A category page that contains only product images and links is hard to rank in search engines, because it has no text from which the search engine could understand what it is about. Thoughtful description text fixes this and at the same time helps the customer: it briefly explains what they will find in the category, who it is for, and why it is worth exploring. Well-placed text therefore does two things at once - it improves search rankings and guides the visitor. Below is how to set up the text so it benefits both, without pushing the products away.
A short introduction above the grid
A short introduction belongs above the product grid, roughly two to three sentences or around 80 to 100 words. It should naturally include the category's keyword and say three things: what you sell in the category, who it is for, and why this selection is worth exploring.
The introduction should be short enough that the products stay visible without scrolling, since the customer comes for products, not text. A few sentences are already enough for the search engine to understand what the page is about, and they give the customer basic orientation.
In-depth content below the grid
Place longer, in-depth content below the product grid. That is the right place for buying advice, explanations of product attributes, frequently asked questions, and a broader category description that helps the search engine with ranking.
This content does not get in the way of a customer hurrying to buy, while it offers the search engine enough text to understand the page. For search engines it does not matter that the text is at the top - Google indexes content regardless of where on the page it sits.
Write naturally, for a human
The text should be written for the reader, not for the search engine. Excessive repetition of keywords (so-called keyword stuffing) harms both the reader and the ranking, since search engines recognise this approach.
Every sentence should offer the customer something: an explanation, a tip, or an answer to a frequent question. Useful, readable text keeps the visitor longer and builds trust, which indirectly benefits the ranking too.
Structure and internal links
Break longer text up with subheadings and short paragraphs, so it is easy to read and skim. A clear structure helps the reader and the search engine quickly grasp what the page covers.
Where it makes sense, include internal links to related subcategories or popular products in the text. These links ease the customer's path and help the search engine understand the relationships between pages in the store.
How to set it up in Magento
Magento has a description field for each category, which you display at the top or the bottom of the category page. You usually set up the shorter introduction above the grid and the longer content below it in the category template, without major changes.
For a more advanced display, for example automatically shortening the text with a "Read more" button or a separate space for the introduction and the in-depth content, a dedicated module or a theme customisation is sometimes required. In any case, you edit the text content yourself.
How to measure whether it works
You track the effect mainly through search rankings for the category's keywords and through traffic from organic search. A gradual improvement in rankings and growth in free traffic are the best indicators that the text is doing its job.
Also track visitor behaviour, for example time on page and whether customers read the in-depth content. Category pages are among the most profitable pages for search optimisation, so investing in their text often pays off.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a category page need description text?
A page that contains only product images and links is hard to rank, since the search engine has no text from which to understand what it is about. Description text fixes this and at the same time guides the customer (what they will find, who it is for, why it is worth exploring). Well-placed text improves search rankings and guides the visitor. Category pages are among the most profitable pages for search optimisation.
Where should I place the text, at the top or the bottom?
Both, but split. A short introduction (two to three sentences, around 80 to 100 words) belongs above the grid, naturally including the keyword and saying what you sell, who it is for, and why the selection is worth exploring. Place longer, in-depth content below the products so it does not push them away. For search engines it does not matter that the text is at the top, since Google indexes content regardless of position.
How much text is enough?
A few sentences of introduction are already enough for the search engine to understand the page, and they give the customer basic orientation. More important than length is that the text is useful and readable. Excessively long text or keyword stuffing does not help and can harm. The goal is enough content for the search engine and the customer to understand the page, not a wall of text.
How should I write so it benefits both the customer and ranking?
Write for the reader, not the search engine. Every sentence should offer the customer something: an explanation, a tip, or an answer to a frequent question. Excessive repetition of keywords is recognised by search engines. Break longer text up with subheadings and short paragraphs, and include internal links to related subcategories or popular products. Useful, readable text keeps the visitor longer and builds trust.
How do I set up the text in Magento?
Magento has a description field for each category, displayed at the top or bottom of the page. You usually set up the shorter introduction above the grid and the longer content below it in the category template, without major changes. For a more advanced display, for example automatically shortening the text with a "Read more" button or a separate space for the introduction and in-depth content, a dedicated module or a theme customisation is sometimes required. In any case, you edit the text content yourself.