Craigslist Ads – Avoid 5 Major Mistakes

The world of online marketing has reached phenomenal levels as more and more people are turning to the Internet to make purchases, find information, and connect with other people. Classified advertising is one way marketers are promoting their websites and expanding their marketing reach across the Internet. With so many different classified advertising sites available, it’s sometimes hard to decide which sites to utilize.

Craigslist is one of the most popular and free classified advertising sites available. With millions of visitors monthly, the site provides a huge opportunity to promote your business and your website.

Unfortunately, many marketers don’t really understand the power of Craigslist. They see it as a website to sell widgets one by one. If you approach this website with that type of strategy in mind, you’ll never reap the true benefits of Craigslist and won’t enjoy the increased traffic to your website that is possible.

Making decisions that time and effort, even though posting an ad is free, can result in disappointment and frustration on your part. Rather than spending your time making the same mistakes many other online marketers have made, focus on what Craigslist can do for you from a broader perspective.

Website traffic and brand recognition are keys to success for any online business. That’s where Craigslist can really make a difference. By promoting the value of your website, focusing on your target audience, and giving your potential customers something they want, you can drive traffic to your website and create long-lasting relationships that will help your business grow and expand.

But don’t fall into the same trap that others have already experienced. Beware of these actions that can deter you from reaching optimal results from advertising on Craigslist. Take a look at some of the mistakes others have made and avoid them at all costs!

Mistake #1: Promoting and trying to sell a product.

Selling a product is great, but who wants the one-time sale. It’s repeat visitors and repeat customers that create a thriving, successful business. Don’t focus on a one-time sale with your ad, but focus on the bigger picture and promote your website and your brand image. Drive traffic with your ad for greater success.

Mistake #2: Talking about your company and you.

Okay, let’s face it. People don’t really care about your company or you. They care about what you have to offer them and what you can do FOR them. So you were established in 1995. Longevity is important but that can be included somewhere on your website. Don’t waste your time talking about your company, your employees, and yourself in your classified ads! Talk about the value you bring to the customers and how you can help them.

Mistake #3: Creating non-professional, standard ads.

Craigslist may not be the most sophisticated website on the Internet with state-of-art visual appeal. But millions of people use it every month and they want to know that they are highly respected and valued. When you create ads with typographical or grammatical errors, poor quality graphics and photos, and inappropriate content, you’ll send readers running in the opposite direction. If your ad is just like every other one on the site and isn’t unique from your competition, you don’t attract your target audience. Take your ad creation seriously and create ads that are professional, high quality, unique, and that demonstrate respect for your potential customers.

Mistake #4: Ignoring the rules and conduct policies.

BIG mistake! This is a great way to lose all opportunity to post free classified ads to promote your website and business on Craigslist.org. They take their policies seriously and if you’re spamming and inappropriately using their website, you’ll be banned. You lose a great opportunity for free advertising and it doesn’t say much about your character and integrity either!

Mistake #5: Not managing the posting and reposting schedule.

Remember that it takes multiple times of seeing an ad for people to truly remember it. If you post your ad one time and then forget about it, you’re likely to waste your time. Using Craigslist as part of your promotional strategy means managing the process effectively. Create a spreadsheet or calendar to manage postings and be sure to repost your ads timely. Evaluate effectiveness of ads and if you’re not getting traffic, consider different types of ads, new graphics, or posting in different communities (cities). Don’t post one ad and sit back and wait. You’ll be sorely disappointed!

Craigslist can be an incredible marketing tool for your online business – but only when it is used effectively. Driving traffic to your website requires an understanding of what motivates, inspires, and influences people to click your links for more information. If you take the time to properly prepare your advertising campaign on Craigslist, you’ll find that it pays off today and in the months and years to come.

Don’t make the mistakes others have made! Learn from them and forge ahead with enthusiasm and you’ll reap the rewards of your efforts.