You can improve your advert’s chances in relevant search results without a paid promotion service. The key is for prospective customers and the platform to recognise quickly what you are offering, where it is available and which search it belongs to. Correct classification, a specific title and complete information provide the strongest foundation.
First, choose the right advert type
Searches on a search page only work within the advert type the user is currently viewing. Anyone searching in the ‘Marketplace’ section will not see any adverts from the ‘Services’ section there. Similarly, ‘Lost’, ‘Found’, ‘Give away’ and ‘Events’ remain separate from one another.
When creating the advert, choose the type that a prospective customer would be likely to open for your offer. A good description cannot make up for incorrect classification.
Specify the category and location accurately
Within the advert type, the right category guides users to your advert more quickly. Choose the most precise available category and avoid one that appears more popular but does not fit. A correctly specified location is also important because many searches are filtered by place and radius.
Check the spelling and selection of the location. For mobile services, explain in the text which area you operate in. For items available for dispatch, it should also be clearly stated where the item is located and whether dispatch is possible.
Write a natural and specific title
The title should state in just a few words what is being offered, sought, found or given away. Use terms that a prospective customer would type, but formulate a readable phrase rather than a long list of words.
- Name the specific item or service.
- Include a genuinely important detail such as the model, size, type of work or location.
- Avoid repetition, all-caps text and general statements such as ‘Great offer’.
- Do not include third-party brands or topics in the title that are unrelated to the offer.
A precise title is more likely to attract relevant clicks. In contrast, including too many irrelevant search terms can raise expectations that the content fails to meet.
Make the description comprehensive and easy to read
Begin with the most important information. Then cover the condition, scope, special features and process. Short paragraphs and clear information help prospective customers decide more quickly.
- What exactly is being offered or sought?
- What condition is the item in, or which service is included?
- Where and when can the item be handed over, collected or the service carried out?
- What costs, conditions or requirements apply?
- What is the best way for a prospective customer to make an enquiry?
Use key terms where they fit naturally into the content. Do not repeat the same words artificially. Lists of keywords read as impersonal and do little to help users make a decision.
Keep interest alive with good photos
A strong first photo increases the chance that a relevant user will open the advert. Show the actual offer clearly, in good light and from a useful angle. Further images can illustrate its condition, details, proportions or examples of work.
Use up-to-date photos and do not conceal any recognisable flaws. Honest images avoid unnecessary queries and build trust. For services or events, you should only use material that you are authorised to show.
Set a realistic price or reward
A reasonable price helps people compare offers and makes it easier for them to get in touch. Check similar offers and take account of condition, scope, accessories and regional circumstances. If negotiation is possible, state this clearly.
For the ‘Lost’ and ‘Found’ advert types, use the reward field. Make sure that the field and description say the same thing. Unclear or contradictory amounts may deter prospective customers.
Keep your advert up to date and reliable
Check regularly that the offer, date, price, reward and availability are still correct. Update any out-of-date information, reply to messages and deactivate an advert if it is no longer valid. Reliability enhances your profile and saves both parties from unnecessary contact.
Deleting an advert and immediately posting the same content again is not a reliable way to improve its position. Read the guidance on deleting and reposting.
Checking your own search properly
If you want to check whether your advert appears, first open the correct advert type. Then use a suitable search term, the correct location and a sensible radius. Remove any filters that would exclude your advert.
Results may vary depending on the search term, type, category, location, radius, filters and other offers. Therefore, not seeing your advert right at the top of a particular search does not automatically mean that it is invisible.
You can find more background information in the guide to placement in search results.
A quick, free quality check
Before publishing your advert, read it from the perspective of someone who doesn’t know you:
- Can I understand what it’s about in a few seconds?
- Do the title, category, location, images and description all fit together?
- Are the price or reward and all key terms and conditions clear?
- Can I decide whether an enquiry is worthwhile without doing any further research?
- Is the next step explained in a friendly and straightforward way?
This check takes just a few minutes and often improves both the quality of views and the chance of receiving suitable messages.
If you’d like to attract more attention afterwards
A well-structured advert also provides the best foundation for subsequent promotion. Promotion services such as ‘Yellow Frame’, ‘Premium Top’ or ‘Gallery’ can enhance the presentation in their respective sections. They do not replace the quality of the content and do not guarantee a fixed top position, but they can give a compelling offer additional visibility.
Start by optimising your advert for free and observe the response. If the timeframe, value and objective of the offer make a more prominent presentation worthwhile, then choose the right package for your needs. You can read more about this benefit in the guide to the benefits of promotion services.
