Despite the trademark black-and-white simple design, Craigslist is not streamlined for mobile devices. This makes both browsing and posting classifieds a bit of a nightmare from your iPhone. Luckily, there’s an app (or three) for that.

Before We Begin

The three apps I’ve chosen are, in my experience (and according to favourable App Store reviews) the best ways of browsing Craigslist from an iPhone without spending money. Unfortunately nearly all of them have vague names, sometimes incorporating other names within them – making them hard to find.

In addition to a link to the App Store, I’ve noted the developer in brackets so you can check to make sure you’re grabbing the right version. Believe me – there are more Craigslist apps on the App Store than any of us will ever need.

Craigslist Free (Lifelike Apps Inc.)

Featuring a stylish presentation that really makes boring old Craigslist look exciting and easy to read, Craigslist Free is a highly capable CL solution for iPhone. The app mimics a daily newspaper’s classifieds in its design, an aesthetic choice which suits the service to a tee and provides some useful extra functionality.

Along the bottom of the screen are five tabs – Location (for choosing alternate cities, worldwide), Categories (for browsing), Favourites (limited to just two in the free version), Font (for changing text size quickly) and another menu called Post, etc for uploading an ad. Posting from the app is a relatively painless affair that’s possible with or without a CL account and comes complete with an image upload option.

Browsing adverts is as easy as you’d expect, and there are a few more tricks to help you on your way. In order to add a favourite, simply circle the classified with your fingers (as you would with a pen in a newspaper) or hide an advert altogether by scribbling it out. The limitation of only having two favourites makes this rather nice feature a bit useless, though you can hide as many ads as you like by scribbling.

My main complaint about this app is the image sizing. Pictures look great in an advertisement’s title, but once you’ve clicked the advert they’re relegated to tiny thumbnails afoot the screen. It would be nice to have tappable images that could be easily zoomed or even shared. Aside from the odd crash, this is all I can find to complain about. If you’d like to buy the paid version (no adverts, unlimited favourites) then you’ll find it here for $0.99.

Craigslist Mobile (YYH Creative)

Two different developers, two different apps, two very similar names. The first Craigslist Mobile on this list is an advert-supported app with all the functionality of the website. The presentation of this app isn’t quite as polished as the previous, but the classifieds are easy to read and the app comes with little in the way of limitations.

Three main tabs – search, favourites and post – separate the main functions and the whole process is kept very simple indeed. Searching through sub-categories is fast and painless thanks to the quick-access to the main sections on the right-hand side. Once tapped adverts are formatted very much like the iOS Mail app and easy to share or favourite using the bar along the foot of the screen.

Unlike Craigslist Free (above) photos seem a bit stretchier, often filling the width of the screen and providing a decent eye-full. If I had to pick a complaint it would be that perhaps the app is a bit dull to look at, and at times it feels like there’s just too much text on screen. That’s pretty much all I can think of for negatives, and I don’t even mind staring at a few ads considering the functionality provided.

Craigslist Mobile For iPhone (Escargot Studios, LLC)

Another full-blown browsing and posting client, Craigslist Mobile For iPhone is an ad-supported CL app with some interesting features. The app allows filtering of classifieds by parameters such as whether a photo is included, price range and sorting. Results are displayed tidily either in list view with text or via photos.

Classifieds are well-laid out, with large images and even an option to report the listing. It’s also easy to save or view an item on the map using the bar at the bottom of the screen. Posting to Craigslist is also included, though unfortunately the option to advertise without a CL account is absent. For those without an account there is an option to register in-app.

A few things have been niggling me whilst playing with Craigslist Mobile For iPhone and one is the constant, laborious reminders that I can purchase Craigslist Ultimate for extra features – I just don’t care, I’m not going to buy it (certainly not after being constant told to do so). The other is the fact that functions are displayed above searches that require another app to be purchased (Craigslist Ultimate again) in order to use.

Conclusion

It’s quite tough to choose between these apps, as each has its own quirks and drawbacks. The first (Craigslist Free) is hands-down the best looking of the bunch, its iBooks-esque approach and newspaper design is eye catching and pleasant to read. The second app (Craigslist Mobile) is unrestricted, fairly plain and entirely functional whereas the final app on the list draws the line somewhere between the two.

Let us know what you think, which you prefer or if there are any other Craigslist applications that you swear by in the comments, below.

It was then and there that I realized there are probably some other crazy things among the virtual classifieds, and fortunately, I found the Best Of section of the site. While there, I found some very strange items on there, so I thought I would share them with you!

