This post appeared first in my newsletter The Sequence. Want to be the first to receive these articles? Subscribe and get access to weekly email breakdowns, campaign ideas, templates, and insights.
Reading AI product descriptions always cracks me up.
The other day I was browsing sunglasses online.
Ray-Ban. Oakley. Hawkers. You know… the usual suspects.
A few hours later, I was targeted by this cool-looking brand on Facebook.
When I clicked on the ad and saw the product description, I couldn’t help but LOL:
Ever heard that story about a man visiting a Ray-Ban store?
He steps in, looks at the staff, and says:
“I’m looking for a sophisticated interpretation of shaded elegance.”
Customer service replies, “Then you’ll love these sleek acetate temples.”
You know that story?
Yeah. Me neither.
No one speaks like that (I hope at least).
Here’s a quick and dirty approach to writing effective (non-AI) product descriptions:
1) Name the item
The Chelsea Sunglasses.
2) List available colors (and materials)
Available in black and crystal frames with polarized green or blue-tinted lenses.
3) Describe each feature in detail
The sunglasses come with rounded metal temples and lightweight frames that create a vintage look.
4) Set the fantasy scene for the buyer (most important!)
Perfect for chilling barefoot in sunlit sand or catching rays downtown. If you want to turn heads, these might just be the pair you’ve been looking for.
Hint: Check your product reviews for clues.
Credit: Rebecca McClanahan, Word Painting: A Guide To Writing More Descriptively