Classified ads are often the first line of attack when it comes to selling an item you have replaced or no longer need. Though they may appear to be a list of adjectives and section specific abbreviations, there is an art to creating a successful classified ad. ‘Successful’, in this context, means that your item sells quickly instead of months from now or not at all.

Here are a few tips for creating a successful classified ad:

• A strong opener will hook your target audience into reading the rest of the ad. A weak opener will have readers skipping to the next ad. Use visual words to grab their attention and drag it to the next line.
  
  
• Point out one or two of the best benefits that your item has to offer. Make sure that they are interesting benefits. ‘Nice paint job’ only begs the question ‘what’s wrong with the rest of it?’ These don’t need to be functional features, just anything that is sparkly enough to keep your target reader’s attention long enough to continue to the next line.
  
  
• Include facts about the item that you would want to know if you were about to purchase it. This means anything about the piece that they would not find if they bought it new. A missing part, refurbished machinery, personally decorated handle – anything that makes it unique. Barring anything like this, name some of the best features about owning this item, what it will enhance or make easier.
  
  
• Don’t forget contact information. An email address or a business phone number is better than anything personal. Never give out your address. If you don’t have a picture of the item with the ad, you might post one online and then list the URL where your potential buyer can get a look at it.
  
  
• Don’t forget to list the price. You will generate a much lower interest rate on unpriced items.
  
  
• Avoid using abbreviations or jargon that readers may not understand. Even if it is an item geared toward advanced users, beginners may be interested or a potential buyer may purchase it as a gift.
  
  
• Avoid misleading descriptions. Deception will only lead to problems down the line for both you and your buyer. If you are frequent seller, you may have problems with the owner of the site or newspaper when they report you. Be clear about what you are offering and price accordingly.
  
  
• Avoid cramming the ad full of details. Details should be left to the contact phone call or to be fully described on the website. Instead, list only the most important or unique features.
  
  
• End your classified ad with a statement that is upbeat, encouraging, or urges the potential buyer to quickly make a move. Putting a time clock on it often works. ‘Must be gone by this weekend.’ Or ‘I’m moving Tuesday and need to get rid of this couch.’
  
  
• Keep a list with names, contact numbers or emails, time or day they contacted you, and their offered price as well as other stipulations they specify. For example, one potential buyer may offer at $20 below your asking price but will pick it up. Another buyer may request that you meet somewhere central to make the exchange.

Remembering all of these details can be difficult, especially if you have multiple items to list for sale or multiple ads to write. At Sassy Slogans, we have years of experience in writing ad copy and will take care of your classified ad needs in no time. Let us do the writing - you collect the money.