Marketing With Classified Ads Websites
I use classified ads website to market my products and services quite a bit, and I know how profitable these “free” traffic sources can be (See my Craigslist Slap Report)
Even if you do not have a product or service to sell, you can still drive classified ads traffic to merchants’ websites and earn affiliate commission.
The game gets trickier because more and more marketers are aware of these classified ads websites and the site operators are also aware of their presence and are coming up with different measures to reduce the number of spamvertisements.
Let’s take a look at Craigslist.org - according to Alexa ranking it is the 10th most popular website in the U.S. trailing eBay, MSN, Wikipedia. From first hand experience I know for a fact that the traffic is enormous.
However, not everything will do well when marketed with classified ads websites. If you are into building VRE websites, for example, then what are you really selling here? Nothing! At least nothing that is tangible. You are selling information. What do you think the mentality is for people that come on to the classified ads websites?
Traditionally, users of classified ad sites, much like your yellowpage book at home, are consumers looking to buy or sell real estate, electronics, furniture, financial services, jobs & gigs, etc.
So if you want to advertise your information website in classified ad websites, you’ll need to come up with an angle.
For example, let’s say you set up a website on acne - information on different types of acne, and treatment options. How would you sell this on Craigslist? What ad can you possible write and post and not have people think it’s spamvertisement? Ask yourself what category in Craigslist would you post your ad in.
Post your thoughts in the comments, and I will share with you how I’d go by doing it without getting flagged. Be sure to add yourself to the announcement list (upper right sidebar).
P.S. For more ideas on how to make money from Craigslist, see my Craigslist Slap Report
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Hi Steven,
Finally up and running. All feedback/suggestions are welcome.
lori
February 29, 2008 @ 5:25 pm
Nice clean-cut looking page. I think the sales copy can be improved on.
Use a powerful headline other than the current “FORECLOSURE HELP HERE!!”
February 29, 2008 @ 5:38 pm
I tried and got slapped on craigslist for both my sites. Under music gear catagory my ebay affiliate site http://www.musicprodeals.com was slapped when I simple stated “Great Deals On Gear Here!” and listed the URL.
In shoes, my site http://www.buycheapjordans.com got slapped using a very similar attempt.
I didn’t know there were any real rules on craigslist. I’m a newbie but learning fast.
Thanks for your help!
February 29, 2008 @ 6:00 pm
It’s very difficult to include a URL in your ads without getting flagged.
Craigslist is meant to bring consumers together, so merchants aren’t welcomed there.
Forget about directly linking sites from your ad. Consider using an autoresponder and have users contact you via email.
Using this technique I was making good money referring people to eBay (you’ll be surprised how many people STILL don’t have an eBay account!)
February 29, 2008 @ 6:07 pm
How about a suggestion for the headline and a classified webimar. I ‘d pay a nominal fee. Anyone Else?
http://www.foreclosurerepairshop.com
February 29, 2008 @ 6:11 pm
Use power words such as “Discover”, “How To”, “Secret”, “Guaranteed”, etc.
Here is one that you can try:
Discover The Secret To Stop Foreclosure, Avoid Bankruptcy and Keep Your Good Credit In Less Than 30 Days Even When You Are Behind Payments… Guaranteed!
Of course you’ll need to back up the 30 days claim. If it’s not realistic, then just remove it from the headline.
The headline is what is going to draw readers in to read the rest of your copy. Look at magazines and newspapers - they are really good at coming up with a compelling headline that presses on the psychological trigger.
I guess the same can be said about writing your classified ads. You need to make each word count.
The rest of the copy needs to accomplish one thing - keep the reader interested in reading further! Then you hit them with a “call to action” which is your contact lead form that you are asking them to fill out.
February 29, 2008 @ 6:29 pm