Craigslist Posting- How to Write a Responsive Ad

Craigslist Posting –  Wondering how to write a responsive ad? Read on as we outline details on Craigslist posting tips,  fees, posting limits, and safety precautions!

Undoubtedly, we’ve all overheard about the benefits and ease of Craigslist marketing.

Conversely, many others have heard  Craigslist horror stories of scammers, rip-offs, and accounts flagged for removal. Regardless of if you live in a small county like Greenville, NC, or the big city of San Francisco, CA

Keep reading as we unfold how to avoid those dangers!

In this post, we’re going to discuss the basics of ad posting that Attract Instant Immediate ATTENTION!

READ Below as I explain step by step how to write solid sales copy using simple tactics anyone can deploy. 

  What is Craigslist and How it Works

Craigslist is a nationwide classified advertisement and digital resource center.

It’s a website where anyone can sell or purchase just about anything you can imagine usually for FREE, but we’ll talk more about Craigslist fees later.

Here we’ll focus on advertising and marketing your products and services. 

    How to Write a Good Craigslist Ad

Copy is  Copy… that’s “copywriting” and the process is the same. As an illustration, we break down one technique you can use for all your Craigslist ads.

Regardless of whether you’re selling a $10.00 checklist or a $500 product.

Even if you’ve tried selling on classified sites before with no luck, this source will help. 

Follow the basic guidelines described and you will be good to Go!

What to expect?

• Craigslist Posting Rules
• How to Reply Anonymously
• Craigslist Posting Fees
• How to keep your email address incognito
• Craigslist Best Ad Posting
• How to Avoid Scammers
• Step-by-Step Posting Diagram
• Reveal Posting Limits

               and more…

You can expect answers to these additional questions…

1. How to insert photos and how many images can you post,
2. What is the safest way to accept payment on Craigslist,
3. Can I post in multiple cities,
4. How to stay anonymous,
5. Does it cost to post,
6. Should I post my phone number, and
7. Is it safe to reply to an email?

Let’s Get Started!

How to Write a Responsive Craigslist Ad in 5 Easy Steps

Step #1

  Write a clear, concise headline. This should “Grab” your reader’s attention.

Use HTML code to help your headline stand out.

<H1> Your headline goes here</H1>

Step #2

Write a short but descriptive sub-headline.  This gives the reader

more details about your offer.  However, keep it brief.

Use the <H2> tags.

This will decrease your font size to smaller than the title font but larger than the body.

<H2> Your Sub-headline goes here </H2>

Step #3

Write your copy. This is the body of the ad. Add 2-3 short sentences.

Give as much info as possible in the shortest amount of space. Use action words at the beginning of the sentence to induce action. Be as detailed as possible.

Add a call to action and urgency, as an example,

• for a limited time only
• while supplies last
• the price will increase
• buy now, won’t last!

Don’t forget to incentivize, such as additional bonuses, and early-bird specials.

Step#4

Include the max allow images. At the time of this writing, 24 photos are allowed.

Natural light works the best.

Research proves that light photos get more clicks. Before and after’s pictures work great.

better your images the better your chances are of selling your product or service.

Step#5

Choose your location as Greenville, NC. Where is your ideal location to sell to? Naturally, if you are selling shovels, (in the winter) you’ll pick an area that snows often.

10 Simple Steps to Posting a Killer Ad on Craigslist that get Noticed

Regardless, if you’re hiring a Virtual Assitant,  website designer, or social media manager, you name it… Craiglist.org got it!

Now we walk you through how to set up your classified ad. The below-outlined steps are a surefire way to gain the attention of your target market, contractors, or employees.

Additionally, we’ll communicate a few housekeeping rules to keep you safe from scams and on track.

Here you Go!

 Step #1.

Set up an account, if you don’t have one:

Step#2.

Choose the location you would like to place your post. Craigslist prefers a local area. Greenville

Step#3.

Pick one single area and category; for example job offer, for sale by owner, etc. tick continue

Step#4.

Tick the category from the list: for example: general labor, admin/office, real estate, etc… pricing will be displayed. scroll down hit continue   

  Step#5.

Complete Information Box:

Step #6.

Driving Map request, remember your candidates will have some idea of where you are based on the map. Click Continue

Step#7.

