Description: Sentences or Attributes?

[Tonearm]

I'm having trouble keeping up with writing descriptions for new products. I would really prefer to fill out attributes like this:

Color: White
Size: 10" x 10"
Thickness: Thin

My current descriptions are only 1 or 2 sentences long. Can I switch to attributes and avoid a drop in ranking? Does Google greatly prefer complete sentences over attribute info?

[Receptional Andy]

You may find this prior discussion useful, Tonearm:

Include Clearly Tagged Facts in the Description [webmasterworld.com]

My opinion is that people are scanning search results are are highly unlikely to read complete sentences. IMO using "scannable" descriptions is a much better approach since you can appeal to a lot more potential visitors that way. I tend to end up somewhere in the middle - not complete sentences, but not just tag:fact either.

I think you also need some caution, as you don't necessarily just want to repeat something from the page copy - or to use words that aren't easily identifable as being closely related to the page.

[potentialgeek]

Keep in mind, too, you don't actually need descriptions. A good title is often good enough for users and Google. No Description indeed may be better than a weak/repetitive one. (Writing Descriptions can be one of the most boring and tedious tasks for a webmaster.)

[Receptional Andy]

I agree that you don't need descriptions, and that you're better off not bothering rather than using a poor one.

But for me, it's an essential aspect of an optimised document. Unless you've got a spectacularly good clickthrough rate, more people are likely to read at least some of the words in your snippet than ever end up on your page.

IMO a duplicate or poor description negatively affects ranking potential (even to the extent to which it no longer appear in SERPs as a result). A good description is an indicator of quality, and increases ranking potential. In terms of searchers, it can both increase clickthrough rate, and better prepare them for their visit, so they're happier with your site when they arrive.

Anyone who's tested online advertising can appreciate the importance of how you occupy the small amount of space available. And I can't think of a better "advert" that a highly visible Google listing.

Writing Descriptions can be one of the most boring and tedious tasks for a webmaster

Yes, but that's because it's a writer's job, not a webmaster's ;)

[Tonearm]

Very nice, thanks guys.

[wilderness]

I agree with Receptional.

The rewards of accurate descriptions are valid and focused visitors.
The sometimes frustrating effort is time well spent. After you've done a few the methods become easier.