Craigslist Type Sites
Craigslist has been in the news recently in a negative and adverse way due to a recent slaying (http://tinyurl.com/craigslistoncnn). As a result, the advertising site has become very controversial. It’s a very diverse classified listing site, and just like most anything can be misused for wrongful purposes. I am glad they are restructuring and monitoring the ads more closely. I have found it to be a very responsive tool for marketing. The diversity generates a tremendous amount of traffic and users benefit in numerous ways – both in business and personal capacities.
There are just a few other minor down sides to posting ads. For instance, I am encountering a limited amount of spam, scam mail, and phishing off sites like Craigslist. I have reduced it by disguising my email through an anonymous and appointed email address through Craigslist and other similar sites. That way they can monitor and help fight the spamming. My Web site is listed in my ad, so potential clients can view my Web site and email me directly. With these proper precautions, the results outweigh the annoyances.
Anytime something becomes as big and great as Craigslist, there are going to be people out there trying to bring it down and misuse it. Just like with eBay and PayPal we have to take precautions against hackers. I think that's a greater risk than what's happened on Craigslist, but that doesn't mean we should stop using the sites. We just take the necessary precautions and security measures to protect us.
In addition to Craigslist, there’s Kijiji and Backpage that are very similar in structure. Then there are other free classified listing sites like Oodle and Blurbpage. You can research the others by simply working the search engines for free classified sites. I have found it helpful to create a marketing tracking sheet and to devise a timetable of reposting your ads based upon the popularity of the sites. You do have to be careful to follow each site’s terms and conditions. Although you are very restricted with Craigslist and can not duplicate your ad multiple times in multiple cities, you can update the ad by deleting it and reposting it. You may also tailor your services or products and create a unique ad for other cities you would like to market. If your budget allows, other ad sites like Craigslist offer the ability to repost automatically and across numerous areas for additional fees.
Another way to work these sites is in reverse. Respond to ads needing your service. This requires some time to filter through the ads, but you are able to educate others and network. For a modest subscription fee, VirtualVocations helps to filter work at home job opportunities.
I have learned that it is difficult to remain consistent in marketing a new business. As a new client comes in, it’s exciting and energy is directed at delivering excellent service and providing the necessary availability and support. It is important to structure time and create a strategy for when and how often to keep an incoming flow of inquiries. Another thing I have learned in business development is the instability of clients, especially under the current economic circumstances. Depending upon your business development objectives, it is healthy to grow you business and add assistants. While there may be a measure of oversight, you can profit off commissions of referring them work.
Most of all… have fun!!! Don’t stress! If you are developing a business, hopefully it is something you enjoy. It is a service or product that you are gifted with and you can simply share it with others. Marketing through Craigslist type sites is helpful in generating leads for small businesses and can be a great tool in your business development.
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Categories: Marketing
Tags: classified Backpage ad marketing assistant Craigslist virtual free classifieds
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