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Craig's List Real Estate Ads with a new twist

Everyone that knows me knows that I am a big fan of Craig's List for advertising real estate and know that I have been blessed with good business generated from this great site.

The reason I have been so successful is because I have written "Creative Ads" that cause the visitor to want to visit my website Search Idaho Homes. I do this by giving limited information and encouraging them to click to my website which is linked to every Craig's List ad.

In an attempt to "Think Outside the Box" I created a new ad today with a new twist. I calculated how many resicential listings where priced under under $150,000 in my market area. I decided to create an ad that had mentioned this inventory plus the low interest rates we currently have and only one photo of one listing was included to get the viewers interest. Visitors must go to my website which again is linked on every ad I write and visit my website.

These kind of ads are powerful because they cause the visitor to link to your website and look at other listings we have. If they really like our sites, they will come back and visit again. If we use Postlet or Vflyer to create one awesome ad with numerous photos and information we don't give the visitor any incentive to visit our sites. In addition we have to hope the visitor is interested in that one home we are advertising.

The Craig's List ad I created today attracts the visitor with an attention getting title and they must go to my website to see the photos and virtual tours. Here is the title I used and a link to my new ad.

Best buys under $150,000 in Canyon County

Best Buys under $150,000

Posted by George Tallabas - Idaho Real Estate on 09/28/2007 01:07 AM

Comments (132)

real estate marketing ideas

Originally posted at: Idaho Real Estate >> ID Real Estate Specialist: Craig's List Real Estate Ads with a new twist

Post is included in group: RE/MAX Active Rain Bloggers

132 Comments on Craig's List Real Estate Ads with a new twist

SEP

2007

Great idea, George - please keep us updated on how this works for you!

Karen - Thank you...I am anxious to see how well it works.

Hi George - How do you link your website on Craigslist? I advertise on there also and have had a few calls here and there. It sounds like you are able to take it to the next level.

Great idea!

I have found Craigs list to be good for the mortgage business also, this was the result of another rainer suggesting it to me.

Sean Allen

That sounds like a good idea , tell us how it works.

Joy - Copy and paste this where you want your website to appear:

<a href="http://www.SearchIdahoHomes.com">Search Idaho Homes</a>

Insert your website in the first and second section and leave everything else alone. The first section is your URL as it appears in the address bar and the second section is how you want your website to appear on Craig's List. This was courtesy of my friend Sue Argue.

Good luck to you!

Sean - They sky is the limit. We just need to open our minds!

Vicki - Thanks my friend.

Great marketing idea. Thanks for sharing

boooooooooooyaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! That's what I do, except I tease with one exterior photo! I do add one picture but I can grab a floorplan on occasion from salestraq (our new construction tool). This is so powerful as you said, I cannot even describe it. I always say go to www.whateverdomainiboughtforthathouse dot com for the virtual tour (I use RES) and floorplan. Costs me a couple bucks, takes an hour and a half to get chugging at first but I put it on ALL my advertising from flyers to craigslist.

Vicki - You are very welcome

Renee - That is why you and I are in the 5% of the 95/5 rule! While many Realtors across the country are complaining about how bad the market is, you and I are creating our market! Way to go girl!

Hi, George! I thought we weren't allowed to put links in our Craigslist ads, but if you say it's ok then it must be. :)

Thanks for the HTML code--and thank you for sharing!

Yolanda - You are very welcome and "Go for it"

Hi George - Craigslist is great we often use it to advertise in cities around the world. There is another good one called Kijiji I don't know if it is Alberta only but we have seen great results advertising there.

Todd & Danielle - Good for you and keep up the great work!

Yolanda, someone on Active Rain previously posted that you can't link to your website, but later changed it after a few of us questioned him - you can link if it takes the view to more information on the property advertised. You just can't make a post that is just advertising your website.

Yolanda & Karen - I have been linking my site to all my Craig's List ads and have never been flagged or had a problem.

Brilliant! Love it and will use it in the future! Thank you George!

Bob & Lisa - You are very welcome my friends.

