CraigsList Tips & Tricks

Transcription

1 CraigsList is the most popular online classified listing of goods and services in the country. And it s free. Here are a few tips to optimize your ads! Use an Account: Sign up for an account with CraigsList to more easily manage your posts. Using an account allows you to: View all previous posts Quickly edit or delete old posts Post more frequently Skip the verification process for each post To log in or create an account, click on the my account link on the main CraigsList page. Page 1

2 View all previous posts with their status of either Deleted, Expired or Active Based on the post status, you will either be able to Repost, Delete or Edit your ad. Editing is especially helpful if your pricing has recently changed. Page 2

3 When creating new posts on CraigsList, follow these tips for titles: Use catchy headlines that quickly describe your community or the available apartment. Target specific markets when you can such as large dog owners, active military, employees of preferred employers, etc. This ad targets medical professionals mentioning the close proximity to the hospital, and creates urgency since there is only 1 apartment available. Page 3

4 Post a photo onto the CraigsList ad. CraigsList now offers a pic view that allows posts to be displayed with a small thumbnail photo next to the title of the ad. While using Postlets templates does ensure that there are many photos on your post, those photos are embedded into the post. This basically means that they are buried in the text of the ad, and not actual attachments. For CraigsList to recognize that there is a photo for the new pic view you must attach a.jpeg image to your post. Img means that there are some images, but they could be embedded and will not show up on the pic view. Only attached pictures (pic) will show on the pic view The photos will be small, so ensure they are not too detailed and will look good in a thumbnail size. Page 4

5 Ensure your address is mapped. Enter your community s full address when creating the post on CraigsList. Also be sure to list the nearest cross street. You will have the option to include the map on your ad when you are in the posting process. This will enable customers to see posts in the map view. Map means that that address is mapped and the property will appear in the map view. Page 5

6 Step by Step Instructions: There are three steps to posting an ad on Craigslist: Step 1: Title, text and address information This is where you put your community description. Remember to use bullet points or a list of features where you can. Ensure that your address is visible by clicking Show. Insert your full address including the nearest cross street for an accurate location on the map. Page 6

7 Step by Step Instructions: There are three steps to posting an ad on Craigslist: Step 2: Verify map location and choose to include it in the ad You have to click on include this map for it to appear on your ad, and for your post to appear in the map view. Page 7

8 Step by Step Instructions: There are three steps to posting an ad on Craigslist: Step 3: Attach one photo to the ad. You only need to attach one since your Postlets template will have many more. Click on Choose File to select the photo you want to add to your post. Again, be sure it will look good as a thumbnail. You can include up to 12 photos. Be sure to really show how great your community looks and to include a floorplan. When you are finished, Click on Done with Images. Page 8

9 Finished Post: This is what the top of your final ad should look like after adding the photos and including the map. When you are satisfied with your post, click Publish. Page 9

10 Post Daily: A new ad should be posted every day for your community Post new ads each day, do not delete and repost or edit your current ad. By posting daily you will increase your overall presence on CraigsList. Do be sure to delete or edit any old ads with incorrect pricing or unavailable apartments. Because posting is allowed only every 48 hours, at least two different ads should be posted, every other day. See below for an example: Mon, Wed, Fri Post a 1 bedroom ad Tue, Thu, Sat Post a 2 bedroom ad Ads targeting different apartment types of specific units will allow for more posting. Page 10