15 Best Free Business Advertising Sites

The top 15 advertising sites for marketers and small business owners. Plus, did we mention that these sites are free?

Frequently Asked Questions About Free Business Advertising Sites

Should I create a free YouTube account for my business?

We didn’t include YouTube in our list since it is a video-based site, but YouTube is an excellent way to spread the word about all different types of businesses. Considering that the average person spends over 40 minutes on YouTube per day, the site is a great place to advertise in creative ways. How-to videos, tutorials, informational clips, and entertaining videos featuring “behind the scenes” footage are a few ways to galvanize an audience.

What are some specific methods of free advertising?

It can be challenging to continually develop new, progressive advertising ideas for your business, but a little research can yield excellent results.

Schedule press releases about important announcements. Save these releases for major company changes or new product releases, and create previews to encourage more viewers and clicks.
Start a company blog and use social media (Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn) to share each entry. Encourage comments on the posts and engage in conversation with readers.
Use SEO based on their common search engine results to push traffic to the site.
Attend meet-ups, conferences, and networking events to share ideas and details about your new small business.
Partner with local celebrities or influencers. The business may be able to exchange free products in exchange for exposure.
Get involved in the community: support youth organizations, volunteer at food kitchens, and support youth organizations.
Offer free trials of your services or products to get prospective customers involved. Also, offer monthly deals, discounts, and perks to customers who bring in additional business.

Are there risks that accompany free ad sites?

Using any website these days carries a slight risk, and users can alleviate some of that risk by making the proper choices with “cookies.” There is the potential for spammers or criminal activity within some free ad sites, but most sites are vigilant about getting to the root of the problem and keeping sales safe. Take precautionary measures such as using secure passwords, changing passwords routinely, and always using a verified email address.

Is it beneficial for companies to use free business advertising websites?

Small businesses should choose 2-4 websites they feel comfortable with and start advertising with them. In addition to being free, it’s quick and easy to set up an account. The benefits include more brand visibility, extended customer reach, and an uptick in website traffic. In addition, if the business has a brick-and-mortar location, then foot traffic should also increase in the store due to free advertising.

Free web-based advertising is a smart choice for new small businesses. Companies can target new customers and increase visibility and profits for a minimal time and at no cost. For new small businesses, using the best free business advertising sites is one of the important steps to the heights of sales success.

Although Daryl, Jeral, and No-Yur-Dawg settled on Facebook Messenger, Hoobly, Google My Business, eBay, and Facebook Shops, each business should choose the free advertising sites that work best for them. Of course, each small business is different, but we are confident that some of the best free business advertising sites will be perfect for your company.

Where Can a Business Advertise for Free?

Finding the correct advertising channels can be difficult for small companies such as No-Yur-Dawg. However, many free advertising websites are built for small, local businesses and feature a classified ads type layout and structure. There are many sites like this out there, and more are always springing up. The challenge is simply knowing which free sites are the best; luckily, we have compiled a comprehensive list. Free advertising sites can work wonders for your business, gaining exposure that will increase sales and profits. Now, on to the list.

A Comprehensive List of Free Ad Sites

Entrepreneurs and small business owners like Daryl and Jerel prefer free business advertising sites because they connect with the preferred demographic and do not cost the company a cent. This organized list should also save small business owners from using the web for free sites that can help businesses grow.

These free advertising sites aim to connect small businesses with their target audiences, increase the company’s visibility, and make the business an even more viable force in the industry. Now, let’s delve into the list.

1) Google My Business

Google My Business is another resource that helps small businesses advertise effectively for free. Unlike a chat service such as Messenger, Google My Business is a web-based directory that allows businesses to connect with customers via Google Maps and Google search. Best of all, Google My Business is free.

How Do Businesses Start Using Google My Business?

Getting things going on Google My Business is easy. To begin advertising on Google’s free site, first, submit the company’s website’s URL and some other pertinent details about the business to Google. The online form helps businesses figure out what information to gather.

After Google records this information, the popular search engine adds the new business’s information to its listings. Once Google ads the company, the business is notified and can certify that its website shows up when prospective clients search similar categories.