Spokane: Bigfoot

When I first saw this ad, it mentioned something about an imaginary friend. Naturally, I figured that’s all it would be – a goofy ad about an imaginary friend seeking real friends. Not exactly… What I did find was an entire ad about Bigfoot looking for love, and it’s definitely worth checking out. (Responding is optional.)

Baltimore: Body Dumping Site

With all the humorous stuff concerning Siri and body disposal, I thought I’d put this one on the list. Someone in Baltimore offered up their backyard for a good body dumping site. Why? Apparently, it’s legal to dump a body in Baltimore, and furthermore, civilians don’t have to report a dead body. Don’t take my word on this, for I’m just reiterating the ad.

Asheville: 1970s Avocado Green Toilet

Oh, the seventies – a time in which home decor was bad and earth tones ruled the day. This porcelain wonder is advertised as a place where you can sit “while leafing through a Reader’s Digest, smoking a cigarette, watching Chico and the Man”. Sounds like a party, indeed.

Washington, D.C.: Actor Needed

I don’t know why I clicked the simple ad request for an actor, but I did. Basically, someone needed an actor to “lose” the family dog so the kids wouldn’t be too hurt. The premise of this was both cruel and genius. I loved it. Also, the fact that it was a $500 gig wasn’t too bad, either.

Minneapolis: MacBook Wanted

Before I got my MacBook, I was willing to do whatever I could to get one. This college kid obviously wanted one really bad for school. However, instead of offering up cash, he opts for the barter system, offering items such as his Robin Hood: Men in Tights DVD and a can of vegetables (your choice!).

Raleigh: Ghost Wanted

This is actually the most recent BOC I found, but it’s different, fresh, and unique. To put things short and sweet, it would appear that a documentary filmmaker is looking to contact a ghost. Ah, but not just any ghost – a ghost who is using the Internet. Brilliant, really.

Orlando: Human Soul

Much like how I was forced to sign away my soul when I began writing for MakeUseOf (I should really start reading contracts more thoroughly – kidding, I love MUO), a fellow right on Craigslist tried to sell his soul on a “Black Friday special”. His purpose of doing this was to simply earn money for Christmas shopping. However, he was also open to bartering. Perhaps the MacBook kid could haven taken a note?

London: Henchmen Needed

Based on the details of this ad, Jacques “The Zapper” Zerapi was in need of a few good henchmen to get his super-villain lifestyle started. With desired traits such as a “flexible moral code” and “being a corrupt government official”, I’m sure there were plenty of applicants available.

New York: Potato Cannon

This… I don’t know what to say about this. Apparently, the fellow was wanting to get rid of his 8-feet long potato cannon because “the neighbors figured out what was happening”. I’d like to know the story behind this, so if any of you want to email him and ask, leave your findings in the comments.

Conclusion

I really don’t know if all of these ads are real (some are obviously fake), but I almost wish all of them were. The world could use a few more interesting things, don’t you think? Perhaps Craigslist is where we could start! For more Strange Craigslist, check out the Best of Craigslist.

What other strange ads have you found on Craigslist? Do you know of any other places with odd items such as these?

Craigslist is an obvious solution, and one I’m familiar with, as I’ve worked with several businesses that I found through Craigslist’s Jobs section. However, I also found myself wasting time on supposed opportunities that turned out to be scams. Learn from my experience and you’ll save yourself time and heartache.

Don’t Pay To Play

Okay, okay. This one might seem a little obvious, but I feel like it is worth saying for those who are just starting in the world of Craigslist job hunting.

Never, ever pay for job opportunities.

Often, these are scams, but they’re not always so blatant. Creative types, such as writers, graphical artists and even programmers, will often come across advertisements for job boards focused on a specific area of expertise. Joining is usually free, but you’re not allowed to apply to jobs without paying – or if you’re allowed to apply, your application is given some disadvantage that virtually guarantees you won’t be selected.

Technically, sites like this aren’t always scams because some people do in fact find jobs through them. Even if you do find an opportunity, however, it will often be of poor quality. The employers who use these boards are often aware that someone desperate enough to pay money to find jobs will also be willing to work on the cheap.

Avoid Suspicious Sales Jobs

Another folly that often trips up Craiglist job searches are the mysterious sales jobs. These are companies that compensate their employees primarily by a sales commission, and often promise outrageous income for little work. Such a job might not be bad if reasonable base pay was available, or if employees weren’t often expected to spend significant amounts of their own time and money in the search for a big sale.

