The Simple Formula for Writing Product Titles That Sell
The Key to Writing Product Titles That Sell
When you’re creating product titles, your main goal is simple: make sure potential customers know exactly what you're offering. That means clear, concise titles that tell them what they’ll get, without any fluff. You have a limited amount of space and time to grab attention, so making every word count is essential. Here’s how to nail the formula for product titles that work.
Focus on the Essentials
Every product title should have a clear focus. Think about what the customer needs to know at first glance. This could be the brand name, the product type, key features, or the size. Most product titles are structured around a few basic components:
- Brand Name
- Product Type or Category
- Key Features
- Size or Quantity
For example, if you're selling a pair of wireless headphones, a good title might be something like:
"Sony Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones, Over-Ear, Black".
This title ticks off the essential points:
- Brand: Sony
- Type: Wireless headphones
- Feature: Noise cancelling
- Style: Over-ear
- Color: Black
By being straightforward, the customer can quickly see what the product is. When you’re crafting your titles, think about what details are important to the customer at that moment.
Use Keywords Wisely
Search engines and marketplaces like Amazon use keywords to match search queries to your product. Including relevant keywords is key to making sure your product shows up in search results. But here’s the catch: don’t stuff keywords into your title just for the sake of it. This can make your title sound awkward and harder to read.
Instead, use natural language. If your product is a "Bluetooth speaker," use that exact term, but don’t try to squeeze in every possible variation like "wireless Bluetooth speaker portable." A title with too many keywords can overwhelm the reader and hurt your chances of standing out.
Keep It Simple and Concise
Your title needs to be short enough that it doesn’t get cut off in search results or on mobile screens. The more you can say with fewer words, the better. Try to avoid unnecessary details or fluff that doesn’t directly help the customer understand what the product is.
For example, instead of:
"Great Quality, Long-Lasting, Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker for Outdoor Adventures"
You could go with:
"Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker for Outdoors, 12 Hour Battery"
This version is more to the point. It tells the customer what they need to know without overloading them with extra words. It also highlights key selling points (waterproof, for outdoor use, long battery life).
Don’t Overcomplicate Things
While it’s tempting to make your product title sound fancy, avoid using complicated terminology or technical jargon unless it’s absolutely necessary. Most customers won’t be impressed by fancy words if they don’t understand them. Keep things clear.
Let’s say you’re selling a camera lens. Instead of something like:
"Multi-Layered, High-Definition, Optically Supercharged Lens for Professional Photographers"
Go with:
"Canon 50mm f/1.8 Lens for DSLR Cameras"
The second option tells the customer exactly what they’re getting and uses terms most people will understand. When in doubt, simple is always better.
Highlight What Sets It Apart
What makes your product different from the competition? Whether it’s a unique feature, a special design, or an exclusive material, mention it in your title. If something about your product makes it stand out, don’t bury it in the description—get it front and center in your title.
For example, if you’re selling a running shoe with special memory foam insoles, include that in the title, like this:
"Nike Running Shoes, Memory Foam Insole, Men’s, Size 10"
Here, you immediately highlight the key feature (memory foam insole) that sets the shoe apart from other running shoes, without overloading the title with unnecessary info.
Use Numbers When They Matter
Numbers grab attention. If your product comes in a certain size, quantity, or has a specific feature (like battery life or weight), put it in the title. Not only does it make the product easier to understand, but it also adds a sense of clarity and precision.
For example, instead of a vague title like:
"Portable Power Bank"
You can be more specific with:
"Portable Power Bank, 20,000mAh, 2 USB Ports"
Here, the numbers tell the customer exactly what they can expect: the power bank’s capacity and the number of USB ports. This kind of specificity helps people make faster buying decisions.
Organize for Readability
Good formatting is key. You want your title to be easy to skim, especially when the customer is browsing through many different options. A title that’s crammed together or hard to read will get skipped over.
Use commas or dashes to separate important details in the title. For example:
"Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Black, Unlocked"
vs.
"Apple iPhone 14 128GB Black Unlocked"
The first version is much easier to read because it’s organized and each key detail stands out.
Use the Right Language for Your Audience
The way you write a title depends on who your target audience is. If you’re selling high-end electronics, for example, you can use more technical language. But if you're targeting everyday consumers, it’s best to stick to simple, familiar words.
For instance, for a product like a mattress:
- If your target audience is health-conscious consumers: "Memory Foam Mattress, Hypoallergenic, Firm Support"
- If your audience is budget-conscious: "Affordable Memory Foam Mattress, Firm Support"
Tailor your title to what your audience will respond to best.
Test and Adjust
Once you've written your product title, it’s a good idea to test it. You can try different versions to see which one gets the most attention or leads to more sales. Some platforms like Amazon let you track how your listings perform, so use that data to make adjustments as needed.
If you notice that one title performs better than another, figure out what made it work—was it the way you highlighted key features? Was it the use of numbers? Keep refining your approach until you find a formula that consistently brings results.
Avoid Overloading with Too Many Details
It’s important to strike a balance between being informative and not overwhelming your potential customers. While it’s tempting to list every feature or detail about your product, too much information can muddy the waters. Focus on the most important points that will make your product stand out and appeal to your target customer.
For example, instead of listing every possible feature, just choose the ones that are likely to be deal-breakers for your customers, such as the most important product benefits, size, or compatibility.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Too Vague Titles – Titles that are too general don’t stand out. Be specific.
- Overuse of Keywords – Keyword stuffing can make your title feel unnatural. Use keywords in a way that fits naturally.
- Missing Key Features – If you leave out crucial details, potential customers won’t know if the product is right for them.
- Grammatical Errors – Always double-check for spelling or grammatical mistakes. A typo can make you look unprofessional.
Conclusion
Writing product titles that sell comes down to a simple formula: clarity, precision, and relevance. If you focus on what your customer needs to know, use language they understand, and highlight what makes your product unique, you’ll create titles that grab attention and drive sales.
Test your titles, track their performance, and tweak them as needed. By refining your approach over time, you’ll get better at crafting titles that not only describe your product but also persuade customers to click.