Does Marketing on Craigslist Work?

[David Jackson]

I just received an e-mail from a client of mine. She wanted to know if marketing on Craigslist works. Here is the exact e-mail I sent back to her verbatim:

"Yes, marketing on Craigslist works for some businesses - not all, but some. Would I use it to promote my business? No, but that's me.

So why wouldn't I use Craigslist to promote my business?

Because, in my opinion, it has a sleazy reputation, and might reflect badly on my business. But again, that's me. Obviously, millions of other businesses feel differently.

In fact, several colleagues of mine who own hair salons, bakeries, check cashing stores, insurance agencies, jewelry stores, used car lots, hosting companies, etc., all tell me that advertising on Craigslist works well for them.

I also know of a lot of online businesses that tried advertising on Craigslist, and their results weren't so good. So my advice to you is this: Try it. You never know if something is going to work, until you try it. If it doesn't work, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

But if it does work, then you've found another effective method of marketing your business."

David Jackson

[SirLucius]

From my experience Craigslist attracts a lot of bottom feeders. These are the people who don't want to pay, or want to nickle-and-dime for services or products. If you're looking for online advertising you're much better off using PPC, eZine advertising, forum marketing, blog posting, and social media. Don't be afraid to pay for advertisments on established blogs and forum sites as well.

[David Jackson]

From my experience Craigslist attracts a lot of bottom feeders. These are the people who don't want to pay, or want to nickle-and-dime for services or products.

Unfortunately, that's usually a by-product of free or low-cost classified advertising. That's why I avoid that type of advertising altogether.

It's just not worth my time or energy.

David Jackson