Classified advertising, traditionally found in newspapers and periodicals, uses text-based ads to promote goods and services. These ads range from simple listings with a contact number to detailed descriptions including contact names, addresses, and product specifics. Logos might be included, but images are generally absent.
Classifieds are organized by category, such as ‘Automobiles,’ ‘For Rent,’ or ‘Clothing,’ setting them apart from display advertising which incorporates graphics and appears alongside editorial content.
The rise of free classified advertising has made online platforms popular. Websites like Craigslist pioneered this approach, offering free ad posting and viewing.
Today, numerous websites provide free online classified ads, capitalizing on the internet’s reach. Some sites cater to specific countries, such as usfreeads.com for the United States. Agencies like Wide Area Classifieds have established networks, enabling businesses to place ads across multiple publications.
Classified Intelligence reported a significant market in 2003, with the United States seeing $15.9 billion in newspaper classifieds and $14.1 billion online. Globally, the classified ad market exceeded $100 billion.