Hello OC-Friends,
Classifieds have been around for many centuries and as the years continue to go by, the different ways we make use of them, have improved significantly. Today, the internet plays a major role in this industry and classified websites around the world are becoming extremely popular. Open Classifieds is very active in this field, so we decided to create a post that highlights how fun, cheap and simple it is; to start your own classifieds site.
Here are 10 great tips to get you going:
1. Get a Great Domain Name
Domain names are important and before selecting one, you must think about the vision that you have for the business you’re about to create. Try adding keywords to the name, as this can help search engines (such as Google) map your site. Remember to match the domain name to the product.
2. Install Software that Performs Well
The software is available and there are a few options to select from. However, there isn’t any software that matches Open Classifieds’ services and standards. Open Classifieds works for more than 4900 people! Go for free software that gives you the support you deserve.
3. Find your Niche (i.e. Vehicles only, real-estate only, nested niches, etc.)
What type of classifieds site are you after? What type of classifieds do you want your users to access? Do you only want to serve countries, cities, communities, neighbourhoods, etc? A niche is a specialized segment of the market for a particular kind of product or service. So, think about how your product will fit in the market, look for gaps (if there are any) and capitalize on the niche that you are confident in. We have a wide variety of themes build for different niches: Car Dealer, Real Estate, Job Board and models/adult agencies.
4. Get the Right Design
Set yourself apart from the rest. Introduce your brand the right way; control the look and feel of the website. With Open Classifieds, there are many themes to choose from. We also have themes that are suitable for a wide range of sites that present listings (for example, dating and realty sites). If you want a bespoke design, you can contact us and request for a ‘custom theme’.
5. Plan and Execute your Business Strategy
Failing to plan, really is planning to fail. Prepare for the launch of your baby and put your strategy in motion. Have a plan A, B, C… Z and try your best to make sure that you’re ready for anything. Follow through with the plans and remain flexible – change is inevitable. We have a lot of experience building classifieds sites, contact us and we will guide to your success in classifieds.
6. Market your Website
Get people to know who you are and what you’re about. These days it’s much easier to market your products and services online. There are also many low cost (sometimes free, like Open Classifieds FREE!) platforms that can help you market your site efficiently. You should also get in touch with people via social media – Facebook would be a great start.
7. Monetize your Website
There are many different ways you can make money from your website. The list below indicates some of the ways you can profit from your site:
- By making use of featured ads
- By making use of special ‘ad placing’ options (e.g. moving the ad to the top of the results)
- By charging a fee for users to post
- By making use of advertising banners
- By making use of affiliate links
- By offering premium membership
Here is a related post we made in the past with a very successful tips to reach big money with your classifieds site. Also in our documentation are a wide explanation about how to set your preferences to monetize your site.
8. Deliver to your Targeted Audience: Approaching Customers
You want to garner trust from your users and one of the best ways of doing this, is by creating a relationship with them. Let them know why they need you and why you need them. Once they have familiarized themselves with your site; they will be sure visit again. Create a blog with useful post for them, tell your stories via social media, share pictures of featured product in you Instagram account…
9. Be Mobile: Get your Business an App
Mobile apps are no longer just for entertaining, these applications have become assets for individuals and businesses in the modern world. Most people now use mobile devices (such smartphones and tablets) more than laptops and PCs. These devices are lighter to carry and easier to grab. Make your website accessible from the pocket. With our apps, you can have a classifieds app in iOS and Android.
10. Don’t Ignore your Website and your Users
Sometimes the owners of a website neglect their property, and still expect it to perform the same (or in some cases, even better). Although, the site is easy to set up; you must still make sure that you update the website’s software regularly, respond to users questions or concerns, and implement the latest technological trends. Don’t forget about the people who visit your website.
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