It’s a Buyer’s Market with Online Classified Ads

An analysis by Mckinsey Quarterly shows the extent of influence that online classified ads have had over conventional advertising sources like newspapers and classifieds magazines. From 2001 to 2004, online classified websites like Craigslist and Monster have captured about 5% of the newspapers market share, resulting in a loss of $2 billion of the $34 billion classified market. In fact Google and Microsoft too have suggested interest in participating in the online classified market. So what is that attracts people to online classified ads? The first and foremost reason is that it’s a buyer’s market all the way with online classified ads.

The internet marketing platform generally functions on the ‘I want to buy this’ principle, but with online classified ads that focus on providing a fair platform for buyers where they are in charge and tell people that they are looking for this and this is the most that they can pay.

The torch bearer for all online classified ads website- Craigslist allows users to post ads for free. This is in comparison to the expensive newspaper classifieds that don’t always assure you the required audience. And if you’re looking for prime space, it’s a different game altogether.

Placing an ad in these websites is not only free, its user friendly as well. All that you’ve got to do is to post classified ads in the right section. Through the email or contact number that you’ve provided the buyer can contact you directly. Thus there’s no middleman involved in this open platform. Everything from antiques to appliances, real estate and even wacky stuff these sites have almost everything that people would ever need. Job ads too have been popular in these websites. Besides these, tech freaks with a love for the latest gizmos have favored the site.

A typical search on the newspaper involves, reading the different ads, choosing the one’s that apt for you and then contacting them individually. The entire process can be time consuming. But with online classifieds, you can contact multiple sellers at the same time and get a quick comparison without wasting time. Sellers too have a better and safe environment to showcase their products.

It’s a known fact that newspapers often lose their value after the release date. Classified ads on newspapers also face the same fate. But with these free local classified ads, you can review the products for sale as long as the seller hasn’t closed his listing.

Even with the advent of social media sites like Facebook and Twitter that promote products through ads and sponsored tweets, online classifieds are here to stay, as long they focus on the buyer.