You’ve done everything right: Great photos, Honest descriptions, Competitive marketplace pricing and still, your item sits there no views, no buyers, no messages.
What if the problem isn’t your listing but the algorithm itself?
In this article, we’ll unpack the hidden biases and behaviors behind marketplace algorithms and how they can silently sabotage your sales. More importantly, we’ll show you how to outsmart them.
Marketplace Algorithms Are Not Neutral
Most people assume platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Jiji show every listing fairly based on location and relevance. That’s simply not true.
Marketplace algorithms are designed to prioritize visibility, not fairness.
They favor listings that:
- Generate quick engagement (views, clicks, saves)
- Come from “trusted” or active sellers
- Match trending keywords
- Have consistent response times
If your listing doesn’t trigger these signals early, it can get buried fast.
The Engagement Trap: Why Average Listings Disappear
Within minutes of posting, most platforms monitor how users interact with your listing. If:
- People scroll past it
- Don’t click
- Don’t save or message
the system assumes your item is low-interest and demotes it from search results or category pages.
What to do instead:
- Use scroll-stopping thumbnails
- Front-load your titles with keywords (e.g., “Brand New iPhone 13 – Still in Box”)
- Update or refresh listings every few days to reset visibility
Keyword Bias: Your Words Matter More Than You Think
Algorithms don’t “see” your product, they read your text.
If you use vague titles like “Nice Shoes” or “Clean Phone”, your listing may not show up when buyers search for “Adidas Yeezy Size 42” or “iPhone 11 128GB black unlocked.”
Fix it with this formula:
[Brand] + [Model/Size] + [Condition] + [Extra Detail]
Example:
✅ “Samsung Galaxy A12 64GB – Perfect Condition, Original Charger”
❌ “Samsung Phone Good”
Reputation Bias: New Sellers Get Less Exposure
Some platforms give more visibility to sellers who have:
- High ratings
- Quick response times
- Frequent activity
- Verified profiles
If you’re new or inactive, your listing may rank lower, regardless of how good it is.
Boost your seller trust:
- Respond fast to messages, even if you’re not ready to sell
- Build a consistent posting schedule
- Encourage buyers to leave reviews
Timing Is a Hidden Factor
Believe it or not, when you post matters. Listings posted at 2am won’t perform as well as those posted during high-traffic hours like:
- 7–9am (commute time)
- 12–2pm (lunch break)
- 5–8pm (evening scroll window)
Use platform analytics or insights to see when your audience is most active and time your listings accordingly.
Location Bias Exists, Even When You Can Deliver
Even if you’re willing to ship or meet halfway, marketplaces still prioritize local searches first.
That means buyers in your city may see listings from others simply because they’re 1 mile closer than you.
What you can do:
- Add location-related keywords in your title or description (e.g., “Available in Lekki”)
- Cross-post to other platforms or buy/sell groups in your area
- Offer delivery or drop-off options to stand out
Invisible “Spam” Signals Could Be Holding You Back
Some listings are silently flagged due to:
- Repeating the same description too often
- Using banned phrases (e.g., “100% guaranteed”)
- Adding too many emojis or capital letters
- Linking to external websites
Once flagged, they may receive limited distribution or none at all, without any warning.
Avoid these red flags:
- Keep text natural and clean
- Avoid excessive punctuation or spammy terms
- Don’t over-list the same item multiple times too quickly
Algorithm Favoritism: Why Bigger Sellers Win
High-volume sellers, shops, and paid promotions often get algorithmic priority. These accounts are more profitable for the platform, so they’re pushed to the top, even if your product is better or cheaper.
This doesn’t mean you can’t compete. But you’ll need to work smarter.
How to Outsmart the Algorithm Bias
Refresh Often
Every few days, edit and re-upload listings with updated keywords or pictures.
Optimize Titles First
Keywords drive impressions. Be specific, searchable, and direct.
Engage Quickly
Respond to messages promptly to boost your reputation score.
Add Local Keywords
Mention your area to show up in more location-based searches.
Diversify Platforms
Don’t depend on one marketplace. Post across Facebook, Jiji, WhatsApp groups, and Instagram for wider reach.
Visibility Is a Game; Play It Smart
If your listings aren’t selling, it might not be your fault. It could be the invisible hand of the algorithm.
But once you understand how it works and how to work around its biases, you stop playing the guessing game. You start making real sales, consistently.
Because on any marketplace, the best product doesn’t always win.
The best-positioned one does.
