Common Mistakes During Product Card Development and How to Avoid Them

The Most Common Mistakes in Creating a Product Card

Even experienced entrepreneurs often make mistakes that literally “drain” potential sales. The problem is that an improperly designed product card is like a store without a window display. You seem to be selling something, but the buyer does not understand what exactly it is, why it is worth their attention, and how to buy it.

If you think that a product card is just a set of photos, a name, a price, and a “Buy” button, I have news for you. It’s like thinking that a restaurant is just a menu and tables. A product card is an entire world of interaction with the customer. It either captivates you at first sight or makes you leave without purchasing.

Successful brands do not skimp on this because they know: every detail affects the conversion. But many people make critical mistakes that literally repel clients. Let’s figure out what typical mistakes destroy sales and how to fix them.

Mistake #1: Lack of a Clear USP (Unique Selling Proposition)

What happens? Imagine you entered an online store looking for a new wireless mouse. You have hundreds of options to choose from. You open the first product card and see the description:

“Comfortable mouse for work and games. Stylish design. High quality.”

And now the second product card:

“Lightweight wireless mouse Logitech MX Anywhere 3 – works without recharging for up to 70 days, supports fast scrolling, and connects to three devices simultaneously.”

Which mouse are you more likely to add to the cart?

If a product page does not have a clear, specific unique selling proposition (USP), the buyer simply doesn’t understand why this product is worth attention. They need to know what specific benefits they will gain. If the text on the product page resembles a standard set of ‘about everything and nothing’, they will either look for another option or start to have doubts.

Common mistakes in USP formulation include:

• Descriptions that are too general. ‘Quality material’ – What material exactly? Why is it better? Or ‘Suitable for everyone’ – No one wants to buy a product ‘for everyone’. Everyone wants the product to be perfect specifically for them.
• Lack of specifics. ‘Stylish and comfortable backpack’ – What makes it stylish? In what way is it comfortable?
• Lack of emotional appeal. ‘An excellent choice for home and office’ – How will this improve the buyer’s life?

But how to formulate a strong USP? To start with, add specifics: instead of ‘High-quality material’, write ‘Durable waterproof Cordura® nylon’. Also, don’t forget to focus on the benefits: not ‘Portable charger’, but ‘Fast charge to 80% in 30 minutes always connected without a socket’.

Use numbers because they hold great significance for people. Specificity should be in everything, for instance, instead of “Easy and spacious suitcase”, it’s better to write “Weighs only 2.3 kg, but holds 25 liters”. And evoke emotions, not “Comfortable orthopedic chairs”, but “Work without back pain — the chair adapts to your posture”.

If done right, the product card transforms from a faceless page into a real sales tool.

Error #2: Poor quality photos or lack thereof

What happens? Have you ever bought a product if you couldn’t properly see it? Probably not. People perceive 80% of information visually, so the quality of photos directly affects the desire to make a purchase.

Now imagine you’re choosing sneakers in an online store. On one product card – a small, blurry photo where the shoes are barely visible. On the other — detailed shots from different angles, close-ups of the material’s texture, a video review showing how the sneakers look in motion. Which option looks more convincing?

However, despite this, many sellers still ignore visual content, thinking that the main thing is the description and price. This is one of the biggest mistakes that literally destroys sales. Typical product photo mistakes include:

1. Low-quality photos. Blurry, dark, or pixelated images, as well as insufficient lighting or incorrect color balance.
2. Few images. One or two angles do not provide a complete picture of the product, and there are no details: material texture, fastenings, seams, etc.
3. No photos in use. It’s hard to imagine how the product looks in real life. As a result, the buyer can’t see scale or size proportions.
4. Background chaos. The photo is taken on a colored blanket or near a window, rather than on a professional background, which distracts attention from the product.

How to create a selling photo? Quality is paramount, so use a professional camera or a smartphone with a good camera. And make sure the image is clear and detailed. Add at least 4-6 photos to show the product from all sides. If there are details (seams, fastenings, texture), take close-up shots. And don’t forget about live photos in use.

A good photo is not just about aesthetics. It is the key to trust and sales.

Error #3: Generic, Unconvincing Description

What’s happening? Open multiple product cards in any online store, and you’ll see the same set of words:

• “High quality”
• “Easy to use”
• “Beautiful design”

These are not product descriptions but empty words that provide no useful information to the buyer. People don’t just buy features; they buy the result that the product delivers. But if the description explains nothing, the buyer either has to find additional information themselves or go to a competitor who clearly lays everything out.

Typical mistakes in descriptions include:

1. Lack of specificity. “Comfortable chair” — what makes it comfortable? What form, what materials, is it adjustable? “Quality phone” — what does “quality” mean? What features distinguish it from others?
2. Lack of structure. A list of features blends into a continuous text. There is no division into main benefits, technical specifications, and customer benefits.
3. Description without considering customer needs. People want to understand how the product will change their life. The description doesn’t answer the question “How will this help me?”

