If you are trying to find local classifieds and listings similar to Backpage, look no further. Backpage changed the game when it came to local listings, and we are going to show you some other sites that are similar. Some of the categories on the original Backpage allowed users to create detailed profiles to list themselves. Backpage was later shut down, and several other sites began to pop up. These sites focused on various categories like general classifieds, personals, and dating. Some of these sites break the law, and depending on your location, they may be freely accessible. We will go over 7 sites like Backpage in this article and give you the scoop on why they are similar.
What’s the Deal With Backpage?
Launched in 2004, Backpage quickly grew to be one of the largest classified advertising websites. In addition to traditional classifieds such as jobs and real estate, the website offered classifieds protected by First Amendment rights. The controversies surrounding the website and its ultimate demise stemmed from its First Amendment protected classifieds. In 2018, the U.S. government seized Backpage and shuttered the website. While the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the decision to seize Backpage, the court noted Backpage was ultimately a tool to facilitate trafficking, and the website could have been more proactive to protect its users. Because Backpage was shut down, numerous websites that are similar to Backpage and advertise themselves as Backpage alternatives aren’t necessarily connected to Backpage. When evaluating these sites, advertisers and users must evaluate the rules and policies of the website and determine the extent to which the website protects its users, and whether the website employs moderators to monitor and manage user-generated content.
List of 7 websites like Backpage
Backpage wasn’t the only website of its kind. For the purposes of this list, best sites like backpage are considered sites that contain classified ads and other various content that Backpage users would be interested in. obackpage is the first site on our list, and the most similar to the original Backpage. Users of this site will be pleased to find categories similar to those found on the original Backpage. Personal ads and other classifieds have become less commonplace since the advent of apps like Tinder; however, some users may prefer to browse personals. Sites like starbackpage and 2backpage may also be of interest to users looking for sites similar to Backpage. Additionally, sites like Craigslist, Locanto, and ClassifiedAds have been included on this list to provide a broader overview of classified ads. Lastly, Backpage is included on this list for historical reasons, as many users are still interested in the original site.
1. obackpage – Top Overall Backpage Alternative
If you want the convenience of classified ads in an accessible format, similar to Backpage, obackpage is one of the better sites. Classified ads are often considered a simpler alternative to traditional dating sites. Rather than messaging people you’re not sure you’re interested in, or hopeful that they’ll be interested in you, users can look at listings and decide for themselves. With an app like obackpage, users can browse the ads in a format similar to Backpage. obackpage is also simple to use. For some, simplicity is important when considering which apps to use. Like other independent sites, users should evaluate categories of ads offered, as well as the terms of use, and policy to fully understand the site. Additionally, users should always take precautions and protect their privacy when using any site. It’s also important to note that while similar in name to Backpage, this site is not affiliated.
2. starbackpage – Another Backpage Lookalike
starbackpage is an alternative to Backpage. Services like starbackpage flourished after Backpage’s shutdown and provided a similar format to advertise locally. The appeal of Backpage and similar services is the ability to provide or access information that is outside of the traditional methods. With services like Backpage, users can post information that is not readily available through official sources. Users can also access this information and share it with the public. Since information is posted by the public, users can browse, sort, and find the information that is most appealing to them. However, users also have to keep in mind that the information can be false, and the services can be used to exploit individuals. Users have to be responsible while accessing and using these services. They must read the rules and understand what the service is used for. If a user decides to communicate with an individual, they must ensure that they are not giving out personal information to someone they do not trust.
3. 2backpage – Another Term To Add To Your Research
2backpage is another site that deserves a spot on your list of Sites Similar to Backpage. Classifieds websites have certain appeal as users can just as well forgo heavy reliance on traditional means of online dating to browse classifieds. That being said, categorized listings, like classifieds, have a potential to be very useful in finding prospective dates. Unlike traditional dating apps where users are overwhelmed by thousands of profiles and required to do the tedious work of browsing through a plethora of profiles to find a suitable match, search based systems provide a great alternative where users can just as well browse listings based on categories and/or locations of interests. Again, being able to locate relevant classifieds is of no value if the website cannot be trusted. 2backpage encourages its users to look for relevant information, including terms and conditions, policies, and procedures of the website. 2backpage should be treated as any other stand-alone website. The same caution that would be exercised when dealing with backpage.com would be very valid when dealing with ads on 2backpage.
4. Craigslist
Craigslist is another essential classified advertisement website and is a primary competitor to Backpage. Like Backpage, Craigslist has a variety of categories and is very location-based. Depending on the region, Craigslist has postings for jobs, selling and buying items, local services and errands, housing, and various public announcements. The removal of the personals section in 2018 leaves a significant portion of Backpage’s business, namely advertisements for escort and other sex-related services, unaccounted for. Regardless, the structure and the organization of Craigslist’s classified advertisements are very similar to that of Backpage and other traditional classified websites, and therefore is easy to use and intuitive to a vast audience. Like other similar general-purpose websites, Craigslist allows users to browse local listings and advertisements beyond personals.