Add images, up to 24 photos. Be certain to size your photos. When trying to sell an item the more pictures the better.

Keep in mind, too large file sizes will create an error. If so, you can use Google’s “free image resizer” and select the size from the list.

If you don’t have photos or don’t want to add any, tick done with images.

Step #8.

You’re ready to publish your listing. View your ad, you can edit, add more photos, or make any necessary changes.

The cost is also on this page. Push the Publish button. 

Step #9.

This is Craigslist phone verification, 2-step authentication. Craigslist will send you an email to verify it’s you and you can pay over your email server. 

Step #10.

Check your email for instructions, I.e., publish, edit, and pay. You can expect your ad to be live within an hour or two.

Does it Cost to Post on Craigslist?

Yes and No… Craigslist does allow Free posting. However, business postings typically come with a fee.

The amount depends on the category,  geographical location, and service. High-populous areas are more expensive than rural areas. 

Can I Post in Multiple Cities on Craigslist?

There is a limit to Craigslist posts? According to Craigslist’s rules listed on their website, users can post in only one category in one geographical area once every 48 hours.

To post more often can potentially have your post banned or flagged.  Even worse, the Craigslist Police will slap you around…LOL!!! They are serious about their non-payment Job!

How to Reply Anonymously on Craiglist

To reply to Craigslist anonymously, you can use the “cover” email address provided by Craigslist.  (Highlighted below) Only Craigslist knows the real email addresses of both parties. When you receive an email in response to an ad you posted, you’ll see an address that looks like this:

rcc9la26d76a03514c34f9200@reply.craigslist.org. Although the sender used their real email account to contact you, the proxy email address hides their real email address.  To maintain your security copy and paste the “cover”/ code into your “To” field this way you keep it anonymous.  

Another option is to keep your anonymity; you can create a new email address unassociated with your name or IP address. This way you can reply using your new address.

However,  to continue practicing safety precautions use the Craigslist code.  This will give you an extra layer of protection. But remember a criminal job is to figure out a way to commit a crime. 

How do I Change my Craigslist City Posting?

Go to the Craigslist website of the state and city where you want to post your first ad.

Move your mouse to the right side of the Craigslist homepage, click “US States” then select the name of the state where you want to post.

Click the name of the city where you want to post.

 How Many Pictures Can You Post on Craigslist?

According to the Craigslist NC FAQ post, you can insert up to 24 images that must be sized correctly.   

Is it Safe to Post on Craigslist?

Just as safe as it is to post on any other online medium. Always practice caution when posting, selling, or buying on Craigslist. Craigslist is notorious for scammers. We just can’t out-tech them.

So safe operational usage is key. You may prefer to use Craigslist’s anonymous email follow-up system to respond to potential candidates.

Additionally, Google voice number is widely used for posting privacy.

This limits the exposure of your personal data.  For added security, you’ll receive a Craigslist Google voice verification code to complete your two-step authentication process. 

Is it Safe to Reply to the Craigslist Email?

Yes, there is a way to stay anonymous even when responding to an ad. There are 3 options including Craigslist’s relay system.

That system is designed to respond anonymously which doesn’t reveal your actual email address.

Should I Post my Phone Number on Craigslist?

That’s optional, however, chances are you may receive unwanted calls. Even advertisers and other businesses may try to pitch their deals. It may be easier to set up a FREE Google Voice account. 

What is the Safest Way to accept payment on Craigslist?

• 1. Never accept checks, cashier checks, or money orders
• 2. Avoid all causes of sending green dot money cards. (I almost got scammed that way)
• 3. If the deals sound Too Good and confusing; it’s probably fraudulent. 
• 4. Don’t deal with third-party sellers.  Person to person only…this is a sign of a trickster
• 5. For local transactions CASH ONLY!!! Online PayPal or equivalent.

How to Write a Craigslist Ad for Services

Writing an announcement to sell services on craigslist is like creating an online advertisement.

Bottomline all ad copywriting follows the same guidelines whether it’s in a sales copy, email, or direct mailing, sales are sales.

I’ve sold many products on Craigslist and will share the simple steps that you can follow.

Keep in mind simple marketing strategies, and remember who you are selling to.

