Backpage originally started in the U.S. before expanding its operations globally, serving to over 90 countries.
It was a classified advertising website that was shut down in 2018 due to allegations of human trafficking and other illegal activities. It is no longer operational, and there is no “backpage” website that has replaced it.
Instead, there are a number of alternative classified ad websites that have emerged to fill the void left by Backpage’s closure.
These platforms offer similar listing services for a variety of categories, but with more robust safeguards and moderation to prevent illegal activities.
It’s important to note that any website claiming to be a “replacement” for Backpage should be approached with caution, as they may be associated with illicit or unethical practices.
When using classified ad websites, it’s crucial to exercise due diligence, be wary of suspicious listings or activities, and report any concerns to the appropriate authorities.
Best Backpage Alternatives
1. Craigslist
Craiglist is one of the most popular alternatives to backpage. It allows marketers and business owners to advertise both B2B and B2C services or products.
Craiglist is impressively ranked among the top 30 most visited sites in the United States.
Like backpage, Craigslist has a wide range of diverse subcategories that range from beauty services to events to jobs to housing to automotive and merchandise.
These subcategories allow your ads to get to a wide range of audiences. Besides, they allow users to sell any service or product.
Craigslist will allow you to post ads only once every 48 hours per geographical area.
Generally, posting ads on Craiglist is free for almost all products. However, it has the exception of furniture and vehicle ads which may require a small fee.
Posting ads for services will incur a nominal charge. However, users are guaranteed a full 30 days whenever they pay for ads.
Although Craiglist may feel a bit outdated, it is still one of the best alternatives to backpage. It also has the best engagement rates.
Do keep in mind that your ads are not too “spammy,” especially while posting ads with a new profile.
2. Locanto
Locanto is a traditional free ad site available in about 60 countries.
Like backpage, you can use Locanto’s online classifieds site to sell services and products and connect with job seekers.
It is excellent for businesses with an existing significant community presence or those trying to build one.
Locanto has uniquely special categories for selling community-based services, classes, leisure activities, and event tickets.
Although not common, some sites require premium accounts to post ads in some cities. However, Locanto is an entirely free ad site for most of its users.
Ads on Locanto include options to include videos, images, and HTML that links back to your site.
Features like social media and analytical buttons allow users to manage traffic to their ads better.
3. Oodle
Oodle is among the most prominent network alternatives to backpage for free ad posting. For instance, it allows users to connect to their social media accounts and local listings from sites like ForRent.com, eBay, newspapers, etc.
One good thing about Oodle is that it bonds well with social media. For instance, users can connect their Oodle account to their Facebook Business Page and immediately post an update when running new Facebook ads.
Besides, Oodle has a partnership with Advertigo. This allows users to feature their Oodle listings on Advertigo, a free online ads site. This will significantly increase their ad’s reach.
Oodle is excellent for advertising services and products aimed at customers.
These products and services include landscaping, pet sitting, grooming, maintenance work services, etc.
Furthermore, if you enjoy the business you get from Oodle’s free ads, you can upgrade to get access to additional features. These features include the ability to include a link to your website.
4. Hoobly
Hoobly is a no-frills free ads site. One thing that makes it an excellent option is its prominent presence in the USA.
It is ideal for re-selling users’ old industry-specific office supplies and equipment. It offers a prominent “Business and Industry” that differs from other classified ad sites.
With this site, users can use Hoobly to sell their products. This is significant if the user’s product falls under one of Hoobly’s major categories.
This includes clothing, art, vehicles, real estate, and jewelry categories.
Like backpage, posting ads on Hoobly requires users to create an account and complete their email verification. This helps add a layer of security to the Hoobly platform.
5. Gumtree
Since its start in the UK, Gumtree has slowly gained expansion.
Gumtree provides paid and free advertisement opportunities for consumers and businesses.
Over the years, Gumtree has proven itself to be one of the most effective free advertising websites to generate more sales via enticing ads.
This website has over 13.9 million unique visitors every month. It also has about 10 million replies every month.
Gumtree has significantly higher traffic. For instance, Gumtree reports its traffic in ‘unique’ visitors instead of total page-views.
Here are some of its stand-out features:
- Ads stay live for up to 60 days. This maximizes the opportunity to reach new users or customers.
- Freedom to update ads at any time. They are free of charge.
- Access to the Pro console. This helps track the performance of the ads.
- Access to a dedicated account manager. This is to assist users with posting ads.
- Option to buy add-on opportunities. This helps create more stand out for all users’ ads
6. Geebo
Geebo counters backpage by taking preventive measures to keep all users safe. For instance, before ads go live on Geebo, the company will review your listing.