What Can Businesses Do to Improve Their Profiles and Reach?

Businesses that get the most out of Google My Business post-high-quality photos of the business and videos. Entertaining and inviting content can highlight the company’s products, workers, and attitude. So what makes the business unique? The answer to that question should be available to customers in the Google My Business Profile.

Small business owners also appreciate that once they are on Google my Business, they interact with their customers more. For example, clients can message, leave reviews, and even call the business. Plus, Google’s analytics will show who engages with the business, when, and whether it is through follows, bookings, clicks, messages, or something else.

2) Facebook Shops and Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace has overtaken Craigslist as the online source for deals on new and used items. In fact, across the world, over 800 million people use Facebook Marketplace each month, and that popularity translates into interactions and sales. Facebook Marketplace also makes it easy for sellers to choose their location and demographic and list whether the item is new or used and what condition it is in. Then, all the seller has to do to get started is place an ad.

How Do Businesses Place Ads on Facebook Marketplace?

Once registered with Facebook, placing an ad for your goods or services is self-explanatory and free. Facebook Marketplace is, in many ways, an updated version of the classified ads, and your business is only a few clicks away from using it to get the word out. It is important that before placing the ad, the business makes sure to have some high-quality pictures or images ready.

Is Facebook Shops Different than Facebook Ads?

Companies like Facebook constantly reinvent themselves to last and stay on top of the game. Facebook Shops is an example of this, as the brand new platform takes mobile shopping to another level.

On Facebook Shops, companies create an online store on Instagram and Facebook, free of charge. All the tools for a custom store, including colors, fonts, stories, and places to post merchandise. Plus, companies can use Messenger or other services such as WhatsApp to engage in dialogue with their customers and followers.

The new platform is already making waves for its car, real estate, and furniture sales and rewarding its sellers with lucrative profits. But, did we mention that this new selling tool is free?

3) eBay

Most small businesses have heard of eBay because the veteran advertising site has some serious staying power. Since 1995, eBay has hosted extraordinary numbers of sellers and consistently created high traffic levels. eBay has over 30 international sites, too, and has been a stepping stone for many companies as they grow and expand internationally.

Is eBay still relevant and popular for buyers?

eBay currently reports 159 million users and remains an excellent advertising tool for small businesses. eBay has an enormous reach, solid SEO rankings, more visibility than many newer websites, and a highly-touted reputation. The legendary site also has cultivated a strong social media presence, so sellers could see some helpful crossover between its customers on Facebook, for example, and eBay. eBay also has an effective interface that makes publishing ads easy and free to use; so, with all these features, why would a small business not use it?

4) Craigslist

Like eBay, Craigslist was launched in 1995 and is still a top destination for buyers and sellers of products and services. Although Craigslist might feel outdated, it is still a popular and useful site that works with other free sites. Still unsure? Consider the statistics. Craigslist has:

60 million users in the U.S. alone
Over 700 local craigslist sites in over 70 countries

Craigslist is still a viable source and one of the original “classified” online ads. In addition to being a powerful platform for ads, it used helpful subcategories to focus sellers on a targeted audience. Craigslist also has a strong social media presence and a diverse line of categories. For sellers dealing with niche products, the audience can probably be located on Craigslist, thanks to its overall size and sense of diversity. Where else can someone sell a parking spot one day and a foot massage the next?

How Do Businesses Place Ads on Craigslist?

Craigslist allows sellers to post ads once per their location every 48 hours. Posting ads is free for nearly all products, though cars and furniture sales may require a small payment. Service-based ads may also necessitate a small fee, but this comes in exchange for 30 days of sales opportunity.

What About Spam?

One recent drawback to Craigslist is that the site is linked to some illegal activity. In addition, if users see spam ads, they need to report them to continue to keep the site in good standing. So, considering these disclaimers, is Craiglist still worth using? We think so, and here is why.

