Maximizing engagement: Tips for posting an online classified ad
Everyone, everywhere, at some point of time, would have posted a classified ad about something they had to sell. Every day, one is bombarded with ads — both online and offline — that vie for your attention.
With the rise of digital media, online classified ads have become a powerful tool to buy and sell things. But amid a deluge of online ads, how does one stand out and get counted? Here are some simple ways to get noticed in a crowded marketplace.
1. Clarity is king!
Clarity should be the backbone of any online ad you create. Do not leave anything to a prospective buyers’ imagination, lest they set their expectations high. Clearly mention the brand, model, ownership history and any unique selling proposition your product may have. Clearly mentioning the expected price, and whether it is negotiable, also help people make decisions faster. If you are posting an ad on Qatar Living, ensure you’re aware of the rules of advertising.
2. Give headlines that arrest a buyer's attention...
Wouldn’t a well-crafted, intriguing book cover compel you to read it even if you’ve never heard of the author before? Similarly, the way you write your headline decides whether a buyer clicks on your ad or skips past it.
Write an attention-grabbing headline that clearly gives an idea of the product on sale. Also ensure it is within the character limit of the platform so that it is displayed correctly.
3. Enhance headlines with superior-quality images...
Once you’ve grabbed a prospective buyer’s attention, the next step is to ensure he or she gets a good visual idea of the product on offer. Use the latest images of your product that are well-lit and taken from different angles. While uploading a generic product image from the internet may sound appealing, remember that honesty goes a long way in concluding a sale.
4. When the price is right, everything's all right!
Whatever the price one may feel their item is worth, it should be grounded in reality. While overpricing a product is the easiest way to ensure it remains unsold, under-pricing will lead to future heartburns. Researching the price of similar items on the market will give you an idea of how to perfectly price your product.
5. Choosing the right category/keywords makes a world of difference...
Nobody ever sold orange juice by placing it in the fruits section of a supermarket. Similarly, putting your ad in appropriate sections of the website leads to easier discoverability. Also, watch out for appropriate keywords people searching for the product may use.
6. Consider promoting/highlighting the ad within the website...
Websites like Qatar Living provides users with the option of promoting ads for specific time frames for a nominal charge. This ensures the ad is at the top of the listing for people to see and could convert into quicker, consistent sales. If you are in a hurry to sell your item, this may be a good way to maximise visibility in a short time.
7. Use multiple ads in different formats, regularly monitor and update
Posting an ad and forgetting about it will always prove counterproductive. One can post multiple ads to assess which one is gaining more attention. It can then be tweaked further — be it the headline, pictures or overall content — to improve effectiveness. Regular monitoring of ads will help understand their reach better.
8. Be professional, responsive and courteous…
Try to reply to inquiries by prospective customers in a timely fashion. Prompt responses that are accurate and crisp make favourable impressions. Be factual and do not be vague. All this helps build trust and close a quick sale.
Qatar Living gives you tailor-made solutions for ads and classifieds in the country and the best bang for your buck. If you are looking to sell or buy anything in Qatar — be it a car or your old, unused guitar — our classifieds section have you covered.
