Suppose you've been looking for a new way to promote your affiliate links. In that case, you might have overlooked one of the internet's oldest platforms: Craigslist. Sure, it's not as flashy as Instagram or TikTok, but Craigslist has millions of users browsing daily, and if you play your cards right, it can be a great platform to drive conversions. The only catch? Craigslist doesn't allow direct affiliate links. But don't worry—I've got some clever, rule bending ways to help you promote your links on Craigslist but they might get you into trouble. So, how to promote affiliate links on craigslist?
Craigslist's No Direct Affiliate Links Rule (And How to Get Around It)
Craigslist's rules can seem like a buzzkill—no direct affiliate links- meaning you can't just copy and paste your link into an ad and hope for the best. In fact affiliate marketing is prohibited but guess what? There's a couple of workarounds.
Work around #1- Instead of posting the affiliate link directly, you'll use a phone number. Once people call, you'll send them a text with the link to a bridge page (a.k.a. a landing page) where people can click through to your offer.
Work Around #2- Post the URL of you bridge page directly in the ad. Craigslist tells people not to but from what I've seen everyone does it.
Think of a bridge page as the middleman—it's where you direct traffic from your Craigslist ad. It can be a simple page with a short description of the product or service you're promoting, and when users click through from there, boom—they hit your affiliate link. It's all within the rules, and it works like a charm!
Setting Up a Verified Craigslist Account (Trust is Everything!)
Before you start posting ads, you need to set up a Phone Verified Account. Craigslist is a bit strict about who gets to play, and having a verified account makes you look way more legit. It's like getting the green light to avoid getting flagged by the system (or by users who are skeptical of spam).
You'll also need to think about the long game: multiple accounts. If you want to post in different categories or cities, having more than one account might be useful—just make sure you're not breaking any of Craigslist's rules about using multiple accounts.
These are the ones you really need to follow for affiliate marketing.
- postings or email the primary purpose of which is to drive traffic to a website
- affiliate marketing; network, or multi-level marketing; pyramid schemes
Writing Ads That Don't Scream "I'm Selling Something!"
Okay, let's talk about your ad content. The trick here is to be subtle. Instead of creating ads that shout "BUY THIS NOW!" (which gets flagged instantly), you need to write ads that solve problems or offer value. For example, if you're promoting a budgeting app, your ad might read something like:
"Struggling to save money? Try these budgeting hacks to keep more cash in your pocket."
This way, you lead with a solution, not a sales pitch. Once they click through, they'll land on your well-crafted bridge page.
Pro Tip: Use catchy headlines and always include a high-quality image. Ads with images get way more clicks—people like to know what they're getting into!
Building a High-Converting Landing Page
Now that you've caught your audience's attention, you need a working landing page. A landing page is where your visitors will go before clicking on your affiliate link, so it needs to look sharp and professional. Tools like Aweber and System IO can help you build a simple, effective landing page.
Your landing page should include:
- A description of the product or service
- A clear call-to-action (CTA) like "Learn More" or "Get Started."
- Maybe even some testimonials or benefits to increase trust
Keep it simple. The goal is to make visitors curious enough to click through to your affiliate link.
Collecting Leads for Long-Term Success
Here's the thing: Craigslist might not always get you sales right off the bat, but you can always collect leads. You can ask visitors to enter their email addresses and names in exchange for a free resource, like an eBook or a checklist. Once you've got their email, you can follow up with multiple offers overtime—email marketing goldmine!
Make sure to set up a follow-up sequence. Something like:
- "Thanks for signing up! Here's that budgeting guide you requested."
- A couple of days later: "How's the guide helping? Here's another tip to get your finances in order."
- Finally, after building trust: "By the way, here's a tool I recommend to help you save even more!"
Paid Ads: Is It Worth the Investment?
Craigslist offers paid ad placements in specific categories, which can be a game-changer. For about $5 to $40 per ad, you can post in premium sections with much more visibility. Investing in paid Craigslist ads can bring significant returns if you promote high-ticket affiliate products.(Craigslist)
Here's what you need to keep in mind:
- Budget smartly. Set a small budget to start and test the waters.
- Track your performance. Use tools to track how many clicks you get and tweak your ads if needed to improve results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid (Trust Me, These Will Save You Headaches!)
Craigslist has some strict guidelines, so it's important not to make rookie mistakes like:
- Over-posting. Posting the same ad too many times will get you flagged faster than you can say, "Craigslist police!"
- Wrong categories. Always post your offer in the correct category. Misplacing ads looks spammy and can get your account banned.
- Misleading ads. Be clear about what you're offering. If users feel duped, you'll end up with a flagged ad—and that's a surefire way to lose trust.
Exploring Other Platforms Alongside Craigslist
While Craigslist is a solid choice, it doesn't hurt to diversify. Other classified ad sites, like Advertise Era, Classified Ads, and Free Ads Time, allow you to post your affiliate links more directly. Expanding beyond Craigslist will cast a wider net, reaching more potential buyers and leads.
Conclusion: Is Craigslist the Right Platform for Your Affiliate Marketing Strategy?
In short—No, not really. Craigslist offers a unique opportunity to reach audiences who are looking for solutions, not just products. But you'll have to break the rules in order to do affiliate marketing. Which may lead you to more problems then its worth.
