How to use OpenAI to write product descriptions on your Shopify store

Time needed: 10 minutes

To get started, follow these step-by-step instructions to connect Shopify Products to OpenAI Prompts. Also, be sure to install MESA on your Shopify store before proceeding.

1. Create a new workflow using Shopify’s Product Created action as the first step

   First, make a new workflow then choose the Shopify app. Then, select the Product Created action as the first step of your automation.

2. Select the OpenAI app as the next step in the workflow.

   Next, use the search field to narrow the list of apps so you can locate OpenAI faster.
   

3. Choose the Prompt action by clicking the “Use this” button.

   The OpenAI Prompt is the action in which you’ll configure to make your product description. It’s how you’ll train the AI.
   

4. Add You OpenAI API Key to authenticate the app

   Now, follow the instructions to acquire your API Key from OpenAI. Naturally, you’ll need an account if you haven’t created one yet. Paste your API key then click “Done”

5. Personalize the Open AI Prompt action

   Next, we’ll need to provide instructions for the AI to understand what copy we want it to write for us. Don’t feel overwhelmed by the number of fields. Basically, we’re only going to modify two of them.

6. Explain to the AI how to write a product description

   In the Prompt field, we’re going to provide our instructions to the AI. Thus, in this field type: “Write a brief product description for a product called: “

7. Use variables to pre-populate the product name

   Next, click the {+} button on that field to open the Variable Selector.

8. Add the Product Title variable to Prompt instructions

   Next, select the “Title” variable to insert it into the prompt text. Additionally, you could also add things like category, price and tags if your product names are a bit vague and the AI could benefit from additional context.

9. Set max-characters for the product description

   Then, scroll down to the Max Tokens field and change this value to something like 500. As a result, this will keep your descriptions to 500 characters max. You can leave the other variables on this step as their default values. Click “Done” when you’re ready to continue.

10. Add a new step to update the Shopify product

    Next, click the (+) icon under the OpenAI step to add another step. Then choose the Shopify app for the next step. Select the Update Product action.

11. Define which product to update by it’s ID

    Next, on the Product ID field, choose “Enter custom product ID” then open the Variable Selector again by clicking the {+} button.

12. Add the AI Test variable

    Next, scroll down to the Body HTML field then click the Variable Selector button again. Expand All Variables if isn’t already. Click the OpenAI Prompt step then select the “Text” variable to add this variable to the Body HTML field.

13. Return the First Item from the AI prompt

    From the prompt, click the button to Return First Item. As a result, the first response from the AI with then be added to the product description.

14. Save your workflow

    Then, save your workflow by naming it and adding your email address to Save Details.

15. Turn your automation On

    Lastly, turn your workflow On. Watch the confetti rain down. You’re a rockstar.