How to Post a Free Ad on Colombia Move (Step-by-Step)

The first time I tried to sell a sofa in Colombia, I posted it in a neighborhood Facebook group. I had 40 messages in an hour; half were bots, others asked me to 'talk on WhatsApp,' and one offered to pay with Nequi but wanted me to ship it first. In the end, I sold it to a neighbor who saw the ad posted in the elevator.

Since then, I've learned that posting in Colombia is a science. MercadoLibre charges a commission on sales, Facebook is full of middlemen, and OLX has practically disappeared from the map. Colombia Move is different: it is completely free, bilingual, and was built specifically for the Colombian market—with local buyers and foreign residents searching at the same time.

In this guide, I explain step-by-step how to post your first ad, what types of ads you can create, and how to write one that actually gets leads.

Why post on Colombia Move and not somewhere else?

The short answer: it's truly free. There is no premium plan to unlock visibility, no commission when you sell, and no cost to keep your ad active.

But beyond the price, there is something that sets Colombia Move apart from Marketplace or WhatsApp group 'Mercaditos': the bilingual reach. Colombia has over 100,000 foreigners living here permanently—in Medellín, Bogotá, Cartagena, and other cities. Many of them look for apartments, services, furniture, and jobs exactly on platforms like this. If your ad is only in Spanish on Facebook, you are missing out on them.

Additionally, every seller has their own public store at colombiamove.com/tienda/tuusuario—which builds credibility compared to a message in a WhatsApp group where no one knows who you are.

What types of ads can you post?

Colombia Move is not just for selling used things. The platform has categories for almost everything you need to buy, sell, rent, or hire:

• Housing: Apartments and houses for rent or sale, fincas, rooms. See rentals →
• Employment: Job offers and job searching in all sectors. Tech jobs →
• Services: Plumbers, electricians, designers, teachers, courier services. Home services →
• Classifieds: Electronics, clothing, furniture, appliances, baby items.
• Vehicles: Used cars, motorcycles, and bicycles. See cars →

One thing worth noting: you can post whether you are a seller or looking for something. Do you need a plumber in Laureles this week? Post what you are looking for and wait for them to contact you. It works both ways.

How to post your ad: step-by-step

The entire process takes less than 5 minutes if you have the photos ready. Here is how it works:

Step 1: Create your account

Go to colombiamove.com and register with your email or Google. You only need a name and a valid email. They don't ask for your ID or bank information—it's a 30-second process.

Step 2: Click on "Post"

The button is in the main navigation bar and also at colombiamove.com/publicar. It is just as visible from a cell phone—the site is designed for mobile.

Step 3: Choose the correct category

This matters more than it seems. An apartment for rent posted in 'Classifieds' instead of 'Housing' will receive much less traffic. Take 20 seconds to choose the category and subcategory well.

Step 4: Complete title, description, and price

I'll talk more about how to write this well below, but the basic principle is: specific title, description with all relevant details, and a clear price or the word 'negotiable'. Ads without a price receive significantly fewer contacts.

Step 5: Upload the photos

You can drag the photos directly into the form (drag & drop) or select them from your gallery if you are on your phone. The system accepts JPG and PNG. At least one photo, but with 3-5 photos, your chances of getting a contact go up significantly.

Step 6: Publish and share

Click 'Publish' and that's it. Your ad goes live immediately—there is no manual review to wait for. The system gives you a link that you can share directly via WhatsApp or Instagram.

How to write an ad that gets contacts

The difference between an ad that gets 20 messages in a day and one that no one opens is almost always three things: the title, the photos, and the price.

The title

Be specific. 'Selling chair' is bad. 'Herman Miller ergonomic office chair — good condition' is good. Include the brand, the condition, and if possible, the area or city. People search by specific words.

The description

Don't just repeat the title. Describe the actual condition of the item, the measurements if applicable, what it includes, why you are selling it, and any detail the buyer would want to know before contacting you. A 3-line ad conveys distrust—an 8-10 line ad conveys professionalism.

The price

Set a price even if it is approximate. Ads without a price receive fewer contacts because people assume the seller wants more than it is worth. If you want to negotiate, write the price with 'negotiable' next to it. That's fine.

The photos

Use natural light if you can. Clean or neutral background. Photos from various angles. If there is any defect (a scratch, a stain), show it—it builds trust and avoids disappointments later. A buyer who sees the defect before arriving won't back out because of it.

Explore what others are selling

Before posting, it may be worth checking how others are presenting similar ads on the platform. Entering the category pages gives you an idea of the market price and what style of ad works best:

• Apartments for rent
• Appliances
• Technology and computers
• Used cars
• Plumbing services

If you are looking for something very specific and can't find the exact category, you can also use the interactive map at colombiamove.com/buscar—especially useful for housing and local services.

Frequently asked questions

❓ Is it completely free to post on Colombia Move?

Yes. There is no cost to post ads—no monthly fee, no commission on sales, and no mandatory premium plan. Colombia Move is free for sellers and buyers.

❓ How many ads can I post?

You can post multiple ads in different categories. There is no fixed limit set for regular users. If you are a business or sell on a recurring basis, you can create your seller shop from your profile.

❓ How do I edit or delete an already published ad?

From your profile on Colombia Move, you can view all your active ads and edit or delete them at any time. The process is the same from a computer or mobile phone.

❓ Can I post from my mobile phone?

Of course. The site is optimized for mobile. You can upload photos directly from your phone's gallery, and the posting form works just as well on a small screen.

❓ Will foreigners also see my ad?

Yes, and that is a concrete advantage. Colombia Move has a bilingual user base (Spanish and English) that includes expats and foreigners living in Colombia. For valuable items like imported furniture, premium electronics, or apartments in areas popular with foreigners, that can make all the difference.

Have you posted your first ad yet? Tell us how it went in the comments. If you have questions about which category to choose or how to improve your ad, ask in the Colombia Move community at colombiamove.com/comunidad — there are people with experience in local sales who can guide you.

Do you know someone who wants to sell something in Colombia? Share this guide — it saves them the headache of figuring all this out on their own.