eRank Review: The Free Etsy SEO Tool with a Grading Problem
Honest review of eRank's free keyword research tool, listing grading system accuracy issues, Chrome extension, and whether the Pro plans are worth upgrading to.
Quick Verdict
eRank offers a free plan with basic keyword research features. However, the letter grading system (A-F) is widely criticized as unreliable—even eRank admits top-performing listings can score D or F. For sellers serious about accurate keyword research and optimization, consider Marmalead or CraftyTrendy which provide real Etsy search data and proven results.
⚠️ Grading System Warning
eRank's letter grades (A-F) are not reliable. Users consistently report that top-performing listings score as D or F, while poorly-performing listings get A or B.
What users say:
- • "All top listings on first page are D rank"
- • "The letter grade ranking is a joke"
- • "Lost time and money following eRank advice"
Even eRank's own documentation states: "We do not recommend changing listings that perform well regardless of their grade."
What Works
- Generous free plan with core features
- Extensive keyword database
- Trend Buzz tool for trend tracking
- Chrome extension available
- Long track record (established tool)
- Affordable Pro plans ($5.99+)
Major Issues
- Letter grading system is unreliable
- Outdated interface design
- Requires dashboard switching (not seamless)
- Limited product research features
- Historical data only (no predictive)
- Pro support can be slow
Key Features
Keyword Research
eRank's strongest feature. Access to extensive keyword database with search volumes, competition levels, and related terms. Good for discovering long-tail keywords and analyzing search trends over time.
Perfect for: Keyword discovery, search volume research, competitor keyword analysis
Listing Grading (Use with Caution)
A-F letter grades for Etsy listings. Major accuracy issues—doesn't factor in Etsy's actual algorithm, quality metrics, or customer experience. Use only for brainstorming ideas, never as absolute advice.
Warning: Ignore grades for well-performing listings. Many successful sellers report D/F scores.
Trend Buzz
Track trending keywords and seasonal patterns. Shows historical search trends to help identify seasonal opportunities and declining trends. Useful for planning product launches.
Perfect for: Seasonal planning, trend identification, historical analysis
Pricing
Free Plan
$0Generous free tier with core features
- • Core keyword research
- • Listing grading (with accuracy caveats)
- • Trend Buzz access
- • Basic Chrome extension
- • Community support
Basic Pro
Extended features for active sellers
- • Everything in Free
- • Extended keyword searches
- • Keyword lists and tracking
- • Priority support
Pro Plus
Maximum features for power users
- • Everything in Basic Pro
- • Unlimited searches
- • Bulk listing tools
- • Advanced analytics
- • API access
How Does eRank Compare?
vs. Marmalead
Marmalead wins on accuracy, predictive data, and AI features. eRank wins on price (free vs $19/month). Serious sellers choose Marmalead for better ROI; budget sellers use eRank free.
See full comparison →vs. Alura
For modern, accurate keyword research with real Etsy search data, use Marmalead ($19/month) or CraftyTrendy ($3.99/month). Both provide superior data quality and proven optimization strategies.
See full comparison →Who Should Use eRank?
✓ Good For:
- • Budget-conscious sellers (free plan)
- • Beginners learning Etsy SEO basics
- • Supplementary keyword research alongside paid tools
- • Historical trend analysis
- • Sellers with tight profit margins
✗ Not Ideal For:
- • Serious sellers who need accurate grading (use Marmalead)
- • Those who want predictive forecasting
- • Sellers seeking modern, intuitive UX
- • Product research and sales analytics (use Everbee)
- • Sellers who will follow letter grades blindly
Frequently Asked Questions
Is eRank accurate for Etsy SEO?
eRank's keyword data has limitations, and the letter grading system (A-F) has significant accuracy issues. Many top-performing listings rank as D or F. For reliable keyword data with accurate search volumes and competition scores, use Marmalead or CraftyTrendy which provide real Etsy search data.
Is eRank free worth it?
Yes, eRank's free plan is excellent for budget-conscious sellers. You get core keyword research, listing grading (flawed but useful for ideas), and trend tracking at no cost. It's perfect for beginners or as a supplement to paid tools like Marmalead or Alura.
Should I upgrade to eRank Pro?
eRank Pro ($5.99-$9.99/month) adds extended searches, keyword lists, and priority support. Worth it if you need unlimited searches and bulk tools, but many sellers find the free plan sufficient, especially when combined with other tools.
Why are my listings ranked D or F?
eRank's grading system doesn't factor in Etsy's actual algorithm, quality metrics, or customer experience. High-performing listings often score poorly because the grading only evaluates surface-level factors like tag usage. If your listings are performing well, ignore the grade.
Our Recommendation
For accurate keyword research and optimization advice, we recommend Marmalead as the #1 Etsy SEO tool ($19/month), or CraftyTrendy ($3.99/month) as a budget alternative. Both provide real Etsy search data and proven results without the reliability issues found in eRank's grading system.
Review Methodology
Based on documented user feedback, eRank's own documentation, and hands-on testing. Updated January 2025.