With Facebook Marketplace, you can list items to sell online in an ad format that’s similar to a sponsored post.
For this feature, the company is testing expanded text ads — but there are other ways to be successful with Facebook Marketplace. Here are eight tips to keep in mind.
1. Create a captivating headline
Facebook’s algorithm will gauge how interested a user is in your product based on his or her past likes, clicks, and responses to similar items.
So make sure the copy is attention-grabbing — and test variations against each other to see what works.
2. Choose the right image and description
Choose an image that’s eye-catching, but not too large; you’ll have less space for your description if you go with a busy background photo or graphic overlay.
The ideal size is 1080 x 1080 pixels. Recommended Facebook Marketplace ad aspect ratio is 1:1. However, ratios from 16:9 to 9:16 are also supported
When it comes to the description, make sure you have a layered outline with copy that tells your story.
If your product is new on the market or unique in some way, include that information up front.
3. Be specific about delivery costs and timeframes
If you’re selling locally, indicate that so buyers know whether they’ll have to pick up the item.
If you’re willing to ship, mention the shipping costs and timeframe for delivery.
Be transparent — buyers will appreciate not being surprised by extra fees or long wait times later on.
4. Include a high-resolution image of the product
Your ad may get cut off above the fold if it’s too tall, so keep your product image aspect ratio to 1:1.
Also, include a high-resolution photo of the product so buyers can get a clear impression.
5. Be clear about shipping and returns
Don’t make buyers message you for shipping and return information.
Include it right in your listing, along with the costs involved. That way potential buyers can rest assured that they’ll be able to make a smooth transaction upon purchase.
6. Include price information
Price is not as important when people are browsing through search results on Facebook, but for the Marketplace ads themselves, it’s best to be clear about pricing.
If you’re selling a product with multiple variations (sizes, colors, etc.), include all of them in your ad and give buyers a way to select their preferred option.
This will help you avoid missed purchases where a customer clicks “buy” only to realize that what they actually want is out of stock.
7. Highlight special offers and deals
If you’re running a sale, pre-launch campaign, or other promotion, make sure to add it to your listing so buyers know about pricing conditions before they click “buy.”
8. Link to your actual Facebook Product Portfolio
If you have a full-fledged product page on Facebook, include the link in your Marketplace ad so people can see more photos of the item and all of its details.
Be sure to test this out: If people click through from the Marketplace ad, will they find what they are looking for?
And if not, what can you do to make the link more relevant?
I always recommend going through your Facebook Product Portfolio with care.
Does it show that your business is trustworthy, reliable, and knowledgeable?
Is the product information complete? These are all things to keep in mind if you want to improve your click-through rate and sales conversions on your Facebook Marketplace ads.
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New to selling on Facebook Marketplace?
Here are a few more points that will help you get started.
What’s Facebook Marketplace in simple words?
Facebook marketplace is a new feature that allows you to sell items directly in the Facebook app and website without leaving it.
It’s an online flea market where millions of people gather from all around the world to exchange old goods for new, used stuff for cheap, take part in garage sales or buy products at competitive prices.
What’s Facebook Marketplace assistant messenger?
Facebook marketplace assistant is an immersive and interactive experience that lets you find items without leaving Messenger:
How does the Facebook Marketplace work?
Facebook’s Marketplace works the same way as other online marketplaces, except it’s based on your social connections.
When you go to browse for items, Facebook will show things that have been posted by friends and family — or people they know.
If someone has fewer than 150 friends, they can choose who sees their post. If they have 150 or more friends, their posts will be visible to everyone.
How to sell on Facebook Marketplace?
Using the new Facebook inventory sidebar, select any type of product.
Then simply choose your preferred payment method – either cash or PayPal – enter a price (or minimum bid) and set a time frame for your listing.
Once your post has gone live, it will be visible to any of your friends who have signed up for Facebook Marketplace.
If you’ve chosen the Facebook-only option for selling an item, the only people who can see it are those who don’t have a PayPal account.
Is Facebook Marketplace safe?
Yes, it is. Facebook’s algorithms monitor what types of items are posted to the Marketplace and remove those that might be prohibited from sale.
Also, Facebook won’t let you post an item if there’s a chance it could cause harm to someone else (for example, prescription drugs).
Facebook will review ads as they’re posted — both items and format — to make sure Marketplace works as intended.
How to enable Facebook Marketplace?
The Facebook marketplace can be found by opening the Facebook app or visiting facebook.com/marketplace and selecting “Start Selling.”
You’ll add a photo of the item you want to sell, enter a price or minimum bid, and set your location.
You’ll then select how long you’d like the listing to be available, so all of these steps will only take a few minutes.
How to use Facebook Marketplace?
Just click the “Post an Ad” link and then start browsing through your phone for photos of items you’d like to sell.
Once you’ve found the photo you want, select it from your camera roll or choose it from one of your albums. Then type a catchy title, add a description of the item, and include some photos that show it off in detail.
When you’re done, just click “Post” to get your ad online.
How much can I make selling on Facebook Marketplace?
The price for something depends on how long you want to sell it (the cheaper or more desirable an item is, the longer you can price it to make a profit).
The “Minimum Bid” is just that — whatever amount you’d like someone to pay for an item.
If no one bids on your item, then your ad will be automatically deleted and any money in your connected PayPal account will be refunded once the sale has expired.
How Facebook Marketplace is different from Craigslist
Facebook Marketplace is only for items that you want to sell.
Craigslist, on the other hand, can be used as either a selling platform or an interactive online forum/neighborhood watch (or both).
How Facebook Marketplace is different from eBay?
Facebook marketplace “Sell stuff” feature will help you earn money by selling your old stuff.
You can turn your car, home appliance, or any other item into a business by listing them for sale with Facebook’s new Marketplace feature.
How Facebook Marketplace is different from LetGo?
Facebook marketplace will help you sell to your friends and family.
It lets you post ads only for items that are yours, and it ensures that you’re not trying to sell anything that’s prohibited by Facebook.
How Facebook Marketplace is different from Facebook buy/sell groups?
Facebook buy/sell groups often require a fee to join, while the new Marketplace is free.
Buy/Sell Groups also require that you include a lot of information in your listing, including the price and contact information.
Conclusion:
Facebook Marketplace is an excellent way to make money fast by selling your old items and unwanted possessions.
Plus, it’s completely free!
Whether you want to earn some extra cash or just declutter your home of unused goods, this app is perfect for those looking to get rid of things while making a profit in the process.
Good luck!
Ali is a digital marketing blogger and author who uses the power of words to inspire and impact others. He has written for leading publications like Business2Community, Inc. Magazine, and Marketing Profs. When not writing, he enjoys spending time with his family.