How to Create and Set Up a Craigslist Account: Quick Guide (2024)

FAQs

How to Create and Set Up a Craigslist Account: Quick Guide? ›

Set up an account

Signing up for a craigslist account

Provide a valid email address, then check your inbox for the signup link from robot@craigslist.org. You will have to choose a password for your account. Once the bar turns green, your password is strong enough and can be saved.

You can sell items on Craigslist, just like classified ads in newspapers, for free — you don't even need a Craigslist account. Make sure the Craigslist website is set to your correct city, then click the link to create a post. Here's everything you need to know about listing items for sale on Craigslist.

Go to https://accounts.craigslist.org in your computer's web browser. Enter your email address. In the text box below the "Create an account" heading near the bottom of the page, type in the email address you want to use to create your Craigslist account. Click Create account.

There is no explicit rule that limits the number of Craigslist accounts. You can have multiple accounts but you are at the risk of getting flagged if you post the same ad across different locations.

Say who you are, state your interest in the item, confirm how much you'll pay, and when you're available to pick up. If the post asks for a phone number, provide it. If not, ask if they'd like one. Many people choose to deal over the phone as it is quicker than playing email tag.

One reason is that the company wants to make money from its website. Another reason is that it wants to reduce the number of spam posts on the site. By charging for each post, Craigslist can ensure that only legitimate ads are posted.

Always use a proxy email address or phone number

Craigslist provides proxy email addresses to sellers, and it's a good idea to use them so browsers can't spam your actual email address.

Scammers are getting pretty sneaky and are collecting personal phone numbers through Craigslist Ads. Case in point, when you're placing an ad or responding to an ad, avoid using your personal phone number to communicate with buyers or sellers.

How do I sell on Craigslist without an account? ›

Without an account, you must write and post each ad individually, responding to an emailed confirmation message to validate a listing before it appears on Craigslist. Account holders can view all their ads through a unified interface on the Craigslist website.

Keep It Simple but include Lots of Pictures: Craigslist sees heavy HTML code as a sign of spam or fraudulent post. Keep your ad mostly text based, with simple code only and working in creative bolding. While Craigslist users prefer text ads, they also love pictures.

To avoid Craigslist ads getting flagged, make sure that your content is unique and original while complying with the website's Terms of Use. For example, in many cases, using images or logos owned by other companies or persons may cause your listing to be removed from the website due to copyright infringement.

The site charges fees only for a handful of classified sections, while posting in most sections remain free. Many financial analysts have prompted Craigslist to boost revenues by adding things like banner advertising, but the site has so far resisted any attempt to commercialize itself.