Classified ads have been a long time staple of the mail order business. They are relatively low priced, and can attract plenty of attention when used correctly

The same applies to Internet classified ads. They are a great resource since they are priced inexpensively in terms of their exposure, and can often be had for free.

Online classified ads are often offered to advertisers for free to build traffic for the publisher.

The publisher wants to create an audience of visitors who will come to his site on a regular basis. One way to build that traffic is by having classified ads that visitors will frequently read.

Since the publisher has other means of earning revenue for the site, he often will provide free classified ads on his site.

These classified ads should not be dismissed due to the fact that they priced low, or that they are free.

On the other hand, when used correctly they can be a great business building tool for any online business.

As a matter of fact, the Google Ad Words and Google Ad Sense program use the classified ad structure in their advertising programs.

Even though free classified ads might only attract a small amount of traffic, when used repeatedly, or in combination with other free classified ad sites, they can soon start proving the advertiser with a strong flow of online visitors.

For online classified ads to work they need to be used as lead generators. The purpose of the online classified ad is only to bring potential customers to your site.

If you are advertising a phone number, or a brick and mortar address, use it to generate leads.

Sales are difficult to obtain through the limited text available through an online classified ad.

But leads, which are the life blood of all businesses, can be quickly obtained through these ads.

Your Internet classified ad should be written in a realistic tone. You want Internet surfers to know that there is a real legitimate Internet business behind the ad.

To obtain a high response rate from the classified ad, and possibly even some sales if you take that route, stress benefits in your online classified ads.

Benefits are what motivate people into trying a new products and services.

Donny Lowy has set up http://www.billionfreeads.com to provide free online advertising for small businesses.