Have you read the short text on a website or shopping platform that made you want to buy a product instantly? Maybe it was a pair of shoes, a beauty product, or even a phone accessory.
That little write-up is called a product description; believe it or not, someone got paid to write it! In today’s digital world, product descriptions are one of the most in-demand writing gigs out there. Businesses, especially e-commerce stores, are always looking for people who can write compelling descriptions that convince customers to buy.
If you’re in Nigeria and looking to make money online without needing a degree or lots of experience, becoming a freelance product description writer could be your golden ticket.
Whether you’re a student, a fresh graduate, a stay-at-home parent, or just tired of job hunting, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From the skills you need, to how to find clients, to how much you can earn, this is your step-by-step guide.
What is a Product Description Writer?
A product description writer is someone who writes short, informative, and persuasive texts about products that are being sold online. The goal is to help potential buyers understand what the product is, what it does, and why they need it.
These write-ups are usually found on online stores like Jumia, Konga, Amazon, or even small business websites and Instagram shops.
Your job is not just to describe the product, but to sell it with words. You help customers visualize how the product fits into their lives and solve their problems. A good product description can make the difference between a customer clicking “Buy Now” or leaving the page.
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Why This Skill Is in High Demand
With thousands of businesses moving online, there’s a growing need for content that convinces people to buy.
Every product online needs a description, and business owners don’t always have time (or the skill) to write them well. That’s where freelance writers come in.
In Nigeria, many entrepreneurs are setting up online shops to sell fashion, gadgets, food items, skincare, and more. These sellers need someone to write descriptions that help their products stand out.
This means there’s a huge opportunity for freelance writers who understand how to write compelling product descriptions.
Skills You Need to Become a Freelance Product Description Writer
You don’t need to be a professional writer or have a degree in English. But you do need to have the following skills:
1. Good Grammar and Clear Writing
Your writing should be easy to read and free from grammar mistakes. Tools like Grammarly can help you polish your writing.
2. Persuasive Writing
You need to know how to convince someone to buy a product using just a few sentences. This involves understanding customer emotions and needs.
3. Basic SEO Knowledge
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) means writing in a way that helps your descriptions show up on Google and other search engines.
4. Ability to Follow Instructions
Clients may have a specific tone or format they want. Being able to follow guidelines is key.
5. Research Skills
You might need to research a product to understand its features, benefits, and how it compares with other products.
How to Write a Great Product Description (With Examples)
Writing a product description involves more than just listing features. Let’s go through the essential steps:
Step 1. Know Your Target Buyer
Understanding who you’re writing for is the first and most important step. Is the product for young tech enthusiasts, busy mothers, fitness lovers, or fashion-conscious teens? Your tone, style, and word choice should align with your target audience.
For example, a fun and casual tone works for fashion items, while a more formal style fits professional tools.
Step 2. Focus on Benefits, Not Just Features
While features explain what a product is, benefits explain why it matters to the customer. Always link a feature to a benefit.
For example, instead of just saying, “Made with breathable fabric,” say, “Made with breathable fabric to keep you cool and fresh all day.” This way, you help customers imagine the value of the product in their lives.
Step 3. Use Sensory Words and Emotional Triggers
Great product descriptions appeal to the senses. Words like “velvety,” “sparkling,” or “rich aroma” help create a vivid picture in the customer’s mind.
Adding emotional triggers like “feel confident,” “stand out,” or “protect your family” can tap into the customer’s desires and needs.
Step 4. Make it Scannable
Most people don’t read online; they scan. Break your text into small, readable chunks.
Use bullet points, bold text for important phrases, and subheadings to organize content. A well-structured description is more inviting and easier to digest.
Step 5. Include a Call to Action (CTA)
A good product description always ends with a CTA that guides the customer on what to do next.
Simple phrases like “Buy now,” “Order today,” or “Get yours before it’s gone” can nudge a customer into making a purchase.
Example:
For a product description for an online store selling an office leather bag, this is how you present your description.
Product: Leather Office Bag
Description: Carry your documents in style with this sleek leather office bag. Made from high-quality material, it’s spacious, durable, and perfect for everyday professional use.
The adjustable strap ensures comfort while the polished finish keeps you looking sharp. Add a touch of class to your workdays – order now!
Tools and Resources to Help You
You don’t need expensive tools to get started, but using the right ones can save time and improve your quality. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Grammarly: A grammar and spell-checking tool that also gives suggestions for tone and clarity. The free version is great for beginners.
2. Hemingway Editor: Makes your writing more readable by highlighting complex sentences and passive voice.
3. Writesonic or Jasper AI: These AI tools can help you generate description ideas, create drafts, or overcome writer’s block.
Always edit their outputs to make them personal and human.
4. Google Docs: A free word processor with real-time saving and sharing. Great for collaboration with clients.
5. Ubersuggest or Google Keyword Planner: Useful for finding keywords customers are searching for, so you can include them in your descriptions for better SEO.