5. Locanto
Locanto is also worth consideration if you are looking for Backpage alternatives, especially if you aren’t in the US. Internationally focused and more geared toward traditional classified ads, Locanto has a presence in multiple countries and lets users switch between different classifications based on the country and city. Because of this, Locanto offers a marketplace more so than a traditional classified ad listing like Backpage. Its focus isn’t as heavy in dating, but rather a myriad of other categories. It can be a decent alternative to Backpage for dating ads, as it is focused more broadly. Depending on the country and location, different categories will be available. You may need to check out other classifications to see what categories are available overall. Like many other sites, Locanto allows users to filter by location. The emphasis on local listing in particular ads is what makes Locanto resemble Backpage the most. Overall, it focuses on more general categories of advertising.
6. Backpage, the Original, and Only Temporarily Gone
Though it has since shut down, Backpage.com was the first of its kind to create this category of search. The original version of the website was the most well-known and largest website of its kind, changing the way classified ads were published and read online. Unlike most online dating websites, Backpage integrated various categories and allowed adult service providers to advertise and solicit their services. From the user’s perspective, Backpage did not ignore the general public’s interest in various social and non-social activities, and established official channels, if only temporarily, to address them. It is important to note that the original Backpage no longer exists. With the creation of a “Backpage” website every year, unsuspecting users may stumble upon websites with malicious intents and practices. Potential customers of replacement websites should evaluate each website on a case-by-case basis. The best indicator of a replacement site’s offerings is by examining the current site. From a business and legal perspective, it is prudent to understand your competition and the reason for its failure, as many new websites with similar business models are created every year.
7. ClassifiedAds
ClassifiedAds makes creating and managing ads simple. It also allows posts in various categories, which is the reason why this site is popular among a wide range of users. One can find almost anything in this site; from housing to jobs, to services and products. This site is appropriate for those looking for something beyond a dating site. Traditionally, classified sites are the first choices for people searching for anything locally. This is the case even in a world of modern apps. Sometimes, people just want to know what is happening in their area. ClassifiedAds are very convenient for this. As mentioned earlier, it is prudent to go through the site’s policies in order to ensure that the advertisements posted are in accordance with the law.
What Do You Look For When Selecting Backpage Alternatives?
The key to evaluating Backpage alternatives is in identifying your preferences and needs. If your interest is in Backpage-like listing pages, you may want to check out obackpage.com or other classified ad services. For traditional classifieds, Craigslist or ClassifiedAds.com may work. If you are interested in international classifieds, Locanto may work. A potential alternative may be at different domain extensions for sites with which you are familiar. When evaluating a site, consider the site rules, availability of categories, and ease of listing searches. You need to evaluate a site’s privacy policy. If the site is attractive, it may be hiding dangerous or predatory practices. There are plenty of resources that may help you identify a site’s practices. Because you do not know a site’s true practices, you should not disclose personal information. If you are unsure about a site’s practices, avoid giving out your personal information.
What should I expect from Backpage alternatives?
Unlike Backpage, the best alternatives provide categories and filters that make it easy to browse. The best alternatives also provide rules that are clear and easy to find. These rules also help define the limits of the services provided. Because some of these services provide personal and/or adult-related services, the rules become that much more important. Responsible services also have rules that prohibit underage activities and services related to human trafficking and exploitation, as well as scams and other illegal activities. When you contact a service provider through the alternative service, you should not have to provide your personal information. If a provider makes unreasonable demands, that should raise a red flag. If you are contacted by a potential service provider and that person makes demands for money, a gift card, cryptocurrency, and/or other personal information, that should also raise a red flag. The alternative service should provide a good user experience by also limiting ads. The best alternative provides a good user experience while also controlling the information provided and protecting the user’s privacy.
Are Backpage Alternatives Safe?
Each classified site can say that not all of their users are unsafe, but some level of risk is to be expected. Dealing with strangers is part of using a classified site. There are things that users can do to minimize some risks, like dealing with people who pressure them to act quickly or give them personal info. Also, never send money to people you don’t know. Meet only in public. Notify a trusted person of your whereabouts. If you are using public transit, you should be able to leave at any time.
Why Are People Still Searching for Sites Like Backpage?
Backpage offered a unique style of online classification that gives it a loyal user base even after the government shut it down. Classification sites allow members to make quick decisions without the lengthy process of filtering through thousands of users like with a dating app. With Backpage and similar sites, users have the freedom to select ads based on relevance without the necessity of creating lengthy personal profiles. Also, with Backpage, the user has the opportunity to browse local ads based on city or area, unlike with dating apps that require members to be in the same geographic location to interact. People can browse ads based on personal interest without having to sort through advertisements that are unrelated and of no interest to them. While not identical to Backpage, new sites have offered a similar idea of letting users search and compare ads without unnecessary restrictions.
Conclusion
The ideal website for making local connections should allow users to easily browse and control their own ads. Backpage was a trusted site for personal ads; however, several sites exist that nearly replicate its features. While it is unlikely that you will find a website that fully replicates Backpage, your best bet for recreating a Backpage experience is to use obackpage. Other sites that you may find during your search include starbackpage and 2backpage. Alternatively, Craigslist and ClassifiedAds remain among the most useful websites for general, although sometimes unregulated, classified ads. Locanto is a useful website for international classified ads. In general, you should become educated about the policies of a website prior to using it. Ultimately, the site you use to post your ad will mainly depend on your location and the reason you wish to make local connections.