We usually think of Craigslist as the garage sale of the internet whether that’s a boat or an old video game. That said, Craigslist could be the perfect place to find your next resident? Find out why/how lots of community and property managers are utilizing Craigslist to do just that!

Let’s break it down.

Benefits of Craigslist for Apartments

Why use Craigslist? Well, would you turn down a lead source, especially one that is free to list in most states*? An easy avenue that is light on the budget - yes, please! According to Insider, “Craigslist is one of the top 20 websites in the US, and generates over $1 billion in revenue. The site's been around since 1999, and now serves 700 cities in 70 countries.”

Craigslist lets you post photos, sell the benefits of your community and their users can share it, favorite it and even ask you questions. It’s an amazing source to advertise, bring in potential residents, and the cost to you is the time to set it up. So I guess the biggest question is not why Craigslist, but what’s the best way to use it?

*Apartment rentals in Boston, Chicago, NYC, and some other areas—$5

How to Post on Craigslist

Your Listing Area and Post Type

Criagslist is actually a network of sites specific to each area so make sure you are on the right one. For example, if I am in San Antonio I would go to https://sanantonio.craigslist.org/ , then in the upper left side choose CREATE A POSTING.

Next, Craigslist wants to know the type of Ad you are running. They have a multiple choice option and you will pick Housing Offered (you are offering a Housing) then it will ask the Type of Housing (Apartments/Housing For Rent).

2. The Advertisement

Here’s the meat of the work. There are boxes to fill out for :

Price
Location
Square footage
Bedrooms
Features

The main thing is to fill out everything as accurately as you can. The more info the better. The real place to pay attention is the DESCRIPTION box. That is your place to sell the place. Be descriptive, be enticing, tell what makes your apartment/community/rental stand out.

Is it close to a cool shopping area, a great school, a park?
Is there a swimming pool or library or dog park?

Good copy makes good conversions but be careful. There are rules to follow for advertising housing. Craigslist gives you a breakdown of Fair Housing and ad description at the top of the page. Click on the link to make sure you comply. Breaking these rules can add up to a serious fine.

A good recommendation is to spend a few minutes looking at other craigslist apartment listings first. See what’s boring. See what’s redundant. See what catches your eye! Great copy pays off. At the end of this article, we will even give you a great template to get you started. Just because Sprout loves you!

3. PICS or It Didn’t Happen

Now here is a section that seems obvious. Craigslist offers an option to add/edit photos for your listing. But just like the copy, good photos will pay back in sales.

Make sure your photos ARE:

Well Lit
Clean
In focus
Accurate and Current

Make sure your photos are NOT:

Over processed / Filtered or Effected
Blurry
Low Quality

The good news is most modern smartphones have great cameras built-in, but if you are unsure about your skills a local photographer can snap a few great shots and up the quality of your listing. The even better news is that great photos can be used on your website and social media too, so it’s an investment that pays off. BTW, Sprout believes in quality across the board in all of our products. It really pays off! Don’t settle for bad graphics or bad photos or bad copy. Remember, the Sprout Membership can help with that!

4. Review & Post

A final chance to look over all your great work, make sure there are no mistakes (*cough* Grammarly is a great tool *cough*) and post! Done! You did it! Congrats!

It usually takes a little time for your post to show up, so give it a sec before you search it. Also if it is your first time you will sign the terms of service and give some info for an account. Make sure you save the account info in a safe place so you can post to the same account next time - and there will be a next time. Some posts, depending on your location, only stay relevant from 7 to 45 days, so you might have to repost the ad to keep it fresh on people’s searches.

DESCRIPTION TEMPLATE

(Insert Name), has everything you need for life in (insert area name). Located in (add description like a secluded, central area, or the heart of downtown, etc) and just moments from the best dining, entertainment, and shopping (insert city) has to offer! Our (plans/layouts/spaces) feature (descriptions and amenities like large and open living spaces, gorgeous kitchens) that are sure to make you feel at home from the moment you walk in. Visit us today and find out why (insert apartment name) is your next new home!

(include a list of your best offerings)

Contact : (Name and preferred contact) to learn more today!

(#743) FOUNDATIONAL GUIDE: Craigslist Ads | The 4 Steps You Need to Know