Ironically, these jobs often catch searchers off guard with promises of high base pay. Usually this is qualified by a phrase such as “per appointment” or “expected” because employees are paid not by the hour but for individual sales appointments and leads, plus whatever commission comes from them.

Also look out for group job interviews or promises of preliminary training sessions made by overly enthusiastic employers. Often these so-called interviews turn in to sales pitches, where employers eagerly convince a captive audience to ignore the terrible base pay and lack of benefits in the hopes of earning big commissions.

Apply Now! Seriously

The Internet is all about the now. News, now! Entertainment, now! And of course, jobs – right now!

If you’re going to be successful on Craigslist, you need to approach it with the ability to act immediately. Often, an employer who posts a general advertisement will receive a few hundred resumes within a day. The chances that you’ll be picked aren’t great if you’re not one of the first twenty or thirty applicants. Job hunters applying to positions that require special skills will have a little more time, but it never hurts to be quick.

How can you make sure that you’re one of the first to apply? Use Craigslist’s RSS feeds! Many people forget that this function is available, and I don’t blame them, because the site tucks its RSS feed button down in the bottom right hand corner of its pages. If you want to be lightning-quick, subscribe to your local Craiglist Jobs RSS feed both on your computer and on your mobile device.

Tapping Out Templates

Using templates is controversial among job hunters, but I fall on the side of using them. Today’s high-volume online job search forces hunters to be brief, giving them time to apply for as many jobs as possible.

What I don’t recommend however, is that hunters use pre-packaged templates. Instead, create your own! This can easily be done using Microsoft Word. My suggestion is to create templates for each specific type of job you might apply for, such as customer service, office management, etc. Make sure the template has sections where the name of the specific company you are applying to, if known, can be inserted.

You can even save a copy of the template to your email or on your mobile device so that it can be altered with a document editing app. This will make it possible for you to apply while out and about, ensuring that your application arrives first!

Use Alternative Craigslist Search Engines

Perhaps the biggest limitation you’ll encounter when using Craigslist to search for jobs is Craigslist itself. The grouping of jobs and locations that you are sorting through may not be the best for your specific job hunt.

Fortunately, there are other Craigslist search engines that can help you. We’ve already covered these in a separate article, so go check them out! They could save you a lot of time.

Conclusion

Job hunting is no one’s idea of fun, but these tips will hopefully keep your time unemployed as short as possible. If you have any of your own advice, let us know in the comments!

Image Credit: Job Hunting – The Blog 

Check out these four more ways to make your Craigslist browsing just a little easier by letting you search all of craigslist at once.

Allofcraigs

Allofcraigs has a posh landing page that offers a textbook execution of a GIF, but the question is this – does it actually work? Well, I’m happy to tell you that besides it being just a pretty face, the site does exactly what it is supposed to do. Just punch in what you are searching for, and sure enough, Allofcraigs will search all of Craigslist and then present to you your search results from all over the country (or in a specific region).

Besides scouring Craigslist, Allofcraigs will actually run searches in Craig’s competitors, such as Kijiji and Backpage. Furthermore, the site offers a Firefox add-on and a Chrome extension among a few other items.

AllofCraigslist.org

AllofCraigslist.org has quite the similar title to the first site that I mentioned in this post, and as you might guess, it does basically the same thing. I guess the only question that you need to ask yourself is whether or not you want to give someone ad revenue. Using Google Custom Search, AllofCraigslist.org allows users to search nationwide for items of interest.

Granted, it functions a little like a watered-down version of Allofcraigs, but it does allow users to search in the traditional classes (“for sale”, ”community”, “gigs”, etc.)

Dailylister

Dailylister is a lot like the sites shown here, but it lets you search in the formal categories that Craigslist has to offer. For instance, I could search for a Chevy Camaro in the category of “cars+trucks – by owner”, but it still searches for items nationwide. The site uses Google Custom Search (much like the others).

It does have quite a few ads clogging up the white space of your search results. However, they have to pay for the site somehow, right?

Craiggers

We’ve discussed Craiggers before on MakeUseOf, but perhaps the site should be given a second look. Out of all the sites shown here, I believe that Craiggers is the prettiest to look at. Even while browsing, the user interface is clean-cut and incredibly easy to use, and although I am someone that believes in function over form, I’ll admit that this site’s appearance was what made me want to use it.

