Craigslist bests MySpace as top search term

People apparently turn to Craigslist in a down economy.

(Credit: Hitwise)

Craigslist overtook MySpace as the most searched-for term on the Web last week, according to traffic-tracking firm Hitwise.

"U.S. searches on the term 'Craigslist' have increased 105 percent for the week ending March 14, 2009, compared with the same week last year," Hitwise reported. MySpace has been the top term since March 11, 2006.

This was the first time in three years that searches for Craigslist topped MySpace, Hitwise said.

The research group suggested more consumers are logging on at Craigslist, the Web's largest classifieds publication, as the ailing economy prods them to look for bargains.

Craigslist spokeswoman Susan MacTavish Best said the privately held company, headquartered in San Francisco, has seen a sharp uptick in business.

Over the past year, bartering on the site is up 100 percent while roommate ads have jumped 65 percent, she said. Classified ads for garage sales have doubled and For Sale postings are up 75 percent.