+ Reply to Thread
Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 1 2
Results 11 to 20 of 20

Thread: Craigslist automators

  1. #11
    Member Needs New Keyboard

    Reputation: 23

    rezzy is on a distinguished road

    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    NC
    Posts
    605

    Default

    You could use something to make posting less work, but true automation is against their TOS and can get you banned or something.

    They monitor that type of stuff heavily.
    Site Design - ResnoDesigns
    New Tech Podcast: TechMisfits

  2. #12
    Member Needs New Keyboard

    Reputation: 17

    Vivid Color Zack has disabled reputation
    Vivid Color Zack's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Posts
    197

    Default

    I'm not sure having one of my accounts banned on CL is that big of a concern. Realistically they are going to be pursuing the companies that are posting everything on there and post a million ads a day. They don't have time to worry about little old me.

    I'm considering it still. I don't see 30 bucks as a major loss if it doesn't work out.

  3. #13
    Post Impressionist

    Reputation: 67

    vangogh will become famous soon enough
    vangogh's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Boulder, Colorado
    Posts
    7,645

    Default

    $30 might not be a big loss, but the hit to your reputation may be worse. Good chance you'll be reported as a spammer and why risk that. I'll be honest. If I see your ad and I know it's auto posted I will report it. That kind of thing makes Craig's List a less useful site and I like using their site. It just pollutes the listings.

    Also something that costs you $30 for what you're considering marketing, isn't likely to be worth all that much. $30 isn't what you're risking here. You're looking for a quick route to profit and that really doesn't exist.
    l Search Engine Friendly Web Design | Van SEO Design
    l Tips On Marketing, SEO, Design, and Development | TheVanBlog
    l Custom WordPress Themes

  4. #14
    Member Needs New Keyboard

    Reputation: 23

    rezzy is on a distinguished road

    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    NC
    Posts
    605

    Default

    Zack, I understand the feeling of getting the great publicity through Craiglist. I agree it can be a great publicity method, I have also considered automating that process.

    But who likes spam? No one I know wakes up and says I love spam email, telemarkters and the rest.

    If you are purchasing a program, CL has seen it before and once they see it happening can quickly block off your IP. Web companies know the software packages people are using to submit information and they have built systems to thwart them. Akismet is the most famous spam system.

    If you cant complete you own submissions, I say dont do it. It just isnt professional to spam a site in my eyes and CL will have the last word if you decide to follow through.
    Site Design - ResnoDesigns
    New Tech Podcast: TechMisfits

  5. #15
    Member Needs New Keyboard

    Reputation: 17

    Vivid Color Zack has disabled reputation
    Vivid Color Zack's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Posts
    197

    Default

    Fair enough, and good points.

    I'll stick to posting my own ads then. If I'm targeting the whole US I don't see why I'm restricted to my own city to post in. That's my main goal is to reach a broader target audience, not post the same thing a hundred times in OC or wherever I want to post.

  6. #16
    Post Impressionist

    Reputation: 67

    vangogh will become famous soon enough
    vangogh's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Boulder, Colorado
    Posts
    7,645

    Default

    If I'm targeting the whole US I don't see why I'm restricted to my own city to post in.
    I agree and I think Craig's List would do well to introduce some more national categories. However in their defense, the site was always meant to work as a local classified. It's purpose isn't to let us advertise. I believe the site came about because Craig Newmark was having trouble finding an apartment and maybe a few things after moving to San Francisco. He built the site to help others find those same things when they moved into the area.

    Craig's List really doesn't care whether you or I find it easy to market our businesses on the site. That's not it's intent.
    l Search Engine Friendly Web Design | Van SEO Design
    l Tips On Marketing, SEO, Design, and Development | TheVanBlog
    l Custom WordPress Themes

  7. #17
    Member

    Reputation: 10

    jonicode is on a distinguished road
    jonicode's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Posts
    10

    Default

    Turn away from such a spammy approach and don't look back. As a consumer, I am really turned off by such automated processes, that's why as much as possible I don't lean on such methods.

  8. #18
    Member Needs New Keyboard

    Reputation: 17

    Vivid Color Zack has disabled reputation
    Vivid Color Zack's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Posts
    197

    Default

    Hmm... I guess maybe it's a generational gap? I can't see myself not buying any product because of their web advertising tactics. I think the godaddy ads are stupid, but I like their services so I'll keep using them. I don't like carls Jr. calling out mcdonalds in a recent ad, but I'll still eat there.

    I sincerely don't look at it as spam, which may be the other reason I'm disagreeing with you guys. I'm posting in relevant categories and I'm providing legitimate services. I think spam has to consist of useless, misplaced, irrelevant or completely false ads.

    If you look at it in a broader scheme isn't a banner ad pretty much the same thing? Would any of you guys not purchase from a vendor because they chose to use banner ads to advertise?

    I understand the purpose craigslist was built on but they have a "small biz ads" section for a reason so I don't see why they wouldn't be willing to support advertising of this type a little more. I think mostly it's preventative for others who would be "spamming" in a more traditional sense.

  9. #19
    Member Needs New Keyboard

    Reputation: 17

    Vivid Color Zack has disabled reputation
    Vivid Color Zack's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Posts
    197

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by vangogh View Post
    I'll be honest. If I see your ad and I know it's auto posted I will report it. That kind of thing makes Craig's List a less useful site and I like using their site. It just pollutes the listings.
    Also, that reminded me, regardless if it's auto generated or not... competitors flag each others ads using "auto flag" software - craigslist is becoming a war-zone!!!

  10. #20
    Post Impressionist

    Reputation: 67

    vangogh will become famous soon enough
    vangogh's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Boulder, Colorado
    Posts
    7,645

    Default

    That's true. It's ridiculous sometimes the lengths people will go in the name of competition.
    l Search Engine Friendly Web Design | Van SEO Design
    l Tips On Marketing, SEO, Design, and Development | TheVanBlog
    l Custom WordPress Themes

+ Reply to Thread
Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 1 2

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts