Every AI writing tool can produce a product description. The problem is that they all produce the same product description: “Elevate your everyday with this stunning…”. Shoppers skim straight past it, and so do search engines. Here’s the workflow we use for client catalogs.
Step 1: Collect the facts first
AI is a writer, not a source. Before you prompt anything, gather the facts in a spreadsheet or in Shopify metafields:
- What it is, what it’s made of, size and weight
- Who it’s for and the main problem it solves
- Care, compatibility, sizing and warranty
- What makes it different from the alternatives
Step 2: Write a one-page brand voice guide
Three short sections: how you sound (for example, “warm, plain-spoken, no hype”), words you use, and words you never use. Paste it into every prompt.
Step 3: Use a prompt template
Here’s a template you can adapt in Shopify Magic or any AI tool:
Write a product description for [product] for [customer]. Use only these facts: [facts]. Voice: [voice guide]. Structure: one short opening sentence on the main benefit, then 4–6 bullet points with specific details, then one sentence on care or sizing. No exaggerated claims. Under 150 words.
Step 4: Edit like a customer
- Delete any sentence that could describe a different product.
- Replace vague words (“premium”, “high quality”) with specifics (“18k gold”, “handwoven seagrass”).
- Check every number and claim against your facts.
- Read it on your phone — that’s where most customers will.
Step 5: Add the SEO basics
- Use the words customers search for in the title and first sentence, naturally.
- Write a unique meta description for your best sellers.
- Add descriptive image alt text.
Industry notes
- Beauty & skincare: avoid medical claims (“cures”, “treats”). Stick to what the product does and how to use it.
- Gems & jewelry: treatment, origin and certificate details must be exact. Never let AI guess them.
- Pet products: sizing and safety information matter more than adjectives.
Before you publish 500 at once
Test on ten products first. Compare their conversion rate and return rate with similar products for a few weeks. If the new descriptions perform, roll them out by collection.
Example
Generic AI output: “Elevate your space with this premium woven basket, perfect for any room in your home.”
After the workflow: “A handwoven seagrass basket sized for standard 30 cm shelves. Holds up to 8 kg — throws, toys or pantry overflow.
- 30 × 20 × 22 cm, fits most cube shelving
- Reinforced handles for everyday lifting
- Wipe clean with a dry cloth
Matches our Pantry and Closet sets.”
FAQ
Does Google penalise AI-written content?
Google’s guidance focuses on whether content is helpful, not how it was produced. Thin, repetitive or inaccurate content is the problem — whoever writes it.
Should every product have a unique description?
Yes for your main products. For variants (colours, sizes), one shared description with variant-specific details is fine.
How long should a description be?
Long enough to answer the buying questions — usually 80–200 words plus specs. Complex or high-value products deserve more.
Need a hand?
We write and edit product descriptions that sell — with or without AI. See our product description service — or ask for a free, fixed-price proposal.