Listing Best Practices

Creating compelling listings is key to attracting buyers and building your customer base on Steader. Follow these guidelines to make your products stand out and convert browsers into loyal customers.

Photography Tips

Lighting is Everything

Use natural light whenever possible - Take photos outdoors or near a window during golden hour (early morning or late afternoon)
Avoid harsh direct sunlight that creates deep shadows
Cloudy days provide perfect diffused lighting for product photos
Never use flash - it creates unflattering shadows and washes out colors

Composition Guidelines

Show the whole product - Your main photo should clearly display what you're selling
Fill the frame - Get close enough so the product takes up most of the image
Use a clean, simple background that doesn't distract from your product
For produce: Show both the whole item and a cut cross-section when relevant
Include a sense of scale - Use common objects or your hand for size reference

Multiple Angles Matter

Include 3-5 photos per listing
Main photo: Hero shot of the product
Detail shots: Close-ups of texture, color, or unique features
Context shot: Show how it's packaged or displayed
Action shot: Product being used or prepared (if applicable)

Photo Don'ts

Avoid blurry or out-of-focus images
Don't use stock photos or images from the internet
Skip filters that alter the true colors of your products
Never photograph products on dirty or cluttered surfaces

Writing Compelling Descriptions

The First Line Hooks Them

Start with what makes your product special:

"Heritage breed pork raised on pasture and acorns"
"Raw honey from wildflower meadows - never heated or filtered"
"Heirloom tomatoes with flavor you remember from childhood"

Essential Information to Include

For Produce:

Variety name and growing methods
Harvest date or freshness indicator
Storage recommendations
Suggested uses or recipe ideas
Any certifications (organic, naturally grown, etc.)

For Meat & Eggs:

How animals were raised (pasture-raised, grass-fed, etc.)
Processing date and facility information
Cut descriptions and weights
Feeding practices
Any hormones/antibiotics disclosure

For Prepared Foods:

Complete ingredient list
Allergen information
Preparation/production date
Storage instructions and shelf life
Serving suggestions

For Plants & Seeds:

Variety and Latin name
Growing requirements (sun, water, soil)
Mature size and growth rate
Hardiness zone
Special care instructions

Description Writing Tips

Be honest and accurate - Build trust by describing products truthfully
Tell your story - Share what makes your growing/production methods unique
Use sensory words - Describe taste, texture, aroma, and appearance
Keep paragraphs short - 2-3 sentences max for easy mobile reading
Highlight what buyers care about - Freshness, flavor, sustainability, local impact

Keywords for Search

Include relevant terms buyers might search for:

Product type (eggs, tomatoes, honey)
Variety names (Cherokee Purple, Rhode Island Red)
Production methods (grass-fed, organic, heirloom)
Uses (canning, baking, grilling)
Dietary preferences (gluten-free, vegan, keto-friendly)

Pricing Strategies

Know Your Costs

Calculate all production costs including labor
Factor in transaction fees when setting prices
Research local farmers market and competitor prices
Price for profitability, not just to move product

Pricing Psychology

Use charm pricing - $3.99 vs $4.00 can increase sales
Bundle for value - "3 for $10" instead of "$3.50 each"
Highlight savings - Show per-unit pricing for bulk options
Be transparent - Explain why specialty items cost more

Quantity Options

Offer multiple size options when possible
Use standard units buyers understand (dozen, pound, bunch)
Clearly state minimum order quantities if applicable

Category Selection

Choose a Matching Category

Proper categorization ensures proper sales tax rate and helps buyers find you
If there is no category match, let us know. We may want to add that category!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Poor photo quality - Blurry, dark, or cluttered images hurt sales
Vague descriptions - "Fresh eggs" tells buyers nothing special
Overpricing - Research your market before setting prices
Inconsistent availability - Reliability builds customer loyalty
Not updating sold out items - Disappointing buyers hurts your reputation

Pro Tips for Success

Refresh listings regularly - Keep your photos and description fresh
Cross-promote products - Mention complementary items in descriptions or throw in a free sample
Share your story - Buyers connect with the farmers behind the food
Study top sellers - Learn from successful listings in your area

Listing Templates

Example: Pastured Eggs

Title: Farm Fresh Pastured Eggs - Fed Organic, Non-GMO Feed

Description: Our happy hens roam freely on pasture, foraging for bugs and greens while supplemented with certified organic, non-GMO feed. These deep golden yolks stand tall and taste like eggs should - rich, creamy, and full of flavor.

Collected daily and never washed until use to maintain natural freshness. Our mixed flock of heritage breeds produces beautiful eggs in shades of brown, blue, and green.

Details:

Available in dozen or one and a half-dozen
Unwashed for maximum shelf life (3+ weeks)
Hens have 24/7 pasture access
No antibiotics or hormones ever
Supplemented with organic layer feed

Storage: Keep refrigerated. Unwashed eggs can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Example: Heirloom Tomatoes

Title: Cherokee Purple Heirloom Tomatoes - Vine-Ripened

Description: These beauties are worth the wait! Our Cherokee Purple tomatoes offer incredible sweet, smoky flavor with a hint of wine-like acidity. Perfect for caprese salads, sandwiches, or eating fresh with just a pinch of salt.

Grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers using regenerative practices that build soil health. Hand-picked at peak ripeness for maximum flavor.

Details:

Sold by the pound (approximately 2-3 tomatoes)
Harvested within 24 hours of pickup
Grown in living soil amended with compost
Indeterminate variety - producing through frost

Best stored at room temperature out of direct sunlight. Refrigeration will diminish flavor.

Remember, your listings are often the first impression buyers have of your homestead. Take the time to create listings that showcase not just your products, but your passion and commitment to quality local food. Happy selling!