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Craigslist Ad Copy

by Andrew Prince
9 replies
Hello,

I am wondering what you all think would be the best copy to place on a Craigslist ad?

I want to have a clickable one made that goes to my website where they can read more about what I offer as well as get a free quote.

I am just not sure how to make the offer compelling and don't want to be just another "seo" guy.

I am currently advertising on craigslist and have recently been offering free video marketing but I feel that it has been attracting freebie seekers and not paying customers. They get their videos which is what they wanted and they don't want anything else or don't have money for anything else.

So I wanted to design a new ad perhaps already inferring that there are costs, but not as much as they were thinking-- perhaps "SEO starting at $397" so that I get customers that are willing to pay.

Basically I would just want to have a title that grabs their attention, 3-5 bullet points on the ad and then when they click the ad it goes to my website. What do you think I should put on my ad and why? Should I advertise any prices?

I offer SEO, Google places, Web Development, and social media.

I am targeting local businesses.

I REALLY appreciate everyone's help. Just tired of the freebie seekers of the ways I have been advertising.

Edit: Also if you know anyone who designs these kinds of clickable 600x600 or so ads including copywriting please let me know
#copy #craigslist
  • Profile picture of the author MikeFriedman
    I wouldn't mention SEO in the title of your ad. Many business owners have no idea what SEO is, so unless you are only targeting internet marketers, you are reducing your clicks right there. You can mention it inside the ad for those who are more knowledgeable, but terms you take for granted everyday are another language to many people out there.

    I would focus on a problem. Something along the lines of

    "No visitors to your website?"
    "Are customers not finding your website?"

    Those are horrible taglines, but you get the idea.
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    • Profile picture of the author RandyRandola
      Mike is on the ball with this one.

      You need your USP (what sets you apart) and the problems you solve.

      Then you're not a "SEO" guy or a "Video" guy or or or..

      You are now the one with a plan to get the phone ringing and customers walking through the door!

      Which as a business owner, is what I want. Without me spending a lot more time (which I don't have) in my business.
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  • Profile picture of the author Andrew Prince
    Thanks a lot guys! Great suggestions I will be sure to include.

    Anyone have any other ideas we can all share?
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  • Profile picture of the author redcell1
    Don't offer freebies, and mention your price upfront. This will lead to less phone calls/inquries but the ones that you do get will be paying clients.
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    Just here to see the shenanigans.

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  • Profile picture of the author Vincenzo Oliva
    How do you distinguish yourself as an "expert" in the classifieds and not just some untrustworthy character? Educate and give away value.

    The worst advice you can get is to "don't give away freebies, and mention your price upfront." How can you make an offer without building up the value for it first? That's anti-marketing. All the rich gurus give away value upfront and in the process of the conversation and education people build the "know, like and trust" and are exposed to your offers.
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    • Profile picture of the author redcell1
      Originally Posted by Vincenzo Oliva View Post

      How do you distinguish yourself as an "expert" in the classifieds and not just some untrustworthy character? Educate and give away value.

      The worst advice you can get is to "don't give away freebies, and mention your price upfront." How can you make an offer without building up the value for it first? That's anti-marketing. All the rich gurus give away value upfront and in the process of the conversation and education people build the "know, like and trust" and are exposed to your offers.
      Vincenzo Oliva, I 100% believe that you give value in almost every post you make on WF. I sadly have to disagree with you on this. In my experience as a marketer, I have acquired clients by not offering freebies.
      I have honestly just had prospects call up any of my clients and my clients can rave about me to them and that seals the deal.

      I do believe in throwing in freebies to your clients every 1-2 months to make them appreciate what you do for them.
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      Just here to see the shenanigans.

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  • Profile picture of the author rideotm
    Andrew, rather than go to Craigslist which is, for the most part, time wasting people, make a kick ass video of a business near you and send it to area businesses and make offers to them for one very similar for their business. I agree with Vincenzo, don't give away anything. Give them a good price for a basic video and have upsells for bells and whistles. At that point, you have the opportunity to share your other services with an interested potential client. Joe S**t, the ragman on Craigslist doesn't need a video anyway.
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    Smoking cigarettes and watching Captain Kangaroo

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  • Profile picture of the author s62731
    I would actually offer a free report on how their business can get more clients. Then you position the report in a way that by the end of it, they would feel stupid if they didn't call you for your services.
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    • Profile picture of the author JMB Marketing Group
      Andrew,

      You NEED to check out Mario Brown's thread here:

      http://www.warriorforum.com/offline-...th-client.html

      Mario shows you step-by-step through 5 Videos (which he graciously provided on YouTube) on What To Say in a Craigslist Ad, and How to Post an Ad.

      This information is PRICELESS!

      Hope "we" have helped you out with your dilemma!

      Wishing you much success!

      Cheers,

      JMB

      P.S. Mario, I would like to thank you, ONCE AGAIN, for providing this INVALUABLE information for Warrior Forum members, and for FREE to boot! You are the Man
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