How to Publish 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 got 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 send it first. In the end, I sold it to a neighbor who saw the ad taped to the elevator.

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

In this guide, I'll 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 contacts.

Why post on Colombia Move and not elsewhere?

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

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

Furthermore, each seller has their own public store at colombiamove.com/tienda/tuusuario — which builds credibility compared to a message in a WhatsApp group where nobody knows who you are.

What types of ads can you post?

Colombia Move isn't just for selling used items. 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. View rentals →
• Jobs: Job offers and job search in all sectors. Tech jobs →
• Services: Plumbers, electricians, designers, teachers, delivery services. Home services →
• Classifieds: Electronics, clothing, furniture, appliances, baby items.
• Vehicles: Used cars, motorcycles, and bicycles. View cars →

One thing worth highlighting: you can post whether you're a seller or looking for something. Need a plumber in Laureles this week? Post what you're looking for and wait to be contacted. It works both ways.

How to post your ad: step-by-step

The entire process takes less than 5 minutes if you have your photos ready. Here's 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 "Post"

The button is in the main navigation bar and also at colombiamove.com/publicar. It's just as visible on mobile — the site is designed for phones.

Step 3: Choose the correct category

This matters more than it seems. An apartment for rent posted under 'Classifieds' instead of 'Housing' will get 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 these 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 photos

You can drag and drop photos directly into the form or select them from your gallery if you're on your phone. The system accepts JPG and PNG. A minimum of one photo, but with 3-5 photos, your chances of contact increase significantly.

Step 6: Post and share

Click 'Post' and you're done. Your ad is active immediately — there's 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 receives 20 messages in a day and one that nobody opens is almost always in 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, 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, measurements if applicable, what's included, why you're 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 seriousness.

The price

Set a price, even if it's approximate. Ads without a price get fewer contacts because people assume the seller wants more than it's 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 multiple angles. If there's any defect (a scratch, a stain), show it — it builds trust and avoids disappointment later. A buyer who sees the defect before arriving won't back out because of it.

Explore what others are selling

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

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

If you're 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 normal users. If you are a business or sell regularly, you can create your seller store from your profile.

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

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

❓ Can I post from my cell phone?

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

❓ Will foreigners also see my ad?

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

Have you already posted your first ad? 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 alone.