Craigslist Marketing Doesn`t Work? I have to disagree...

[Holden_C04]

Posted the following advertisement on toronto.craigslist.en.ca:



★Why Settle For Less★ High End Detailing Services★See Pictures (http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/yrk/aos/746215871.html)



Received a call less than five minutes after posting the advertisement. Spent about five minutes on the phone discussing the work at hand, what time to arrive, and boom! The job was booked. Easy, and it didn`t cost a cent.



EDIT: This ad would not have been possible without the help of AppliedColors.

[Superior Shine]

I think you luck out. Test it over and over again then report back.



We target who we go after and the craigslist user isn`t it.

[Holden_C04]

I think you luck out. Test it over and over again then report back.



We target who we go after and the craigslist user isn`t it.



A large majority of craigslist users are bargain shoppers, that is true. However, a well-written ad that gets attention and includes detailed photos of your work is going to attract attention no matter where it`s posted.



Will continue to monitor the success of this ad and will report back to this thread regularly.

[GlossyTundra]

How do you embed pics in the craigslist add? I have been trying to make an add but cant find out how to put any pics other than the "4" you get from craigslist.

[Holden_C04]

Use the html code provided by photobucket, imageshack or any of the other picture hosting services.

[Buegie]

It`s a very informative ad with many pictures of your great work. That`s why you`re getting calls, but I agree that it isn`t the best place to advertise a high end service. But in the end, it is free so why not? If you don`t mind me asking, how often do you get a customer who wants "Perfection?"

[Holden_C04]

If you don`t mind me asking, how often do you get a customer who wants "Perfection?"



I hope to get around 1-2 per season. It`s not in the plans to make it a big part of my services. It`s a halo product, much like PD`s $10,000 detail.

[Holden_C04]

Another thing. An advantage of using craigslist is the low quality of ads. When a higher quality advertiser arrives, it makes it so much easier to stand out. If you`re for a detailer and you see this:






★Why Settle For Less★ High End Detailing Services★See Pictures - (We Come To You!) img



Scarp cars, Trucks, and Vans Wanted - (G.T.A.)



Cash For your scrap cars & Trucks call 647-892-2046 - (all of GTA)



Winter window tinting special: From $150 Installed LIFETIME warranty - (Toronto) img



Compustar 900MHz 2-way alarm/starter special from $380 INSTALLED!!!! - (Toronto) img



WE ARE THE SCRAPPERS CALL 4164579668 WE PAY UP TO $500 CASH FOR SCRAP -



Driver and pick-up truck for hire. -



DRIVER AVAILABLE -



AUTO SHOP CLUB -



- - - - HONEST MECHANIC - - - - ok to send your Mother to - (400 & Finch)



Brakes and Rotors installer!! - (mississauga, gta)



WE BUY SCRAP CARS AND TRUCKS WE PAY UP TO $500 CASH 4164579668 -



GET THE MOST CASH $$$$$$$ FOR YOUR SCRAP CAR 905 550 7334 - (GTA)



I need instructions/use of car for pre POLICE academy - (dntn)



SCRAP CARS AND TRUCKS WANTED WE PAY UP TO $500 CASH 4164579668 -



WE BUY ALL SCRAP CARS AND TRUCKS WE PAY UP TO $500 CASH 4164579668 -



CAR DETAILING SUMMER SPECIAL!!!! - (GTA + Mississauga)



Top cash for you Junk or Scrap car or truck - (toronto)



Get A Hydrogen Hybrid Now - Satisfaction Guaranteed On Installation -



FREE CASH FOR SCRAP CARS &TRUCKS 416-710-0636 - (city of toronto)



Which detailer are you going to call?

[Bunky]

This is the typical one in our area. None use links, etc.



We will come to you and detail your auto. Services starting at $10. Call us today xxx-xxx-xxxx or email aaaaaa at aaal.com

xxx-xxx-xxxx office

[Holden_C04]

This is the typical one in our area. None use links, etc.



