a website).
- Instagram handle.
- QR code linking to your link-in-bio.
- Add to every shipped package.
- Buyers find your direct channels and may buy from you direct next time.
Etsy's TOS doesn't restrict what you put in physical packages.
How to Drive Etsy Traffic from Outside
- Pinterest — Etsy's #1 traffic source. Pin product photos with links to listings.
- Instagram — link in bio + posts about products.
- TikTok — short product demos with link in bio.
- Etsy Ads — paid promotion within Etsy search.
- Email list — repeat customers + new product launches.
- Influencer partnerships — for relevant niches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a link to my website on Etsy?
In your About section and Social Media settings: yes. In listings: no — Etsy prohibits links that bypass their checkout.
Why doesn't Etsy allow links in listings?
Etsy protects their commission (6.5% per sale + transaction fees). Listing links to external checkout bypass this revenue.
Can I include my Instagram in my Etsy shop?
Yes — Settings → Info & Appearance → Social Media. Adds an Instagram icon on your shop.
Can I tell buyers to contact me off Etsy?
For purchases: no — explicitly prohibited. For customer service: ok if buyer initiates on Etsy first.
What's the best way to drive Etsy traffic to my own website?
Shipping insert cards in packages. Etsy doesn't restrict what's in physical packages, so you can include your direct URL + discount code.
Key Takeaways
- Add social links via Settings → Info & Appearance → Social Media.
- About section: 5,000 chars, supports clickable URLs.
- Listings: NO external links allowed — Etsy enforces strictly.
- Shipping inserts: most flexible — include your URL + QR code on physical cards.
- Pinterest is the #1 external traffic source for Etsy shops.
Build a customer base off-Etsy with one link
Add a UniLink URL to your Etsy About + shipping inserts — covers your website, social media, newsletter, repeat customer discounts. Free.