How to Write Product Descriptions That Actually Sell

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Step #1: Set the Scene with a Captivating Introduction
  3. Step #2: Put a Spotlight on the Emotional Benefits
  4. Step #3: Make Your Features the Hero
  5. Step #4: Use the Finer Details, Enrich the Tale
  6. Step #5: Thrill with Social Proof and Testimonials
  7. Step #6: Complete the Scene with a Clear Call to Action
  8. Step #7: Weave SEO Magic into Your Product Story
  9. Step #8: Bring Your Product Stories to Life with Efficient Tools
  10. Conclusion
  11. FAQ

Introduction

Have you ever landed on a product page, only to leave without making a purchase because the description didn't grab your attention? Imagine this: Cinderella stumbled upon a pair of So Kate pumps on an online store, the very slippers she dreamt of for the gala. But alas, the product description was so lackluster that she left the store, running off to another retailer who knew how to craft compelling product descriptions that actually sell.

This is the real tragedy many online stores face — missing out on capturing their audience due to uninspiring product storytelling. Fortunately, writing an effective product description that appeals to both humans and search engines isn’t rocket science. In this blog post, we will explore a comprehensive eight-step blueprint to craft product descriptions that captivate, convert, and boost sales.

By following these steps, you'll learn how to set the scene, trigger emotions, highlight unique features, and integrate SEO strategies to transform your product pages into powerful sales tools.

Step #1: Set the Scene with a Captivating Introduction

Starting your product description with an engaging introduction is crucial. Your product should be the star of a story that immediately grabs the shopper's attention. Use vivid language to paint a picture of the product’s purpose and appeal. This approach not only intrigues your audience but also speaks directly to your target market.

For instance, even a simple t-shirt can be jazzed up. Lazy Oaf does this beautifully with short, captivating sentences that set the scene for their shoppers. Introducing your product in this imaginative way entices the reader to explore more, setting the tone for a positive shopping experience.

Step #2: Put a Spotlight on the Emotional Benefits

Next, reel your audience in with an emotional trigger. Highlighting how your product fulfills a shopper’s desires or solves their pain points can be a game-changer. Questions to consider: How does this product enhance your customer’s life? What problems does it solve? How does it make them feel?

Take, for example, WWF and Goodfair’s t-shirt descriptions. They effectively set the scene and highlight the emotional benefits, making the shoppers connect with the product on a deeper level. Testing different emotional triggers and display methods will help you find the perfect combination for your audience.

Step #3: Make Your Features the Hero

After capturing their initial interest, keep your audience engaged by diving into the product’s features. This is where you differentiate your product from the competition by emphasizing unique selling propositions (USPs) and specifics.

Creativity in describing features can elevate your product. Using sensory words and tactile verbs, such as “indulge in the shimmering texture,” adds depth. Alternatively, bullet points can make descriptions of technical specifications or numerous features more scannable, as successfully demonstrated by The Oodie.

Step #4: Use the Finer Details, Enrich the Tale

Even the simplest product can benefit from an enriched description that includes technical specifications, dimensions, and care instructions. These details not only address any lingering questions but also reassure buyers about their purchase.

For example, Kettle & Fire and Babiators use creative sections to weave in their product’s finer details. Babiators even divides features into easily consumable chapters, enhancing readability and customer engagement.

Step #5: Thrill with Social Proof and Testimonials

Social proof in the form of customer testimonials and reviews can substantiate your product promises, building trust and credibility. It's like having a trustworthy friend vouch for you. Neil Patel mentions that 83% of people are more likely to trust a review over an ad.

Kirrin Finch’s product pages subtly but effectively display ratings and review numbers, avoiding clutter while building trust. Authenticity is key; showcasing both positive and negative reviews presents a transparent view of customer experiences.

Moreover, addressing negative reviews demonstrates a commitment to customer satisfaction. Bazaarvoice highlights that 54% of shoppers expect a brand response to their negative reviews, which can transform unhappy customers into loyal ones.

Step #6: Complete the Scene with a Clear Call to Action

Every compelling story needs a decisive climax, akin to a clear and bold call to action (CTA) in your product descriptions. A well-crafted CTA should direct customers on what to do next, whether it's "Buy Now" or "Check the Sizing Chart."

Beefcake Swimwear, for instance, cleverly incorporates a CTA guiding potential customers to their sizing chart, serving their unique selling proposition. A strong CTA leaves no room for ambiguity, prompting immediate action from your shoppers.

Step #7: Weave SEO Magic into Your Product Story

To ensure your captivating product descriptions are also discoverable, integrate SEO best practices. Use relevant keywords naturally within your description, focusing on popular search terms related to your product.

Advanced SEO techniques, such as optimizing for long-tail keywords, can boost your product's visibility in search engine results. Regularly updating product descriptions with seasonal trends and customer feedback while keeping an eye on SEO metrics can significantly enhance your product’s online presence.

Step #8: Bring Your Product Stories to Life with Efficient Tools

Here's a twist — what if creating these compelling descriptions could be simplified? Tools like StoreYa’s FREE Product Description Wizard can help you generate engaging descriptions tailored to your specific products, highlighting key features, benefits, and unique selling points while being optimized for SEO.

This tool, designed by eCommerce experts, not only enhances the quality of your descriptions but also saves valuable time, enabling you to focus on other critical tasks.

Conclusion

Writing product descriptions that actually sell involves weaving a compelling narrative, highlighting emotional benefits, and integrating advanced SEO techniques. By following this eight-step blueprint, you can create engaging descriptions that captivate your audience and drive sales.

Remember, whether you are crafting these descriptions yourself or using advanced AI tools, the outcome should always be the same: an irresistible narrative that turns casual browsers into committed buyers.

Got questions? Post them in the comments below.

FAQ

Q: How important is storytelling in product descriptions? A: Storytelling makes your product relatable and engaging, helping customers visualize how the product fits into their lives, ultimately driving purchase decisions.

Q: What's the best way to balance creativity and technical details in descriptions? A: Use vivid, sensory language for the creative introduction and key features, but include technical specifications in a concise, scannable format like bullet points to maintain clarity.

Q: How often should I update my product descriptions for SEO? A: Regularly updating your product descriptions every few months or in response to new trends and customer feedback keeps your content fresh and SEO-friendly.

Q: Can I use customer reviews as part of my product descriptions? A: Yes, including authentic customer reviews and testimonials adds social proof, enhancing trust and credibility for potential buyers.

Q: Are there tools to help automate the creation of product descriptions? A: Yes, tools like StoreYa’s Product Description Wizard can effectively automate and enhance the creation process, ensuring high-quality, engaging, and SEO-optimized descriptions.

By mastering these elements, you can ensure your product descriptions not only inform but also captivate and convert your audience. Happy selling!