George ... Great Idea! I've put a link on my website in my CraigsList ads so they can check out other properties, but a tease sounds like a sure way to get them to go to the website.

Marcia - Thank you and I wish you the best!

George -thanks for another good idea. I did not do it the way you suggested, but will definetely try. This is out-of-the box, because conventional thinking is that the pictures are critical. You are giving them pictures once they come to your site.

Faina - We have to think of creative ways to get people to our site and this is just another idea I had. Good luck to you.

Great info, George. Thanks for sharing. I never thought of bundling listings into 1 ad. I'll give it a try. I always put in 1 ad per property.

SEP

2007

Hi George - I always post and repost my listings on craigslist...but I give all the info plus photos (plus a single property web address). I like your idea of a teaser better - I can see that many more folks would click-through your way. Thanks for sharing!

Genius! Thank you for sharing. I will make it a point to do this with my listings tomorrow. ~Blessings

George - I have been using ads similar to this for a while now and it has helped my site traffic greatly. My retension rate of visitors who sign up for the MLS search with these postings is around 10%. My only caution is that craigslist gets funny about linking outside the site sometimes but that all depends on the market.

Good luck.

I have not yet had a lot of success with Craigs List, but I will keep my fingers crossed that I will start getting business fromit, too!

George, i love craigslist. thanks for sharing the link with us. regards. LUPE SOTO Burbank Ca

Thanks for sharing

George - Excellent idea, placing a teaser Ad and encouraging a visit to your site make sense, I will give it a try. Here is hoping you will sell those 3 listings quickly.

Thanks for the tip!!!

Your method looks like not only maybe a good way to add traffic to website, but also much more likely to result in a call !!!

yes Creative...

our office likes Craigslist too... but trying to follow something similar to you might even improve that!

George - Thanks for sharing your wonderful marketing ideas!

George, you have taught me someting here, I use craigslist, but just do the code for vflyer. I don't see much activitity, I think I will try this simplier technique and see if it drives people to my site to see it all there. I have thought about this before, that I really am giving them too much information. Apprciate your insight.

Great info....I also use Craigs list from time to time and seem to get alot of response from it. I will try some of your approach and see how it drives business to my website.

Thanks for the update...great stuff.

You're just a master at Craigs List advertising, George. I'm just jealous that you have homes that are so affordable. What a steal!

Thanks for the steps you mentioned earlier to get the link in the Craigslist post! I will be working on this over the weekend!

All the best ~ Joy

George, you're able to think like a consumer. Your creativity and willingness to go outside the box has made you a successful agent. You're blessed in that you realize that you're blessed!

George - Great post. I've noticed when I put a listing on Graig's list and say go to my website for more information my stats go through the roof. I usually use a catchy title and one picture.

George,

How could you go wrong? This is excellent--I've already forwarded it to my assistant for her input.

George, thanks so much for sharing this with us. Like others, I will watch for your post about the results!

I too thought that links from Craig's List were forbidden. Thanks for the insight. I'm going to revise my listings today. I'll also give your "mystery" twist to the listings a spin. I'm not too old to learn new tricks.

Very good info. I have been using Craigslist with the postlet but think I will throw a few of these type ads on there as well. It makes sense.

George - very interesting idea... we don't have Craig's list in Tallahassee - but no reason not to try the philosophy in a different venue.... Thanks!

This is great! I'm going to try it too because I haven't gotten much response from Craigslist's ads before...I was also using Postlets and other ads with full pics and details! Thanks for the post :)

I have Bookmarked several of your previous blogs because they contain excellent information.....and you continually come up with more! Do you have trouble sleeping with that creative mind of yours constantly whirring? Thanks for sharing yet another valuable tip!

Hi George, In Illinois, we recently got this notice:

****Listed property information - Conveyed by any means MUST have the listing company name as it has been registered with IDFPR, the licensee name, the city of geographic area in which the property being advertised or marketed is located and the jurisdiction in which the licensee holds a license. This includes posting on Craigs List, YouTube, your own web page, email or any form of print or electronic means. Penalties go up to $20,000 per offense.****

I had to change some of my ads to make sure they contained all of this information. Everyone should check to make sure their ads are in compliance with whatever rules they have in their area. As you can see, in Illinois it would be a hefty fine! Have a great day!