How to write a description that sells? Focus on benefits, not just features:

• Was: “Microfiber fabric”.
• Now: “Soft and hypoallergenic fabric that does not conduct static and does not accumulate dust”.

And make a clear structure, the description should be divided into short paragraphs for easy reading. Also, don’t forget about the emotional impact.

Apple doesn’t just write that their cameras have high resolution. They say: “Capture even in the dark — night mode captures more light, making every shot clear and bright.” That’s how you should write if you want to convince the customer to buy the product, not just tell about its features.

Mistake #4: Lack of reviews or ignoring negative comments

What’s happening? According to BrightLocal, 95% of buyers read reviews before purchasing, and 88% trust them as much as personal recommendations. If the product card contains no reviews, the customer wonders: “Is it worth buying?”

Even worse — when reviews are there, but many are negative, and the company does not respond to them. This creates the impression that the brand doesn’t care about its customers and isn’t ready to solve their problems.

Typical mistakes in working with reviews are as follows:

1. Lack of reviews. People are afraid to be the first to buy a product without reviews. Because without social proof, there is no trust.
2. Ignoring negative comments. If a brand doesn’t respond to negative reviews, it looks like disregard for customers. Lack of response can further damage the reputation.
3. Fake reviews. Too many perfect 5-star ratings without specifics are suspicious. If all reviews are written in the same style, customers notice it.

How to handle reviews correctly? Firstly, encourage customers to leave reviews. Offer a small discount or bonus for leaving a review. Remind them of the opportunity to leave a comment after purchase. Also, deal with negative reviews. Don’t delete them — instead, show that you are ready to solve problems. Respond calmly, and offer solutions.

Therefore, reviews are a free way to boost trust and conversion, and a good product description makes it even more appealing.

Mistake No.5: Poor SEO optimization of the product card

What happens? A product card can be perfect — with high-quality photos, a strong USP, and a convincing description — but if no one finds it, it’s all in vain. Proper SEO optimization of the product card helps potential buyers quickly find the product in search — both on Google and in the marketplaces themselves. If the product doesn’t reach the top of the listings, it simply won’t be noticed.

Typical SEO optimization mistakes are as follows:

1. Absence of keywords. If the title and description don’t include popular queries, the product card is difficult to find.
2. Unsuccessful title. The product name should not only be attractive but also contain keywords. “Black stylish backpack” is not informative enough. However, “City backpack made of waterproof nylon, 30 L, for 15” laptop” is much better.
3. Ignoring the meta description. If you are selling a product through your own site, it is important to fill out the meta description — a short summary of the product that users see in search results. It should explain the main advantages of the product and motivate users to visit the page.
4. Lack of photo optimization. Images without proper names and alt texts are yet another lost opportunity to gain traffic from Google Images.

How to properly optimize a product card? Start by adding keywords to the title, description, and characteristics. Research popular queries using Google Keyword Planner or similar tools. Insert them naturally so that the text doesn’t appear artificial. Also, optimize photos, fill in the meta description and ALT for images.

Effective SEO optimization = more free traffic = more sales.

Error №6: Complicated or unclear ordering process

What happens? What does a buyer do when they want to place an order:

1. Adds the product to the cart.
2. Proceeds to checkout.
3. Fills in contact details.
4. Selects delivery and payment method.
5. Confirms the order.

Sounds simple, right? But some websites manage to complicate this process so much that customers just don’t make it to the final step.

Here are typical order process mistakes to avoid:

1. Too many steps. If a user has to fill out 10+ fields before payment, they might just leave.
2. Absence of quick checkout. Some buyers want to place an order without registering — but the site doesn’t allow this.
3. No popular payment methods. If there’s no Apple Pay, Google Pay, card payments, or other convenient options, some customers simply won’t be able to pay for the purchase.
4. Unexpected fees or paid delivery. Buyers don’t like surprises in the form of additional charges.

How to simplify the ordering process? Reduce the number of steps. The universal rule: no more than 3-4 steps to complete the purchase. Also, add an option to order without registration and make payment as easy as possible. And if there are additional costs, inform about them before the order is placed.

So, if many buyers are abandoning their carts, think about what might be stopping them — perhaps it is unnecessary steps or limited payment options.

Mistake #7: Lack of clear guarantees and return policies

What’s happening? People don’t like to take risks, especially when buying online. If they don’t see information about guarantees, returns, or aftersales service, their trust level decreases.

Now imagine two situations:

1. You want to buy a jacket from an online store, but it doesn’t say anywhere if it can be returned if the size doesn’t fit. You hesitate and postpone the purchase.
2. On another site, it says: “Easy returns within 30 days. No questions asked.” You immediately feel more at ease and complete the purchase.

Which option wins? Clearly, the second one. Here are common mistakes with guarantees and returns:

1. Lack of information. There is no section on guarantees or return policy on the site, which leaves the buyer unsure of what to do if the product isn’t right.
2. Unclear or complex terms. Long legal text that’s difficult to understand and too many restrictions (e.g., returns are only possible within 7 days, and items cannot be unpacked).
3. Hidden nuances. The website states that returns are possible, but upon inquiry, there are numerous nuances (several forms need to be filled out, a 30-day wait for a response, etc.).

