How to write good product descriptions for Etsy
Published onHow to write good product descriptions for Etsy? Examples + templates + tips for 2025!
“Just write what it is,” they said. “It’s easy”, they claimed.
But here you are, staring at your screen. Your product is brilliant. Your photos are perfect. Yet finding the right words feels impossible.
Sounds familiar? You’re not alone. Every day, many Etsy sellers struggle with the same challenge. Their beautiful creations get buried under millions of listings. Not because of quality, but because of words that don’t do them justice.
But that’s about to change. You’re about to join the ranks of Etsy sellers who’ve cracked the code. This guide will turn your product descriptions from roadblocks into magnets that attract both customers and Etsy’s algorithm. And yes, you’ll finally make every $0.20 listing fee count!
Why do product descriptions matter on Etsy?
Product descriptions are generally your sales pitch that specifies everything from the quality of the fabric you use to the colors and measurements in the case of physical products. For digital products, the description details the type of file, the method to download, and beyond that, the purpose of the product, too.
Essentially, it defines whether your customer would pick your product or simply scroll past it. But beyond this, your Etsy product description is your bridge to the algorithm that decides your product ranking. Even the platform has confirmed it in the Etsy Seller Handbook. According to them, “The keywords you use across your listing titles, descriptions, tags, categories, and attributes are essential when it comes to query matching, the first phase of search ranking, within Etsy’s search algorithm.”
Good descriptions are the key if you want to reach the right audience and improve your Etsy SEO. Now, what is a good product description? Let us show you an example.
What is an example of a good vs bad product description?
| Bad Product Description | Good Product Description |
|---|---|
| Beautiful handmade mug. Perfect for coffee or tea. Made with love. Ships fast! I make these in my home studio. Very sturdy and nice to hold. Each one is unique! Perfect size. Microwave safe. Great gift idea. | Handcrafted Large Ceramic Coffee Mug – 16oz Speckled Stoneware Mug – Handmade Pottery Tea Cup that is made with love! Improve your morning ritual with this handmade ceramic coffee mug, handcrafted in our Portland studio. Each 16oz stoneware mug features a unique speckled glaze in desert sand tones, perfect for coffee lovers and tea enthusiasts alike. PERFECT SIZE FOR YOUR FAVORITE DRINKS: At 16oz (473ml), this large coffee mug holds your perfect pour-over coffee, morning tea, or afternoon chai latte. The wide mouth accommodates coffee makers and tea infusers with ease. Microwave safe, dishwasher safe, and lead-free. Each handmade ceramic mug is fired at high temperatures for maximum durability. Arrives in plastic-free packaging, making it the perfect handmade gift for coffee lovers, tea drinkers, or anyone who appreciates artisanal pottery. |
As you can see, a good product description covers everything from the size of the product to its packaging. Beyond that, it paints a clear picture of how a user can use the product. But is that all to a good product description?
Let’s see what makes a good or a bad product description.
| What makes a product description bad? | What makes a product description good? |
|---|---|
| One-word descriptions like “Beautiful!” or “Handmade!” that say nothing | Rich, sensory details that help buyers imagine using your product |
| All caps that feel like shouting | Clear, scannable formatting with natural language |
| Missing measurements or key product details | Complete specifications including size, materials, and care instructions |
| Generic phrases like “perfect gift” or “must-have” | Specific use cases and benefits (“Perfect for daily commuters who need quick card access”) |
| Keyword stuffing (“wallet purse bag cardholder money holder”) | Natural keyword placement that flows with your description |
| Focusing only on features (“Has 6 pockets”) | Blending features with benefits (“6 reinforced pockets keep your cards secure and easily accessible”) |
| No mention of the creation process | Behind-the-scenes glimpses that build a connection (“Hand-stitched in my studio”) |
| Pushy sales language (“Buy now!!!”) | Helpful, informative content that guides buying decisions |
Tips to write a good Etsy product description
Start with your customer in mind
Think about the people who buy from you. What do they care about? What questions do they have when they see your product?
Take a moment to imagine their experience:
- Are they shopping for a gift or something for themselves?
- Do they need to know the materials or how it was made?
- Would they appreciate a story about why you created it?
