What Is Facebook Marketplace and Why It’s Important for Ecommerce
One of the largest apps and social networking sites is using its massive collection of users to help online retailers reach new customers. If your business is already using Facebook, you can leverage your following to sell more products to your target audience.
Over 800 million people already use Facebook Marketplace to find and buy new products. The social media giant has 2.7 billion active monthly users, and that number is only expected to go up over time.
Learn how to use this new platform for your ecommerce store.
Why Use Facebook Marketplace?
Facebook Marketplace is growing fast as its billions of users continue to discover this new feature. Around 93% of advertisers use Facebook, so there’s a good chance your business is already using this platform. That means you can turn all those likes, clicks, and followers into more sales just by connecting your store to Facebook Marketplace.
Facebook also uses sophisticated algorithms to show its users products and posts that are relevant to their interests. Only users that are interested in what you’re selling will see your products, so there’s a better chance they’ll make a purchase. This is one of the best investments you can make as an online retailer. It won’t cost you anything, and you could see a boost in sales if you’re already using Facebook.
Signing Up for Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace lives on the Facebook app, so you don’t need to download or install an additional tool.
It also works with some of the largest ecommerce platforms on the web like BigCommerce and Shopify. If your store lives on these channels, search for the Facebook Marketplace option in the user menu.
You can also connect your store within the Facebook app. Click on the Marketplace option and enter some information about your store.
Once you enter your info, Facebook will need to review your store before it approves you for Marketplace. This usually takes about a week, so continue building your Facebook following until you get approved.
Things to Keep in Mind
Facebook limits you to certain product categories when selling on their platform. You can only sell products under the following categories:
- Classifieds
- Clothing & Accessories
- Deals
- Electronics
- Entertainment
- Family
- Hobbies
- Home & Garden
- Housing
- Vehicles
All your products must be physical goods, not digital downloads or other kinds of offerings.
Facebook also wants to make sure their customers receive the items they order within a certain amount of time. You must agree to ship out your products within 3 business days, and your customers must receive their items within 7 business days. Make sure you have a reliable way of fulfilling orders before you sign up for Marketplace.
Use keywords and accurate descriptions when listing your products on Marketplace. The description must match the item shown in the photo or Facebook will penalize you.
Be prepared for your Facebook page to receive an increase in new customer messages. Instead of just commenting on your posts, your followers will now interact with your page like it’s a customer service center. Make sure you have a dedicated team that can help you answer all these messages.
Facebook Marketplace is just another tool you can use to reach your target audience. Capitalize on your existing following and sell products directly to your users. Sign up for a digital marketing convention to learn more about how to make the most of this new platform.
