Selling Online on Facebook: An Expert's Guide from 5 Years in the Trenches

Over the past five years, Facebook has remained one of the most powerful platforms for online sellers in Vietnam and across the globe. But the way we sell on Facebook has changed dramatically. The days of spamming product posts and waiting for comments are long gone. Today, success on Facebook requires understanding its algorithm, building trust, and treating your page like a real business.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the fundamentals, mistakes to avoid, key selling channels on Facebook, and actionable strategies that I’ve tested in real-world campaigns.

1. Is Facebook Still a Profitable Sales Channel?

Absolutely – if you play it smart.

As of 2024, Facebook remains the most widely used social platform in Vietnam with over 70 million users. What's more, local users are highly accustomed to buying directly from Facebook posts, Messenger, and especially Marketplace—unlike the Western market, where transactions usually happen on websites.

However, rising ad costs and a more competitive landscape mean you need to evolve. Random posting won’t cut it anymore. To stand out, you must create value, build brand identity, and understand how Facebook prioritizes content.

2. Why Most Sellers Fail on Facebook (And What to Do Instead)

When I first started, I made all the classic mistakes. Here are the most common errors I’ve seen—and fixed:

• Running ads without understanding how the Facebook algorithm works
  Many sellers just “boost” posts or run ads blindly. In reality, knowing how the Facebook ad algorithm works helps you optimize budget, choose the right objectives, and increase ad relevance scores.

• Spamming posts with hard sells
  Posting 10 times a day with captions like “Buy now,” “DM me,” or “In stock!” is a fast way to get ignored—or worse, shadowbanned.

• Not building a sales funnel
  Expecting someone to buy just because you posted a product is unrealistic. Successful selling on Facebook follows a funnel: Attract attention → Nurture → Convert → Post-sale care.

3. Best Channels for Selling on Facebook (2025 and Beyond)

Over the years, I’ve tested almost every Facebook channel. Here are the four that consistently bring results:

1. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is Facebook’s built-in platform for buying and selling. Benefits include:

• Free to post

• Easily reaches local buyers

• Ideal for low-cost consumer products (home goods, clothing, etc.)

If you haven’t tapped into Marketplace yet, check out this Facebook ads on Marketplace to start posting and boosting effectively.

2. Personal Profile (Organic Selling)

If your Business Page isn’t getting much organic reach, consider using your personal profile strategically. This is where you build trust, show your personality, and create a loyal audience.

Recommended content mix:

• 70% value-driven content (tips, stories, behind-the-scenes)

• 20% social proof (customer feedback, real-life results)

• 10% direct promotion (call to action posts)

3. Facebook Page + Ads

Once you have a validated product and some budget, move to a Facebook Page and run paid ads. This allows you to scale and reach new buyers more efficiently.

Best performing ad types:

• Short product demo videos

• Click-to-Messenger ads

• Conversion ads using Lookalike Audiences

4. Facebook Groups

If your product caters to a specific interest group (e.g. moms, students, skincare lovers), consider building a community group where you share tips and softly introduce your products.

4. The High-Converting Sales Post Formula (That Still Works)

After running thousands of tests, I’ve found one classic formula that still works in 2025: AIDA – Attention, Interest, Desire, Action.

Example for a weight-loss product:

• Attention: Tired of dieting and giving up after just 3 days?

• Interest: 90% of my customers felt the same—until they tried this.

• Desire: Lose 3kg in 7 days without heavy workouts or giving up rice.

• Action: Comment “ME” to get a free meal plan today.

Tips: Always include a high-quality image or short video and use real customer testimonials to increase trust.

5. Facebook Ads Strategies That Actually Work (2025 Edition

Here’s what I’ve learned after managing hundreds of ad campaigns:

• Grab attention within the first 3 seconds
  Whether it’s video or image—your creative must hook the viewer immediately.

• Use structured copywriting
  A clear primary text, strong headline, and relevant CTA are non-negotiable.

• Custom audiences are gold
  Retargeting warm audiences like people who messaged your page, watched 75% of a video, or visited your website brings higher ROI than cold audiences.

• Track real results, not vanity metrics
  Focus on ROAS (Return on Ad Spend), cost per purchase, and actual profit—not just likes or reach.

6. Tools I Use to Sell Better on Facebook

Here are my go-to tools that streamline my sales and marketing:

• Meta Business Suite: For managing posts, inbox, ads in one place

• Canva Pro: Create eye-catching product visuals fast

• ManyChat: Automate Messenger responses and follow-ups

• Google Sheets + Notion: For tracking orders, leads, and ad data

• Facebook Ads Manager: The most powerful platform for scaling ads, when used correctly

Final Thoughts: Sell Like a Pro, Not Like a Hobbyist

Selling on Facebook is still a goldmine—if you treat it like a business. That means:

• Understand how the platform works

• Provide real value before pushing for sales

• Build relationships with your audience

• Test, measure, and improve your content and ads

In 2025 and beyond, people don’t just buy products—they buy stories, trust, and the experience you offer.

If you’re willing to learn, adapt, and build a system instead of chasing quick wins, Facebook can become your most powerful sales channel—just like it has been for me over the past 5 years.