How to write a good classified ad (and sell faster)

A clear ad gets more replies — and, above all, more serious ones. Whether you are selling a phone, letting a flat, offering a service or hiring, the same principles apply. Here is how to post an effective ad on TamilMarket.

1. Choose the right category

The category helps visitors find your ad, so pick the one that best matches your offer. In the Property & Business category you also choose the type of ad: home for rent, home for sale or business for sale. This shows visitors the right contact form.

2. A short, precise title

The title is the first thing people see. It should say straight away what you are offering, with the most useful details. Avoid all capitals and rows of exclamation marks.

• Avoid: “GREAT DEAL!!! MUST SEE”
• Better: “2-room flat to rent — Saint-Denis, near the metro”
• Better: “Toyota Yaris 2015, petrol, full service history”

A title can be up to 125 characters, but shorter usually works better: put the most important words first, because that is what people see on small screens.

3. An honest, complete description

Answer in advance the questions people will ask — it saves everyone time.

• For an item: brand, model, real condition, any defects, accessories included, reason for selling.
• For a home: town or district, floor area, number of rooms, floor, rent and charges, date available.
• For a service: what you do, the area you cover, your availability, your rates or how you prepare a quote.
• For a job: position, location, hours, type of contract, skills required.

Use simple sentences. You can write in the language you prefer; many advertisers add a few lines in French and Tamil to reach more people. Being honest about a defect is reassuring: buyers trust a transparent ad more.

4. Photos that make people click

You can add up to five photos (JPG, PNG or WebP). A few tips:

• take photos in natural daylight, without flash;
• show the item or room from several angles, including any defects;
• tidy and clean before taking pictures;
• only use your own photos, never images found online;
• avoid showing personal information (readable number plates, documents, children’s faces).

You can also add a link to a YouTube, TikTok or Instagram video — a home tour, for example.

5. A fair price

Look at similar ads to set your price. Too high and people move on; suspiciously low and you attract the wary… and scammers. If you are open to offers, say so.

If the price includes something specific — delivery, installation, service charges — say so clearly to avoid misunderstandings.

6. Say how to contact you — safely

State in the description how you would like to be contacted (phone, WhatsApp) and when. Only publish what you are comfortable making public: never your exact address, ID documents or bank details.

For homes to rent or sell and businesses for sale, visitors can send you their details through a form. You will find them in your account under “My enquiries”, with buttons to call or message on WhatsApp. Use this information only to reply about your ad.

7. Keep your ad up to date

• Edit it from your account if anything changes (price, availability, photos).
• Mark it “unavailable” as soon as the item is sold or the home is let, so you stop receiving pointless requests.
• Delete it when it is no longer needed.

Ads are removed automatically after a set period; the details are explained in How it works.

8. Follow the rules

Some ads are not allowed, including illegal products or services, counterfeits, and discriminatory or misleading content. Housing and job ads must not include discriminatory criteria. Read the Posting rules before you publish: an ad that breaks them may be removed.

9. Stay careful

Even with a great ad, watch out for fake buyers and requests for codes. Our guide How to avoid scams on classified ads sums up the right habits.

Frequently asked questions

Does it cost anything to post an ad?

No, posting an ad on TamilMarket is free. You just need to sign in, so that you can edit or delete your ads later from your account.

Can I post the same ad in several categories?

Choose the most relevant category. Duplicate ads clutter the listings and may be removed. If you are offering genuinely different things, post a separate ad for each.

Why is there no contact form on my property ad?

The form depends on the type of ad (home for rent, home for sale, business for sale). Ads posted before these types existed do not have one yet: edit your ad, choose its type and save. The form will then appear for visitors.

In short

Right category, precise title, honest description, clear photos, fair price and controlled contact details: your ad is ready. Post it for free on TamilMarket.