Writing Online Classified Ad Descriptions

Writing Listing Descriptions

Writing you listing descriptions is a sort of art form. It takes some research, technique and a certain level of salesmanship. Listings should follow a few guidelines that we have listed below. Each listing will be different based on the needs of the item being listed and your target audience but, for the most part, these guidelines should help you create a listing that sells.



Keep it Clean: Do not clutter your listing up. It is important that the customer can focus on the item being sold and the important benefits and features you are trying to convey. If you clutter the listing with complicated patterns, irritating colors, or complex layouts you will most likely create a listing that people will not read and in turn leave to find a more pleasing listing. Standard colors should apply. Nothing too shocking. Keep the text black on a white background if possible. This is the preferred color combination for websites that are heavy with text and should be utilized when creating your listing.

Photo Formatting: The format of your photo can make a difference if they are far too big or far too small. Try to keep the size just large enough that you can see what the item is as well as the condition of the item but no so large that it encompasses the entire screen or takes forever to load. Keep the number of photos down as much as possible but make sure you have enough to show any details that are needed.

Text Formatting: The text within a listing should be formatted in keeping with the standard set of guidelines for text. You need to remember that it is important for buyers to be able to read and comprehend the info you are putting in the listing. For this to happen you should avoid "special" text formats for paragraphs such as all caps, all bold, massive fonts, all italics, crazy font colors, multiple font colors, centered text, or any other formats that are intended for titles and to bring out bits of text. These are not intended for paragraphs or large portions of text. Keep it formated as if it were in a magazine or newspaper.

Text quality: The text in your listing should be written to the highest standard your ability allows. Do not have typos, misspellings, or inaccurate information. Keep the information organized and relevant to the item being listed. Keep the descriptions short and sweet. Give them the heart of the description not all the extra information that has no bearing on the item as well (package size, date of purchase, etc.). If the information does not promote the benefits or the features it is not needed. Eliminate it and you will have a much more sleek listing.

In short it is good to create a listing that is short, well written, pleasing to the eye, and easily understood. The listing page is your salesperson. It is the face of your company so make it the best face possible.