Online Classified Ad

Online classified ads aren't much different than their paper-based cousins found in newspapers, magazines and the like. They are a bit of an improvement, though, in that they can reach immeasurably more people and can incorporate graphics and some text decoration.

Ads, of the classified type or otherwise, bombard Web surfers everywhere they go, so you'll have to work hard to stand out. This can be done in both the design and the placement processes.

Creating Ads

As with any writing, you need to start with a catchy opening. The title or first sentence of the ad must immediately tell the reader - or, more accurately, the skimmer - exactly what you are offering. If you're selling a car, start right away with year, make and model. If your company needs to fill an administrative position, say what position you're looking to fill.

You need to write in very short, specific sentences. Most ad directories charge per line, per word or per character, so less is better. This is a good thing, anyway, because you'll want to make your ad short and easy to read to make things easier on your audience.

Your classified ad is not the place to make your case for being the best in the business. The ad must simply convey what you have to offer and elicit some action from the reader. In short, sell only the next step.

Placing Ads

Some online classified ad listings are free, but many will charge a nominal fee, especially for commercial ads. Often you get what you pay for. Pay sites will be more exclusive, resulting in less clutter and a more serious audience. Free sites, on the other hand, are, well...free. You can't complain much about that.

There are hundreds of Web sites where you can place a classified ad. Some of the big ones are Yahoo! Classifieds (http://classifieds.yahoo.com) and Sell.com (http://www.sell.com). Yahoo! is one of the free sites, and Sell.com charges a reasonable fee.