By News18,Satyaki Baidya

Copyright news18

In 1995, the internet was just beginning to permeate people’s lives. During this transformative period, Craig Newmark launched a simple website for his friends. The website’s purpose was straightforward, to share information about local events.
There were no elaborate preparations, business plans, or investments, just one man and his small idea. Craig named the site after himself, Craigslist.
As people started visiting Craigslist, they began asking if they could post jobs, sell items, or submit hiring requests for their own companies.
Craig’s response was always the same, “Why not? Go ahead.” At that time, there were no fees, advertising, or monetisation plans. Gradually, Craigslist became a necessity, spreading through word-of-mouth without any marketing or advertising efforts.
Craig then systematically organised all the posts onto the website, which featured a simple black-and-white design with no fancy logo or branding. Yet, people loved it.
Today, in 2025, Craigslist stands as a remarkable example of success without spending a penny on advertising, earning approximately $700 million annually. Amazingly, only 60 employees manage this vast enterprise.
The company has not received any funding from major investors. Craigslist’s story is not just about money; it embodies a philosophy that work shouldn’t solely be about profit.
When a businessman offered Craig $11 billion to buy the website, Craig refused, stating, “I don’t want it. What I have is enough. My life is going smoothly, I’m happy.”
Craig’s response sends a powerful message in today’s times, demonstrating that success isn’t measured solely by money. True success lies in being happy with one’s work and making people’s lives easier.
Today, Craigslist offers sections ranging from community activities, services, home buying and selling to renting, jobs, gigs, and resumes, with numerous subsections within them. People from almost all major cities in the world can post here. Despite its expansive offerings, the site’s homepage remains limited to a single scroll. On larger screens, even a single scroll isn’t necessary.
Craigslist illustrates that big brands, heavy marketing, and massive investments aren’t the only paths to success. Sometimes a simple idea, honest work, and a passion for understanding people’s needs can achieve what even the grandest business plans cannot.