We will come to you and detail your auto. Services starting at $10. Call us today xxx-xxx-xxxx or email aaaaaa at aaal.com

xxx-xxx-xxxx office



Text based advertisements are only going to attract the lowest bidder. It`s pretty easy to defeat those kind of ads.

[mixxer]

nice keep us posted on how its working please.

[beachcities]

I agree with the statement Craig`s List Works. I built a $100k/year detailing route off this add:http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff6/nathanautodetail/bc.jpg (http://s242.photobucket.com/albums/ff6/nathanautodetail/?action=view&current=bc.jpg)

Mobile Auto Detailing Orange County

OC`s Best Auto Detailing and Reconditioning. We have been in business for three years with one mission: To provide our customers an affordable luxury. Our customers don`t have to wait at the car wash. We deliver professional results direct to the customer. Each detail is done using a comprehensive checklist that covers your vehicle inside and out. We never settle for mediocrity, and neither should you! Call me right now and let me show you why we are the best providers of this affordable luxury.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff6/nathanautodetail/IMG_0262.jpg (http://s242.photobucket.com/albums/ff6/nathanautodetail/?action=view&current=IMG_0262.jpg)

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff6/nathanautodetail/IMG_0263.jpg (http://s242.photobucket.com/albums/ff6/nathanautodetail/?action=view&current=IMG_0263.jpg)

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff6/nathanautodetail/IMG_0261.jpg (http://s242.photobucket.com/albums/ff6/nathanautodetail/?action=view&current=IMG_0261.jpg)







Call today for an appointment.



Beach Cities Auto Detail







Call Today, Clean Tomorrow



Pricing guide

Car Wash-25

Truck/SUV Wash-35

Premium Gloss Wash-45

Wash and Wax-65

Basic Detail-150

Superior Detail-200

Concourse Detail-350

Engine Detail-75

Interior Detail-100

Carpet Steam Cleaning-89

New Car Protection Package-200



Wash- Exterior SoftTouch Wash, Wheels cleaned, Tires shined, Windows inside and out, wipe down dash/seats/door panels/center console and cup holders, vacuum seats/ carpets/and floor mats.



Premium Gloss Wash-Wash package plus sprayed on gloss enhancing carnauba spray.



Wash and Wax-Wash package plus a coat of our best wax applied by hand.



Basic Detail-Wash package plus clay bar paint cleaner, hand applied wax, wheels cleaned, de-greasing tires and wheel wells, shine tires and wheel wells, door jams cleaned, door panels, dash board, center console, headliner, cup holders, and seats are cleaned with a non-toxic cleaner , floor mats are shampooed.



Superior Detail- Basic Detail package plus machine polishing to remove light imperfections while adding gloss, interior carpet and floor mat steam cleaning, steam cleaning of seats where applicable, cleaning and conditioning of leather seats and interior components.



Concourse Detail- Superior detail package plus 3 stage paint restoration (removing oxidation and swirl marks, polishing to bring back depth and clarity to the paint, and final polishing for shine enhancement), headlight and taillight polishing to restore clarity, exterior chrome and/or aluminum polishing, exterior plastics conditioned, engine detail and conditioning, uv protection of all interior components to protect against sun damage.

[imported_gators241987]

Not to nitpick, great ad by the way. But your website could use a little more text. Not so much where you are inundated, but a little bit more. Help convince the prospective clients a little more.

[Holden_C04]

Not to nitpick, great ad by the way. But your website could use a little more text. Not so much where you are inundated, but a little bit more. Help convince the prospective clients a little more.



A project yet unfinished. ;)



Though, I`m not going add a great deal more content, just improve on what`s there. I like a simple website that doesn`t confuse visitors.

[Scottwax]

So craigslist isn`t just for hookers and selling stuff you`ve had laying around for 5 years? :eek:



Probably a good way to get your name out and it is free. Not sure how consistantly effective it will be. However, by putting some pricing in the ad, that ought to at least keep the bargain hunters from calling and wasting your time.