Hi George - I've used Craigslist in the past without much success except on rentals. I just recently put an ad up there using vflyer and had some great success with it. And here I thought I was finally getting with program in using something creative like vflyer.....now to go back to what I did in the beginning, albeit with some George Tallabas FLAIR!!! I'm going to give it a whirl today!! Thanks for the tips.

Ann

George,

Thanks for sharing what works. Best Practices are the things I love to hear because they work! I'll have to try this with some of my stale listings to see if I can create some sort of buzz. Thanks again!

George,

You're going to generate a lot of traffic at your website this way. I can also see why you didn't post the picture of the listing w/the RV parking...Ha!

As I crawl towards being a full time stager, and as I crawl toward launching my website, I find inspiration and excitement in your messages, George. Thanks again for great content, logical thought, and good writing!

Cheers! from DC...

Jaynee

George, As soon as I finish blogging I intend to rewrite my Craigs List ad. I now realize I should not be including pictures, but include a link to my website where they can contact me Karen

Thank you everyone for your comment and support. As my friend Kelly has stated, some states require your company information. Know what the laws are in your state and "Go get em"!

Nice job George....You are such a giver!

Good post Inspires me to try a little harder with Craigslist.

Thank you again everyone for your support and I wish you all the best!

George - I was just going through all your listings - I was making a game of it to see which homes had been staged. Your pictures are fantastic. What site do you use to get the satellite views? They are really great, especially for the land for sale. I love to look at your listings - Everything is so different from where I live.

George,

I love this idea! I will have to put a twist of my own for home staging. Thanks for gettng the wheels turning!

Thanks for the tip! I just put my listings on Craigs List, let's see if it helps me! Free advertising sure can't hurt anything can it?

Thanks for these informative posts on how to post on craigslist....you're right the ones with just enough information give you more responses and more traffic to your website. thanks. :)

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you everyone and thanks for the telephone conversation Maureen and compliment of my website!

I get a ton of traffic through my ads on craigslist and am ready to close with one million dollar client that I met from there! I always include a link to my website and an ad about it too at the bottom of the listing!

Michael - Good for you and keep up the great work!

Great post and comments! What a great community we have here. I own an advertising agency in Eugene, OR and we've been preaching Craigslist to our clients for years. We've come up with a slight variation to your concept of the teaser George. It's sort of a trade secret, but if any of you would like to discuss further I'd be happy to share. Keep up the great work all!

Robert Anderson

On The Air Productions

541-683-2100 office

541-953-8508 cell

Robert - Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend.

SEP

2007

Smart thinking George, thanks for sharing.

Great Idea! I'm going to start using your creativity to my advantage! Thanks for sharing!

Darrel - You are very welcome

David - Good luck to you and go for it!

thanks for the post and the info on how to link to your website. I have had great response from Craig's List in the past so hopefully this will make it better.

good thinking George, I'll be giving it a try ! Oh how I love this place- always getting useful tips!

David - Good for you and I hope you your response will sky rocket!

Michele - Good luck to you and let me know if you have any questions I can help you with.

SEP

2007

THanks for the Tip. I know some realtors in FLorida where it seems to be working for them.

Great Tip George. Hey I am sure you are probably very busy, but if you ever get a moment I'd like to take you to lunch some time and pick your brain. I have a lot to learn and it seems like you really have things going well for you!

George, What I also applaud you on is your web site. It is simple and easy to navigate while providing a wealth of information. I like the information form on your home page. Having good landing pages will convert visitors to leads.

Steve - You are welcome

Nick - Call me next week and see what we can schedule

Troy - Thanks for the comliment my friend. Have a great day.

George - Great tip - thanks for sharing it with us.

Cyndee - You are welcome my dear friend.

HI George,

This sounds like a great way to get them to your website, I love vflyer but what you are doing here makes more sense.Thanks for sharing your wonderful ideas! :)

Suzanne - You are very welcome. The key is not to WOW viewers before we get them to our site but to WOW them after we get them there. Have a great day!

