How to Use Craigslist to Start A Small Business

The Craigslist job boards can help you start a business!

Rate: (13 Ratings)

Are you ready to take the leap and start a small business? Maybe you have an existing small business but need new clients. If so, keep reading and learn how Craigslist can be a powerful tool for you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Computer with internet connection.

Step 1

Go to Craigslist.com and select your city.
Step 2

At the bottom of the screen you'll find a section called 'Services'. In this section you will find a variety of categories in which you can place a free ad for your business. You will find everything from Computer and Automotive to Real Estate and Legal.
Step 3

The above approach is somewhat obvious, but here's another section of Craigslist to focus on that you may not have considered: 'Jobs'.
Step 4

Most listings under 'Jobs' are what you normally think of: an employer looking for a full or part-time employee to work at their place of business. But some ads under 'Jobs' will give the applicant an option of working from home. So if you're opening a bookkeeping business and a small business is offering a bookkeeping job that can be done from home, you may have just found your first client.
Step 5

Even, however, if the job doesn't specifically list working from home as an option, you may want to email the employer and inquire as to whether that is a possibility. If the employer is looking to hire someone - particularly on a part-time basis - and the job is one that can be performed off site, the employer may be open to such an arrangement.
Step 6

This approach can work for many kinds of businesses such as Accounting/Bookkeeping, Virtual Assistant,
Step 7

So visit Craigslist and place a free ad for your business under 'Services' but make sure to also check out the section of 'Jobs' that relates to your business. There may be clients lurking there!