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Story by
FancyFreeMe
Published on February 25, 2008 in How-To |
Photo by |
Hi! My name is Deanna Roux, aka FancyFreeMe on Etsy. My last job was for a corporate communications department, in employee communications. I was assistant editor for an employee magazine and online publisher for an employee intranet. My experience granted me some valuable knowledge on the difference between writing for a print publication and an online audience. I have some helpful information to share that I think you can use for writing up shop listings and on your blog.
Let me begin by saying this – I’m not done learning. Times change, technology changes, and people's needs change. Things are always evolving and you have to keep up if you want to stand out.
With that said, here's where we were last I checked.
What’s in it for me?
People have little time and even less patience. Readers want to know “what’s in it for me?” in the first few seconds, otherwise they'll move on. Potential customers want to connect with you through your writing. Wow them with your art, but grab them with your voice first. And don’t wait until the end of your blog post to present a call to action (e.g. sign up, join, visit me, etc.).
[bowl by vesselsandwares]
Headlines and Titles
- Shorter is better
- Susie’s Sassy Salsa NOT Sue Roberts Homemade Recipes Hot and Spicy Salsa - Hot
- Words that pop
- Mohair Harry’s Skullcap NOT Black Hat With Hair-Like Fringe Around the Edge
- Assign attributes
- Juicy Gemstone Choker NOT Watermelon Tourmaline, Ruby, Peridot, 14K Gold Filled 16” Necklace
- Work a rhyme
- October 25, Blossoms Alive NOT My Garden is Still Blooming on October 25
KISS – Keep it Simple and Short
Yes, you need details, but don’t overwhelm the reader right to the nearest exit. Reserve space for sharing your personal views, techniques and inspirations. Go back and read what you wrote. Remove big words only used to impress and redundant information. Don’t drown your clever cut of meat with too much gravy.
[exemplary description by vesselsandwares]
Speed Bumps
It’s your job to slow the online eye. Give your reader something to stumble upon. Instead of using a large block of text, break it up. Use bullets to make a list easier to read. Use caps and/or boldface to make subtitles in your post pop. The use of whitespace will give the eye a break and it’ll make your blurb easier to read.
Write As If Your Audience Doesn’t Know Anything
You are the expert of what you create. You know the size, length, and dimensions. You know the materials and components. Your words should tell the story your photos can’t. Don’t make them search. A shopper wants to know if it’s sterling silver or plated; cotton or rayon; and porcelain or ceramic.
Things You Need
- Word Processing Application: Type up your entries in Word or another application — it just helps to have an active spellchecker.
- Camera: a digital camera is best for an easy snap and post.
- Time: Don’t fake it — if you don’t have the time just put down the basics in a draft and fill it out later.
Things That Would Help
- PFF (Proofreading Friend Forever): Have someone you trust take a peek for typos and general comprehension.
- Photo Editor: Photoshop, Google’s free Picasa, or something like it — make your photos go from sloppy snapshots to pretty pics.
Ultimately, the challenge is not “writing.” The challenge is “taming the writer within.” So here’s your whip and here’s your chair. Now go tame!
So what do you think? Are you up for the challenge? Comment below with any tips you have to share!
For more information on writing for your shop, check out these helpful articles.
| Tags | blogging, descriptions, FancyFreeMe, HOW-TO, Seller Handbook, selling, writing, Writing for an Online Audience, Your Shop 101 |
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45 comments Login to add your own!
heidiburton
This is fantastic! Will refer your advice when blogging, and describing items in my shop. Thanks a lot Deanna!
bombalurina
In terms of blogging and general communications, this is unbeatable advice everyone should heed -- I just don't totally agree with the titling aspect based on my experience with Google, not based on any experience as someone who reads copy.
I hate to be a contrarian pain, but one issue that I know I struggle with is the issue of good writing versus good SEO. SE's like all the ugly descriptors like "14K gold fill, watermelon tourmaline chain necklace" more than "Julie necklace" and they really like them in titles and headlines, which forces me to do some icky things I don't like with my titles.
SabreStash
Thanks for doing this, it should help a lot of people including me.
:o)
TwoObsessed
artesprit
BettysJewelry
Thanks for your help - it was informative, friendly and gave me a sense of who you are.
