How to Write Effective Titles for Estate Sale and Auction Ads

Updated 2 weeks ago by Michael Judkins

Having run over 21,000 Facebook ads promoting estate sales and auctions, we’ve gathered valuable insights into what makes ads perform well. These ads are automatically generated from user-submitted estate sale listings, and while our platform takes care of the ad creation and setup, crafting a compelling title for your listing is essential for maximizing engagement and clicks.

This guide will show you how to create titles that stand out and attract buyers, based on patterns we’ve observed in our top-performing ads.

What Makes a Title Perform Well?

Our best-performing ads share some common characteristics:

Be Specific and Descriptive
- Successful titles highlight the unique items or features of the sale. For example:
  - Great: “Astounding Estate Auction: Vintage Xmas Collectibles, Jewelry & Antiques.”
  - Not as Great: “Estate Auction – Lots of Items.”
- Why? Buyers want to know what makes your sale special.
Use Emotional and Engaging Language
- Words like “Rare,” “Epic,” “Astounding,” and “Once-in-a-Lifetime” create excitement and urgency.
- Example: "Epic Lifetime Collection: Rare Concert Posters & Band Memorabilia."
Highlight Discounts or Special Offers
- Include phrases like “50% Off Sunday” or “Final Day Sale.”
- Example: “50% Off EVERYTHING Sunday! Don’t Miss Out!”
Appeal to Niche Interests
- Mention items that target specific audiences (e.g., collectors, vintage lovers, antique enthusiasts).
- Example: “Vintage T-Shirt Collection: 70s, 80s, & 90s Concert Tees.”
Keep it Concise but Informative
- A great title provides enough detail to spark interest but isn’t overwhelming.
- Example: “Living Estate Sale: High-End Antiques, Fine Art & More.”
Use Action-Oriented Phrases
- Drive engagement with phrases like “Bid Now,” “Shop Today,” or “Exclusive Auction.”

Common Pitfalls of Poor-Performing Titles

On the flip side, here’s what we’ve observed in underperforming ads:

Generic or Vague Titles
- Example: “Online Auction of Household Items.”
- Why it doesn’t work: It doesn’t give potential buyers a reason to click. They don’t know what to expect.
Overly Long and Cluttered Titles
- Example: “ABC Rugs Kilims HUGE 2023 Sale, Over 75% Discount, Free Shipping, Visit Now.”
- Why it doesn’t work: Too much information makes it hard to process.
Lack of Emotional Appeal
- Titles that don’t evoke curiosity or excitement tend to underperform.
- Example: “Fine Art Auction” versus “Rare Fine Art Auction: Paintings, Jewelry & More.”
Missed Keywords
- Keywords like “Estate Sale,” “Auction,” “Vintage,” and “Antiques” resonate strongly with audiences. Without them, your ad may fail to connect with the right buyers.

Examples: Best vs. Worst Performing Titles

Best Titles	Worst Titles
“Astounding Estate Auction: Vintage Xmas Collectibles & Toys”	“Great Online Auction – Lots of Items”
“50% Off EVERYTHING Sunday – Final Day Estate Sale”	“Public Auction – Furniture and Décor”
“Epic Mid-Century Modern Furniture Sale – Rare Finds!”	“Online Auction of Estate Heavy Equipment”
“Rare Vintage Concert Posters & Band Memorabilia Auction”	“Home Furnishings and Décor Online Auction”

How to Use These Insights to Maximize Ad Performance

1. Craft Attention-Grabbing Titles

When creating your estate sale listing, think about the items or features that make your sale special. Include those details in your title.

2. Tailor Your Titles to Your Audience

Ask yourself: What kind of buyers are you hoping to attract? If it’s collectors, mention specific categories like “vintage toys” or “rare antiques.”

3. Incorporate Keywords

Ensure words like “Estate Sale,” “Auction,” “Vintage,” or “Antiques” are prominently featured. These terms consistently perform well.

4. Use Calls to Action

Add urgency with action phrases like “Bid Now,” “Shop Today,” or “Don’t Miss Out.”

5. Keep Testing and Iterating

Even small tweaks to a title can have a big impact. Try experimenting with different combinations of emotional language, keywords, and urgency.

Conclusion: Your Title is Your First Impression

When it comes to estate sale ads, the title is everything. It’s the first thing potential buyers see, and it determines whether they click through to learn more. By following these tips and drawing inspiration from our top-performing ads, you can create compelling titles that drive more traffic to your estate sale.

Start applying these best practices to your listings today, and watch your ads perform better than ever! If you have questions or need further help, feel free to reach out to our support team.