How to make guarantees transparent? Make the return policy as clear as possible. A short text that clearly states how and under what conditions an item can be returned. Example: “You can return the item within 30 days of purchase if it hasn’t been used. We will refund your money or exchange the item.”

Also, add warranties directly to the product card. Information about return or warranty possibilities should be in a visible place, not hidden in the site’s footer. And lastly, simplify the return procedure.

Error №8: Lack of personalization and cross-selling

What is happening? Most online stores make a big mistake — they do not take advantage of personalization and cross-selling. You might have noticed how Amazon recommends “Items you might like” or “Customers who bought this item also bought…”. These are not just random suggestions but tools that increase the average check by 20-30%.

Now imagine a store with no recommendations at all. A customer comes in, buys one item and leaves. That’s it. You’ve missed the chance to sell them something else that might be useful. Here are common mistakes in personalization:

1. Lack of a recommendation block. If the product card doesn’t have a “Recommended with this product” section, you’re missing out on additional sales.
2. The same offers for everyone. If a user is searching for sports shoes, but is being shown pots, it’s pointless.
3. Absence of companion products. If you’re selling cameras, suggest memory cards, cases, tripods. If it’s a laptop, show a bag, mouse, docking station.

Make logical suggestions. If a client buys a smartphone, offer them protective glass and a case. And set up email notifications with recommendations. After a purchase, you can send an email: “You bought a laptop — here are some useful accessories for it.”

This not only boosts sales but also creates convenience for customers — they find what they need faster.

Error #9: Unaddressed trust triggers

What’s happening? Online sales rely heavily on trust. If a user is seeing your site or product card for the first time, they unconsciously ask questions:

• Is this a reliable store?
• Will I not receive a counterfeit?
• Is this not a scam?

If you don’t provide clear trust signals, the buyer will simply leave, even if they’re interested in the product. Research shows that 17% of users don’t complete a purchase if they’re uncertain about the store’s reliability.

Here are typical mistakes:

1. No logos for payment systems and secure payment. People trust sites more that display symbols of Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay. If they’re missing, the user may doubt the security of payments.
2. Absence of social proof. Reviews are one of the strongest trust triggers. Without them, people are doubtful. A customer wants to know that someone else has already bought this product and was satisfied.
3. No guarantees of authenticity. If the product has quality certificates, they should be displayed. For branded products, it’s important to confirm that it’s not a counterfeit.
4. No company information. Lack of contact details, legal information, or even an ‘About Us’ page looks suspicious.

How to fix it? Add payment system logos on the payment page, include real user reviews with photos, and add certificates or official quality confirmations of the product. Also, don’t forget to provide contact details and real information about the company.

Error #10: Lack of clear Calls to Action (CTA)

What happens? Even if you have a great product card, clear description, and nice photos — this doesn’t guarantee that the user will click “Buy”. The person needs an easy, intuitive path to action.

Poor CTA = lost sale. And all due to typical mistakes:

1. The “Buy” button is not very noticeable. If it’s hard to find or blends into the background, it reduces the number of clicks.
2. The button text doesn’t motivate action. “Place an order” is a weak option. “Get with a discount” sounds more appealing.
3. Too many action options. If there are unnecessary buttons near the CTA, they distract the user. Optimal — one main button and one additional (for example, “Add to favorites”).

How to make the CTA effective? The CTA should be large and contrasting. The best colors for a CTA are red, orange, green, blue. It should stand out from other page elements. The button text should create a desire to click. “Buy with a discount”, “Get a gift”, “Grab the last one” — all of these trigger interest in the product.

Amazon uses yellow CTA buttons that attract attention. Their most effective texts:

• “Buy Now”
• “Add to Cart”
• “Only 2 left — order soon”

This creates a sense of urgency and encourages purchase.

Conclusion: How to Make a Product Card Effective

Designing a product card is not just about filling in standard fields in the admin panel. It’s a sales tool, and if it doesn’t work, you are losing money. What is needed for the card to maximize profits:

1. Clear USP.
2. High-quality photos and videos.
3. A detailed yet structured description.
4. Reviews and social proof.
5. SEO optimization.
6. Simple ordering process.
7. Guarantees and return policy.
8. Personalized recommendations.
9. Trust triggers.
10. Strong CTA.

If each of these points is in place, you are already ahead of most competitors. And if not, there’s no use spending money on advertising if the product card does not convince the buyer to place an order.

If you want well-thought-out product cards without extra hassle, our team at 6Weeks offers ready-made template solutions on WordPress that meet all key requirements for effective product formatting.

Our templates:

• SEO-optimized — your product cards will be at the top of search engines.
• With a well-thought-out structure — so that each element works towards the sale.
• With integrated recommendations and trust triggers — to increase conversion rates.

Don’t waste time on testing—use ready-made solutions that already work!

Want to learn more? Submit a request, and we will find the best solution for your business.

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