Facebook, with its 2.7 billion active users worldwide, is continually enhancing its functionality and potential for wider commerce. One of the exciting features of this social media giant is the Facebook Marketplace, becoming a dependable platform for buying and selling an array of goods. But can you sell food on Facebook?
The short answer is yes. The better question is, how can I sell food on Facebook?
While posting your food to Facebook Marketplace is a wonderful way to reach local customers, it is not the best way to take orders. This is because you have to message customers back and forth to determine order details and payment method and arrange pickup/delivery.
Our advice? Post your products to Facebook Marketplace AND include a link to an Airmart shop where customers can place their orders.
Getting started with Facebook Marketplace
The first step in your Facebook-food-selling journey is setting up a solid Facebook presence. You should create a Facebook page that stands out and grabs the attention of potential customers. Maintain high-quality images of your food products, use engaging content in your posts, receive and respond to reviews, and regularly engage with your audience.
Next, you’ll want to list your food items in the appropriate category on the Facebook Marketplace. Make sure to include clear photos, a detailed description of your product, and the price. It’s also important to specify your location and delivery or shipping options.
Rules and regulations
While Facebook does allow the sale of homemade food products, there are guidelines you must follow to maintain your selling privilege. Having the appropriate permits and licenses, following health department regulations and labeling your products correctly is crucial. Facebook has the right to remove any listings that it feels do not comply with regulations or its commerce policies.
Prospective sellers should also be aware that some food items are restricted. Sellers should always refer to Facebook’s commerce policies for a comprehensive and updated list of what can and can’t be sold on the platform.
Optimizing your food business on Facebook Marketplace
Now that you are familiar with the basics, you will want to make sure your product stands out in the crowded food market. Here’s how you can optimize your food business on Facebook.
Update your product listings: Refresh your listings with new images or tweaking the product information. Also, use Facebook’s detailed targeting to ensure your ads reach potential customers based on their location, demographics, interests, and behaviors.
Collect reviews: Reviews play a pivotal role in the online food marketplace. A positive review count can result in better visibility and greater consumer trust in your products. Encourage your customers to leave reviews and respond promptly to messages and comments.
Use Facebook Insights: This invaluable tool provides information on who your customers are, when they are online, and how they interact with your page. It helps to post during peak hours to maximize visibility.
Offer promotions and deals: Injecting promotional offers and limited-time discounts can dramatically boost your engagement and sales. Consumers love deals, and Facebook Marketplace is an excellent avenue for promoting them. Leveraging holidays, seasons, and special days can also support increased sales.
Post in Facebook Groups: Apart from the marketplace, you could also utilize Facebook Groups catered to buyers and sellers in your local area or speciality food groups, which have dramatically grown in popularity since the pandemic. Engaging in these communities can significantly enhance your visibility, credibility, and sales.
For more marketing tips, check out our playbook.
Facebook Marketplace presents an excellent platform for food businesses to showcase their products and reach a wider audience. However, it is best to use it in conjunction with Airmart, to streamline the ordering process.