An Example

Nick sells a unique product: embroidered, personalized collars for parrots and other birds. Though he has seen engagement on several social media sites, he has not yet made a sale. When Nick tries Craigslist, his ad finds its way to a much larger audience, and he makes his first international sales to birders in Mexico, Australia, and Brazil! Nick leverages his sales to work his way into the local market, crediting Craigslist with Nick’s Bird-Necks’ surprising start.

Craigslist’s wide reach, a rock-solid reputation, and low costs make it a viable option for small business ads. Give it a shot!

5) Locanto

A free ads site with a reach into over 60 countries, Locanto possesses many similarities to Craigslist. Small businesses use Locanto to sell goods and services, and other site users search for jobs, places to live, and other opportunities. So, what makes Locanto different, and why did we put it on this list?

What Makes Locanto Stand Out?

Locanto divides everything it sells into distinct categories: tickets for events, classes, events, and services. These unique categories make Locanto an excellent resource for two different types of businesses. These are:

Companies that already possess a large presence in the community
Companies that are new, small, and working on growth and expansion

Does Locanto Charge Money for its Ads?

Locanto would not be on this list if it were not a free advertising website for most of its users. However, location inspires some of Locanto’s fees, and some cities might require users to pay for a premium account before posting their goods or services.

Locanto boasts more perks, including customizable ads that last 60 days, solid analytics, and social media buttons that make managing and directing ad traffic convenient.

An Example

Mark’s new sailing company on Nantucket Island, MA, needs a boost, and he turns to Locanto. He comes up with a series of ads with compelling images, videos of some scenic charters, and links to his company’s “Sail Away With Me’s” website. By the end of the two months, Mark has not only increased his client base for free, but he has also increased his social media followers. Mark also knows exactly when people engage with his ads and looks forward to using that knowledge strategically in the next ad campaign for “Sail Away With Me.”

6) Oodle

Oodle is a powerful sales option and is currently one of the biggest free ad platforms. In addition, Oodle offers all the perks small businesses need, such as the ability to connect social media accounts plus local listings from eBay, ForRent, local newspapers, and more.

Is Oodle Legitimate?

Oodle logs over 12 million visitors per month, qualifying it as the second largest classified service on the web. Oodle’s tech also powered Facebook’s first iteration of Marketplace, so we’d say it is a legitimate choice. But why do some prefer Oodle over other choices on our list?

What Makes Oodle Stand Out?

For those who envision using social media to build their brand, Oodle is a smart choice. For example, small business owners can easily connect their Facebook Business account to their Oodle account. This connection allows them to use both websites in tandem and post updates when running new Facebook ads and vice versa. Oodle also joins with Advertigo to increase the reach of companies’ listings.

What Type of Businesses Should Choose Oodle?

Oodle is excellent for consumer products, including:

Grooming services for pets
Pet sitting services
Landscaping
Maintenance Work
Storage
Moving Services

Businesses can place ads on Oodle for free, but like most sites, a paid subscription brings features such as ads with longer durations and Oodle links for the company’s website.

7) OLX

Established in 2006, OLX may not have the experience or reputation some veteran advertising sites have. However, businesses should not let OLX’s relatively short tenure fool them. OLX is prevalent in over 30 countries and represents over 20 brands. This trading platform records 300 million visitors per month and is rapidly expanding.

What Do People Sell on OLX?

OLX allows users to find excellent deals on everything from cars to houses. Variety is king on OLX, with sellers placing ads for computers, tablets, video games, T.V.s, ovens, ceiling fans, and more. Job seekers can find employment opportunities, too.

Does OLX Have Drawbacks for Clients?

OLX unlocks customer value by providing platforms where you can buy or sell a home or car, find a job, sell things you no longer need, or find a great deal. Enthusiastic users of OLX cite its mobile accessibility, intuitive interface, multiple access points, broad audience, and ability to easily create ads as its selling points. However, consumer ratings have dipped in recent years, with some buyers explaining that OLX’s customer service is not up to par. While we recommend OLX for its convenience and lack of costs, we encourage sellers to be cautious with all advertising sites.

