Unlock the Power of Words: Boost Your Handmade Sales with Strategic Language

How the Right Words Can Make All the Difference for Your Handmade Business

Handmade sellers, we need to talk about the power of language. Humans have done some pretty complex things—we’ve split the atom, explored space, and created incredible works of art. But when it comes down to it, we're pretty simple in one way: we want more pleasure and less pain. And when you understand this, you unlock a powerful tool for selling.

The words you use to describe your products—whether in headlines, product descriptions, your wholesale catalog, or social media—are more than just descriptors. They’re your secret weapon. Choose wisely, and your words can help you stand out in a crowded market. Choose poorly, and you risk being just another face in the crowd.

So, how do you stack the odds in your favor? By learning the art of using powerful, sensory, and luxurious words to elevate your products.

1. You Sell Luxury (Even If It’s Affordable)

If you’re a handmade seller, you’re automatically in the luxury business. Your product doesn’t need to be dipped in gold or come with a $500 price tag to qualify. Your work is unique, handcrafted, and made with care—that already sets it apart. The key here is to make sure you talk about it that way.

For example, let’s say you make handmade jewelry. Sure, a customer can hop on Amazon and buy a silver necklace in 10 seconds flat. But they’re not on Amazon. They’re on your website, which means they’re looking for something different—something crafted with love and attention to detail. That’s luxury to them.

Real World Example: When I describe the products in my business, I always tap into the idea of luxury. Even if it's a simple candle, I highlight the fact that it’s hand-poured in small batches and made with organic soy wax. By using words like artisanal, handcrafted, and exclusive, I show that my products are special, not mass-produced.

2. Sensory Words Are Your Secret Weapon

People are naturally drawn to words that engage the senses. When you make your descriptions vivid, you help your customers imagine what it’s like to use your products. This makes them want to experience that feeling for themselves.

Here’s a cool fact: the most effective word on a restaurant menu is "crispy." It’s universal. When people read “crispy,” they immediately want that crunch. The same principle applies to your product descriptions. Words like creamy, velvety, or sparkly are irresistible because they trigger a sensory response.

Real World Example: In my bath and body business, Wicked Good, I use sensory words constantly. Instead of simply calling a product a "lotion," I describe it as whipped, luxurious, and silky-smooth. These words evoke feelings of indulgence and comfort—making customers crave the product before they've even tried it.

3. Talk About What Your Product Isn’t

Contrast is a powerful tool in writing. It’s not just about saying what your product is—sometimes, it’s more effective to talk about what it isn’t. Maybe other body lotions are thin and watery, but yours is rich and whipped. Maybe other candles smell faint or artificial, but your scents are vibrant and all-natural.

By painting a clear contrast, you help customers understand why your product is different and better than the rest.

Real World Example: When I promote my candles, I often highlight what they aren’t. “Clean fragrances, no smoky after-burn, just clean, vibrant scents that fill your home with joy.” By focusing on what makes my candles different, I can quickly communicate their unique value.

4. Find Your Sweet Spot

It’s easy to go overboard with descriptive words. After all, when you’re passionate about your product, you want to throw all the luxury, sensory, and powerful words you can think of into one big pot. And while that’s a great exercise for brainstorming, it’s not always the best for your final product descriptions.

The key is to find your sweet spot. Use just enough of these impactful words to bring your product to life, but not so many that your descriptions feel forced or over-the-top. It’s like seasoning a dish—use too much, and it’s overpowering. Use too little, and it’s bland.

Pro Tip: When writing, use words like carefully crafted, luxurious, stunning, and exquisite to paint a picture of exclusivity. But balance them out with clear, informative language that also communicates practical details like size, materials, and care instructions.

Conclusion: The Right Words Are Powerful

Handmade sellers, it’s time to embrace the power of words. The language you use to describe your work can elevate it, making your customers see your products as the treasures they truly are. By focusing on sensory details, tapping into the luxury aspect of handmade goods, and using contrast to highlight your product’s unique qualities, you can create descriptions that make customers excited to buy.

So, how are you talking about your products? Could your words be doing more for your business?