Collection Page Copy

---
name: collection-page-copy
description: "Writes collection and category page copy with SEO-friendly descriptions, navigation aids, cross-sell suggestions, and filtering guidance. Use for e-commerce category pages."
allowed-tools: Read Write Glob
metadata:
  author: matthewhitcham
  version: "1.0"
---

# Collection Page Copy

## When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when you need to:
- Write SEO-optimized copy for product collection or category pages
- Create descriptions that help shoppers navigate and filter products
- Improve organic traffic to collection pages with keyword-rich content
- Add cross-sell and upsell suggestions to category-level pages

**DO NOT** use this skill for individual product listings, homepage copy, or blog content. This is for collection, category, and catalog pages in e-commerce stores.

---

## Core Principle

COLLECTION PAGES SERVE TWO MASTERS — SEARCH ENGINES THAT NEED KEYWORD-RICH CONTENT AND SHOPPERS WHO NEED FAST NAVIGATION. SATISFY BOTH WITHOUT SACRIFICING EITHER.

---

## Phase 1: Brief

### Required Inputs

| Input | What to Ask | Default |
|-------|------------|---------|
| **Collection name** | "What is the collection/category?" | Must be provided |
| **Products included** | "How many products and what types?" | Must be provided |
| **Target keyword** | "What search term should this page rank for?" | Collection name |
| **Platform** | "Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, or other?" | Shopify |
| **Audience** | "Who shops this category?" | General buyer profile |
| **Current page** | "Share the existing collection page URL if available." | Starting fresh |
| **Related collections** | "What other collections should we cross-link?" | Will recommend |

**GATE: Confirm brief before writing.**

---

## Phase 2: Plan

### Collection Page Copy Structure

1. **Above-the-fold headline** — keyword-rich but human-readable
2. **Short intro (2-3 sentences)** — what the collection offers and who it is for
3. **Below-product-grid description (150-300 words)** — SEO content with buying guidance
4. **Navigation aids** — suggested filters, sub-categories, or buying guides
5. **Cross-sell links** — related collections and complementary categories
6. **FAQ section (optional)** — 3-5 questions relevant to the category

### SEO Requirements

- H1 includes the primary keyword
- Description includes primary and 2-3 secondary keywords naturally
- Internal links to related collections and key product pages
- Meta title: 50-60 characters with keyword
- Meta description: 150-160 characters with benefit and keyword

**GATE: Present the content plan and keyword targets before writing.**

---

## Phase 3: Write

### Deliverables

**1. Collection Page Headline (H1)**
- Keyword-rich, human-readable
- Example: "Organic Cotton T-Shirts for Men" not "Men's T-Shirts Cotton Organic Buy"

**2. Above-Fold Intro (2-3 sentences)**
- What the collection is and who it is for
- Primary keyword included naturally
- Sets expectations for what the shopper will find

**3. Below-Grid SEO Description (150-300 words)**
- Organized with subheadings if over 200 words
- Includes buying guidance (how to choose, what to consider)
- Secondary keywords woven in naturally
- Internal links to related collections and buying guides
- Written for shoppers, not search engines — helpful content that happens to be optimized

**4. Meta Title and Description**
- Title: 50-60 characters, keyword first
- Description: 150-160 characters, benefit-driven with keyword

**5. Cross-Sell Suggestions**
- 2-3 related collections with linking copy
- Example: "Looking for accessories? Browse our [leather belts collection] and [wallets collection]."

**6. Category FAQ (if applicable)**
- 3-5 questions shoppers commonly ask about this product category
- Answers that build confidence and reduce purchase hesitation

---

## Phase 4: Polish

### Content Checklist

- [ ] H1 includes primary keyword
- [ ] Meta title under 60 characters
- [ ] Meta description under 160 characters
- [ ] Description reads naturally (not keyword-stuffed)
- [ ] At least 2 internal links to related pages
- [ ] Content helps the shopper make a decision
- [ ] Mobile preview checked

### Performance Tracking

Monitor monthly:
- Organic traffic to the collection page
- Keyword rankings for target terms
- Bounce rate (high bounce = content mismatch with search intent)
- Click-through to individual products (engagement)

---

## Example 1: Shopify Fashion Collection

**H1:** "Women's Summer Dresses — Casual, Beach & Vacation Styles"
**Intro:** "Find your perfect summer dress. From breezy beach cover-ups to elegant vacation styles, our collection features lightweight fabrics and flattering fits for every body type."
**Description:** 200-word buying guide covering fabric types, sizing tips, and occasion matching.

## Example 2: Home Goods Category Page

**H1:** "Scented Candles — Hand-Poured Soy Wax in 30+ Fragrances"
**Intro:** "Transform your space with hand-poured soy candles that burn clean and fill any room with lasting fragrance. Choose from 30+ scents organized by mood."
**Description:** 250-word piece covering burn times, scent families, and candle care tips.

---

## Anti-Patterns

- **Keyword-stuffed descriptions** — "Buy cheap organic cotton t-shirts organic cotton men's t-shirts best cotton" is spam. Write naturally.
- **No description at all** — empty collection pages miss SEO opportunity entirely. Even 100 words is better than nothing.
- **Ignoring mobile** — long descriptions push products below the fold on mobile. Keep above-fold copy short, put detailed content below the grid.
- **Generic descriptions** — "We have the best products at great prices" could be any store. Be specific about what makes YOUR collection worth browsing.
- **No internal links** — isolated collection pages miss the opportunity to guide shoppers deeper into the store.

---

## Recovery

- **Too many collections to write:** Prioritize by traffic potential and revenue. Write for the top 10 collections first, add others incrementally.
- **No keyword data:** Use Google autocomplete and "People also ask" for the category term. Amazon search suggestions also reveal buyer language.
- **Products change frequently:** Write the description around the category, not specific products. "Our fall collection features..." needs updating; "Handmade ceramic mugs in unique glazes" does not.
- **Platform limits description placement:** Use available fields (Shopify collection description, WooCommerce category description) and work within constraints.