Are you struggling to generate engagement on your Facebook posts? Could the words and phrases you are using trigger a reach demotion by the Facebook algorithm?
The Speed Up Co shares its words to avoid and what to replace them with in this infographic.
They break them down into the following categories:
- Salesy and selling terms
- Deals and giveaways
- Time limitations
Check out the infographic for more information.
Facebook’s algorithm and ad policies can be tricky to navigate, especially when it comes to the words you use in your posts and ads. Some words trigger restrictions, reduced reach, or even ad rejections because they sound too salesy, spammy, or misleading.
To help you craft effective Facebook content while staying compliant, here’s a list of 20 banned or restricted words and what to replace them with.
Salesy and Selling Terms
Facebook is cautious about posts that seem overly promotional. If you’re using words that directly push a sale, you might find your post’s reach limited or your ad rejected. Here are some common sales-related words to avoid and better alternatives to use instead.
1. Buy
Avoid: Buy now and save!
Replace with: Get yours today!
Buy” is a clear sales trigger, so shifting the focus to the customer’s experience rather than the transaction works better.
2. Sale
Avoid: Huge sale happening now!
Replace with: Exclusive event happening now!
Facebook often limits reach for posts that explicitly mention sales, but words like “event” or “special offer” can help you bypass restrictions.
3. Marked Down
Avoid: Prices marked down by 50%!
Replace with: Enjoy special savings today!
Instead of using direct discount language, create excitement around value and benefits.
4. Coupon
Avoid: Use this coupon to save!
Replace with: Unlock your exclusive code!
Using words like “exclusive” makes the offer feel more personalized and less like a mass promotion.
5. Discount
Avoid: Get a 20% discount today!
Replace with: Enjoy 20% off your next order!
Reframing discounts in a less promotional way can help maintain your reach.
6. Percentage Off
Avoid: Take 50% off all products!
Replace with: Enjoy half-price savings!
Avoiding direct percentage references and instead using descriptive terms makes posts sound more natural.
7. Order
Avoid: Order now before it’s gone!
Replace with: Claim yours before they run out!
Using words like “claim” or “secure” adds urgency without triggering sales filters.
Deals and Giveaways
Giveaways, contests, and free promotions are heavily scrutinized by Facebook due to potential scams and misleading claims. Here’s how to phrase these offers effectively.
8. Giveaway
Avoid: Join our giveaway today!
Replace with: Exclusive opportunity just for you!
Facebook often flags giveaways as spam, so using words like “opportunity” keeps your post engaging.
9. Deal
Avoid: Don’t miss this amazing deal!
Replace with: Check out this exclusive offer!
Framing promotions as “exclusive offers” instead of deals can help you maintain reach.
10. Win
Avoid: Win a free prize!
Replace with: Your chance to receive something special!
Using softer language around winning makes the post sound more authentic.
11. Enter
Avoid: Enter for a chance to win!
Replace with: Join the fun and claim your spot!
Replacing “enter” with “join” makes the action feel more engaging and community-focused.
12. Contest
Avoid: Sign up for our contest!
Replace with: A special challenge just for you!
Using words like “challenge” makes participation feel rewarding rather than transactional.
13. Free
Avoid: Get this product for free!
Replace with: Enjoy this gift on us!
Facebook often flags “free” as misleading, so rewording it as a “gift” makes it sound more genuine.
14. Freebie
Avoid: Grab your freebie now!
Replace with: Enjoy this special treat!
Referring to items as “special treats” makes the offer sound more exclusive and personal.
Time Limitations
Facebook discourages urgency-driven language, as it can feel pressuring or misleading. Here’s how to maintain excitement without triggering restrictions.
15. Limited Time
Avoid: Limited time offer, act fast!
Replace with: Available for a short period!
Rewording helps maintain urgency without setting off Facebook’s filters.
16. Only X Days Left
Avoid: Only 2 days left to shop!
Replace with: Closing soon, don’t miss out!
Focusing on the action rather than the timeframe makes the message more engaging.
17. Doors Close
Avoid: Doors close at midnight!
Replace with: Your chance ends soon!
Instead of “doors close,” emphasize the user’s opportunity.
18. While Supplies Last
Avoid: Get yours while supplies last!
Replace with: Available while stock lasts!
Facebook tends to flag scarcity-driven language, so rewording it subtly can help.
19. Today Only
Avoid: Today only, get 50% off!
Replace with: For a short time, enjoy exclusive savings!
Avoiding absolute time limits makes the offer sound less like a pressure tactic.
20. Ending Soon
Avoid: Hurry, offer ending soon!
Replace with: Last chance to take advantage!
Reframing the urgency in a positive light makes the message more effective.
Final Thoughts
Navigating Facebook’s restrictions doesn’t mean you can’t create engaging, high-converting content.
By replacing banned words with more compliant alternatives, you can ensure your posts and ads reach your audience effectively. The key is to make offers feel inviting rather than pushy, and exclusive rather than promotional.
Use these replacements as a guide to refine your messaging and stay on Facebook’s good side.
Author:
Mark Ford
