Classified ads target customers in your geographical area to help reduce scams. Search for the category that best suits your products or services and then take a look at your competitor's ads. What items do they list, how do they list them, in detail or do they generalize, what contact information do they provide?

Write you classified ad with your competitions ads in mind then focus your customers on why your products or services are better. Do you have an extra feature to your products or services that gives you an edge over the competition? If so make sure to include it in your ad.

When writing the ad, or articles and blogs for that matter, be human. Don't use industry jargon and don't talk down to your customers. People will respond more favorably if you are helpful and care about their needs.

Online classified ads can also be used to clean the clutter, meet people, join online social groups and find a job.

Following are some of the top websites for listing your free classified ads.

http://www.craigslist.org

http://www.kijiji.com

http://expo.live.com/

http://www.oodle.com/

http://www.google.com/Top/Shopping/Classifieds/Free_Classifieds/

http://www.olx.com/

http://www.postlets.com/home.php

http://sfbay.listpic.com/

http://www.villagevoice.com/classifieds/