How to write a classified ad that gets responses

People skim. They see the thumbnail, the title, the price, and the city. If those four agree with each other, they open the ad. If the title says ‘iPhone 15 Pro’ and the first photo is a box in a dark hallway, they leave.

Titles that describe, not shout

• Lead with the thing: brand, model, size, key spec.
• Add condition in plain words: ‘lightly used’, ‘cracked corner’, ‘never used, open box’.
• Skip ‘urgent’, ‘wow’, and all-caps. They read as noise.

A body copy that answers the obvious

1. What it is, in one sentence.
2. Age and usage.
3. What is included (box, charger, extra cushions).
4. What is wrong.
5. Where and when you can meet.

Wanted ads need the same discipline

‘Looking for a cheap phone’ is not a Wanted post. Model range, budget, and city are. See our guide on writing Wanted listings if you are the buyer.