How to Track Craigslist Ads
Tracking craigslist ads can be a little tricky because javascript, flash and other useful scripting languagaes are not allowed. It is possible however to track ads using a simple image tracking program. This is limited compared to full-featured javascript tracking script, but it will at least give some idea of the amount of views that your ad is getting.
This should also work on myspace, and other networks that allow html, but do not allow javascript or flash.
HTML-only tracking systems:
There's going to be a lot more tracking programs than these, but a lot of them are unprofessional or require you to link back to them. Your current analytics program may already allow image only tracking, so I would check there first to be sure.
Configuring your tracking:
When you put html into a craigslist ad, you need to format the entire ad in html, not just the tracking image. If you don't there is a good chance that something is going to get messed up.
The best way to do this is to use an html or text editor to make your ad. On craigslist in general, I have had the best results with a writing very clean copy that reads straight through. The ad needs to be clearly written, and should be very concise. Once you are done making your ad, paste the tracking image code at the bottom of it. Then copy and paste the entire html into the craigslist ad (Don't copy the <body> or <head> tags). You should also place one or more good images at the bottom of the ad, assuming it is for a product. Pictures make a huge difference for any classified ad.
Example of complete ad code:
Configuring your tracking:
When you put html into a craigslist ad, you need to format the entire ad in html, not just the tracking image. If you don't there is a good chance that something is going to get messed up.
The best way to do this is to use an html or text editor to make your ad. On craigslist in general, I have had the best results with a writing very clean copy that reads straight through. The ad needs to be clearly written, and should be very concise. Once you are done making your ad, paste the tracking image code at the bottom of it. Then copy and paste the entire html into the craigslist ad (Don't copy the <body> or <head> tags). You should also place one or more good images at the bottom of the ad, assuming it is for a product. Pictures make a huge difference for any classified ad.
Example of complete ad code:
Now when you log into your analytics account, you should see reporting from this specific ad. This type of tracking lacks a lot of the data that full-featured analytics will have. But if you can't use any scripting, it's basically the only way to track.
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