Beyond appearances, Craiggers does exactly what you would expect it to, and it does it with style. The site claims to be better than Craigslist, and I’m beginning to think that this might be true.

Conclusion

These sites simply make Craigslist-browsing a little less frustrating, and if you’re up for seeing the site in a different light, you should try them out. Granted, you may be like Craigslist (who has kept the same style design since 2001) and appreciate the same old thing that you know and love. There’s nothing wrong with that, and you shouldn’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

What other sites have you used to search all of Craigslist? Have you ever used the ones shown here?

The first step is obviously writing an eBook. Don’t concern yourself too much with copyright. Thanks to the Digital Millenium Act of 1998, anything you generate and publish online is already legally copyrighted under your author name. However, it is true that enforcing that copyright could be somewhat difficult unless you do hold proof of copyright, so if you’re very concerned about someone stealing your work, then submit the claim electronically and pay the fee.

If it sets your mind at ease, it’s well worth the cost. If you’re wondering what format you should write your eBook in, here at MakeUseOf, authors provided a number of excellent tools that can help you generate that first eBook. Saikat wrote about the PHP script converter at EbookHood to convert your eBook into iPod readable format. You’ve also probably read about the cool MyEbook eBook publishing platform, or my favorite one, Zinepal, which creates your PDF eBook in a format that most common readers can display. Another very good option is converting your Word document to PDF format, as Aibek described in his article on doPDF. Once you have your eBook in a format that you can sell, you’re ready to move on into marketing and selling your eBook.

Make Money Selling eBooks Online Just Like Any Other Product

I’ve mentioned some of my own eBay history in my past articles on the auction site, and while my personal experiences as an eBay PowerSeller were not very easy, I do know that any product which you have an unlimited supply of and a high demand for do very well there.

With that said, the eBooks that aren’t very in demand really don’t do well at all. The key, when you choose what topics to write about, is to choose eBook topics in the same way you would choose an online article topic – based on the demand for that topic and the availability of it throughout the net. The smartest thing to do when you go with eBay is to set up a seller store and post your eBooks in a permanent listing for a regular fee. Another fantastic marketplace for eBooks is Craigslist.

This surprises many people, but the truth is that Craigslist has become a very large marketplace with a huge audience. Just like on eBay, if you’re writing on a topic that’s in demand, you’ll get interested buyers.

Reaching the eBook Audience

The very best way to achieve the highest sales for your eBook is to take advantage of those eBook directories that accept submissions from authors. While most major eBook sellers like Amazon or Barnes & Nobles only accept submissions from major book publishers, many of the smaller online firms will accept direct submissions from writers. Jack recently wrote a great article on how to publish your eBook in print using LuLu’s awesome publication service, but LuLu also offers eBook authors a fantastic resource to sell your book in electronic format as well.

Now, selling an eBook on LuLu is not free. The right to publish comes at a price tag that’s currently about $1.49. For me, that’s about the price of a cup of coffee, and considering the fact that LuLu takes care of integrating DRM copy protection and already has a huge audience for your book – it’s well worth it. If your book sells, LuLu takes only a $2.50 cut while you get $10 in revenue. I’m very impressed with LuLu’s rates and service and would recommend them to any potential author. However, if you really only want to use a service that’s absolutely free, there is another excellent option known as TradeBit.

At TradeBit, you can upload your eBooks where the TradeBit community can find it and buy it. For hosting and selling your eBook for you, TradeBit charges absolutely nothing upfront, and when it sells you get 75% of the revenue. Again, this is a very fair deal considering that TradeBit absorbs the costs for hosting, promoting and selling your eBook on their site and with their existing traffic.

Host Your Own eBooks and Take 100% of the Profit

There is, of course, always the self-hosting option. In this case, you would set up a blog or a website and provide your own eBooks for download through a payment system like Paypal and just offer your books in a simple format just like you would sell Amazon books on your own blog.

The advantage to selling your own eBooks on your blog or website is that you set your own price and collect 100% of the profits. The disadvantage is that you’re starting at ground zero in attracting an audience and potential buyers. Over time, you’ll have a good traffic, a strong reputation, and a steady revenue stream – but getting there will take a bit longer if you opt for the self-hosting approach. The best option might be to start with one of the eBook sales sites in order to get people hooked on the eBooks that you write, and then switch to the self-hosted option once people recognize your name as a premium eBook author.

Do you author your own eBooks? What approach or technique do you take to sell your books? Share your insight and advice in the comments section below.