Although reviewing might increase the time it will take for ads to be included on the website, Geebo’s advertised process tends to naturally assist users in developing trust for their brands without any action needed on your part.
Whether you are selling services, farm equipment, auto parts, or construction products, Geebo will offer you a brand new audience that knows you are a vetted seller.
Besides, Geebo is a unique classified website for seeking local employees and freelancers. For instance, many skilled workers search free classified advertising sites for opportunities.
What makes Geebo ideal for this is that it aggregates local listings from several job posting websites.
Besides, Geebo designed its resume posting tool, which makes it easy for users or applicants to show their interest in an opportunity.
Geebo allows its users to share their product listing on Geebo’s social media channels which have about 65,000 followers.
7. Facebook Marketplace and Facebook Shops
Technically, Facebook does not fit into the free ads site categories. However, the advent of Facebook Marketplace and Facebook Shops for business pages has offered functions that directly mimic those of backpage.
Facebook Marketplace features ads that have a high potential of getting to the user’s target market.
Facebook Marketing has been upgrading its website for a long time with an emphasis on online shopping. This has made it a dominant force in customer acquisition.
Creating a Facebook Shop account is free. It is easy and fast to create a Facebook account.
Users can choose the products to feature from their catalog. They can then customize the feel and look of their Facebook Shop with accent colors and cover images that showcase their brand.
Because this platform is live in the United States, the implications of Facebook Shops are enormous, especially for D2C brands.
Although Facebook Marketplace and Facebook Shops are not the ideal places to list services, users can still use them to find new contractors and employees.
8. eBay
eBay is one of the top alternatives to backpage. It offers sales services to consumers and businesses alike.
It is the most preferred free online ads site all around the world. This is because it has been well recognized with its ads recording a global reach.
eBay operates in more than 25 countries, making it one of the best options. The site is appealing because of its broad reach of audiences that spread across many regions.
It is super easy to advertise services and products on eBay both internationally and regionally. The site also has a unique social media presence and many followers worldwide.
Furthermore, eBay has an interactive user interface, making it easier to post free advertisements.
9. OfferUp
OfferUp is different from other backpage alternatives because users can ship their items if they have a buyer willing to pay shipping costs.
OfferUp offers security benefits. For instance, all users can create free accounts and communicate inside their OfferUp apps.
Although you can create an OfferUp account, this is not a social media network. However, many people who are hesitant to use Facebook end up using OfferUp.
You can sell almost anything on OfferUp. For instance, you can buy or sell products such as vehicles, furniture, clothes, and antiques.
OfferUp allows users to list items for free. For instance, there are no hidden costs or fees when selling your items on OfferUp.
According to OfferUp, users can list their items in 30 seconds or less.
10. Classified Ads
Classified Ads is another platform where you get what you are looking for. You can create your ad without any cost.
Similar to backpage and other alternative options, Classified Ads is entirely free. It allows users to post ads, browse the listings, and communicate freely with the seller.
This site is created uniquely by an expert team, and it has all the essential features, tools, and services to offer quite a straightforward and fast user experience.
The user interface is simple. It also provides more than 12 different categories for users to explore. These include pets, vehicles, personnel, etc.
Each category has dozens of options that users can easily explore without limitations.
It also has a search box where you only need to input the service or product name that you are looking for.
To enjoy the services of Classified Ads, you need to sign-up with your name, email address, and password.
After signing in successfully, you can easily access all features, explore its ads, and add your posts without limit.
Classified Ads also includes many prominent features such as advanced search boxes, regular updates with lots of ads, etc.
The only drawback though, is the offensive and intrusive ads that show with regular ads. This might discourage certain users to use it.
11. FreeAdsTime.org
FreeAdsTime.org is one of the fastest-growing sites that assist users in finding store services and local classified ads.
It provides many services to users in more than 1,200 cities countrywide.
Almost all services are offered without any charge. This makes FreeAdsTime.org a preferred choice.
The site allows users to post local online ads. They can also create stores that assist locals in finding their items.
The best thing about FreeAdsTime.org is that it has many tools available. This assists marketing users in getting more exposure on the internet while targeting local customers.
Any person can enjoy the services of this site without any cost. You only need to sign up with your name, email address, and other required details.
After you are signed in, you can easily find or post ads using its wide range of tools. FreeAdsTime.org has multiple categories. Every category has its services and jobs.
Wrapping Up
Among all the alternatives, Craigslist stands out. It’s also the most popular and widely used platform.
Craigslist allows marketers and business owners to advertise both B2B and B2C services or products. It also has a simple and user-friendly interface.
A wide range of diverse subcategories ranging from beauty services to events to jobs to housing and other, makes it the number one choice for most.
