How to Write Awesome Short Descriptions That Grab Attention
Small business owners and entrepreneurs, listen up! We know you're busy running your company. But taking time to write good short descriptions is super important. Whether it's for your website, social media, or ads, snappy little blurbs can make a big difference. They help you stand out and get more customers. Let's learn how to write awesome short descriptions that grab people's attention!
Why Short Descriptions Matter
Short descriptions are like tiny ads for your business. They give people a quick taste of what you offer. A great short description can:
- Make people want to learn more about you
- Help you show up in search results
- Convince people to click on your links
- Set you apart from competitors
The trick is packing a punch with just a few words. It's not easy, but we'll show you how!
Know Your Limits
Different places have different rules for how long descriptions can be:
Meta Descriptions
These show up in search results. Keep them under 155 characters so they don't get cut off.
Social Media Bios
- Twitter: 160 characters
- Instagram: 150 characters
- Facebook: 255 characters
- LinkedIn: 120 characters for personal, 220 for company pages
Ad Copy
- Google Ads headlines: 30 characters each
- Google Ads descriptions: 90 characters
- Facebook Ads headlines: 40 characters
- Facebook Ads descriptions: 125 characters
Stick to these limits to make sure your whole message shows up!
Highlight What Makes You Special
With only a little space, focus on what sets you apart. Ask yourself:
- What do we do better than anyone else?
- What unique problem do we solve?
- Why should someone choose us?
Pick 1-2 key things that make your business awesome. Those are your "superpowers" to highlight.
Use Strong Action Words
Descriptions should make people want to take action. Use words that create excitement and urgency:
- Discover
- Unlock
- Transform
- Boost
- Maximize
- Save
For example: "Unlock your business potential with our game-changing software!"
Be Clear, Not Clever
It's tempting to try to be super creative. But clarity beats cleverness when space is tight. Make sure people instantly understand what you do.
❌ "We're your one-stop shop for follicle pampering and strand enhancement."
✅ "We cut and color hair to help you look your best."
The first one sounds fancy, but it's confusing. The second tells you exactly what they do.
Know Your Audience
Think about who you're trying to reach. Use words and ideas that will appeal to them. A description for busy moms will be different than one for tech startup founders.
For example:
- For moms: "Quick, healthy meals your kids will actually eat!"
- For startups: "Scale your business fast with our AI-powered tools."
Include a Call to Action
Even in a tiny description, tell people what to do next. Use phrases like:
- Learn more
- Shop now
- Get started
- Sign up
- Contact us
This gives readers a clear next step.
Test and Improve
Don't just write one description and call it done. Try different versions to see what works best. You can:
- A/B test different descriptions in ads
- Try new social media bios and track engagement
- Ask customers which descriptions they like best
Keep tweaking until you find what resonates most with your audience.
Examples of Great Short Descriptions
Let's look at some real-world examples of awesome short descriptions:
Airbnb
"Find vacation rentals, cabins, beach houses, unique homes and experiences around the world - all made possible by hosts on Airbnb."
This packs in their main offering, variety, and global reach in just 139 characters.
Mailchimp
"Marketing smarts for big ideas"
Simple but powerful in just 31 characters. It appeals to ambitious business owners.
Dollar Shave Club
"A great shave for a few bucks a month. No commitment. No fees. No BS."
This 71-character description clearly explains the offer and addresses common concerns.
Tools to Help You Write Better Descriptions
Some handy tools can make writing descriptions easier:
Character Counters
These help you stay within limits. Try charactercountonline.com.
Headline Analyzers
Get feedback on your titles. CoSchedule has a good free one.
Thesaurus
Find just the right word at thesaurus.com.
Hemingway Editor
This checks if your writing is clear and easy to read.
Practice Makes Perfect
Writing short descriptions is a skill. The more you do it, the better you'll get. Try these exercises:
1. Describe your business in exactly 6 words
2. Write 5 different Twitter bios for your company
3. Sum up your main product in 50 characters
Keep practicing and you'll be a pro in no time!
Conclusion
Short descriptions are a powerful tool for small businesses and entrepreneurs. They help you grab attention and stand out in a crowded market. By focusing on what makes you unique, using strong words, and keeping things clear, you can create descriptions that pack a punch. Remember to test different versions and keep improving. With practice, you'll be writing awesome short descriptions that bring in more customers!
FAQs
1. How often should I update my short descriptions?
Review them at least every 6 months. Update if your business changes or you find better ways to describe what you do.
2. Should I use hashtags in short descriptions?
It depends on the platform. They can work well on Instagram and Twitter, but aren't needed for things like meta descriptions.
3. Is it okay to use emojis in short descriptions?
Emojis can work well on social media, but avoid them for more formal platforms like LinkedIn or Google My Business.
4. How do I fit my company name into short descriptions?
If space is tight, focus on what you do rather than your name. People can usually see your name elsewhere on the page or profile.
5. Should my description be funny or serious?
Match your tone to your brand and audience. Humor can work well for some businesses, while others need to stay more professional.
Interesting Data
55% of people spend less than 15 seconds on a webpage. (Time)
Headlines with numbers get 36% more clicks. (Conductor)
Using power words in headlines can increase click-through rates by 12.7%. (Buzzsumo)
80% of readers never make it past the headline. (Copyblogger)
Tweets with hashtags get 100% more engagement. (Twitter)
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