Posting a classified ad on Topeka Free News is super easy. Just about anyone can do it. If you can compose and send an email message then you can submit a classified ad. The system for compiling classifieds into PDF (.pdf) files is mostly automated. There are only a few steps to the process.
This example is using Google’s gmail. Begin by clicking the Compose button.
STEP:#2 Set the send “To” email address: classifieds@topekafreenews.com
STEP:#3 Use the Subject line of the email message to identify the email as a classified advertisement. To do this enter the instruction “Post an Ad”. Then enter the category and sub-category.
See bottom page for list of sub-category names
There are currently 7 possible categories: For Sale, Services, Employment, Opinions, Q&A, Obituaries and Directory. The subject line acts like an operator. The most important one is “Post an ad”. After that enter your desired category or classification. These are the only words that are required. The words are parsed from the subject line to determine the classification. If they are not included in the subject line then the email will not be read. For all human correspondents email: editor@topekafreenewscom.
STEP:#4 Use the body of the email message for the words in your advertisement.
The most effective ads are less than 20 words and no more than 30. The ad should include your desired contact method. Email addresses are allowed but it is best to use a local telephone number. Ads are sorted by price in descending order. Ads that do not include a price are sorted at the bottom of the page. Use the $ (dollar) symbol to indicate price
STEP:#5 Attach a .jpg file to use as an anchor image. Use the attachment button or drag and drop.
Image height is scaled to 180 pixels to fit or centered horizontally. There is no material advantage for larger images or greater than 300dpi because the .pdf printer driver compresses the images to reduce file size.
STEP:#6 -- Click Send.
The emails sent to classifieds@topekafreenews.com are routed to the topekafreenews.com hosting server where it is automatically read, classified and compiled into a .pdf file that is part of the classified sections. The publishing deadline is weekly Saturday at midnight.
FINISHED!
This is approximately how your gallery box ad will appear. Each ad is approximately 3 X 3 in. (240 pixels), there are 24 ads per page (11 x 17 portrait.
Keep in mind, pictures sell. Keep your ad text short and sweet with basic details.
The following are recognized “For Sale” sub-categories:
The following are recognized “Services” sub-categories:
Using offsite links instead of attachments:
It is permissible to use links instead of attachments. You may also attach (1) PDF (.pdf) file such as a sales flyer or sale bill that will be hosted on topekafreenews.com website. (Optional). The attached .pdf file is a good method because you can include multiple pictures and be more detailed in your item or service description.
To use link feature requires including one html href markup:
Offsite links are accomplished by wrapping the entire ad with an href link (include this link html in your message body):
<a href=”http://www.yoursite.com/directory/advertisement.pdf”>
To use referenced image include one html img markup:
Linking to offsite anchor images are accomplished by including a src URL address (include this src html in your message body):
<img src=”http://www.yoursite.com/directory/advertisement.jpg”>
Important note: Include the full URL source. Sometimes it is best to copy and paste the URL from the address bar from your browser to confirm that it is a valid URL.
Advanced Options
Batch Import
If you have more than one advertisement they can be done by wrapping each advertisement with a div tag. Use <DIV> to begin and </DIV> to end. Each ad must be wrapped by the div tags.
<div>
{advertisement #1}
</div>
<div>
{advertisement #2}
</div>
Obituaries
The classifieds email address (classifieds@topekafreenews.com) can be used to submit obituaries which go to the “In Memoriam” section. While technically not a classified advertisement the process is the same. The advanced options for obituaries include identifying the persons name, age, birth and death date. This is accomplished by wrapping this key information with span id tags. Like
<span id=”{argument}”>{data}</span>
For obituaries the following are recognized id tags: Name, age, born, died.
<span id=”age”> </span> <span id=”name”> </span>
<span id=”born”> </span> <span id=”died”> </span>
These tags along with paragraph tags <p> </p> can be included anywhere in the obituary text body.
Offsite links and hosted .pdf file of the obituary are valid options just like classified ads.
Opinions and Q&A
Topeka Free News uses Google’s blogpost.com for “Opinions” and “Q&A”. This is to provide a method for the public to interact and post comments. The classifieds ads email (classifieds@topekafreenews) address is used to submit your opinion piece a.k.a. (Letters to the Editor) or questions. Both Q&A and opinions are uncensored so you can comment or ask what you wish anonymously. To access these blogs directly: opinions-topekafreenews.blogspot.com and qa-topekafreenews.blogspot.com. There is also a general article blog at: topekafreenews.blogspot.com Only limitation is that you do need a google account to add comments to these blogs.
Locality Restrictions:
Classified advertisements are provided to the general public (free of charge) as they provide value and promote the general welfare of the community and the City of Topeka Kansas, Shawnee County and nearby townships. It is permissible to sponsor or post non-local advertisements in the classified section as an advertisement where standard advertisement rates apply.