If you’re selling handmade jewelry, for instance, they might love knowing the care and craftsmanship behind it. If it’s a digital product, they might value how easy it is to use. Make sure you use these points in your description.
Focus on how your product helps them
Your buyers don’t just want features; they want to know how your product will make their lives better. And your product description should point it out in vivid detail.
For example:
- Feature: “Made from 100% organic cotton.”
- Benefit: “Soft, breathable fabric that feels great on sensitive skin.”
This shift helps your customers picture themselves using your product, which doubles your chances of making a sale.
Think about mobile shoppers
In 2022, it has been recorded that 66% of Etsy purchases occur on mobile devices. Now, in 2025, the number has naturally crossed that mark, so you need to ensure your description is formatted according to the small screens of the phone.
Follow these 3 points while writing your Etsy product description:
- Use short paragraphs.
- Keep the important information at the top.
- Include clear bullet points and avoid huge paragraphs.
A quick tip: Download the Etsy app and check your listing to understand the gaps in your formatting and improve them.
Avoid copying your title verbatim
The Etsy Seller Handbook itself specifies this. In fact, they have been descriptive about it and have urged the sellers to “Avoid copying your title verbatim or simply listing your top keywords. Instead, you want to craft a sentence or two that casually incorporates a few of your top keywords in a way that sounds human and written in your brand’s voice.”
Even though they mention “a line or two,” it is highly recommended that your description should be longer than that. Etsy generally shows the first 160 characters on the listing page, so you must include a strong hook backed by keywords but don’t think that is the limit.
In fact, you should be highly descriptive and mention everything from the material to the color of your product. But what if you can cut down half of your time and get descriptions that rank on Etsy? Yes, that’s possible with these templates!
Tips to write a good Etsy product description
Start with your customer in mind
Think about the people who buy from you. What do they care about? What questions do they have when they see your product?
Take a moment to imagine their experience:
- Are they shopping for a gift or something for themselves?
- Do they need to know the materials or how it was made?
- Would they appreciate a story about why you created it?
If you’re selling handmade jewelry, for instance, they might love knowing the care and craftsmanship behind it. If it’s a digital product, they might value how easy it is to use. Make sure you use these points in your description.
Focus on how your product helps them
Your buyers don’t just want features; they want to know how your product will make their lives better. And your product description should point it out in vivid detail.
For example:
- Feature: “Made from 100% organic cotton.”
- Benefit: “Soft, breathable fabric that feels great on sensitive skin.”
This shift helps your customers picture themselves using your product, which doubles your chances of making a sale.
Think about mobile shoppers
In 2022, it has been recorded that 66% of Etsy purchases occur on mobile devices. Now, in 2025, the number has naturally crossed that mark, so you need to ensure your description is formatted according to the small screens of the phone.
Follow these 3 points while writing your Etsy product description:
- Use short paragraphs.
- Keep the important information at the top.
- Include clear bullet points and avoid huge paragraphs.
A quick tip: Download the Etsy app and check your listing to understand the gaps in your formatting and improve them.
Avoid copying your title verbatim
The Etsy Seller Handbook itself specifies this. In fact, they have been descriptive about it and have urged the sellers to “Avoid copying your title verbatim or simply listing your top keywords. Instead, you want to craft a sentence or two that casually incorporates a few of your top keywords in a way that sounds human and written in your brand’s voice.”
Even though they mention “a line or two,” it is highly recommended that your description should be longer than that. Etsy generally shows the first 160 characters on the listing page, so you must include a strong hook backed by keywords but don’t think that is the limit.
In fact, you should be highly descriptive and mention everything from the material to the color of your product. But what if you can cut down half of your time and get descriptions that rank on Etsy? Yes, that’s possible with these templates!
Free Etsy product description templates
Etsy product description for wall art
[Insert information about the product]
- What type of wall art is it (e.g., painting, print, poster, canvas, digital download)?
- Who created it? Is there a story behind this artwork?
[Insert product details]
- Original artwork or print reproduction
- Available sizes and dimensions
- Material details (e.g., canvas, paper, wood, metal)
- Printing technique used (e.g., giclée, screen print)
- Framed or unframed options
[Care instructions]
- How to clean and maintain the artwork
- Best practices for display and longevity
[Shipping and packaging]
- Estimated processing and shipping time
- How is the product packaged for safe delivery?
