Tips for using Craigslist like a pro

The popularity and use of Craigslist continues to soar. This article will provide you helpful tips to use whether a buyer or seller on this online classified website. Craigslist is the number one U.S. Web search term on the web. This means the use of this site from Internet marketers, job hunters and others have soared with this search popularity. The website is one of the most simple designed on the web. It's easy to navigate the site with a few mouse clicks. However it is the advanced tips and tools that will be provided in this article that will set you above the rest.

Utilizing Google

Use the Google search term to expand your search options on Craigslist. In the search bar, put your specific city's Craigslist site such as newyork.craigslist.org in the Search within a domain or a site field. Place whatever you're searching for in quotations. For example: site:newyork.craigslist.org "queen bedroom set". The Google advanced search method allows you to search within Craigslist more effectively for better results.

Applications for Craigslist

For more effective searching, install applications to your Apple iPhone called Craigsearch and Craigsphone. Both are these applications are free to use and can be downloaded from the iTunes application store. Both applications are fairly similar as they allow you to search and results are loaded fast in both.
Additional applications that are pay variations are CraigsMobileList, which is $1.99 and Craigster at $.99. These applications are a bit more clean cut, but have formatting problems which makes reading results sometimes difficult. Craigster remains the easiest interface as it allows you to make specifications for example when searching for a house to rent. This allows your search results to be more specific and helpful.

Another free download is CraigsList Reader. This is a search engine program that provides search results in a Microsoft Outlook-like interface. Any listing can be searched through, notifications can be set and other options can be saved to make searching more effective each time you do. This works great for people searching for specific types of jobs. The search results can be categorized and notifications and updates can be set in order to stay organized. Be sure you have Microsoft Net framework in order to use this application properly or downloading will take a long time.

Another application is CraigsPal and costs $30 to use. It allow users to set up email notifications as well as text message alerts. Digests of search results can be forwarded to one's email to examine closer and save for future use. Favorites lists can be derived as well. This program is functional for even the most novice user of the online classified website and is great for Internet marketers or other people looking to use Craigslist for business.

RSS Feeds

Trying to stay on top of Craigslist in an organized manner? Try RSS feeds in your favorite RSS reader. Google Reader is a preferred reader as it works directly with Craigslist effectively. Set the search you would like to monitor by clicking the orange RSS button on the right side of the URL bar in Google. For more tech-type people, this RSS feed can also be sent to your phone through a text message.

Searching More Effectively

Some effective Craigslist search software can be found on the web. Tempest is a great free web-based search option that is useful and helpful for those looking to search for many things. Choose similar programs in order to keep search terms intact. Additional search programs have already been discussed and various customization methods are available for Craigslist enthusiasts.

Scams

While Craigslist is helpful and a great source for many, others will attempt to take advantage of users. Be aware of offers that seem too good to be true. Also, avoid any transactions where you are sending to someone else to send to another country. Also, be aware of payment scams. Always ask for cash (in person) or money orders, no bank checks.

The easiest way to avoid getting ripped off is working with people that are local to you and pay you in cash. Also, avoid any training programs of how to use Craigslist, as they are unnecessary as you are already using the website effectively, and most definitely, a scam. Craigslist lists some common scams on their website as well. Check it often for updates.

Conclusion

Ultimately, using Craigslist can be great for people looking to sell a service, promote their business or find a new home. Whatever the use, Craigslist remains the number one online classified website worldwide. Use it wisely!