What Craigslist Is and Why People Still Use It

• What it is: Craigslist is basically a giant online bulletin board where people post ads in categories like jobs, housing, items for sale, services, community events, and even local discussions.
• Where it started: It began in 1995 as an email list in San Francisco and quickly turned into a global platform.
• Why it works: It may not look modern, but people love its simplicity and the fact that it’s free to use in most sections.

How to Use Craigslist the Right Way

• Start by picking your city: Choose the city or metro area closest to you so the listings match your location.
• Browse or search what you need: Use the main search bar or click through the category links like housing, services, or jobs. There are filters to narrow things down even more.

Posting an Ad on Craigslist

1. Create a post: Go to your local Craigslist page and click “Create a posting.”
2. Choose your category: Select the one that best fits what you’re listing—like “for sale by owner” or “housing offered.”
3. Add your info: Fill out the title, price, description, and how people can reach you. You can upload up to 24 photos.
4. Confirm the listing: Craigslist will send you a link to your email so you can publish the post. While you don’t need an account, having one makes things easier if you’re posting often.

The Most Common Ways People Use Craigslist

• Buying and selling stuff: Craigslist is great for finding deals on everything from furniture and electronics to vintage finds. It’s also a quick way to get rid of stuff you no longer need.
• Finding work or gigs: Full-time jobs, freelance gigs, side hustles—you’ll find all kinds of opportunities here. It’s especially helpful for creatives and hands-on workers.
• Renting or subletting a place: Whether you’re looking to move or lease a room, Craigslist’s housing section is full of options.
• Promoting a service: If you offer a local service like tutoring, landscaping, or web design, Craigslist is a solid place to attract clients.
• Getting involved in the community: Join local events, clubs, meetups, and even forums to connect with people nearby.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Craigslist

• Smart moves for buyers: Act quickly when you see a good deal. Always ask the right questions, inspect the item in person, and negotiate respectfully.
• What sellers should do: Be honest and detailed in your post. Include good-quality images, set a fair price based on similar listings, and respond quickly to potential buyers.

Staying Safe and Spotting Scams

• Protect your info: Don’t share your bank account or personal details. Craigslist doesn’t process payments or get involved in transactions.
• Meet in public places: Choose well-lit, public locations—some cities even have safe exchange zones near police stations.
• Avoid sketchy payment methods: Cash is still the most secure option. If using apps like Venmo, do it only with trusted buyers.
• Be alert to scams: Watch out for overpayments or anything that seems too good to be true. If it feels off, it probably is.

Craigslist vs Other Platforms

• Facebook Marketplace: Easier to use for social buyers, but not as private.
• OfferUp and Letgo: Great on mobile, but limited in reach in some areas.
• eBay: Good for shipping and niche items, but it comes with fees.
• Nextdoor: Strong on community but has fewer listings than Craigslist.
• Craigslist’s edge: It’s free, direct, and works best for fast, local transactions.

The Future of Craigslist

• Minimal changes, but still useful: The interface has stayed mostly the same, and while some users wish for upgrades, others love the simplicity.
• Mobile apps are available: Craigslist now offers official apps for both iOS and Android, making it easier to post and browse on the go.
• Room for improvement: Features like direct messaging, thumbnail previews, and more filters are on users’ wish lists, but the core functionality still holds strong.

Conclusion

Craigslist might look simple, but it’s powerful when used right. Whether you’re job hunting, clearing out your attic, looking for housing, or trying to build your client list, it has something for everyone. It’s easy to use, free in most categories, and remains one of the top platforms for local connections.

If you’ve never tried Craigslist—or haven’t in a while—now’s a great time to give it another shot. Just use common sense, be safe, and enjoy the range of possibilities.

Key Takeaway: Craigslist is still one of the easiest and most trusted platforms to use when it comes to local listings—whether you’re shopping, job hunting, or offering a service.

FAQs

Can I post without showing my real email?

Yes, Craigslist uses an anonymous email relay that forwards messages to your inbox while hiding your actual email address.

Is there an app for Craigslist?

Yes, there are official Craigslist apps for iPhone and Android that let you search and post on the go.

How long will my post stay active?

It depends on the category and city, but most ads stay up between 7 and 45 days. You can always renew them manually if needed.

Can I boost my post to get more views?

While Craigslist doesn’t offer promoted listings in most sections, you can improve visibility by posting at popular times, using high-quality photos, and writing clear titles and descriptions.

Is there a way to search multiple cities at once?

Not through Craigslist directly, but there are third-party tools online that let you search several cities at once for broader results.