Tips on Writing a Winning Classified Ad

At some point we may all have to run a classified ad, however there are tips on writing a winning classified ad that will get others to notice and read the information you have posted. The classified ad may be an ad that is selling something or you may run a business and be looking for employees. Whatever the case may be, there are ways in which to reach people by writing an ad that grabs their attention.

Before you decide to write a classified ad, there are several positives and negatives to consider:

Positives to Classified Ads

• Affordable: Usually ads can be placed for a small fee to run it for a designated time. So the cost is usually based on a weekly time frame or a monthly time frame.
• Targeting the Market: Classifieds are broken up into sections, therefore your ad will placed in the location that it is best suited for. So people looking for your specific item or service will definitely see it.
• Easy to Track: When placing a classified ad you can request that people mention a certain name or department number when inquiring about the ad so you will know if they really looked at the ad or not.
• Competition: In most cases your competition will not place ads in the classified section. Some people think the classifieds are a waste of time.
• Response Time: Within one week you should start getting responses. Hopefully with any good luck you will find the right employee or the buyer for your item.
• Writing is Easy: The ad is normally only a few short lines therefore make every word count. Concentration is always on the headline.
• Photos: If you have a photo that will help show what the ad is about, then by all means add the picture. As always the picture is worth a thousand words.

Negatives to Classified Ads

• Space is Limited: Since space is limited you want to mention in the ad that you can give more information to anyone inquiring about the ad. 
• Words vs. Display: A written classified ad will not get the same amount of traffic as that of a display ad.
• Disappearing Ad: With so many ads in the classified section, your ad may get lost among the jumble of other promotions.
• Location, Location, Location: As in real estate the ad space is all about the location. If you get ad space that is not great, then you will most likely not get the attention you were looking for.

Tips on Writing a Winning Classified Ad

Ok, so now you have an idea of the good and the bad of running a classified ad. However, there are a few tips on writing a winning classified ad that will help ensure your success with the specific ad.

• Tip #1 - Always word the ad so your target audience will respond. Who are you trying to communicate with? Put yourself in the shoes of someone looking to find your particular ad. Where would you look?

• Tip#2 - Decide what means of communications you wish to have people contact you. Whether it is by phone or e-mail you want to have a way in which potential clients or potential buyers of your motorcycle can contact you for further information.

• Tip#3 - You want to make sure the right people are seeing your ad. Where should you place your ad? Do you put it in the local newspaper? Do you put it in a trade magazine? The location of the ad is most important. However, you can place the ad in multiple locations to get even more exposure.

Now that you have the basis of who, what, where and when to place an ad it is now time to put these tips on writing a winning classified ad into motion. Those looking for your type of information will find your ad. If you do not hear something in a week or two then reevaluate and try the ad again.