Backpage Classified used to be a go-to platform for many for buying, selling, or trading anything at all–ranging from used furniture, job postings, and so much more. This platform gained particular traction in California because of the state’s booming economy and diverse population. However, after shutting down, users were left asking, “Where can I post classified ads now?”
Starbackpage is one of the many other websites that serve the user’s purpose, especially in California. Other strong alternatives include 2backpage and obackpage. In this article, we explain the most reliable alternatives to Backpage Classified, concentrating on features, usability, and regional reach.
Backpage Classified was widely popular in California because of its ease of use and localized access with countless functionalities. Users did not require technical expertise, making it simple for any user to navigate to every city in California, ranging from Los Angeles and San Diego to Sacramento and Fresno.
Backpage Classified was a platform that brought together people looking for gigs, small business advertisements, and even service providers.
Users scrambled looking for substitutes with similar local efficiency after the site went down due to legal complications. This is where the best alternatives step in.
What Features Does a Backpage Classified Alternative Need to Have?
When looking for a substitute, California being so vast and diverse, the following criteria are very important:
- Geo-targeting: Are users able to post ads in specific cities or regions?
- Options of free and paid services: Does the platform offer both?
- Ease of navigation: Is the system simple to use?
- Post approval speed: How quickly do posts go live?
- Safety and scam moderation: Are users protected from scams?
Let’s review the features of these platforms starting from our preferred pick first ensuring California users are fully met.
1. Starbackpage- The Best Alternative in California
If you’re interested in using a platform as close to the original Backpage as possible, Starbackpage will surely not disappoint.
Why it stands out
Starbackpage offers a smoother experience of Backpage with a simpler layout and quicker load times.
Users can choose from almost all major cities in California, including the metropolitan ones like San Francisco and Los Angeles as well as the smaller ones such as Modesto and Visalia. This level of precision is helpful to individual sellers and businesses alike.
Starbackpage is also highly accessible for people using mobile devices, which is essential in the mobile-centric world of today. Supporting various categories such as services, personals, community, for sale, housing, and more points to their versatility. Furthermore, unlike some other platforms that post ads with delays, Starbackpage usually publishes them immediately.
Notable Features
- Simple selection of all California regions through city dropdowns.
- Prompt publishing of ads Free premium options available.
- Ad restricted layout with limited sponsors streamlines focus on user interface.
- Quick response time to customer issues noted to have.
Advertisers gaining new clientele or seeking to sell a bicycle in Riverside can tailor the message for location and feel as the sole competition thanks to Starbackpage.
2. 2backpage
Gaining steady traction among the Californian users, another Backpage Classified’s successor is 2backpage.
The near indistinguishable resemblance in design of 2backpage to the original Backpage’s design is what makes it great. Anyone who used to appreciate the older site and has wanted to look for an alternative will find this nostalgic experience welcoming.
It’s clear-cut, user-friendly, and doesn’t overwhelm you with irrelevant ads or pop-ups screaming for your attention.
2backpage spans across numerous cities and offers free ad posting, with paid promotional listings to boost visibility. It remains a favorite for posting gigs, services, adult content, and continues to have a strong hold in California.
3. obackpage
obackpage is another solid alternative that makes it easier for Californians to post classifieds without a hassle.
Living up to its namesake, obackpage provides a blast from the past take on the Backpage Classified look and feel. It sports smooth browsing as well as multiple categories for posting such as real estate, vehicles, services, jobs, and even personals.
The site also focuses heavily on security. All posts are screened, and there is a reporting system in place to eliminate spam or unsuitable material. If safety concerns you when trying to post personal information online, obackpage is commendable in terms of moderation.
4. Craigslist
Although the direct inspiration for Backpage was Craigslist, it continues to be one of the most popular classified ads websites in California. Its design hasn’t evolved much within the years, yet, still continues to serve its purpose well.
Craigslist remains unrivaled when it comes to the size of its audience and community-centric approach.
Subdomains for every city helps posting and browsing around your local area as easy as a click of a button.
The bad part? They might look too simplistic for some people and certain categories have a posting fee.
5. Geebo
Although little known, Geebo has a unique safety-first approach. Verified compliance ad campaigns are great for scam-wary consumers.
Geebo may lack flashiness like Starbackpage or 2backpage, but its partnerships with third-party verification services help. Geebo is a safe bet for people posting job listings and services.
6. Hoobly
Hoobly caters to a diverse audience beyond pet listings and local community events. It garners particular prominence in suburban hotspots in California and has niche-specific animal services and hobby equipment.
Its simplistic interface provides ease for beginner users when posting.
7. USFreeAds
USFreeAds could use a redesign, but they contain one of the largest directories for specific item types such as pets, collectibles and services. Californian users will get great value in selling niche items.
You will require a premium subscription to some categories, but for most users, the visibility is worth the price.
8. ClassifiedAds.com
AdlandPro is a free classifieds website that maintains a clean user interface. Unlike other sites, classifiedAds.com does not require users to register, which can be a plus for users looking to quickly post content. Their California specific pages allow users with California specific content to easily target a local audience. However, due to the relatively open structure, moderation tends to be inconsistent.
9. AdlandPro
AdlandPro is an international classified advertisement website with a strong presence in many major California cities. It is perfect for business focused ads like real estate services, employment opportunities, or various services. On the plus side, ads listed AdlandPro get indexed by most search engines within a short time which gives the ad additional visibility online.
Conclusion
The best alternative to Backpage Classified based on your location in California would depend on a few of your particular criteria.
For a more well rounded advertisement platform with similar vibes to Backpage, use Starbackpage. 2backpage is a great option for users looking for a classic experience and rapid ad posting. If ease of use and safety are the two most important aspects you are looking for, obackpage is the ideal choice for you.
Each individual platform has its strong points, such as powerful moderation, easy-to-navigate interfaces, and localized considerations for the diverse California market.
Still Wondering Where to Post Your Next Classified Ad?
Consider these questions: Am I trying to target a broad audience or a specific niche? Is it important to me to post for free, or am I willing to pay for more exposure? Answering these questions means that your preferred Backpage Classifieds replacement will no longer be a mystery.
While the old Backpage is no longer operational, Starbackpage shows how classified advertising is still very much active in California—albeit with a new generation of more sophisticated and secure tools.