How to Create Compelling Product Descriptions:

A Guide to Boost Sales

Paul Gray

12/27/20234 min read

a traffic light with a street sign hanging from it's side
a traffic light with a street sign hanging from it's side

How to Create Compelling Product Descriptions: A Guide to Boost Sales

Are you an ecommerce business owner looking to increase your sales? Look no further than your product descriptions. Contrary to popular belief, product descriptions play a crucial role in convincing potential customers to make a purchase. In fact, studies show that 20% of unsuccessful purchases are due to lack of relevant information in product descriptions. So, it's time to revamp your approach and learn how to create compelling product descriptions that sell.

The Power of Product Descriptions

Product descriptions are not just about providing information about your products; they are about selling an experience and addressing the needs and desires of your target audience. When done right, product descriptions can move buyers through your conversion funnel and drive more conversions. But how do you write product descriptions that captivate your audience and persuade them to buy? Let's dive in.

Understand Your Ideal Buyer

Before you start writing product descriptions, it's crucial to understand your ideal buyer. Put yourself in their shoes and think about their needs, wants, and desires. What problems does your product solve for them? What do they gain from using your product? What makes your product stand out from the competition? By answering these questions, you can create product descriptions that resonate with your target audience.

Entice with Benefits

When writing product descriptions, it's important to focus on the benefits rather than just listing the features of your products. Customers want to know how your product will address their pain points and improve their lives. Instead of simply describing your product, highlight the benefits they will experience. For example, if you're selling a moisturizer, don't just mention the ingredients; emphasize how it will make their skin feel hydrated and rejuvenated.

Avoid "Yeah, Yeah" Phrases

One common mistake in product descriptions is using generic phrases that don't add value. Avoid phrases like "excellent product quality" or "top-notch performance." Instead, be specific and provide proof to back up your claims. For example, if you're selling a fitness tracker, don't just say it has "advanced features"; explain how it accurately tracks heart rate, sleep patterns, and calories burned.

Justify Using Superlatives

If your product is truly the best in its category, don't be afraid to use superlatives. However, it's important to back up these claims with specific proof. For example, if you're selling a smartphone and claim it is the "fastest on the market," explain why it outperforms other smartphones in terms of processing speed and performance.

Appeal to Your Readers' Imagination

One powerful technique in product descriptions is to appeal to your readers' imagination. Help them visualize themselves using and benefiting from your product. Use descriptive language and paint a picture of how their life will improve with your product. For example, if you're selling a vacation package, describe the breathtaking views, luxurious accommodations, and unforgettable experiences they will have.

Cut Through Rational Barriers with Mini-Stories

Incorporating mini-stories in your product descriptions can help overcome rational barriers and make your readers forget they're being sold to. Share stories about the inspiration behind your product, the challenges you faced during development, or testimonials from satisfied customers. These stories add authenticity and make your product more relatable.

Seduce with Sensory Words

Engage your readers' senses by using sensory words in your product descriptions. Words like "velvety," "crisp," "fragrant," and "silky smooth" can help create a sensory experience for your readers, making your product more enticing. Whether you're selling food, clothing, or skincare products, sensory words can make your descriptions come alive.

Tempt with Social Proof

Social proof is a powerful persuasion technique. Include customer reviews, testimonials, and ratings in your product descriptions to show potential buyers that others have had a positive experience with your product. Incorporate user-generated content, such as social media posts from satisfied customers, to add credibility and build trust.

Make Your Description Scannable

In today's fast-paced digital world, people tend to scan rather than read every word on a webpage. To ensure your product descriptions are effective, make them scannable. Use headlines, bullet points, and short paragraphs to break up the text and make it easy for readers to find the information they're looking for. Include high-quality product images that showcase your product from different angles and highlight its key features.

Set Goals and KPIs

To measure the success of your product descriptions, set goals and key performance indicators (KPIs). Monitor metrics such as conversion rate, cart abandonment rate, return rate, support inquiries, and organic search rankings to evaluate the effectiveness of your product descriptions. By tracking these metrics, you can identify areas for improvement and optimize your descriptions for better results.

Conclusion

Creating compelling product descriptions is a vital component of any successful ecommerce business. By understanding your ideal buyer, highlighting the benefits of your products, using persuasive language, and appealing to your readers' emotions, you can create product descriptions that captivate your audience and drive conversions. Don't underestimate the power of well-crafted product descriptions—they can be the difference between a sale and a missed opportunity.

Remember, it's not just about describing your products; it's about telling a story, addressing your customers' needs, and showcasing the unique value your products offer. So, take the time to craft engaging and persuasive product descriptions that truly sell. Your customers—and your bottom line—will thank you.