As a result of the economic downturn, more internet users are turning to classified ad sites such as Gumtree and Craigslist, according to social networking experts.
Recent figures from internet traffic trackers Hitwise indicate that online traffic to classifieds websites increased by 84 per cent in February 2009, compared to the previous year.
Co-founder and co-editor of the Social Media Portal (SMP), Tim Gibbon, said: ‘In more challenging times, web users are perhaps taking a different approach in researching and comparing prices for the products and services that they are seeking.
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‘They are looking for competitive pricing and information before they purchase and these sites can offer that.’
Classified ads held a 0.29 per cent market share of UK traffic with Gumtree.com, VivaStreet.uk and Preloved taking the top three spots.
The Internet Advertising Bureau reported this month that classified growth remained healthy in 2008, up 22.2 per cent to £715.2 million.
April 14, 2009
source: bcs.org