Well, I advertise regularly on craigslist. Traffic has slowed considerably. However I know my ads are being read due to comments I get at open houses. If I am hosting one, even if for another realtor, and they see my name they will comment.. oh I see your ads all of the time on craigslist!

I agree to spruce up your title and attract attention will certainly help you stand out from the rest....hmmm...back to the drawing board to see what I can do differently.

Thanks George for sharing how to put a link in the Craigslist ad. Each of our ads has only 1 photo and we always have our website address listed, not sure if it is actually linked though...will now have to try that one! We have gotten very good responses to our ads. Like you, we give very little information...the whole point is to get them to go to your website! A lot of people just don't understand that. Will of course continue using Craigslist!

Everyone seems very excited about this idea. To me it is old school. The old rules were don't give the public all the info they want and they will contact you (or your website) for more info. Now that we are in the information age is this type of marketing an obvious ploy to our clients? Will they go elsewhere to get complete info everytime?

Terry - Thanks and good luck to you

Cris - Keep up the great work

Meredith - All I can tell you is that this system is selling home for me!

Thanks for the post. We love Craigslist too and are always looking for a "twist".

THanks for the tip. Very helful.

Kevin & Monica - You are welcome and good luck to you

Malika - You are very welcome!

OCT

2007

We've been using Craigslist in a similar manner and it's a great resource for driving prospects to our website (this is one of our current ads: http://baltimore.craigslist.org/rfs/420184730.html). In addition, we require prospects to sign our guestbook in order for them to view information about the properties. This has allowed us to follow up with those who are serious enough to leave their proper contact information with us. I'm a big advocate of Craigslist.

George, thanks for your post: this is a great topic. I have been using Craig's list regularly for the past 2 months and think I'll try your method as well. Here's an example of what I've been doing: http://southjersey.craigslist.org/rfs/436957545.html I think your headline is key. My posts are a function of the web site I use and, lucky for me, are easy to set up. I just joined AR today and I'm overloaded with information and great ideas such as yours. Thanks!

Max - Good for you...I love people that think oustide the box!

Matt - Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work!

VERY smart... Im going to try this for the next thirty days!

David - Thank you and good luck to you

Brilliant. We find that less is more and send them to the right place for the rest of the information. Thanks!

Sounds fantastic! I have used CraigsList and was fortunate to get a closing! This definitely takes it to the next level especially since I am targeting out of towners! Thanks for the info!

Nancy - You are very welcome and thank you for your comment

Lisa - Congratulations on your success with Craigs List and I hope this idea will take you to the next level as well!

OCT

2007

I haven't tried Craig's List but yours is the third post I've read today boasting its success! I really need to check this out! Thank you!

Joyce - You are very welcome and "Get on the bandwagon!" Good luck!

This is a great idea. I had heard about Craig's List, but didn't really think anyone in my town used it. I think I am wrong... I had a quick look and it is set up for my city, has private homes listed and not one Realtor has used it! I guess I'll have to be the first....

Does anyone also list on www.kijiji.com? I notice that I get lots of referrals to my website from this site (due to my google ads). Obviously people are looking for housing on this site for housing as well.

Uta - Thanks for the comment, I have not used that site you reference. I will check it out and have a great day.

I've just posted on www.kijiji.com and it doesn't allow for hyperlinks as far as I can tell. In my market it definitely doesn't have the same exposure as craigslist does. If anyone knows how to put a hyperlink on kijiji.com let me know:-)

Uta- I think you'll find you're able to do a bit more with your craigslist post and there's nothing like being the first!!

Matt - You are right...Craigs list rocks!

Perfect timing. I worked on posting our Listings and Rentals on Craigslist this afternoon. Your blog and others comments were full of suggestions and ideas that we can implement for the future and fine tune our existing ads placed today. Great information for those of us just starting to advertise on Craigslist.

Thanks!

Dawn Porter, Team Loni Marketing Assistant

Dawn - You are very welcome and I hope the suggestions will help you. Good luck to you

great idea... I try to switch up my craigs list postings also... We get about 30-50 hits off of each ad... sometimes we add pics others we dont...

