The Power of Words in the Marketplace – Part II

After my $5,000 Facebook Marketplace experiment, one thing became crystal clear—words have the power to move people to action. But not just any words. Strategic, intentional words that create urgency.

If you’ve ever browsed an online marketplace or a store, you’ve likely come across phrases like:
✔ “Only a few left in stock!”
✔ “Sale ends at midnight!”
✔ “One-time deal—won’t last long!”

These aren’t just random marketing gimmicks—they tap into human psychology. People are naturally wired to avoid loss more than they are to seek gain. When we think we might miss out, we act faster. That’s why urgency-based copywriting is so effective.

Why Urgency Works

Urgency works because it eliminates hesitation. If someone thinks they can come back later and get the same deal, they probably will—and in many cases, they'll forget about it altogether. But when they believe the opportunity is fleeting, it triggers an immediate decision.

This was exactly what I applied when I reworked the listings for my truck and vintage pedal tractor. Instead of just describing what I was selling, I framed it in a way that created urgency. Here’s what I changed:

Before vs. After – Truck Listing

🚫 Before: "2004 Dodge Dakota for sale. Runs great. $X,XXX OBO."
✅ After: "Serious buyers only—this truck is priced to sell FAST! Perfect for work or play, and I’ve had multiple inquiries. First with cash takes it home!"

Before vs. After – Pedal Tractor Listing

🚫 Before: "Vintage John Deere pedal tractor. Great condition. $XXX."
✅ After: "RARE find for collectors or the perfect statement piece for your shop! These don’t pop up often, and when they do, they go QUICK. Cash in hand gets priority."

These tweaks weren’t just fluff—they positioned the items as desirable, limited, and time-sensitive. The result? Buyers acted fast. Don't believe me? Give it a shot for yourself, I'm certain you have something around that you could sell. Try this experiment out and let me know the results!

How You Can Apply This to Your Business

Urgency isn’t just for selling trucks and tractors—it’s for ANY business. Whether you’re selling a product, a service, or even trying to get more engagement on social media, urgency moves people from thinking about it to taking action.

3 Simple Ways to Add Urgency to Your Copywriting

1️⃣ Use Time Constraints:

• “Offer expires at midnight”

• “Only available this weekend”

• “This price disappears in 24 hours”

2️⃣ Limit the Availability:

• “Only 3 spots left”

• “Once it’s gone, it’s gone!”

• “Limited edition—won’t be restocked”

3️⃣ Create Perceived Demand:

• “We’ve had a ton of interest already”

• “This deal won’t last long”

• “Many people are asking about this—act now!”
  

Urgency turns “I’ll think about it” into “I NEED to act now.”

If you’re ready to use this strategy to level up your business, let’s talk! Copywriting is one of the most powerful skills you can master—because when done right, words sell.