Craigslist Alaska Personals

Become Familiar with Craigslist

Craigslist uses a very simple, ad-free design that is easy to navigate. The number of on-screen links can initially be a little overwhelming, however.

To get started, follow this link to the Alaska Craigslist page.

Locate the “personals” section on the left side of the screen. Just about all relationship possibilities are covered. You can choose from:

• Strictly platonic
• Women seeking women
• Women seeking men
• Men seeking women
• Men seeking men
• Miscellaneous romance
• Casual encounters
• Missed connections

The missed connections section allows you to try and make contact with someone you saw—at a restaurant, bar, in a car—but were unable to communicate with.

Read Personal Ads

The best way to get started is to read some ads first. Seeing what people write in their ads will help you write your own and give you insights into how to attract attention.

Keep watch for the following things:

• Whether photos are posted
• How much information is provided
• Whether age is mentioned
• What people want in a date
• How people describe themselves

You don’t want to copy word-for-word other people’s ads, but often personal ads like Craigslist has its own language and style. Following the unwritten guidelines will make it look like you know what you are doing—even it’s your first time posting.

Craigslist Alaska Personals: Post an Ad

To use Craigslist personals you don’t have to post an ad. However, doing so will increase your chances of finding someone. Having your own ad allows you to be found—by someone you missed in your own searches, or by someone who is doesn’t have an ad.

Click the category that fits what who you are and what you are looking for. As an example, a man looking for a woman should post an ad in the “men seeking women” section, because this is where women looking for me will go to browse ads.

After reading the disclaimer, look at the top left of the page for the “post” link. Choose the dating category that fits what you are looking for and then you’ll be taken to the page where you can write your own ad.

The sections of your ad include:

• Title. This is the headline of your ad.
• Your age
• Posting description. This is where you type your personal ad.
• Your e-mail address. No one will be able to see your address, so make sure you type a valid address so that you can receive responses.

How to Write your Ad

Your ad needs to start with a good title. Something creative may get you noticed more, but a brief description of who you are or what you are looking for works well too. Since Craigslist isn’t broken down into age segments like some websites, you should also consider putting your age in the title.

After someone clicks on your ad, you’ll have to work fast to impress them. Don’t write a novel, but make sure you write enough so readers gain a feel for whom you are and what you want.

Often people will describe what they want but will fail to talk about themselves. Remember that dating is a two-way street. You don’t get to just pick what you want; you also have to sell yourself as well. At least mention a few of your hobbies and a couple personality traits.

What about Photos?

Craigslist gives you the option of posting your photo. Most people do not post a photo, so don’t feel obligated. But, you should consider making mention in your ad that you have a photo available.

Many people will write “pic for pic” which means they will send their photo if you send yours. It works pretty well as long as you're not expecting love at first sight.

Responding to an Ad

To send someone a message, all you need to do is click on the “Reply to” line at the top of the ad. Keep in mind that the receiver will have access to your e-mail address. Since you don’t know who will be receiving your message, consider sending your message from a special account. You can create a free e-mail address on services like Yahoo! or Hotmail. This way, if the person won’t stop sending you e-mails, at least they are sending messages to your “dating only” address instead of your main account.

Conclusion

Take things slow once you start communicating. Send plenty of e-mails back and forth to get to know who you are talking to before agreeing to meet in person. Remember to always play it safe first.