8) ClassifiedAds.com

One of the best aspects of ClassifiedAds, which began as a small startup, is that it is completely free. Unlike other websites in this list, ClassifiedAds allows users to browse, post listings, and contact sellers without spending a dime. The website is responsible for the listing and selling of thousands of items and services per day and has helped thousands of small businesses get off the ground.

Why Do Businesses Choose Classified Ads Over Other Websites?

Many small companies want to sell their items on sites such as ClassifiedAds, which over 3 million people visit annually. However, sellers are concerned that their ads will be rendered useless by spam ads and an overload of site traffic.

ClassifiedAds does an excellent job of filtering and monitoring its site content, and businesses appreciate that attention to detail. For ad listings, ClassifiedAds also provides businesses with backlinks, help with HTML, and contact forms. As a result, small companies and individual sellers are in good hands with ClassifiedAds, and the dependable website can provide a sales boost when used correctly and in conjunction with other sales strategies.

9) Best Free Advertising Sites: Adpost

Adpost is a free business advertising site that many users compare to Craigslist. Founded in 2012, Adpost has an expansive presence: Adpost exists in more than 1,000 cities and records over 30 million views per month. This exposure means sellers can be confident that viewers will see their listings often.

Is Running Ads on Adpost Truly Free?

Though Adpost’s pricing model is a bit more complex than others we’ve looked at, it offers options for everyone. It wouldn’t be on this list if there was no chance to post listings for no cost to the business, and the free plan includes basic classified ads for 30 days. The basic plan also allows small businesses to renew their ads for 90 days and display 100 photos and one video. Companies wishing to upgrade to paid ads can choose their options, which include longer ad times and a page views counter for around $10 per month.

10) Gumtree

One of the best free business advertising sites we have found, Gumtree has a unique name and focus: the United Kingdom. Gumtree’s impressive stats—over 13 million visitors per month, over 10 million replies per month—place it high on the list for new businesses looking to reach a new audience in the U.K.

What Features Does Gumtree Offer to New Users?

Gumtree’s free and paid opportunities include live ads for 60 days and up to nine pictures to accompany the listing. In addition, sellers can update their listings anytime and get the unique opportunity to write a detailed description of their wares. Gumtree also provides an account manager for assistance and the ability to track ad performance and buy add-on opportunities.

Gumtree’s focus on aesthetics makes the advertisements more detailed and enticing, so if your business might have international appeal, this could be the right free ad site for you.

11) Sales Spider

Yet another free advertising site with an interesting name, Sales Spider was founded in 2006 and joined our list based on its ongoing growth and free registration. Sales Spider not only has over 2 million members, but the service also reports the addition of thousands more daily.

What Makes Sales Spider Stand Out from the Rest?

Think of Sales Spider as a type of social network. However, unlike Facebook’s dedication to friendship and connections among peers, Sales Spider is dedicated to small and mid-sized businesses. Sales Spider gives small businesses the tools to network, host webinars and talks, connect with peers, place profitable ads and view sales leads.

Business owners also rely on Sales Spider for lists of prospects, business forums, and free company directories. Yet, this network shines through its collaboration with large retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Macy’s, and more. Sellers get free advertising, the ability to manage their campaigns, and the chance to target specific businesses they prefer to work with.

All in all, Sales Spider is one of the smarter choices for free advertising out there today.

12) PennySaver

Pennysaver joins Craigslist and eBay as one of the titans of the free ad space industry, but the website has a unique history. The original PennySaver began in 1962 and connected buyers and sellers via print editions. Now online, PennySaver USA reaches more than 11 million Americans weekly and deals in pets, cars, houses, employment listings, garage sales, free items, and more.

While younger business owners may not remember the history of PennySaver, the site has become it’s own online, and one of its strengths is its ability to make local sales.

How Do Small Business Owners Place Ads on PennySaver?

PennySaver makes it easy to place a free ad. Simply click the “Place Free Ads” button on the homepage, then provide the necessary information. No payment is necessary, and the ad will receive immediate exposure via PennySaver’s subsidiary and affiliate sites based on its category.

PennySaver gets excellent reviews for its local sales, so if your business targets the local market, this is one free option you can count on.

