Craigslist bests MySpace as top search term

People apparently turn to Craigslist in a down economy.

(Credit: Hitwise)

Craigslist overtook MySpace as the most searched-for term on the Web last week, according to traffic-tracking firm Hitwise.

"U.S. searches on the term 'Craigslist' have increased 105 percent for the week ending March 14, 2009, compared with the same week last year," Hitwise reported. MySpace has been the top term since March 11, 2006.

This was the first time in three years that searches for Craigslist topped MySpace, Hitwise said.

The research group suggested more consumers are logging on at Craigslist, the Web's largest classifieds publication, as the ailing economy prods them to look for bargains.

Craigslist spokeswoman Susan MacTavish Best said the privately held company, headquartered in San Francisco, has seen a sharp uptick in business.

Over the past year, bartering on the site is up 100 percent while roommate ads have jumped 65 percent, she said. Classified ads for garage sales have doubled and For Sale postings are up 75 percent.

[terminalblue]

the economy? maybe all the talk of it being full of ****** last week got it some free attention.

[86lg4b4c]

craigslist,more like trailor trash,racist,help me and my 10 kids list

[codynews]

Why the hell are people doing SEARCHES for "craigslist', 'myspace', or 'facebook' ? I use all three sites but I've never done a 'search' for them and can't imagine why someone would.

[carriedaway]

Do these stats reflect the use of "Craigslist" and "Myspace" as part of compound search terms (e.g. "craigslist used cars" or "johnny klegg myspace")?

Or, do they indicate use only of those two words, in order to navigate to the Craigslist and MySpace homepages?

[soad524]

you ight want to edit your title. It should Craigslist beats MySpace instead of Craigslist bests MySpace

[Sam Papelbon]

the difference being...?

[mbenedict]

Even though they've been trending higher, of course we all know why Craigslist spiked over MySpace last week:

http://qwix.com/3z

[DMAN3k]

Instead of meeting people on myspace, people have turn to craigslist... ROFL.

Prostitutes sure have got it good in this economy!

[JCPayne]

Nah. I bet it is because that sheriff got the media people focused on Craigslist. That is what happens whenever the media puts a website name in the news. Ebay as part shareholder must be thrilled.

[geebocom]

The reason for the lift in craigslist traffic - crooks have come to rely on craigslist to assit them in identifying their next victim!