In 2021, using Craigslist for CPA (Cost Per Action) marketing was a popular strategy for affiliates, especially beginners, due to the platform's large, localized user base and free posting options in many categories. The model focused on driving traffic from Craigslist to an affiliate offer, where the goal was to get a user to complete a specific action, such as filling out a form, submitting an email, or downloading an app, rather than making a purchase. The commissions for these actions were generally lower, but the conversion rate was often higher.

The Strategy for 2021
The core method involved creating compelling, localized ads on Craigslist that directly addressed a user's pain point and led them to an offer that solved it. This was an effective way to leverage a free traffic source with offers from networks like MaxBounty.

Find a Relevant CPA Offer: On a network like MaxBounty, you would search for offers that align with the categories on Craigslist. For example, in the "Jobs" section, you could promote CPA offers for "work from home" opportunities or job training. In the "Services" or "Gigs" sections, you could post about a local service, like a free quote for home insurance or a lead generation form for a solar panel company.

Craft a Compelling Ad: The key to success was to create an ad that didn't look like an ad. It needed to be written in a conversational, human tone to stand out from the spam.

Catchy Headline: The headline had to grab attention and speak directly to a user's need. For example, "Looking for a new job? " or "Need a free quote for your car insurance?"

Engaging Body Copy: The body text would provide a brief, compelling description of the offer without being overly salesy. It would often include a strong call-to-action (CTA), such as "Click here to get your free quote."

Drive Traffic with the Ad: In 2021, most CPA marketers would use a simple, short landing page or a direct link to the CPA offer. However, it was crucial to read Craigslist's terms of service carefully to avoid getting flagged. Many affiliates found it effective to use a simple landing page that acted as a bridge, providing more information before sending the user to the offer, which improved conversion rates.

Post Consistently and Strategically: Craigslist ads have a short lifespan before they are pushed down by new posts. A successful strategy involved posting 2-3 ads per day in different categories and cities to maximize visibility. This was a form of "manual" traffic generation that required consistent effort.

Adhere to Craigslist's Rules: To avoid getting banned, it was important to avoid spamming the same ad repeatedly. Varying the ad copy and images, and ensuring the content was relevant to the category it was posted in, was key to maintaining a good standing on the platform.

Limitations of This Method in 2021
While this strategy was popular, it had its challenges. Craigslist's anti-spam algorithms were becoming more sophisticated, and ads could be "ghosted" or flagged by other users. Additionally, the practice of direct linking was viewed with caution, and a well-designed bridge page was often the best way to get a higher conversion rate. This video provides a comprehensive guide on how to get started with CPA marketing for beginners. Make $150/Day Without Selling! | CPA Marketing Complete Tutorial For Beginners