How to Write a Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace Ad That Converts
You ever post your car online and think
“Why is no one calling me”
“Why do I only get tyre kickers and time wasters”
“Is it my car or is it my ad”
Truth is
It’s usually your ad
Here’s how to write a Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace ad that converts
So you stand out from the junk
And actually sell the thing
I’m Myriam
Makeup artist
And also the person everyone in my family calls when they need help selling their car online
Here’s what I’ve learned
Why Does Your Ad Even Matter?
Because your car is competing with hundreds of others
If your ad is sloppy
Full of blurry photos and “runs good”
People scroll right past you
But a sharp ad makes people stop
Click
And message you
Fast
How to Write a Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace Ad That Converts
Here’s my exact process
Every single time
Step 1: Nail The Headline
This is what people see first
Make it clear and specific
✅ Year, Make, Model, Key Feature, Price
✅ Avoid “Best car ever!!!” or “Must see!!!”
Good examples:
2017 Ford Fiesta Titanium 1.0 EcoBoost – £5500 – Low Miles
2015 BMW 320d M Sport – Full History – £8000
Boring is better than vague
Step 2: Take Killer Photos
Blurry pics kill sales
You don’t need a fancy camera
Just good light and a steady hand
✅ Wash the car first
✅ Shoot outside in daylight
✅ Get all angles — front back sides
✅ Interior shots — seats dash boot
✅ Close up of wheels and engine
✅ Show flaws honestly
At least 8–12 photos
People buy what they can see
Step 3: Write A Proper Description
No essays
No two word nonsense
Just honest clear details
Here’s the structure I use:
1. Basic Info
✅ Year
✅ Make and model
✅ Mileage
✅ Engine and transmission
✅ Colour
2. Highlights
✅ Full service history
✅ New tyres or brakes
✅ One owner
✅ Any extras (heated seats sunroof Bluetooth etc.)
3. Honest Condition
✅ Any scratches dents or quirks
✅ MOT status
✅ When it was last serviced
4. Why You’re Selling
Doesn’t need a sob story
Just a line like
“Upgrading to a bigger car” or “No longer needed”
Example:
2017 Ford Fiesta Titanium 1.0 EcoBoost
Only 42k miles
Full service history
MOT until April 2026
Recently fitted 4 new tyres
Drives beautifully
A few small scratches on the rear bumper as shown in photos
Selling as we’ve bought an SUV
£5500 ono
Step 4: Be Available
✅ Add your contact info
✅ Mention preferred contact method (text call message)
✅ Answer promptly when they reach out
✅ Have the documents ready for when they show up
If you ghost buyers
They move on to the next ad
My Own Story With Bad Ads
I once posted my old Clio with just “Good car £800”
One blurry photo
Got nothing but cheeky offers and spam messages
Next time
I cleaned it
Took proper photos
Wrote a solid ad
Sold for £1150 in two days
Lesson learned
Quick Tips For Ads That Convert
☑ Price realistically — check similar listings first
☑ Be polite but firm in your wording
☑ Mention if it’s cash on collection or bank transfer only
☑ Avoid using ALL CAPS or too many exclamation marks
☑ Reply quickly — serious buyers don’t hang around
FAQs About How to Write a Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace Ad That Converts
Should I put “or nearest offer” on the price?
Yes — if you’re willing to negotiate a bit it attracts more buyers
Should I hide the plate in the photos?
Not necessary — but if it makes you feel safer you can blur it out
How fast should I reply to messages?
Ideally within an hour — same day at least
Can I copy other people’s ads?
You can borrow the structure but make it your own and truthful
How many photos are enough?
At least 8 — more is better if you show everything clearly
Final Word On How to Write a Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace Ad That Converts
If you follow this guide on how to write a Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace ad that converts
You’ll save yourself hassle
You’ll attract serious buyers
And you’ll sell for a better price
Be clear
Be honest
And take better photos than everyone else
