Introduction

Local Business Marketing: Google My Business vs Facebook Marketplace is not an either/or decision—it’s a combo play. Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) captures intent on Maps and Search; Facebook Marketplace generates fast, conversational leads from people browsing nearby deals. This guide shows you how to set up, optimize, and connect both channels into a single workflow.

Compliance: Follow platform rules, use accurate categories, avoid prohibited items/claims, and provide transparent pricing and policies.

1) Why run both channels together

• Catch demand + create demand: GBP wins searches; Marketplace sparks interest with visuals and offers.
• Trust + speed: Reviews on GBP build credibility; Marketplace DMs close with human speed.
• Coverage: Some buyers start on Maps; others scroll Marketplace nightly—own both moments.

2) Side-by-Side Comparison

3) Google Business Profile Setup & Optimization

1. Complete NAP, categories, hours, service areas.
2. Upload real photos: exterior, interior, work-in-progress, outcomes.
3. Post weekly: offer, tip, or case mini-story with a single CTA.
4. Request reviews after every job—provide a short link.
5. Answer Q&A and pin the best answers.

CTA ideas: Call Now • Request a Quote • Book Appointment

4) Facebook Marketplace Setup & Playbook

• Create 3 listing templates (new, used, service).
• Photos: bright hero, 3–6 angles, 1 detail, 1 context.
• Title = Outcome + Spec + Area: “Queen Hybrid Mattress — Free Delivery, East Side.”
• Description: what it is, who it’s for, key specs, pickup/delivery windows, CTA.
• Reply in < 10 minutes; offer two time windows.

5) Categories & Eligibility

Use allowed categories and truthful attributes. Services are permitted in specific Marketplace categories; GBP supports both storefront and service-area businesses.

6) Visibility Mechanics

• GBP: Relevance, distance, prominence; completeness and reviews matter.
• Marketplace: Freshness, visuals, relevance to category, and engagement matter.

7) Photo Systems: proof that converts

• Show real work and scale; avoid heavy filters and text walls.
• Before/after sets and short 15-sec walkthroughs boost responses.

8) Copy & Titles: intent vs scroll-stopping

GBP: Answer buying questions quickly (price ranges, areas served, turnaround). Marketplace: Lead with outcome and logistics (delivery/pickup).

9) CTAs & Messaging Flows

Yes, available. Pickup today 4–7pm or delivery tomorrow 10–1.
What’s your ZIP to confirm?

Thanks for calling! Reply with ZIP + a photo. I’ll quote ranges and offer two time windows.

10) Reviews & Seller Ratings

GBP reviews build discovery and trust; Marketplace seller ratings reassure buyers. Request both consistently.

11) Posting Cadence & Refresh Strategy

• GBP: post weekly; replace stale images monthly.
• Marketplace: refresh weekly with meaningful changes; avoid duplicate clones.

12) Pricing, Bundles & Offers

• Publish a clear price or range; list inclusions.
• Bundle delivery/installation or add-ons to raise AOV.

13) Safety, Delivery & Meetups

• Prefer public, well-lit handoffs or curbside/porch delivery.
• Send a 60-minute reminder and offer two windows.

14) Policy Pitfalls & How to Avoid Flags

• Accurate categories and attributes.
• No prohibited items, bait pricing, or heavy overlays.
• For GBP, keep NAP accurate and avoid virtual offices misrepresentation.

15) KPIs & Dashboard

Tracking tip: ?utm_source=gbp|marketplace&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=local_2025

16) Time & Budget: where to invest first

• Foundation: complete GBP + top 5 Marketplace listings.
• Next: saved replies, simple CRM, weekly photo habit.
• Then: bundles, delivery SOP, light automation.

17) A/B Tests for Photos, Titles & CTAs

1. Hero photo: lifestyle vs bright product.
2. Title: spec-first vs outcome-first.
3. CTA: “DM ZIP” vs “Book link inside.”

18) 30–60–90 Day Rollout Plan

Days 1–30 (Foundation)

1. Complete GBP profile; post once/week; request 10 reviews.
2. Publish 5 Marketplace listings with real photos + clear CTAs.
3. Set a 10-minute reply SLA and saved replies.

Days 31–60 (Momentum)

1. Add bundles and delivery windows.
2. Run 3 A/B tests (hero, title, CTA).
3. Create a simple sheet/CRM with source tagging.

Days 61–90 (Scale)

1. Localize listings by neighborhood; rotate 15–50 items.
2. Systemize photo updates and review requests.
3. Build a one-page KPI dashboard; prune weak performers.

19) Mini Scenarios by Business Type

• Home services: GBP for trust + phone calls; Marketplace for specials and before/after reels.
• Retail furniture/mattress: Marketplace for inventory and delivery; GBP for store info & reviews.
• Local rentals/warehouses: Marketplace for inquiries; GBP for directions and appointment bookings.

20) Simple Tool Stack

• Photo: phone + basic editing preset.
• Replies: saved responses; optional AI first reply.
• Capture: short form or booking link with UTM.
• Tracking: sheet/CRM with source, stage, value, next step.

21) Title Templates for Both Channels

{Service} in {Area} — {Outcome}
“Same-Day Water Heater Replacement — Tulsa Metro”

{Product/Service} — {Spec/Size}, {Neighborhood/Radius}
“Epoxy Garage Floor — 2-Car, North Side • Free Quote”

22) Copy Scaffolds

GBP Post (120–180 words)

{Problem → Process → Result} + CTA
We just finished {project} in {area}. {Key steps}. Result: {measurable outcome}.
Ready for a quote? Tap “Request a Quote”.

Marketplace Listing (90–140 words)

What: {item/service}. For: {ideal buyer}.
Specs: {size, condition, inclusions}. Logistics: {pickup/delivery windows}.
CTA: DM “QUOTE” with ZIP for times.

23) Troubleshooting & Optimizations