Keyword 001: The Art of the FB Marketplace Find (Advanced Edition)

You're searching smart and messaging fast? Nope. Y’all are still out here losing chairs to strangers because you’re writing “is this still available?” and then waiting 14 hours for a reply!

We need a deeper dive. Listen. I wasn’t going to do a part two to my let me fix your FB Markeketplace story, but here are my latest, hard-earned strats for shopping the chaotic, magical, cursed internet garage sale that is Facebook Marketplace.

Pretty please pay attention this time friend!

Use Keywords Like a Mind Reader

“Mid-century modern” is to FBMP what “nice guy” is to dating apps, overused and disappointing (yuck) . You’re better off searching like someone’s auntie who doesn’t know she’s sitting on a design treasure. Better searches include:

“Vintage couch” instead of “MCM sofa”

“Old table” or “solid wood dresser” because no one in the 80s called it Scandinavian minimalism.

So let’s get into some more evolved, unhinged, graduate level Facebook Marketplace energy. You’ve graduated from “I want a cute rattan side table” to “I’m gonna manifest a 70s Roche Bobois pit sectional for under $300 and pick it up in a rainstorm 3 hours away because I am built for this.” Key Word is a new series where I (and others, hint hint) will share keywords we use to find the unfindable and actionable tips to help you win.

Single cushion, genuine leather, down stuff sofa found for $0. Keyword: Old Sofa

“Broyhill” or “Lane” instead of “retro” actual brand names can also get you to the good stuff

Basically, think like someone clearing out their grandpa’s house, not someone staging an apartment tour.

Algorithm Hacking, Baby

I absolutely love how many of you have sent me a DM to share finds after sharing this tip in my first piece and it’s 100% going to change the game for you. The more you click, save, and message, the better the algorithm gets at showing you what you actually want.

Open listings even if they’re slightly off. This tells Facebook you’re interested in that type of item (categorically, style - lots of little hints in the click so that Algo Daddy can get to know you.

Save things you love even if you won’t buy them. It’s a vibe signal.

Be consistent. Open the app daily, not just when you’re hunting for something specific. Marketplace rewards the obsessed.

This is how you end up finding a Milo Baughman-style coffee table for $40 while you’re technically in line for coffee.

Vintage sofa found for $0, Keyword: Free | Coffee table found for $40 Keyword: Chrome

10 Miles isn’t going to cut it

I know. Driving 90 minutes into… God knows what for a $75 burl coffee table doesn’t sound glamorous, but do you want the table or nah?

Set your radius to 100+ miles. People outside of the city tend to underprice stuff because there’s less competition. We can also count on city folk just wanting the item gone for space.

Make it a road trip. Queue up your “Furniture Fairy” playlist. Bring a snack and a friend who owes you one. You can also use LUGG - my personal tried and true.

Vintage secretary, Keyword: Antique desk

Get Creepy, Respectfully(!!)

If the photos are trash but something about the outline of that armchair speaks to you… zoom in, adjust your screen brightness, stalk their other listings. Sometimes you can piece together context clues like a design CSI.

If their photos are giving “mom took this on a Motorola Razr,” they probably don’t realize the value. Use it to your advantage. Don’t be afraid to ask for more pics or measurements, just be polite and quick.

Use “Items Like This” + Craigslist Crossovers

When you find a listing you like, scroll all the way down and tap “See More Like This.” Sometimes this reveals way better options that didn’t come up in your search.

Also? Some sellers double-post to Craigslist, Offerup and Facebook but list a different price on each. Don’t ask me why, just Google the item name + city and see what pops up. You might save $50.

I’ll say this louder for the people in the back: the real Marketplace magic isn’t just in scoring the piece. It’s in the thrill. The chase. The moment your car looks like a thrift-shop clown car and your friend is hanging onto a mirror with both arms, screaming because it’s not tied down and you took a sharp left.

You’re not just shopping. You’re becoming the curator of your own personal museum.

So go forth. Manifest the Milo chair. Channel the patience of a monk and the speed of a sneaker drop. The Marketplace gods reward the bold and the mildly unhinged.

Until the next one (because let’s be real, there will be Keyword: 002),
Love you, mean it!

Kellie