how much description does a description need??

[Former_Member]

I've heard both sides of this debate: "Put a lot so they know every little detail about your shop." "Don't put too much because they don't want to read everything."

I finally went through almost all of my stuff today (going to finish the rest tonight) and redid every description. There was a paragraph I added at the end of every description that I took out and put in my policies instead.

I also decided to just post the basic details, and limtited myself to one or 2 cute pieces of info that I liked about the product to give it a little more "personality".

I've been told buyers want details about my style, myself, and all that but my "about me" section tells a lot about me and I figure that rather than overwhelm them w- all the details in the description I should just leave it in the "about me" and if they want to see it they can find it.

Any of your thoughts and opinions would be very helpful!! :)

[DecoratingYourself]

here are too thoughts on description...
one for search purposes...
http://decoratingyourself.blogspot.com/2011/05/making-etsy-titles-descriptions-more.html

and one about what the customer needs...
http://decoratingyourself.blogspot.com/2011/04/product-description-that-answers-buyers.html

[Former_Member]

thanks for the links. very useful.

[DecoratingYourself]

MilaKeln says

thanks for the links. very useful.

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you are very welcome...

[Former_Member]

I read a few of your descriptions, I think they are well written :) One comment - on this description: http://www.etsy.com/listing/41353483/ice-cream-cone-barrette?ref=v1_other_1 it does not specifically say that the listing is for only one barrette (which I assume is the case), you might want to add that.

I have quite a lot of information in my listings, perhaps I need to pare it down a bit. But I feel that my products are quite unique and need a bit more description. Perhaps I'm wrong?

[Former_Member]

Real timely discussion for me since I've been rethinking this too. I've been reviewing successful Vintage shops & found that a good majority of them have short descriptions. I love preparing a long one with facts & suggestions but it seems that's not necessary for a happy sale. I've begun the shortening process but gotta admit it hurts! LOL

[Former_Member]

I've read a few Etsy articles today about telling a story with every description. I like the idea, but I am not quite sure how to go about it. I am afraid of sounding like that Catalog Company that Elaine from Seinfeld used to work for. Remember the ridiculously drawn out story writing that went into every mundane piece?

[Former_Member]

I have trouble with the whole SEO side of the description - keywords in the first 1 - 2 sentences and that spilling over into being too wordy and putting people off.

[Former_Member]

Thanks everyone. This has given me a little to go off on. I figure I only had a few sales with my big huge descriptions, so i'll leave it at the shorter version for now and see if i get an increase in sales. as few as i'm getting right now, it can't hurt!!

i do think it depends on what you're selling though. some items require more or less of a description than others.