If you're looking to sell more items on Etsy (I mean, who doesn't?), it's important to learn how to write listing descriptions that actually convert window shoppers into buyers.
A well-written Etsy description can make the difference between Ka-Ching and no Ka-Ching. In this blog post, we'll discuss some tips for writing effective Etsy listings that will help you sell more of your products!
1. Start with a catchy headline
You've probably heard the saying "you only have one chance to make a first impression." The same is true for your Etsy listings.
The headline of your listing description is the first thing potential buyers will read, so it's important to make sure it catches their attention. A catchy headline will help to persuade buyers to continue reading your description and learn more about your product.
Some tips for writing catchy headlines:
- Use strong keywords that accurately describe your product, especially now since Etsy themselves have stated they are now using listing descriptions to help rank your items in search.
- Make use of puns or wordplay to add some personality to your listing.
- Keep it short and sweet
- You want potential buyers to be able to understand what your product is at a glance. Example: Handmade Wooden Cutting Board – Perfect for Cheese Lovers!
- Use action words (e.g. "Handmade," "Unique," "One-of-a-kind")
2. Introduce your product and its unique features
Start by describing the product in a way that is clear and concise. Be sure to mention any unique features or selling points that will help your product stand out from the competition. In addition, this is a good opportunity to include any keywords that you didn't use in the headline.
If your product is part of a set, make sure to mention that as well, because trust me, showing it in your pictures is not enough.
For example, if you're selling a set of mugs, you might want to say "This listing is for a set of four handmade mugs. Each mug is unique, with its own individual design."
Be sure to use adjectives to help buyers visualize what they are buying. For example, if you're selling a scarf, you might want to say "This soft and cozy scarf is perfect for chilly winter days."
3. Describe how your product is made
This is a great opportunity to tell buyers about the care and attention that went into making it. This is also a good time to mention any unique materials or methods you used in the creation of your product.
For example, if you're selling a piece of jewelry, you might want to say "This necklace is handmade with natural stone beads and sterling silver. The beads are strung on a durable wire, so you can be sure it will last for many years."
This is also a good opportunity to talk about your process and why you do what you do.
For example, if you're a potter, you might say "I love making functional pottery that can be used and enjoyed in everyday life. I make each piece by hand on the wheel, using high-quality clay and glazes. I hope you enjoy using my pottery as much as I enjoyed making it!"
? Without giving away too much info to your competitors (and yes you do have them. And yes, they do stalk you). By taking the time to describe how your product is made, you're giving buyers valuable information that can help them make a purchasing decision.
By sharing your passion for your craft, you're also establishing a connection with potential customers. They'll be more likely to remember you and your work, and they may even become newsletter subscribers and repeat customers!
4. Give Product Dimensions & Materials
When customers are shopping online, they can't pick up and examine your products in person. This means that it's important to give as much information as possible about your product's dimensions and materials in the listing description.
By doing so, you'll be able to give potential buyers a better idea of what your product looks and feels like, which will make them more likely to purchase it.
If your product is a piece of jewelry, for example, you'll want to include the size of the pendant or earrings, as well as the length of the chain or earrings.
You should also list what materials were used to make the product, such as sterling silver, gold-filled, or rose gold. Providing this information up-front will give buyers the confidence they need to make a purchase.
✅ I'd also recommend either taking a photo of your item near a ruler or near something that's size is pretty universal. This can help give buyers a sense of scale for your product.
5. Add a personal touch by sharing your story or how you came up with the idea for the product
When you're selling handmade goods, you're not just selling a product – you're selling a piece of yourself. This is your opportunity to connect with potential buyers and give them a glimpse into your world.
Take the time to share your story or how you came up with the idea for the product.
- What inspires you?
- What drives you to do what you do? This is your opportunity to share your passion with the world and connect with like-minded people.
By sharing your story, you're giving buyers a deeper understanding of who you are and what your products represent. This connection can be instrumental in helping to make a sale.
Do your products contain symbols? If so, this is a great opportunity to explain their meaning.
For example, if you're selling a piece of jewelry with a tree of life symbol, you might say "The tree of life is a symbol of growth, strength, and vitality. It's also a reminder that we are all connected to one another and to the natural world. I created this necklace as a reminder to stay connected to what's important in life."
When you add a personal touch to your listing descriptions, you're giving buyers a reason to connect with you and your products.
6. Use strong calls to action throughout the description to encourage potential customers to buy
A call to action (CTA) is an instruction to the reader that tells them what you want them to do next.
Including a CTA in your Etsy listing description is a great way to encourage potential customers to take the next step and purchase your product.
Some examples of CTAs you could use in your listing descriptions include:
- "Click add to cart!"
- "Add to cart now and get free shipping!"
- "Get your order in before X date to arrive in time for X"
By including a CTA in your listing description, you're giving potential buyers a clear instruction on what they should do next. This can be instrumental in helping to increase sales.
I don't recommend getting too crazy with CTA's, all we really want to do is what's called a "pattern interrupt". Just a simple, "add to cart" or "learn more" can be effective in getting potential buyers to take action.
Take some time to brainstorm different CTAs you could use in your Etsy listing descriptions. Experiment with different wording and see what works best for you and your products.
7. Give instructions about how to order
If you're selling a custom or made-to-order product, it's important to include instructions about how to order the product in the listing description.
For example, if you're selling a custom piece of jewelry, you might say "To order this necklace, simply select your desired length from the drop-down menu and add to cart. I'll then hand-make your necklace to order and have it shipped out to you within X days."
By including instructions about how to order, you're giving potential Etsy buyers all of the information they need to make a purchase. This can help reduce any confusion or barriers that might prevent someone from buying your product.
Be very specific about how customers can personalize the item and what you can do. I recommend also adding short instructions directly above the custom text-entry box.
It's also worth noting that having too many options to choose from may confuse the customer into not buying. If you're selling made-to-order items, I recommend offering a limited number of options (eg. length, color, material) to keep things simple for the buyer and your sanity.
8. Use bullet points
One way to make your Etsy listing descriptions more readable and user-friendly is to use bullet points.
Bullet points are a great way to highlight key information about your product in an easy-to-read format, especially for the skimmers like me.
Some examples of the information you could include in bullet points are:
- Product features
- Materials used
- Size
- Care instructions
By including bullet points in your listing descriptions, you're making it easier for potential buyers to find the information they need about your product. This can help increase the likelihood of someone making a purchase.
9. Add an FAQ about the product
Another way to make your listing descriptions more user-friendly is to add an FAQ section.
An FAQ section is a great way to address any common questions or concerns that potential buyers might have about your product. This can help reduce any confusion or hesitation someone might have about making a purchase.
Some examples of questions you could answer in an FAQ section are:
- How long will it take to receive my order?
- Can I return the item if I'm not happy with it?
- What is your refund policy?
By including an FAQ section in your listing description, you're giving potential buyers all of the information they need to make a purchase. This can help increase the likelihood of someone making a purchase from your shop.
So If you’re looking to increase your sales on Etsy
It’s important to learn how to write listing descriptions that convert browsers into buyers. A well-written description can make the difference between a sale and no sale.
In this blog post, we discussed some tips for writing effective Etsy listings that will help you sell more of your products!