6. Canva: While not directly related to writing, Canva can help you design and present your portfolio in a professional way.
Where to Find Freelance Gigs as a Product Description Writer
Finding jobs may feel hard at first, but once you know where to look and how to pitch, things become easier. Here are the top platforms and strategies:
1. Freelance Platforms
A. Upwork: Popular with international clients. Create a strong profile and send custom proposals.
B. Fiverr: Ideal for setting up your service (gig). You can offer different packages (e.g., 3 descriptions for ₦5,000).
C. PeoplePerHour: UK-based platform with gigs in writing and marketing.
D. Guru: Offers product description writing opportunities across various industries.
2. Job Boards
A. ProBlogger Job Board: Regularly features writing gigs.
B. We Work Remotely: Focuses on remote jobs, including content writing.
C. FreelanceWriting.com: A mix of entry-level and expert freelance gigs.
3. Direct Outreach
Check out online stores run by Nigerian businesses on Jumia, Konga, or Instagram. Send a DM or email introducing yourself and offering a free sample description. If they like your work, they may hire you.
4. Social Media & WhatsApp
Facebook groups like “Freelancers in Nigeria” and WhatsApp communities are goldmines for job leads. Stay active and share your offers regularly.
How Much Can You Earn?
Your income will vary depending on the client, your writing speed, and your experience. Here’s a breakdown:
A. Beginners: Expect ₦2,000–₦5,000 per product description.
B. Intermediate: ₦5,000–₦15,000 per product, especially if you offer bulk packages.
C. Experienced writers: ₦15,000+ per product, or charge per batch (e.g., ₦60,000 for 10 descriptions).
You can also charge per word (₦5–₦30/word), per hour (₦2,000–₦8,000/hour), or by project.
As your portfolio grows and client reviews come in, you’ll have more pricing power.
How to Build Your Portfolio (Even Without Experience)
Starting without samples? No worries. Here’s how to build a portfolio from scratch:
1. Write Sample Descriptions: Choose 3–5 products from Jumia or Amazon and write your descriptions for them. Focus on different niches to show variety.
2. Start a Free Blog: Platforms like Blogger, WordPress, or Medium allow you to post your samples publicly. This gives you an online presence.
3. Offer Free or Discounted Services: Approach small businesses and offer to write a few descriptions for free or at a lower rate. Ask for testimonials in return.
4. Create a Google Drive Folder: Store your samples here and organize them by niche. When a client asks for your portfolio, simply share the link.
5. Use Canva to Design a Portfolio PDF: Make a visually appealing version of your work to stand out.
Tips to Stand Out as a Freelance Product Description Writer
Standing out helps you attract better clients and higher pay. Here’s how to shine:
1. Pick a Niche: Specializing in fashion, tech gadgets, or beauty products helps you become an expert.
2. Always Meet Deadlines: Reliability builds your reputation, so always try to meet deadlines in any given work by your clients to show Truth.
3. Be Professional: From emails to chats, always maintain a respectful and businesslike tone.
4. Keep Learning: Platforms like Coursera, YouTube, and Skillshare have free/affordable writing courses.
5. Offer Extra Services: Include keyword research, headline suggestions, or even product title rewriting as bonuses.
Mistakes to Avoid as a Beginner
Even great writers make mistakes. Avoid these to grow faster:
1. Keyword Stuffing: It hurts readability and can lead to poor search rankings. Focus on natural usage.
2. Being Too Generic: “High quality” or “nice” doesn’t tell the buyer anything new. Be specific and let your buyer know how the product is going to help the one way or the other.
3. Copying Manufacturer Text: This leads to duplicate content, which hurts SEO and credibility.
4. Ignoring the Target Audience: Writing for everyone is writing for no one. Tailor each description.
5. Skipping the CTA: Every product description should tell the reader what to do next; not adding a call to action is wrong and makes the user experience poor.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
1: Do I need a laptop to get started?
Not necessarily. You can start with a smartphone and Google Docs, though a laptop is more convenient and better for long-term work.
2: Can I become a product description writer as a student?
Absolutely! It’s a great side hustle for students. Follow the steps and get to work.
3: How long should a product description be?
Usually between 50 to 200 words, depending on the product and platform.
4: What if I don’t know anything about the product?
Research! Look at competitors’ descriptions, customer reviews, and product specs.
Conclusion
Becoming a freelance product description writer is one of the simplest ways to start making money online in Nigeria. You don’t need fancy degrees or big connections.
All you need is your smartphone or laptop, a good internet connection, and the willingness to learn and apply what you’ve just read.
Start small, practice often, and keep putting yourself out there. With time, you’ll build your skills, get more clients, and maybe even turn it into a full-time career. So, are you ready to turn your words into money? Let’s get writing!
