Guide to Using Classified Advertising Online

Develop a strategy for advertising on the Web

As with traditional print advertising, you'll want to figure out what your expectations are for online classifieds, target a specific market and determine how it complements existing marketing campaigns.

I recommend: Web Promotion Online Marketing Services, WebClassifieds.US, and Smith's Family Enterprises Inc have tips on developing an Internet advertising strategy.

Take advantage of what well-established online companies offer

There are some companies that have established reputations for being the best on the Internet. Since they are the ones attracting much of the traffic, it may be worth looking at how to post your ad on those sites.

I recommend: Google has a couple different ways of advertising online. Craigslist also offers free classified advertising domestically and internationally for an assortment of items.

Don't ignore traditional newspapers

Many newspapers are adopting Web models for their classified sections, so they may still be a good option to consider.

I recommend: Besides clicking through individual Web sites of the newspapers you would like to advertise in, Nationwide Newspapers can help you place your classified ad in 21,000 newspapers.

Improve your tactics

If you want to join the bandwagon and be competitive doing so, one of your first steps should be to understand what's out there now, what's on the horizon and how classified advertising works.

I recommend: E-consultancy.com has put together details of all the latest information, events and training related to buying, planning, creating and tracking online ad campaigns; it also a popular searches area. ClickZ Network has news articles and trend information geared at marketing professionals.