Casting the classifieds net wider

Says Lawrence Brown, general manager of 24.com's digital division, "Using functionality, design and technology, we hope to deliver a product that will become the user's first choice when selling or buying second hand goods/products."

According to Brown, publishing classified ads on the Internet has helped many publishers to boost awareness of their brand. The main objective of Netads' new site is to be as user-friendly and easy-to-navigate as possible.

"While Internet users in South Africa are already fairly sophisticated and in touch with global trends and technological advancements, there are many to whom the Internet remains a completely new experience," he explains.

"Therefore we must ensure that our product is in line with international standards, while being as accessible as possible. Our long-term goal is to have a website that will outshine those in developed international markets.

"Our product is unique in that our market consists of users who will be exposed to Internet advertising for the first time in the coming few months. With Netads on the Internet, we have created a convenient environment for people to search, buy and sell," he says

Users will be asked to personalise and confirm their registration through a login and password system. This is a free service and users can apply online at www.netads24.com.

Free added-value exposure will apply to advertisements of vehicles under R25 000, and household items valued at R2000 and less. Special packages for certain business enterprises and logo creation will also be available to advertisers.

Leoni Bekker, Netads manager, says that Beeld will place its classified ads free for the first few months. "There is much added value involved. Advertisers will not only have exposure in Beeld, but will also reach all those with Internet access visiting Netads, substantially increasing exposure for advertisers. It'll become a one-stop service where readers can search for pretty much everything under the sun."

Netads was previously known as Snuffelgids.