Another rule for using Craigslist:
Craigslist has decided to block posts that include the URL shortened links from Bit.ly. In retrospect, it was only a matter of time before Craigslist caught on. When Craigslist makes a change, they don’t explain why. Did they want to prevent tracking/reporting? Were there issues with image visibility? Or is it something else? I have never experienced an image visibility issue, so I’m inclined to believe that Craigslist is trying to prevent tracking.
There is no clear statement within the craigslist terms of use which indicates that tracking ad views is not allowed. In fact, not much within the terms of service is clear. This is my favorite line within the Craigslist terms of use regarding 3rd party posting agents: “…except with express permission or license from craigslist.”
I once requested verification on this specific term and my response from Craig was “I cannot parse your email.” Which basically means “I don’t understand your email explaining that you don’t understand our terms of use.”
Why track views/impressions on Craigslist?
When you run an ad in a local paper you can request the circulation numbers to determine if your ad will be cost-effective or how many impressions you should expect to receive. By understanding how many views/impressions are counted per Craigslist ad, it is possible to improve future ad posting titles, content, and formatting. After Craigslist forced vFlyer to stop tracking and reporting, many of us were doing our own with the use of URL shorteners. With the removal of Bit.ly it may not be long before other URL shorteners are blocked. Tracking will still be possible, but no longer as simple.
My 2 cents:
Craigslist doesn’t really care about the people advertising on the site. Those of us that post are all slaves to the system and to the hyper-sensitive Craigslist forum pack. If you’ve not seen the forum on Apartments, you should scan through it. Although many properties receive more traffic from Craigslist than any other source, it is my hope that eventually people will move on to another site to seek their new homes. Until then, I will strive to continue the improvement of ads posted.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
This is why Craigslist will #fail. It’s just a matter of time before people will move on to something better. Google or Facebook will do something to move everyone away and it could happen any day.
Mark,
I really hope you’re right. Thank you so much for commenting!