New Captcha

If you are a regular poster to Craigslist, you have probably noticed that Craigslist has implemented a new captcha system over the past month or so.

At first, it might not look like such a big deal, but there are some very important changes that you should know about. Keep reading to find out to the way this new system tracks you, and can block your ads.

First, let me explain exactly what the new system is. It is a project called reCAPTCHA. It is a non-profit project that is digitizing books.

Basically, this project, which is being run by Carnegie Mellon University, uses some of the most powerful OCR software (programs that convert images to text) to digitize books. However, there are many mistakes these programs make because sometimes the scanned images are so hard to read.

So when you see 2 captcha challenge words on Craigslist, one in fact is the real challenge word and the other is a word that the OCR software could not decipher. Once enough people agree on this unknown word, then that word is now “digitized” and the book can be updated.

Sounds like a worthwhile cause to support, huh!

In helping to block unwanted postings, Craigslist is actually helping a very worthwhile cause – a win-win proposition.

So why worry?

There is one more little detail about this reCAPTCHA project that can cause all of your ads to be blocked.

See, this reCAPTCHA system has a very sophisticated filtering mechanism that increases Craigslist’s ability to block your ads – big time. reCAPTCHA not only tracks your IP address when you solve the reCAPTCHA, but it does so much more aggressively than Craigslist ever did.

So, if for example, your office shares an IP address and there are let’s say 50 postings per day from your office (not hard to imagine if you work in a real estate office), then reCAPTCHA will connect those postings much more efficiently than Craigslist did in the past. And that is bad news for your ads.

Also, reCAPTCHA uses a timing mechanism – it times how fast (or slow) you enter the reCAPTCHA. So if you enter it too fast or too slow, you can also get blocked.

Why bother using Craigslist if it is becoming so difficult?

Good question – why bother if Craigslist is making it so difficult to post your ads. Same reason as always – because when used properly …

Craigslist works!

Craigslist is the hottest market for active buyers and you need to tap into that market.

So stick with it, and if it becomes too much, you can always get help from my friends at BizBlitz Marketing.

PS: If this reCAPTCHA system is causing your ads to be blocked, or it is just too much hassle, you can still get guaranteed zero blocking and the best Craigslist marketing experts in the real estate industry on your side …

http://www.BizBlitzMarketing.com

Watch Out for Cookies

Just when you thought it was safe to post your real estate ads on Craigslist and other online classified sites, they change the rules.

If you’ve been following our advice, you are aware of the top 7 reasons why your Craigslist Ads may be getting blocked. Let’s assume that you’ve taken every measure not to cross contaminate or “taint” your IP addresses, email addresses, and the ad content. And let’s also assume that you are rotating your titles, ad content, email addresses, and IP address. Finally, I’m sure you are deleting your old postings.

Now there’s a silent, new “Ad Killer” on the prowl, taking out your Craigslist real estate ads, stifling the response to your listings, and cutting off the money flow into your bank account. What is this horrible new “Slayer of Sales?” It’s… cookies. Okay, I know what you’re thinking. But we’re not talking about the cookies that we ate too much of during our childhood.

Simply put, cookies are a bit of text that leaves a trail when you visit a websites like Craigslist so that the next time you come back, they know you’ve already been there. When you go back to that website, it automatically remembers you and your preferences, even if you aren’t logged in. That’s it. Not a big deal right? (For a more detailed explanation go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTTP_cookie)

Every time you visit Craigslist, you are being recognized because of your cookies. And if you create an ad that gets blocked, Craigslist knows who you are because of your cookie and will always remember you, no matter what IP or email address you post your ad from. This will drastically increase the changes of your ads being blocked!

So what’s the solution?

Make sure you ERASE your cookie after every session and before you visit Craigslist again. Here is a step by step guide on how to do that: http://www.clearallhistory.com/erase-history-eraser.html.

***WARNING***

You must figure out how to do this properly, because erasing all your cookies could delete vital information that you need for other websites that you actually need, like your real estate websites, personal websites, and MLS websites.

The easy way you can protect yourself from this latest (but certainly not the last) threat to your Craigslist ads is to visit my friends at The Real Estate Marketing Service. They have solved this problem, plus the myriad of other problems that you will encounter when posting your real estate ads on Craigslist.

If you don’t have the time or energy to go through an in depth review, each and every time, to make sure your ads are 100% bullet proof, then go here:

http://www.bizblitzmarketing.com

P.S. – The cookie problem is very real and very hazardous for your Craigslist ads. Make sure you’re not falling victim to it, and the multitude of other problems that you know about… and DON’T know about. I’m telling you that if you aren’t using this service, you are either working too hard or you are missing out on a treasure trove of new leads. Check out their “Try it before you Buy it Promotion”, you’ve got nothing to lose and they buyer leads they generate for you during the trial period are yours, FREE.

IP Address Blocking

IP Address Getting Blocked?

So you’ve changed your ad body and used a new email address. You’ve done EVERYTHIING in your power to ensure your Craigslist ads get posted. And yet…

You’re STILL getting blocked. Guess what? Your IP Address may be the cause. See, your IP Address is your digital footprint. Every time that you visit a website, any website, your IP Address is visible.

So what are the reasons your IP Address may be getting blocked? Here are a few:

• Someone in your office triggered the blocking – if you’re using a shared Internet connection to post your ads, like at your real estate office where dozens of agents are using the same IP Address, this could be your problem.
• A mistake by Craigslist – you can try to contact them, but good luck!
• Previous over-posting by you – which would put you on the IP “Black List” forever.
• But more importantly, what are the solutions to this problem? The bottom line is that you need to change your IP Address.

Some effective techniques to change your IP Address are:

• If you are technically savvy, you can try to reset your Internet connection (i.e. router, DSL modem, etc.) or call your Internet provider to see if they will reset your IP Address.
• Buying a proxy service, although this may backfire, since many are already blocked.
• Using a dial-up connection when posting your ads, although this is slow – remember the dial-up days?
• Going to a public Wi-Fi spot and using their network (like a Starbucks Hot Spot)

But the easiest way to take care of this problem is to visit BizBlitz Marketing. They will go through the trouble and headache FOR you, to ensure that your ads aren’t getting blocked due to a bad IP Address (or for any other reason).

Eliminate the Hassle

Whatever your solution, remember that once you trigger a filter on Craigslist, there really is no removing it. You just need to go around it.

P.S. – There are a ton of other issues that could make your ad not perform to its full potential. Biz Blitz Marketing takes care of these issues, seen and unseen, so you don’t have to. Here’s that link again:

http://www.BizBlitzMarketing.com