How to track craigslist ads

July 26, 2007

Tracking craigslist ads can be a little tricky because javascript, flash and other useful scripting languagaes are not allowed. It is possible however to track ads using a simple image tracking program. This is limited compared to full-featured javascript tracking script, but it will at least give some idea of the amount of views that your ad is getting.

This should also work on myspace, and other networks that allow html, but do not allow javascript or flash.

HTML-only tracking systems:

There's going to be a lot more tracking programs than these, but a lot of them are unprofessional or require you to link back to them. Your current analytics program may already allow image only tracking, so I would check there first to be sure.

Configuring your tracking:
When you put html into a craigslist ad, you need to format the entire ad in html, not just the tracking image. If you don't there is a good chance that something is going to get messed up.

The best way to do this is to use an html or text editor to make your ad. On craigslist in general, I have had the best results with a writing very clean copy that reads straight through. The ad needs to be clearly written, and should be very concise. Once you are done making your ad, paste the tracking image code at the bottom of it. Then copy and paste the entire html into the craigslist ad (Don't copy the <body> or <head> tags). You should also place one or more good images at the bottom of the ad, assuming it is for a product. Pictures make a huge difference for any classified ad.

Example of complete ad code:

PLAIN TEXT
HTML:
  1. <p>Craigslist Tracking System for Sale</p>
  2. <p>Purchase this great tracking system so you can keep track of how many visits your craigslist ad gets.</p>
  3. <p>Some more words here....</p>
  4.  
  5. <img class="statcounter" src="http://c23.statcounter.com/counter.php..." alt="site hit counter" />

Now when you log into your analytics account, you should see reporting from this specific ad. This type of tracking lacks a lot of the data that full-featured analytics will have. But if you can't use any scripting, it's basically the only way to track.

Posted by jestep | Filed Under General, Marketing 

Comments

6 Responses to “How to track craigslist ads”

  1. J.L. Reid on July 27th, 2007 8:53 am

    True, the method you described would provide some simple tracking…

    But, you *can* track craigslist ads with greater detail by providing the ad viewers a url to your website. Then, for each ad, assign a unique tracking id to that url…

    Now, in whatever analytics package you use–and you *should* be measuring and analyzing your website traffic using some software–you can see what ads are referring more visitors to your site. You can also tie the ads to specific conversion points to really create a full picture of what’s going on.

    While your method is good if you don’t have a website, if you do… you shouldn’t rely on an image counter alone.

  2. Rick Rochon on October 28th, 2007 6:00 pm

    If you really want to track all calls, clicks and emails generated by a Craigslist ad, give our application a try at http://www.adsymetrix.com

  3. John Paul on January 17th, 2008 8:44 pm

    This is a simple yet powerful free solution to all your craigslist web analytic needs.

    Give craigslist-hits a try. It is a free web tool developed by craigslist companion.

    http://www.craigslistcompanion.com/clstats/

  4. Sign Twirlers on April 29th, 2008 8:26 am

    Hi J.L.

    I just wanted to reply to your comment. redirecting CL visitors to your site is also a part of what needs to be tracked. Simply knowing how many visitors arrived at your site from CL is not adequate unless it is also known how many people actually looked at the listing, this is known as CTR or “click-thru rating” and is an important number. It lets you know if your subject heading is attracting enough attention and how well written your ad content is (or else viewers will rarely click-thru to your site). BTW StatCounter no longer works on CL. I’m not sure about HitsLog.

  5. Thitherintinton on May 20th, 2008 2:53 am

    Just started using StatCounter yesterday and it seems to be working fine on Craigslist now.

  6. Nicolle on May 26th, 2008 4:48 pm

    Hey guys i need some help. Ok so my boss is a real estate agent. He has ads on kijij and craigslist. Now when people click these ads it sends them to his website danmillar.com . and from his website he tracks how many hits he gets but what he wants to know is how many hits are coming from craigslist and how many are coming from kijiji so he knows where to invest more money. Now how can i find out or track whats coming from where? email me back at nicollechase_327@hotmail.com

    Thanks guys :)

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