13) Geebo

Geebo promotes services such as job listings and is an online classifieds market founded in 2000.

One aspect of Geebo that sellers appreciate is that the company features high-profile social media channels with over 60,000 followers. This perk instantly translates to more views and more interest in advertisements. Geebo also emphasizes safety on its site and allows sellers to choose between free and low-cost ads. As opposed to sites such as Craigslist, Geebo reviews all listings before they go live to maintain its users’ safety.

Why Should Small Business Owners Choose Geebo?

Many advertising sites struggle to keep spam from spilling into their platforms. Geebo’s automated system monitors ads for illegal and unsafe content. The company is committed to keeping criminal activity off of its site so that Geebo can help users make sales and connect communities for a shared purpose.

Geebo also offers accurate methods to measure ad performance and the absence of “bots” that can hamper sales. So when businesses want assurance that customers will trust their ad, they turn to Geebo for quality content and stress-free sales.

14) Hoobly

Hoobly is another local free classified ads website with global reach. Like Geebo, Hoobly is preferred by many small businesses because it is vigilant about its security measures. When users want to place clear ads on an uncluttered, stress-free platform, they look to Hoobly.

Hoobly is most prominent in the U.S. but is used in over 30 countries worldwide. Hoobly focuses on the animal and pet market, and many happy pet owners have made secure purchases on Gooby.

An Example

Jill has been searching for a specific breed of Golden Retriever for years, and she finds the right puppy on Hoobly. Based on Hoobly’s attention to security measures and resistance to scams, Jill feels confident ordering the dog on Hoobly. A week later, Jill is in puppy heaven, all thanks to Hoobly’s attention to detail. So what else can Hoobly do for small businesses?

Hoobly is not only a source for adorable pets. Many small companies have used Gooby to target consumers and sell their goods. However, Hoobly’s categories are relatively strict:

Art
Real Estate
Vehicles
Clothes
Jewelry

For example, users need to create a Hoobly account and verify their email to post an ad for a necklace. However, most buyers and sellers do not mind the extra security since it helps keep the platform safe, reliable, and spam-free.

Hoobly receives over 9 million page views per month, so the opportunities are endless, whether you are looking to buy a man’s best friend or make a profitable sale.

15) Facebook Messenger

Digital marketers in the know use Facebook in various ways, including networking and spreading the word about the business. However, small businesses are unaware that Facebook’s chat option, Facebook Messenger, can be effectively used to run ads for the business.

While over 2 billion people worldwide engage with Facebook Messenger monthly, less than 1% of companies use the platform to reach clients. These numbers translate to a significant opportunity, and many small business owners want to know: how can they run ads on Facebook Messenger, and what types of ads can they run?

What Are the Different Types of Ads on Facebook Messenger?

There are a few different types of ads to choose from, including destination ads, sponsored messages, and home section ads. Wherever the ads run, the point is to begin conversations with Messenger users and kick sales and interactions into high gear. Sponsored ads appear in the person’s inbox, and home section ads appear in the home dashboard of the application. Destination ads show up in the newsfeed with a picture of the item or service, and interested customers can hit “chat now” to engage. When customers chat with the business, is it valuable for the business?

Is Facebook Chat an Effective Sales Platform?

At many companies, chatting is the main source of customer support, and the use of platforms like Facebook Messenger to make sales is growing rapidly. Running ads on Facebook Messenger lets businesses interact with their target audience and engage in direct dialogue with prospective customers. The ability to reach people through their preferred platform makes sales that much more likely. Plus, the days of calling a company on the phone to find out about their products have ended, and many businesses find that chatting with customers is the future, whether it is free or not.

Is It Free or Paid Advertising on Messenger?

While it is true that running ads directly through Facebook Messenger is free, if the business uses a Facebook chat marketing platform as an intermediary, businesses can run ads for free. Two platforms that can prove useful are Chatty People and Mobile Monkey.

The convenience may offset the cost if you decide to run ads directly through Facebook. In addition, Facebook helps companies by delivering the ads to a chosen placement, likely increasing campaign results at a low cost for the seller.

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