Most businesses host a Facebook account, but few use Facebook Marketplace to its full potential. Casual users turn to FB Marketplace as a social media shortcut to list items on a one-time basis, but even if entrepreneurs invest time in a Facebook business page or monitor buy and sell groups, they might not make the most of the platform’s commerce policies.
Facebook Marketplace is much more than an online garage sale or a quick way to reach Facebook users. Learning to optimally list items, considering how the marketplace works, and leveraging the functionality of FB Marketplace can all help you build your presence on this important channel.
Brands use Facebook Marketplace to list new products, vehicles, craft items, rentals, refurbished electronic items, and sporting goods. When e-commerce brands log on to the Facebook app or desktop version, they can take advantage of several user-friendly features that allow them to:
Order fulfillment, package tracking, and management of the post-purchasing phase are also possible through Facebook Marketplace.
Keep in mind that businesses may only sell certain items through Facebook Marketplace. Digital offerings, animals, health care items, and hazardous items are not permitted.
Businesses looking to set up shop on Facebook Marketplace must first either have or set up a US Facebook Business account or page. The Marketplace onboarding system will ask for a physical business address, a US tax ID, and an American bank account (for your payouts, minus selling fees).
Once your account is verified, you are ready to start listing. If your brand is new to Facebook, look for the Marketplace Icon and click “Create New Listing,” then “Item for Sale.”
The system will then prompt you to enter various details, such as the product’s price, title, and category. As you begin to complete your Marketplace page, consider including pertinent information about your business, such as your origins, and goals.
In addition to telling the story of your brand / products and highlighting how they’re different from the competition, also consider loading a list of frequently asked questions. FAQs offer valuable informational content and save shoppers time by immediately addressing common concerns.
You may include up to 10 images of the listed product. It’s important to also include an accurate business location, strong and consistent brand messaging, and a compelling product description.
Taking the time to write an effective product description will set your item apart from similar goods for sale on Facebook Marketplace. Not only should your description accurately give potential buyers a good idea of the usefulness, condition, and basics of the item, but it should also let them know how it will improve their lives.
Your items have a better chance of selling if your product descriptions:
Be sure to keep your product descriptions up to date and reflective of how your business is growing or changing. For example, if your company sold many pairs of a particular kind of shoe, but customers repeatedly asked for a model in a rare size, mention that you’ve taken their feedback into account and are now selling the shoe in the requested size.
These details show not only that you’re constantly looking for ways to best serve your customers, but also that you have loyal shoppers who want to continue doing business with you
Well-designed, professional logos are what separate professional Facebook Marketplace accounts from general users simply looking to sell something such as a car or couch. Leveraging your Facebook profile means thinking about how to showcase the item for sale and product description. Facebook Marketplace is different from eBay or Craigslist in the sense that it’s easier to gather data about potential customers.
Using a logo is an excellent way to ensure your Facebook Marketplace makes the most impressive first impression on your customers. Graphic design plays an important role in forming a positive first impression of your brand.
In addition to compelling photos of the items for sale, your potential customers are looking for visual cues to assure them that they’ve landed at the right Facebook shop. For example, if you sell car parts, it’s probably best to avoid completely unrelated images of your shop’s customer waiting area.
The Facebook ads you employ as part of your Marketplace listing strategy should contain an image that’s clear, attractive, and eye-catching on social media. A high-quality logo should stand out well on Facebook Messenger, so ensure that it looks good as a tiny image as well as a large one.
It’s important to communicate with those who take the time to ask for more information or who are experiencing problems with their order. Answering questions, comments, and complaints quickly and honestly will help to build trust with your customer base. People who wander past your Facebook Marketplace will see that you are responsive and interested in your customers’ experiences.
To keep on top of notifications and communication requests on Facebook Marketplace, allot some time in your work day to answer questions and talk to your customers — even if you don’t have a pat answer right away, at least let the person know they have been heard.
It’s important to communicate with customers even if others don’t see it. Here are some ways to ensure that your customers are kept apprised of what’s happening with their order:
Your responsiveness is key in not only attracting new customers, but also ensuring that your business retains your existing ones.
If you’re ready to make the most of Facebook Marketplace, you can grow your business with an audience that is interested in communicating with you as an e-commerce retailer. By concentrating on proper account setup, using a strong logo and product descriptions, and committing to effective communication, your use of Facebook Marketplace can result in satisfied customers who are more likely to share your brand with their friends — and return to do more shopping with you in the future.
Sources:
Facebook Marketing | ResearchGate
10 facts About Americans and Facebook | Pew Research Center
Transacting On Facebook Marketplace | Association For Information Systems