Why Craigslist Still Wins With Barebones Features

Craigslist launched in the mid-90s as a simple email list for local events. Fast forward nearly 30 years, and it’s still one of the most-visited websites in the U.S. — despite (or maybe because of) its famously minimal design.

For developers, Craigslist is an interesting case study. It’s not polished. It doesn’t chase trends. But it works. Millions of users trust it to buy, sell, rent, or hire every single day.

Some of the core lessons:

• Simple flows scale — Posting a listing with email verification is enough to handle millions of ads.

• Moderation doesn’t need to be overengineered — Flagging + community enforcement keeps spam manageable.

• Selective monetization can go far — Craigslist only charges for certain categories (jobs, rentals, etc.) yet still earns hundreds of millions annually.

• User trust > flashy features — Anonymous email replies, clear categories, and predictable UI build loyalty better than redesigns.

Craigslist shows that you don’t always need complex stacks or endless features. A lean, resilient foundation can outlast waves of flashy competitors.

👉 I’ve put together a full write-up on Craigslist’s evolution, feature set, and what developers can take away if you’re thinking about building your own marketplace-style platform. Read it here - How to start a website like Craigslist