What types of people look for services on Craigslist? Following the below steps will get your product or service sold, with the quickness for top dollar.  

Step #1.

Identify your target market, and speak the language of your customer.

Step #2.

Describe your service in plain English. Remember most people read at a 9th-grade level, you don’t have to flatter them, they’re only wanting a deal, not a date!

Step #3.

Includes testimonials and reviews. You can articulate how great you are but until someone else preferably a raving fan shouts how great you are it doesn’t matter.

Step #4.

Include photos as many as allowed. Personal photos speak volumes over stock photos. Before and after are the best.

Step #5.

Write a catchy title. The only way your potential client will know you have something for sale is the title has to catch their attention. Use as many elements as they will allow I.e… Html, etc. Be sure to include your keyword in the title.  

As an example: if you’re selling a Ford pickup truck, It should be Big and Bold and in the Title. Here’s an illustration of a truck we recently sold:

Craigslist Headline Example: “2010 Chevrolet Pickup” 

Body: Selling a 2010 Chevrolet Pickup. Need to sell quickly because I have another truck and don’t need both.

The truck needs a transmission but it’s drivable.  We drove it to Raleigh and back with no problems. 

Bonus: Just keep it simple, try thinking which ads captivate your attention, follow that lead, and you’ll do fine.

How to post Craigslist ads in multiple cities?

Actually, Craig prefers that we don’t post in multiple cities but there are ways to circumvent the system,

Sort of. I think their decision came about when some over-zealous marketers started posting advertisements all over the place.

As a result, the free classified marketplace started to look spammy and began to get a bad rap.

 However, since Craigslist now charges for ads, that has been a crackdown on the number of ads people post.

Craigslist post limits are the same, but the price isn’t.

So, if you are posting in a metropolitan area, somewhere like San Francisco where advertising is fierce, those ads will be more expensive, than in rural areas, like Greenville, NC respectfully.

According to Craigslist’s recent FAQ, you can only post to one category and in one city once every 48 hours.

Posting more you run the risk of being chased by the Craigslist mini cops and your ad flagged for removal.

Craigslist feels like if you need to publish more often then you’re on the wrong platform. Advertising the same ad to multiple locations is prohibited if done within that 48-hour window.

However, there are Craigslist service providers, these platforms hire someone to write your Craigslist ads and potentially know how to bypass the Craigslist posting limit.

Moreover, if you need help posting ads on Craigslist, you can do Google research for help.

, usually, those types of services have new updates and typically know all Craiglist secrets, tips, and tricks.

Posting on Craigslist is one of the most direct routes from a seller to the buyer or from you got, to “we want”.

Who advertises on craigslist? Unsurprisingly, from mom-and-pop retailers of NC to businesses across the globe of all sizes. Even Fortune 500 companies post incognito.

They have the same need as medium and small companies do… which is …Help!

 Conclusion:

 The unfortunate truth is Yes there are fraudsters, scammers, and thieves on Craigslist but that’s everywhere.

But we can’t let that stop us because using craigslist is one of the most cost-effective mediums to gain massive business exposure, identify skilled laborers, and sell products and services on the cheap!

Learning how to post a Craigslist ad for free or paid is without a doubt worth its weight in gold.

You can post an ad, reach interested candidates, and begin your onboarding process within hours.

If you have safety concerns, there are ways to hide your email address and phone number.

Personally, I hadn’t found comparable Craigslist Alternatives Yet… if you know, please comment below.

 If you have products to sell, there are a plethora of merchant account providers you can use.

 I‘ve used PayPal in the past, it’s super easy to set up and very safe.

Recently use the Cash app as well. Lastly, for an extra layer of phone protection, you can use Google Voice, it’s ideal because you can set it up so that the caller will have to state their name

(multi-factor authentication) before being connected and it’s FREE! 

A few other Tips:

• Ask for more than you expect, leaving room for negotiating.
• Communicate why you are selling a product, stories sell.
• Capture clear images taken from different angles. 
• Cash Only, meet at the bank for large purchases.
• Get the title notarized during the time of transfer (car sales)

Now it’s time to hear from you…

If we missed any pointers or tips, please share.

Leave a comment below Now!

To Your Success
P.Y. 

Craigslist Posting- How to Write a Responsive Ad