Product descriptions
Compelling product descriptions are crucial for capturing customer attention and driving sales. A well-crafted product description doesn't just list features; it tells a story, highlights benefits, and persuades the customer to make a purchase.
Whether you're selling physical products, digital downloads, or services, hiring a freelance product description writer can significantly enhance your brand's online presence and boost conversion rates.
What to look for in a freelance product description writer
Finding the right freelancer for your product descriptions requires careful consideration. Look for writers who demonstrate:
- Excellent writing and editing skills: Impeccable grammar, spelling, and punctuation are essential.
- A strong understanding of marketing principles: They should know how to write persuasively and highlight key selling points.
- The ability to adapt their writing style to different brands and target audiences: Versatility is key.
- SEO knowledge: Understanding how to incorporate relevant keywords naturally within the description is crucial for online visibility.
- Experience within your specific industry or niche: Familiarity with your products and target market can be a significant advantage.
Main expertise areas to inquire about
When interviewing potential freelancers, delve into their expertise in these areas:
- eCommerce platforms: Experience with platforms like Shopify, Amazon, or WooCommerce.
- SEO writing: Ask about their keyword research and implementation strategies.
- Content marketing: Explore their understanding of content strategy and how product descriptions fit into the bigger picture.
- Copywriting: Assess their ability to write persuasive and compelling copy that converts.
- Brand voice and tone: Discuss their ability to adapt to different brand styles and guidelines.
Relevant interview questions
Here are some key questions to ask during the interview process:
- Can you share examples of product descriptions you've written in the past?
- How do you approach keyword research and integration?
- What's your process for understanding a brand's voice and target audience?
- How do you balance creative writing with SEO best practices?
- Can you describe a time you had to adapt your writing style for a specific project?
Tips for shortlisting candidates
To effectively shortlist candidates, consider the following:
- Review their portfolio carefully: Pay attention to the quality of their writing, their ability to highlight benefits, and their understanding of SEO.
- Ask for a test project: A small paid test project can give you a good indication of their skills and work ethic.
- Check their references: Speaking with previous clients can provide valuable insights into their reliability and professionalism.
Potential red flags to watch out for
Be wary of freelancers who:
- Offer extremely low rates as this can be an indicator of poor quality work.
- Lack a portfolio or refuse to share samples. Transparency is crucial.
- Are unable to articulate their process or understanding of marketing principles.
Typical complementary skills
Product description writers often possess other valuable skills such as:
- SEO/SEM
- Content marketing
- Copywriting
- Social media marketing
- Email marketing
What problems a freelance product description writer can solve
Hiring a freelance product description writer can address several key challenges and help you by:
- Improving conversion rates: Compelling descriptions can persuade customers to make a purchase.
- Boosting search engine rankings: SEO-optimised descriptions can improve your visibility in search results.
- Freeing up your time: Outsourcing product descriptions allows you to focus on other aspects of your business.
- Maintaining a consistent brand voice: A skilled writer can ensure your brand message is communicated effectively across all product descriptions.
- Creating high-quality content: Professional writers can produce engaging and informative descriptions that resonate with your target audience.
Examples of product description writing in action
1. A fashion retailer hires a freelancer to write compelling descriptions for their new autumn collection, highlighting the unique features and benefits of each garment and incorporating relevant keywords like 'cashmere scarf' and 'wool coat'.
2. A tech startup engages a freelancer to create clear and concise descriptions for their software products, focusing on the technical specifications and user benefits, using terms like 'cloud-based solution' and 'data analytics'.
3. An artisan food company commissions a freelancer to write evocative descriptions for their handmade chocolates, emphasising the quality ingredients and unique flavour profiles, using descriptive language like 'rich dark chocolate" and 'hand-crafted truffles'.
