Craigslist is one of the most-visited websites in the U.S., and it hasn’t really changed since the 1990s. No modern UI, no endless features — just simple categories, posts, and replies. Yet it works.
Here are a few lessons beginner developers can take away:
- Start simple. Craigslist’s posting flow is just forms and email verification — but it solves the problem.
- Focus on core value. Users come for listings, not fancy design.
- Community helps. A basic flagging system is enough for moderation when users care about the platform.
- You don’t need every feature. Craigslist makes hundreds of millions with just selective paid categories.
When you’re building your first project, it’s tempting to add everything at once. But Craigslist proves that you can win by doing less — as long as you’re solving the right problem.
👉 I’ve written a longer breakdown of Craigslist’s features, business model, and lessons for marketplace builders. Read the full article here - How to start a website like Craigslist.
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