How to Take Great Photos for Your Classified Ad (Smartphone Tips That Actually Sell)
Let’s be honest for a second.
You’ve probably scrolled past dozens of ads with:
- dark, blurry photos
- messy rooms in the background
- items photographed on the floor at midnight
And you skipped them instantly.
Now here’s the uncomfortable truth:
buyers judge your item in 2 seconds — and photos matter more than price.
The good news?
You don’t need a DSLR or photography skills. Your smartphone is more than enough if you know what you’re doing.
In this guide, I’ll show you simple, real-world smartphone photo tips that help your classified ad:
- get more views
- get more messages
- sell faster
Perfect for sellers on Fliku.com and other Canadian marketplaces.
Why Photos Matter More Than Your Ad Description
On classified marketplaces, photos do three things:
- Stop the scroll
- Build trust
- Answer buyer questions before they message
A great description can’t save bad photos — but great photos can sell an item with a short description.
That’s why the top-performing ads on Fliku always have:
- clear images
- good lighting
- honest angles
Must Read:-
How to Post Your First Ad on Fliku
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Best Things to Sell in Toronto Right Now
How to Sell Used Furniture Fast in Toronto
How To Spot Fake Listings on Facebook & Kijiji
You Don’t Need a Fancy Phone (But You Do Need This)
Any modern smartphone (iPhone or Android) is good enough if you follow these basics:
- Clean your camera lens (seriously, this matters)
- Use the rear camera, not selfie mode
- Turn OFF beauty filters or “AI enhancement”
Simple? Yes.
Effective? 100%.
1. Use Natural Light (Your Best Free Tool)
The easiest way to make your photos look professional is natural daylight.
Do this:
- Take photos near a window
- Shoot during daytime (late morning or afternoon is best)
- Let light hit the item from the side
Avoid this:
- Flash (it creates harsh shadows)
- Yellow indoor lights
- Nighttime photos
📌 Pro tip: If your item looks brighter in real life than in the photo, buyers will trust you more.
2. Clean the Item (Buyers Notice Everything)
Before you take photos:
- wipe dust
- remove fingerprints
- straighten cushions or cables
You’re not hiding flaws — you’re showing respect for the buyer.
A clean item signals:
“This seller took care of it.”
That alone increases response rate.
3. Use a Simple, Clutter-Free Background
Your item should be the hero — not your room.
Best backgrounds:
- plain wall
- floor
- clean table
- bed with neutral bedding (for small items)
Avoid:
- messy rooms
- laundry piles
- people in the background
- mirrors (yes, buyers hate mirror selfies)
📌 If the background distracts you, it will distract buyers.
4. Take Multiple Angles (This Builds Trust)
One photo is not enough.
For most items, upload 5–8 photos:
- front view
- side view
- back view
- close-up
- brand label or serial number
- any flaws (important!)
Showing flaws actually increases trust and reduces time-wasting messages.
5. Show Scale (Help Buyers Understand Size)
Buyers constantly ask:
“How big is it?”
Answer that visually:
- chair next to a table
- phone in your hand
- TV next to a couch
This reduces unnecessary questions and speeds up sales.
6. Don’t Over-Edit Your Photos
Avoid:
- heavy filters
- oversharpening
- color distortion
Buyers want honest photos, not Instagram posts.
If the item arrives looking different, trust is gone.
7. Crop, Straighten, and That’s It
Basic edits are good:
- crop extra space
- straighten the image
- adjust brightness slightly
That’s all you need.
Most phones already have these tools built in.
8. Follow Category-Specific Photo Tips
Furniture
- Full item + close-ups
- Show legs, corners, cushions
- Photograph standing upright
Electronics
- Screen ON
- Ports visible
- Accessories included
- Serial number (optional)
Cars
- Exterior from all sides
- Interior seats & dashboard
- Odometer
- Engine bay (optional)
Common Photo Mistakes That Kill Your Ad
Avoid these at all costs:
- dark photos
- blurry images
- photos taken from too far away
- screenshots instead of real photos
- reusing old photos from Google
These scream “low effort” or “possible scam.”
Final Checklist Before You Post on Fliku
Before hitting “Post Ad,” ask yourself:
- Is the item clearly visible?
- Can I see details?
- Would I trust this ad?
If yes — you’re good.
CTA (Internal Conversion)
👉 Ready to sell faster?
Post your ad on Fliku.com with clear photos and reach local buyers near you — 100% free, no selling fees.