- Gift wrapping options (if available)
[Returns and exchanges]
[Support and contact information]
[Social media links]
[Link back to your shop]
[Frequently asked questions]
Etsy product description for digital downloads
[Specify the product]
- What is the digital item?
- Who created it?
- What inspired the design or concept?
[Insert product details]
- File formats included (e.g., JPG, PNG, PDF, SVG, PSD)
- Dimensions and resolution (e.g., 300 DPI for high-quality printing)
- Size variations (if applicable)
- Editable or non-editable format]
[Insert download and usage instructions]
- Instant download process after purchase
- Instructions for opening and using the files
- Printing recommendations (if applicable)
[License and usage rights]
[Support and contact information]
[Social media links]
[Link back to your shop]
[Frequently asked questions]
Etsy product description for apparel
[Describe the Product]
- What type of apparel is it (e.g., T-shirt, hoodie, sweatshirt, dress)?
- Who designed it? What inspired the design?
- How can it be styled or worn? (Casual, formal, seasonal, etc.)]
[Insert Product Details]
- Available sizes (Include a size chart if possible)
- Available colors
- Material and fabric details (e.g., 100% cotton, polyester blend, organic materials)
- Fit type (e.g., slim fit, oversized, unisex)
- Printing or embroidery technique used (e.g., screen print, heat press, direct-to-garment)
[Care Instructions]
- Washing and drying recommendations
- Special care instructions to maintain print or fabric quality
[Shipping and Packaging]
- Estimated shipping time and processing period
- How is the apparel packaged to ensure safety and quality upon arrival?
[Returns and Exchanges]
[Support and Contact Information]
[Social Media Links]
[Link Back to Your Shop]
[Frequently Asked Questions]
Etsy Product Description for Handmade Items
[Specify the product]
- What is your handmade item about? What makes it unique?
- How can it be used (e.g., home decor, accessories, gifts)?
[Insert product details]
- Materials used
- Dimensions and size options
- Color variations (if applicable)
- Customization or personalization options
- Crafting process or techniques used
[Care instructions]
- How to clean and maintain the item
- Special storage or handling recommendations
[Shipping and packaging]
- Estimated processing and shipping time
- How is the product packaged for safe delivery?
- Gift wrapping options (if available)
[Returns and exchanges]
[Support and contact information]
[Social media links]
[Link back to your shop]
[Frequently asked questions]
How to write good product descriptions for Etsy with Listadum
Now that you’ve seen the examples and checked the tips, you might have an idea of how descriptions work and how to write a good one. But only if it were that easy, right? What about the keywords, where do you find the top-ranking keywords? How do you know what is the ideal size of the description? What to include…
Several questions might arise in your mind but don’t worry. You can write good quality Etsy product descriptions that are consistent across all listings.
Templates
Suppose you’re running a POD Etsy shop where your top products are customized T-shirts and mugs. Every day, you log in to your store and type the same description while changing a few details like the color or size. Gets tiresome, boring and too monotonous for creative people like you, doesn’t it?
This is when templates can help, you can re-use them as many times as you need. And no, you don’t just have product descriptions as templates but the entire product listing. So, you can get everything from the title to the description in one click and later customize it if needed. The best part? You get suggestions at every step to boost your SEO score and double your sales!
But what if you don’t want to use templates and need help with just a few sections of your product description like material descriptions or social media links? Well, we have a perfect solution for you — snippets!
Snippets
Think of these as plug-and-play phrases for your product descriptions. You can type in your product description and leave a section like “Shipping info” to Snippets. Once you’re done creating your product description, you can just tap on your snippet and complete your listing.
Of course, there is this pressing question that still needs to be answered—What if I mess up with the overall tone or length? If you’re overwhelmed with this question, here is a solution.
AI-powered Etsy description editor
Once you’ve written your description or used a template or a snippet, you can get it edited. Simply click on the black and white pencil icon. You will get options to make your description longer/shorter, improve your writing, and even change your tone!
We hope now you have everything from keywords to templates sorted for your product description! All the best on your Etsy journey, Listadum is here to help you at every step.