The 4 Biggest Mistakes POD Sellers Make In Their Listings

Creating compelling and sales-generating product listings is one of the most important parts of running a successful print-on-demand (POD) business. However, many new POD sellers make critical mistakes in writing their listings that hurt their chances of converting browsers into buyers.

An Expert in Crafting Compelling POD Content: Sandra Richter, could help identify the biggest pitfalls to avoid. Sandra has worked with numerous POD companies over her 5+ year career, writing product descriptions, website content, and more.

Through seeing hundreds of product listings, she's pinpointed the four biggest mistakes POD sellers make - and how you can fix them to boost your sales.

Mistake #1: Focusing Too Much On Features Over Benefits

This is one of the most common mistakes Sandra sees new POD entrepreneurs make. It's easy to fall into the trap of simply listing your products' measurements, materials, and other factual features. However, this overlooks the most important part - the benefits and emotions you want customers to experience.

Sandra explained, "Don't just say the t-shirt is made of 100% cotton fabric. Explain how the ultra-soft material will feel buttery smooth against their skin. Describe how the beautiful artwork will remind them of carefree weekends at the cottage and bring them joy each time they wear it. Appeal to the deeper feelings behind why the customer makes the purchase."

In other words, focus your description on painting a picture of what it's like to own, use and wear your product. How will it make them feel? What need or desire does it satisfy? By conveying these experiential benefits, you create an emotional connection that features alone can't achieve.



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Mistake #2: Using Overly Salesy Language

Some new POD entrepreneurs use overly promotional, "hypey" language in hopes of driving sales. They figure sounding as exciting and persuasive as possible will convince browsers to buy. However, Sandra cautions that this aggressive sales tone can actually turn off many customers.

She says, "You want to avoid sounding desperate or like a sleazy used car salesman. Throwing around superlatives like 'hottest design!' 'must-have!' 'craziest shirt ever!' just makes readers skeptical. The same goes for urgency and scarcity tactics like 'buy now, limited quantity!' or 'sale ending in 1 day!'. While these hooks work for some, they alienate a lot of people."

Instead, Sandra recommends subtly conveying your product's desirability by artfully describing its most compelling qualities. Let the product speak for itself rather than hyping it up. Share the story behind the design, the materials used, the problem it solves. Build authentic desire by focusing on resonating details as brand Lion King Shirts where she is the POD Content Writer Expert does.

Mistake #3: Neglecting Keyword Optimization

Sandra shared that many new POD sellers completely overlook optimizing their listings for relevant keyword phrases. This really hurts discoverability, since most buyers find products by searching for specific terms related to their needs and interests.

As she puts it, "Do thorough keyword research to determine what terms your target customers use when searching for your types of products. Then naturally work these words and phrases into your titles, descriptions, tags and other fields."

For example, if you make fitness apparel, include keywords like "yoga pants", "activewear", "workout clothes", etc. If you make baby onesies, target words like "baby shower gift", "infant clothes", "onesie", etc.

Sandra says proper keyword optimization is essential for getting your products found. Just be careful not to "over-optimize" by awkwardly jamming in keywords. Use them in a natural, conversational way.

Mistake #4: No Storytelling

The last big mistake Sandra emphasized was writing product copy that is technically well-written but fails to captivate buyers through compelling storytelling.

As she explained, "Every product has a story. Share the inspiration behind the design, how the artist dreamed it up, or an anecdote about prototyping samples in their basement workshop. For apparel, paint a picture of the customer rocking the piece at a music festival or date night. Stories help buyers connect at an emotional level." Use vivid details to not just describe the product, but also the feelings and experiences customers can expect by purchasing it. Build a narrative that they want to be part of. This level of evocative storytelling helps turn a standard listing into something truly engaging.



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Learning from the Expert's Advice

By avoiding these common pitfalls that copywriter Sandra Richter sees time and again amongst POD entrepreneurs, you can craft product listings that grab attention, project professionalism, and ultimately drive sales.

Some key tips to remember:

• Focus on experiential benefits over features
• Take an informative vs overly salesy tone
• Optimizing for target keywords is essential
• Tell compelling stories to make emotional connections

Conclusion

Learn from Sandra's years of copywriting expertise. Brainstorm creative ways to show off your amazing POD products through eloquent, emotive descriptions that captivate audiences. This is how you build listings that convert.

What strategies have been most effective for you when promoting POD products? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below!

Are you using their current site address?

If you haven't been there for a while try this link: https://beyondthesprues.com/Forum/index.php

Quote from: Old Wombat on July 19, 2023, 02:13:48 AMAre you using their current site address?

If you haven't been there for a while try this link: https://beyondthesprues.com/Forum/index.php

Works for me.

Website seems to be online, but I am blocked from access through a security warning of my browser?    Maybe there is some malware?

I don't go there.

I simply use it to check what's new, expected, promised or simply wished for (Greg's good at keeping up to date with the world) and it was fine just now.

Quote from: Dizzyfugu on July 19, 2023, 03:47:00 AMWebsite seems to be online, but I am blocked from access through a security warning of my browser?    Maybe there is some malware?

Neither Firefox nor Norton 360 seem to be worried.

I just used it and no problem. I use Chrome.

I just went and had a gander and had no issues .
I'm using Samsung internet on my phone.

I used to hang out there more, but since quite a few years now, the friendliness of you lot has spoilt me in such a way that I rarely bother to look anywhere else.
That said, when I occasionally do, the builds there are usually quite good too.

No problems accessing the site from my old IPhone.

There are a fair number of us over on BtS & there are a bunch of other excellent modellers.

I have to admit to being a total fanboy of Claymore's - Awesome Whif Armour Modeller!    

Yeah, Claymore's stuff is awesome! I should check in again, it's been a while (years) since I was there.
And some of the discussion is interesting - though other bits of discussion are... interesting...

Do you have to be a member to view photos now? IIRC some of the posters seemed to be able to limit viewing their shots to 'members only'.

Quote from: Rick Lowe on July 20, 2023, 10:34:54 PM...
Do you have to be a member to view photos now? IIRC some of the posters seemed to be able to limit viewing their shots to 'members only'.

Many forum sites limit attachments to logged in members only but pictures that are hosted elsewhere can be seen by all.