You told me upfront 'what's in it for me.'
Wonderful use of my time.
papapots
Corpseknit
Fabulous article! This is useful information for every seller.
Glory2727
Taking the time to write this article is a blessing for those who read each.Thank you for sharing. Good work always shows through and you will be blessed for it.
wishupon
wittyworkshop
crazyfunkycool
congrats!
some great advice here too. i'm gonna check out picassa... my photos look like snapshot sometimes, I'd really like to improve them for a better presentation.
:c )
Thanks!
candypegram
totally believe in keeping it short..takes the pressure off of the writer as well... not having to sit down and write an article everyday.
waterfall
FluffyFlowers
Good tips. I've had an article published in the Storque and I used a few of these :)
tnkgrl
StartsandFits
tinnaeik
This is great advice! I actually started naming all my paintings after the color they are. Like White, White I and White II since they aren't really of anything. But then I started thinking and came up with actual names that I think make them more interesting.
I have to check on my descriptions though, they still aren't good:S
TaraTaraTara
I love Microsoft's Picture It Platinum Edition Home publishing software! It's super user friendly.
TaraTaraTara
I also use the FREE WORLD WIDE DOWNLOAD called Irfanview... it's got a squished red teddy bear Icon. You can open your oversized images, go to REDUCE and the SHARPED and resave! It takes only SECONDS to do!!!
I reduce all my digitals with Irfanview!!
karabu
These are great tips for grabbing and keeping your reader once you have them, but I have to agree with bombalurina on her points too. A bla, keyword rich title will help your readers find you better in the first place. As far as titles go, we need to remember that we're writing those not just for the client, but also for the search engines (in and off of Etsy).
Studio410
barbjensen
Keywords in the tags can cover the search engine issue.
I agree that appealing titles are really useful. the example, 'darn cute pink bowl' is just great! Simple and expressive of the character of the piece and the maker.
The 'ugly' descriptions can go at the end of the appealing description to help buyers getr all the info they may need.
lindsaykristine
Thanks, Deanna! Excellent advice, especially for a newbie like myself. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge.
susyluxe
thank you!! this was a really well-written article, and i have learned a lot.
i'll definitely use this info next time i'm writing my descriptions.
xx susy
BeanersBandanas
Great article. The info is helpful and I will use it as I post new pics. Thanks much!
Beejoyfulquilts
Thank you so much. This is a new experience to me and I needed this.
yellowwalls
silkbagsntreasures
Deanna, Thanks so much for this wonderful article. I'll use your advice to rework my descriptions so that folks can really "feel" the silk in my bags! :)
JulieWebb
Thanks Deanna! I'm about to launch into writing my profile, I'll have your wise advice in mind for sure! ;-)
Pinache
just getting started. Your article is sending me in the right direction, Thank you!
Toomanytreasures
TrixieAndBeever
Many thanks for the advice!
If anyone wants to really dive into online writing tips, I've run across copyblogger.com, and it seems helpful if taken in small doses.
temno
RokGear
here is a fyi tip for spellcheck if you do not have a PFF or Word Processing Application and you use OE Windows mail box. you can lay out your post in e.mail and e.mail it to yourself Outlook has a spell checker to correct what it sends.
MonasMane
I really have to go back and do some major housecleaning. These articles are so helpful!
Sun2Create
Great article. I will need to re-write some things in my shop.
banyantreeclothing
This is very helpful. I know that people are impatient (myself included) when it come to being online. I think a good balance is what's important. I am on the other end and feel I don't describe my items enough, so I will be working on that. Thanks!
craftsbyposie
JunoArt
This is total great, now where do I find info on how to get people reading, I write it all for myself since no one's ever read my blog?
pacificadesigns
I better get to work on my shop! Thanks for the helpful info!
ArtbyCarolSweetwood
Wow, good advise. I even think my user name is boring now. I guess after someone actually clicks on your site we should get their attention and peak their interest.
lissilulu
marciejanedesigns
Previous Page
deanna, this is helpful to me. i find that i want to write in my blog and love advice on how to grab people right away. i will definately be reading and re-reading this when i make my new postings! heres the blog that i will be improving thanks to you!
http://popko.blogspot.com