How long should a product description be?

Keep a short version around 160 characters for summaries and search snippets, and a long version of a few short paragraphs for product pages. Use whichever a site asks for.

Should I use the same description on every directory?

Use the same facts everywhere and the same short description. Lightly reword the long version where you like, but don't change what the product is or who it's for.

Should I mention AI in my product description?

If AI is the main thing the product does, yes. Otherwise describe the result it gives the user; "AI-powered" on its own tells people very little.

How to write a product description for launch sites

Write three versions once and reuse them everywhere: a tagline under 60 characters, a short description of about 160 characters, and a long description of a few short paragraphs. Each says what the product is, who it's for, what makes it different and what it costs, in plain words and the same facts every time.

Why write it once

Every launch platform and directory asks for the same things with different limits. Writing three fixed versions saves hours, and describing the product the same way everywhere helps search engines and AI assistants agree on what it is. Inconsistent descriptions make you look like several different products.

The short description (about 160 characters)

One or two sentences: what it is, who it's for and the main benefit. It fits most directory summary fields and reads well as a search result snippet. Example: "Status pages for small SaaS teams. Set one up in two minutes, connect your uptime monitor, and keep customers informed during outages."

The long description

First paragraph: the short description, expanded. Many sites only show the first lines, so it has to stand alone.
The problem it solves and who has it.
Three to five key features, each tied to an outcome.
What makes it different from the obvious alternative.
Pricing in one line: free, freemium, paid from a given price, or open source.

Rules that keep it readable

Short paragraphs; most people skim on a phone.
Name the category plainly ("invoicing app", "CLI tool") so people and search engines can place you.
No claims you can't back up, like "the best" or "#1".
Mention the platforms it runs on: web, iOS, Android, Mac, a browser extension.
Keep a copy in a document so updates are quick when the product changes.

Template

"[Product] is a [category] for [audience] that [main benefit]. [Audience] usually [current painful workaround]; [product] [how it changes that]. Key features: [feature → outcome], [feature → outcome], [feature → outcome]. Unlike [alternative], it [difference]. [Pricing]." Pair it with a strong tagline and good screenshots.

Use your description on IndieLaunch

Paste your tagline and description into a free IndieLaunch launch and get a permanent product page.

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Frequently asked questions

How long should a product description be?: Keep a short version around 160 characters for summaries and search snippets, and a long version of a few short paragraphs for product pages. Use whichever a site asks for.
Should I use the same description on every directory?: Use the same facts everywhere and the same short description. Lightly reword the long version where you like, but don't change what the product is or who it's for.
Should I mention AI in my product description?: If AI is the main thing the product does, yes. Otherwise describe the result it gives the user; "AI-powered" on its own tells people very little.