Learns to create effective classifieds ads and where to post them One of the cheapest types of advertising on the net is classifieds ads. They offer new entrepreneurs an excellent way to introduce their product without resorting to more expensive display or banner advertising.

There's no shortage of websites that offer free classifieds. But just posting a classified on a site doesn't means it's going to generate sales leads.

Things to consider when posting a classified:

First...

How many people visit the site where your classified is posted?

You can write the best classified in the world but if nobody is visiting the site, you're not going to get results.

The tough part is how can you tell if the site gets a lot of traffic. You could contact the site's webmaster and ask how many unique visitors (not "hits") are coming to the site on a daily basis. And hope that they give you an honest answer.

Instead, try contacting other advertisers at the site (especially those that offer a similar product to yours) and ask if they've received many inquires to their classifieds? Most people won't mind answering as long as you keep your email brief.

I've noticed a trend recently for more popular websites like Yahoo to charge for business classifieds. You may want to consider buying classified space at a site like Yahoo to see what response you get.

Second...

Does your classified give compelling reasons for people to respond?

Stress the benefits a potential customer receives when they purchase your product. You don't have enough room to do a full sales pitch in a classified. You need to get right to the point. Put yourself in your customer's shoes and ask yourself "What's in it for me? How will this product make my life better/ easier/richer, etc."

Offer a valuable freebie like an e-book or special report to entice people to respond.

Here's a an effective classified I've used for my business:

FREE E-BOOK – Start an Internet Biz with No Money

How to run a highly profitable, low maintenance business. Send e-mail with BOOK-M in subject line to service@dc-infobiz.com

When the prospect responds, I send the ebook by email and include a letter explaining the additional benefits of purchasing Ron LeGrand's Information Marketing Boot Camp and give them my website address.

Your freebie should be related to the product you're selling.

In my example, the ebook relates to high profit, home-based publishing that the Info Boot Camp is about.

NEXT WEEK: Part 2 on Effective Internet Classifieds, including how to track your results and some insider secrets of creating powerful sales copy.

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you're looking for a free classified site, I've had some good results at:

http://www.worldprofit.com/classifieds

About the Author

Dave Coyne is a copywriter and marketing consultant. Visit his website and get the FREE E-BOOK "Marketing Secrets Of The Ages" ( value) You can sell this book to customers and keep 100% of profits.