How to Build a Classifieds Website Like Craigslist Share: Codica Date Published 16 June 2020 Categories Blog Reading Time 4-Minute Read If you want to build a classifieds website, our article will be helpful. See what functionality you need and how you can make money. What is a classifieds website? Simply put, a classifieds platform is a website that allows you to publish ads for goods, services, job positions, etc. Users can choose either free or paid listings to promote their items. A large number of ads transform into categories and classes. The most popular sections are real estate, vehicles, services, jobs, and community. The classified ads websites are divided into horizontal and vertical marketplaces. Horizontal platforms provide a huge number of different goods and services. For example, Craigslist and Classified Ads. On the flip side, verticals focus on a narrow niche. For instance, we can mention Indeed and Glassdoor as the most popular jobs marketplaces. How to build a classifieds website like Craigslist? 1. Choose Your Niche We recommend starting building a classifieds website with a focus on one specific segment or a particular group of consumers. This approach will help you better meet customers’ demands and avoid high competition at the start. In addition, people tend to search for expensive goods like cars, property, or luxury items on niche online marketplaces. Thus, shoppers make themselves safe from fraud and fake items that are common on horizontal e-commerce platforms. 2. Define the Required Functionality Your classifieds platform should be convenient for businesses that will publish their ads. Moreover, customers should also have a smooth experience of using your website for finding and purchasing the required goods and services. Therefore, you need to take care of its functionality to satisfy both parties. The list of features that should be implemented in the first place: Sign-up and verification Easy ad posting form Search with autocomplete Cross-platform functionality Multiple payment gateways Rating and review system Security features Advanced filters Geolocation feature Search engine optimization Straightforward checkout process. 3. Launch an MVP First The release of a minimum viable product will be a more cost- and time-effective solution than the launch of a full-fledged website. The MVP has limited functionality and is designed to satisfy the early adopters. After getting feedback from them, you can add new features according to their demands. If we look at the list of must-have functions required for an MVP of your website, it will be significantly shorter in comparison with a full-fledged project. The core functionality for an MVP of a website like Craigslist: Sign-up Search filters Ad moderation Communication channels Payment system. 4. Take Care of the Design We have discussed the importance of diverse functionality. However, the visual appeal of your website should not be left unattended as well. The key design principles for offering excellent user experience: Focus on simple and straightforward navigation. Let your visitors quickly find what they are looking for, and they will return for more purchases. Avoid overwhelming users with extra information. Concentrate on product photos rather than on ads. Create a Customer Journey Map. With its help, you will understand the challenges your potential buyers may face and the products they are going to purchase. Define the optimum typeface and its size for your ads. Use spacing to improve readability. 5. Monetization Strategies As you probably know Craigslist is a non-profit platform. It means that it does not charge everyday sellers for posing their ads. Still, the specific ad types such as job openings, apartments, and cars from automotive dealers are paid. However, you can take another path and monetize your platform. Take a look at the common monetizations approaches that could work: Featured ads Subscription Banner Ads Premium membership Pay to post Final Words We have discussed the primary steps of building a website like Craigslist. Surely, there are many ways to start a classified ads website, but this plan works for us and our clients. If you are looking for more information, we recommend reading our full blog article: Building a Classifieds Website Like Craigslist: All You Need to Know.