Why Creating a Marketplace is an Opportunity in 2025

Marketplaces are among the most powerful economic models in the digital world. Amazon, Airbnb, Vinted, Uber... they all operate on the same principle: connecting two audiences (sellers and buyers, service providers and clients, owners and tenants).
In 2025, this model remains highly promising, yet more competitive than ever. The key to success lies not just in the idea, but in the strategic and technical preparation even before writing a single line of code.

1. Laying the Foundation Before Creation

Launching a marketplace without a clear strategy is like building a house without a blueprint. Before thinking about design or features, you must validate four fundamental pillars.

1.1 Choosing and Validating Your Niche

The more specific the niche, the easier it is to position yourself as a leader. Launching a generalist marketplace today is almost impossible.
Examples:

• Marketplace for running coaches.

• Marketplace for local woodworking artisans.

• Marketplace for renting unique sites for photo shoots.

1.2 Studying the Market and Competition

Analyze your direct and indirect competitors:

• What are their strengths and weaknesses?

• What is their business model?

• Where are the gaps you can fill?

1.3 Defining the Business Model

The most common models are:

• Transaction commission: you take a percentage of each sale.

• Subscription: sellers pay to be on the platform.

• Freemium + paid options: free at first, but with premium features.

1.4 Identifying Your Ideal Users

Create precise personas: age, location, needs, objections, preferred communication channels.

2. Mastering the “Cold Start”: The Real Challenge

The cold start is when your marketplace has neither users nor content. It is also the stage where most fail. Here’s how to avoid the “ghost town” effect:

2.1 Start Small

Focus on a restricted market initially (city, region, or specific niche).
Example: launch a service marketplace for babysitters only in Lausanne before expanding to the entire Switzerland.

2.2 Preload the Platform

Before opening to the public, invite several sellers or providers to post their offers. Thus, the marketplace feels alive from the launch.

2.3 Dual Acquisition Strategy

You must simultaneously attract supply (sellers) AND demand (buyers).

• For the supply: free advantages, visibility, exclusive promotion.

• For the demand: promotions, exclusive content, featuring the best offers.

2.4 Social Proof from the Start

Highlight the first reviews, numbers, or testimonials, even if they are few. Trust is key.

3. The Technical Steps to Create a Marketplace

Creating a marketplace requires true technical work, but there are several approaches:

3.1 Use No-Code or Low-Code Tools

Ideal for quickly testing a concept (Bubble, Sharetribe, Webflow + integrations).
Limitation: limited customization, higher long-term cost.

3.2 Custom Development

More expensive initially, but scalable, fast, and fully customized.
Ideal if you want a powerful and unique platform.

3.3 Key Technical Points

• Transaction security

• Internal messaging system

• Secure and multi-currency payments

• Mobile-first optimization

• Technical SEO: clear structure, optimized category pages, loading speed.

4. Marketing Tips to Attract Your First Users

Even with the best platform, without effective marketing, your marketplace will remain invisible. Here are powerful levers:

1. SEO from the Launch

   • Create a blog with targeted content.

   • Optimize your seller and product pages for Google.

   • Work on backlinks within your niche.

2. Targeted Advertising Campaigns

   • Google Ads to capture search intent.

   • Facebook/Instagram Ads to create demand.

3. Strategic Partnerships
   Collaborate with influencers or blogs in your sector.

4. Exclusive Launch Offers
   Discount, free period, premium showcasing.

5. Marketing Automations
   Welcome emails, abandoned cart reminders, regular newsletters.

5. Mistakes to Absolutely Avoid

• Trying to do everything alone without technical skills.

• Launching an “empty” marketplace without offers or sellers.

• Neglecting UX and user journey smoothness.

• Spreading too quickly across multiple markets.

• Ignoring natural SEO from the start.

6. Why Delegating Creation to an Expert Changes Everything

Creating a successful marketplace requires advanced technical skills, product vision, and solid marketing strategies.
As a freelance web developer, I have designed and launched several marketplaces successfully. I can assist you with:

• Custom design and conception.

• Implementing best SEO practices from the start.

• Setting up effective marketing tools.

• Launching with a concrete plan to attract your first users.

💡 I offer a free, no-obligation audit of your marketplace project. You’ll walk away with concrete, ready-to-apply recommendations.

Contact me today to get started.