
If you’ve ever posted a dirt or aggregate listing and waited around for responses that never came, you’re not alone. On any online marketplace, getting attention is about more than just listing your material — it’s about how you list it.
At Soil Connect, we’ve seen thousands of listings move quickly while others sit idle. The difference? A few simple details. Our marketplace team put together some best practices to help your next listing stand out and start generating responses fast.
Be Clear and Specific About the Material
Buyers need to know exactly what they’re getting. A listing that says “Fill dirt available” won’t perform as well as one that reads:
“1200 CY of Clean Fill Dirt — No debris, tested, ideal for backfill or grading projects.”
-Include the type of material (select fill, topsoil, clay, gravel, etc.)
-Mention if it’s clean, tested, or mixed
-Note any exclusions (no debris, no organics, etc.)
The more upfront you are, the more qualified your responses will be.
Include a Precise Pickup or Drop-Off Location
Proximity is everything in hauling. Listings with vague locations get overlooked because haulers can’t gauge logistics or pricing. Be sure to add the exact city or ZIP code, or drop a pin on the map feature when posting.
Price Smart — or List Free Dirt Correctly
If you’re charging for the material, make it competitive. Check similar listings nearby using the Soil Connect app to see what others are asking for comparable material.
And if your dirt is free, say so clearly in the title and description — you’d be surprised how often free dirt listings still don’t mention it upfront, missing out on fast hauler inquiries.
Add a Photo (Yes, Even for Dirt)
A simple photo of the stockpile, even snapped on your phone, makes your listing more credible and transparent. It gives buyers or haulers a sense of quantity, quality, and access.
Stay Responsive
The faster you respond to inquiries, the faster your material moves. Set notifications on your Soil Connect account so you can answer calls, texts, or messages quickly — serious haulers and buyers won’t wait long.
Set Clear Hauling Terms
If you’re offering delivery, be upfront about timing, fees, and equipment requirements. If it’s pickup-only, list site hours, truck access details, and loading conditions.
Final Thought
Listings that move fast on our marketplace aren’t necessarily offering the cheapest dirt — they’re offering the clearest, most complete information. Buyers and haulers want to know what you’ve got, where it is, how much, and what it’s going to take to move it.
Dial in those details, and you’ll be on your way to faster, better deals.
Want help getting your next listing noticed? Reach out to our team — we’re here to help. Sign up today and start moving dirt smarter