I'm going to try and Use Craigslist to build some inbound Leads

**wkmattingly** · 04-21-2009, 02:41 PM

Ok, the reason I am doing this is I don't want to pay for leads by using PPC just yet. I do a lot of rentals and have had real good response using Craigslist for that. I also advertise free rental searches as well and have great success with that. Unfortunately I haven't had any success with free home search listings. Simple goal is to get people to inquire and then try and build rapport and hopefully land a client.

I realize all it takes is once so you may have to try numerous times to get it to work. But that's my goal. Plenty of activity and just build SEO and hopefully get some leads.

My new method is going to be to try and go after people who are looking for rentals. I know it is a longshot but most importantly it is a shot. You see the reason why I am doing this is because there is a small percentage of people out there that are still renting just because they believe everything on the news and think their 650 credit score won't get them approved. Well, that is just wrong. I know people who can get these people loans and they are actually good loans. The problem is, they don't realize it and think they have to have great credit. Wrong! Well, my goal is to at least attempt to develop new leads by advertising directly in the "housing for rent" section. That way people scanning the ads may stumble over my ad and inquire. Now I realize I have to have a title to catch their interest. And actually, I may make up several and test them. But my ultimate goal is to get suspects that I can hopefully turn into prospects.

Who of you have tried this or something similar? Any results?

**happyworker** · 04-26-2009, 04:24 AM

Renting is big business today.

HW

**stevetrang** · 05-03-2009, 07:33 PM

Craigslist links are nofollow, and as such, provide zero seo value for you. It is definitely a great idea, though, for attracting new clients.

**TicoRealty** · 05-07-2009, 03:16 PM

I have had somce success with Craiglist in my area. Mainly for rental property though. In terms of real estae for sale a few bites but no sales.

Its worth doing since it only takes a few minutes to add.

**jandayway** · 05-08-2009, 04:52 PM

Its still free, so take advantage!

**fractional-homes** · 05-11-2009, 03:09 PM

Craig's list is free, so you can't beat that. However, web traffic is more about target traffic than just plain traffic. Target traffic generates leads, whereas plain traffic is a waste of resources.

Craig's list is hard to predict. A lot of scams, spams and junk there. The quality of traffic or inquiries seem to be low.

**luke8000road** · 05-12-2009, 05:09 AM

free home search listings need you more money in the futrue.

**rentec** · 05-14-2009, 06:42 AM

As many have said, CL wont give you any SEO advantages; however, it WILL drive traffic.

If your goal is to post your rentals on CL and fill them with tenants, then yes CL is a great tool for that. I use CL all the time and probably fill half of my vacancies with pretty high quality tenants. The local newspaper takes the other 50%.

If your goal is SEO, don't bother with CL.

**wkmattingly** · 05-14-2009, 07:48 AM

Originally Posted by rentec

As many have said, CL wont give you any SEO advantages; however, it WILL drive traffic.

If your goal is to post your rentals on CL and fill them with tenants, then yes CL is a great tool for that. I use CL all the time and probably fill half of my vacancies with pretty high quality tenants. The local newspaper takes the other 50%.

If your goal is SEO, don't bother with CL.

I concur. But my goal isn't SEO it is just to try and get any clients I can. Make people aware of myself. Get them interested in buying or selling using me. I know it works at least a little, because there is an agent on there all the time and he has a couple of properties that used to be on CL. He doesn't do anything eyecatching or have anything worded to intrigue. He's just on there. So I figure just being on there can help. If I can add a little intrigue, maybe it will help even more.