How to Design a Craigslist Ad
Craigslist is perhaps one of the oldest and most commonly used sites for classified ad postings such as buying, selling, job-hunting and personals. While site navigation and mechanics have remained virtually unchanged over the years, there are several steps required to post an ad. It is as important to observe the rules and warnings for posting as it is to design and complete each ad.
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Instructions
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Go to the Craigslist website (craigslist.com) and choose the geographic location for your post.
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Click "Post to classifieds" on the left side of the home page under "Craigslist."
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Select the type of posting you want to make. Craigslist postings are broadly divided into the categories Jobs Offered / Wanted, Housing Offered / Wanted, For Sale / Item Wanted, Gig or Service Offered, Personals and Community / Events.
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Choose a sub-category. For example, if you chose "For sale," you may choose "baby+kids." Select a location where your post applies to, such as your city of residence or county.
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Enter a title for the ad in "Posting Title." Choose a title that truthfully describes your ad. Use keywords that people are likely to use when searching for the item, job or service you are posting. For example, if you are selling used baby toys, use keywords such as "Used baby toys in excellent condition."
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Enter the location in "Specific Location." This is useful when you want to provide more details about the location. If you are posting to a county, for example, it is a good idea to enter the name of your exact city or town.
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Add the price, rent or other similar information if applicable to your post.
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Enter an email address. You can choose to hide the address by clicking "hide" or you can tell Craigslist to create a temporary email address for that post. A temporary Craigslist email address is like an alias that will appear with your posting. All replies to your posting will be relayed to your true email address.
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Enter a description of your posting in "Posting Description." Provide ample details of the item, request, service or announcement. Double-check your spelling. Avoid long paragraphs; instead, break them up into shorter ones. If you know HTML, use it for more attractive presentation.
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Click "Add / Edit Images." Click "Browse" and select a photo from the computer to add to your post. You can attach up to four photos to each posting.
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Click "Continue" to preview your post. Click "Continue" to confirm or click "Edit Again" if you want to make changes. If you confirm the posting, read the instructions on the next page. Craigslist will send you a confirmation via email.
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Check your email account. When you receive the confirmation from Craigslist, click the link provided and read the directions. Keep the email.
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Read and either agree or disagree with the Terms of Use. If you accept, you will be taken to a page where you must enter a verification code. Type the code that you see into the box and click "Continue" to publish your posting.
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Tips & Warnings
When advertising items for sale or for rent, it is helpful to include pictures.
You are allowed basic HTML formatting such as headings <h1> through <h6>, <p> for paragraph, <table> for a table, <ul> for a list, <ol> for a numbered list and more. Please refer to the Craigslist help section and the examples that are included.
You can register for a Craigslist account so you can manage multiple posts in the same account.
Do not spam keywords in the posting title or description.
Do not delete the Craigslist email you receive. You will need it to manage your posting.
Pay attention to all the warnings on Craigslist. Beware of scams, stalkers and other dangers.