Jason - Thanks and keep up the great work

Great strategy! Very creative. I use Craig's list in Pittsburgh to expose my vacation/mountain properties to that market.

Ron - Good for you and keep up the great work

OCT

2007

Great blog and info on real estate listings on Craig's List.

Here's a great article on buying and selling cars on Craig's List:

<A HREF="http://www.mdwholesale.com/Craigs_List_FSBO.html">Great tips on buying and selling cars and avoiding scams on Craig's List from MDWholesale.com</A>

Barry W.

Here's the link again:

http://www.mdwholesale.com/Craigs_List_FSBO.html

Barry W.

Barry - Thanks for sharing and have a great day

Hi George,

I do the same thing. I give some information about the house I'm advertising and send them to my website for photos and more info.

I also include a link to another website that I have that signs them up for my property search service. Great for capturing buyer leads.

Mike
The Creative Agent Club - Creative Promotional and Marketing Ideas for Real Estate Agents

Mike - Thanks for sharing and have a great day

I may give that a try right now and see if I can push more traffic to my site.

Craig - Good luck to you and thank you for stopping by

Good idea, I like craigslist 2, many ways to get folks to find you and find your markting.

Take care!

RJH

OCT

2007

Great idea, thanks for sharing. I am a big fan of craigslist.

Robert - Thanks and keep it up

David - You are welcome and I am a huge fan as well

George, great idea. I am working on the same principal about pictures and price. I want to be the public resource guy. Just giving the consumer enough information so they will visit my site and/or call.

Frank - Keep up the great work my friend!

DEC

2007

I saved this waiting for my next listing which I got this week and I'm trying this out.

http://maine.craigslist.org/rfs/502271645.html

I too have been busting my butt to make the ads from vFlyer look "perfect" with very little response. craigslist seems to work better for renting than buying, particularly mid to high priced homes in Maine, where it is relatively new. I don't have my own web site yet, but I have linked to the listing on my company's very popular web site. Thanks again for the tip, George!

Rick - Thanks for stopping by and I wish you well. Have a great weekend!

FEB

2008

George, couldn't get the link to work for me....anyone else?

George - liked your idea! Successful agents are always thinking of ways to keep the buyers coming. I could not get the link to work however. Keep sharing your ideas!

Candace & Cheryl - Craig's List posts are only good for 45 days and then Craig's List deletes them. I will try to write a new ad (I write them all the time) and repost it on here tomorrow. The ads I have written have been very powerful and not only bring in leads but bring traffic to your site which is a great SEO tool.

George,

I've used Craiglist and others.... to prospect

as a results, i got 2 leads, not bad for 100 emails :(

but least not last, 1 had a credit of a life-sentence in hell, the second with a worst credit wanted to buy with no money at all.....

smile, life is beatifull.......

George,

There is a program ($400 I believe) that will keep posting your ads continually. Seems to work very well.

FEB

2008

Cheryl - Thank you

George - I too am a big believer in using Craigslist. On my adds I usually have 3 or 4 links back to my website. I usually have one going to the page featuring the listing, one to my search page, and one to my bank owned home page and one to my home page. I also do an add without pictures offering free searches of the mls. The link I put in takes them directly to the search page of my website. I try to update my ads every 4 or 5 days to keep them near the top of the page. I have found that Craigslist is a great way to get the phone to ring.

Craigslist is AWESOME! We send all of our leads back to our site and they have to fill out a form to get detailed info about our listings and this works wonders! Our lead conversion is through the roof this way!

With my Point2homes website I can create an add similar to postlets in seconds and post to craiglist. If someone clicks on pictures they end up on my site. Here is an example. I post all my listings twice a week and get great traffic. Four sales from craiglist in last six months. Best money I never spent.

George, I liked your post. The idea of post on Craig's List and link it to your website is ingenius.

Jim - Good for you

Allison - I would love to see what kind of ads you are using on Craig's List

Tom - Thanks for sharing. I will check it out

Marvin - Thank you very much and good luck to you

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