Placing an advert in the free classifieds section of an online marketplace may be the best way for you to reach your ideal target audience. If you have something to sell and you want people to actively come and search for your item then this is the best option for you.
In the past there were other options available to you. It would be possible for you to stand around on a cold morning at a car boot sale. Or you could try to aks your family or your friends if they were interested in your item. These days, there are thousands of websites around the world which let you list your product, usually for free!
But with so many choices, it is vital that you choose the correct marketing tactics. All your hard work could be lost and your advert could go completely unnoticed if you do not plan carefully before you place your advert.
What is it that you are selling? Is it Aunty Mable’s old painting that you have no space for? Can you post it to the buyer? Could they come to collect it? Or it could be your own website that you want to promote. You could advertise the services on your website in a classified advert. Sometimes it is possible to even add your own links. When you are clear about these details, then you can proceed to pick the classified directory that is right for your particular type of item or service.
The beauty of classified adverts is that you don’t have to advertise in just one place. In an online auction, you are only allowed to list your item one time and you usually have to wait to see what sort of price you will get. This could take up to a week to finish. But with a classified, you can place lots of different adverts. The buyers can contact you immediately. It may be even that you get a phone call that same day. That old painting could be off your hands sooner than you think!
A free classified advert can be placed in a local website for people to come to you, or in an international setting. There are many internationally well-known websites, for example eBay and Craigslist which allow you to post classifieds completely free.
Sometimes you have to register to place an advert. It is probably a good idea to be ready with a separate email address. After all, you don’t want potential buyers trying to contact you at the same email address as your friends and family. Then you can use that address to register with as many different places as you want.
Now for the most important part - the advert itself. It is best to be clear and concise. You may only be able to use a certain number of words. A good description attracts attention and buyers need to know how to contact you. My friend Denise sold her entire collection of Elvis Presley albums because she first looked up how much other people were selling theirs for and picked the same price to sell hers. She was very happy and as she said “I just did five minutes’ work to place the ad and then sat back and waited! Easy money.
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