Leads From Craigslist

[Dale King]

I'm often asked if it's worth advertising on free ad sites like Craigslist to acquire leads. In my opinion, no. It's been my experience that leads from free advertising sites convert very, very poorly. So I personally don't attempt to acquire leads that way anymore. Considering the poor returns, in my opinion, it's a waste of time and energy.

What has been your experience with leads from free ad sites like Craigslist? Do they work for you?

Dale King

[jasaunders]

Well let me ask a question (and I don't know the answer to this, but you probably know more).
But even if free advertising doesn't generate leads, is it possible that it will help SEO. If you have a link to your site on a free site that is related, even if it doesn't generate direct leads, if the page is indexed in search engines maybe it will help you overall.
Now I'm not sure if craigslist is indexed, I think I have seen some random pages in searchengines from CL, but I'm not sure.

So I guess what I'm asking is, even if you get no direct leads from free advertising, can it lead indirectly to improvements in SEO and leads indirectly (ie. someone searches for brooms on google and maybe your craigslist post about your broom appears in the search results).

[dfveteran]

Im not sure about leads,but craigslist sure does bring in local customers.I use craigslist for all the bigger items I sell.I have tried listing in other cities and states but local revenue seems to be the best..It probably also depends on what cities and states you post in too.There is a trick to it.I just havent figured it out yet,lol.I dont use craiglist as much anymore,because as Dale said,there is little if any difference.It just seems like its more time than its worth.

[EliteFlyers_com]

I would say it's worth it.
After all it is free.
I post ads on craigs list / backpage and have fotten quite a few clients

[Dale King]

I would say it's worth it.
After all it is free.

Just because something's free, doesn't necessarily mean it's a good deal. That said, if you're getting clients from Craigslist, more power to you.

Dale King

[Aletheides]

Craiglist marketing is something I noticed that is taking on a fair amount of growth. I see more and more people looking to hire Craigslist posters, so it is definitely working for some people. I think it comes down to what youre offering and how you promote it.

[allysa]

For me, craigslist really helps. Maybe it depends on the area and competitions you dealt with.

[sunup]

Posting on CL raised us to page one on Google.

[NamesCody]

Yeah we get leads from our flooring company with Craigslist, not many by all means but we get a few every so often. For example we got two leads from them today, which is out of the ordinary. We usually post a couple each day and see how it goes.

(If anyone is in the Atlanta area and needs floors, PM me )

[Dylan Phelan]

Well let me ask a question (and I don't know the answer to this, but you probably know more).
But even if free advertising doesn't generate leads, is it possible that it will help Search Engine Optimization. If you have a link to your site on a free site that is related, even if it doesn't generate direct leads, if the page is indexed in search engines maybe it will help you overall.
Now I'm not sure if craigslist is indexed, I think I have seen some random pages in searchengines from CL, but I'm not sure.

So I guess what I'm asking is, even if you get no direct leads from free advertising, can it lead indirectly to improvements in SEO and leads indirectly (ie. someone searches for brooms on google and maybe your craigslist post about your broom appears in the search results).

I don't know much about CL; but yes a quality free ads site can help with SEO.
I use a site that has really good PR; and it help a lot!

[rogercbryan]

I get a ton of business from Craigslist. Dale I have a problem with something you said

Considering the poor returns, I think it's a waste of time and energy.

Example A- Craigslist
Free post gets 100 views
10 contacts
2 sales at $100 each (20% sales ratio)
Net sales value less advertising $100 per item (service)

Example B- Paid Advertisement
Advertisement cost $495
Gets 200 views
20 contacts
10 sales at $100 each (50% sales ratio)
Net sales value less advertising $50.50 per item (service)

This is a very generic example but I think there is significant value in any and all free advertising opportunities.

[OnTheWayUp]

I think Craiglist is indexed. I have searched for different appliances (dryer/washer) and posts have came up from different cities in different states.

[buglerroller]

craigslist is free advertising. sure your post only lasts a week, but if you are persistent and republish your posts it helps. i am a web developer and i put up listings weekly and get calls all day long, sure they are from my area and sometimes out of the state but craigslist works.

i pay for a guru vendor profile and sure i get calls but majority of my business is craigslist.

[gofrugal]

Craigslist has been excellent for my business as well my personal stuff.

[Dale King]

I get a ton of business from Craigslist. Dale I have a problem with something you said “Just because it’s free does not mean it’s worth anything”.

Roger, I have a problem with you quoting me inaccurately and taking my words out of context. What I said was:

"Just because something's free, doesn't necessarily mean it's a good deal. That said, if you're getting clients from Craigslist, more power to you."

Dale King