We developed a classifieds site similar in simplicity to craigslist, but we're a much smaller country in Central America (population 5 million) and we don't have craigslist here. I've included a screen shot of the main page. Our only competition currently is another classifieds site that also offers free ads. About 47% use it, but it's an awful site. How can we generate an income from our site? We were thinking of charging if the user wanted to display an image on the main page (under the tabs), but we're not certain if that would affect the number of free ads posted on the site. Maybe they'll get the wrong impression and think that the site is not free. We want to publish for start/mid October, and we want to start off right. Well, any help/suggestions are appreciated.
What about say free for all, but few paid listings as well in each category. On every page the first 3 listings will be paid listings in random (if they are more than 3) and rest are free listings. Similarly few categories can totally be made on paid basis.
paid listing would be your choice. you can beat the other site if you can help your user USE YOUR EASILY MUCH EASIER THAN THE OTHER. fast loading and easy in the eye are factors too. small text links would be an option too. but not too much ok