Marketplaces are online platforms that function as one-stop shops for consumers. Customers can choose from a wide range of products without having to visit multiple websites. They search for a specific item, compare options, and often make a purchase within minutes.
A major advantage for sellers is that instead of having to generate traffic themselves, they can benefit from the millions of visitors who search daily for specific products on platforms like Bol and Amazon. It also increases brand awareness, helps boost sales, and allows you to reach a new audience.
Many marketplaces are accessible to any seller. After creating an account, a business can, in principle, start selling right away.
The best marketplace to start with depends entirely on your goals. Is your objective to grow internationally or to focus on selling within a specific country? Then take a look at our pages about selling on Dutch, German, or French marketplaces.
Or are you looking to reach a specific (new) target audience? Start by researching which marketplaces this audience is most active on. In short, the possibilities are endless. That’s why it’s important to begin by defining clear goals and establishing a strong marketplace strategy as your foundation.
We recommend starting with a platform where your (new) target audience is already searching. Make sure to thoroughly research the channel in advance and ensure that your product information is fully optimized before launching your products.
The best products to start with depend on your assortment and the marketplace where you plan to sell. It’s important that there is sufficient search volume for the type of product you want to offer.
We therefore recommend conducting detailed keyword research and carefully analyzing search volumes before deciding to launch a product on a marketplace.
It’s good to know that competition has increased significantly in recent years. While sellers used to be able to find high-potential products with relatively little competition through proper research, that has become much more challenging today. As the number of sellers has grown, businesses often compete against 50+ other listings for similar products. Many of these competitors have built up reviews over the years, which means newcomers face a steep challenge to outperform them. That’s why it’s now more important than ever to ensure your products are fully optimized before launching, to give them the best possible start on marketplaces. A strong strategy is also essential. You can read more about this in our blog on marketplace strategies.
After defining your goals, strategy, and target audience, you can follow the steps below:
We recommend starting with one platform first and expanding later.
Some platforms are open to everyone, while others have a selection process (such as closed or niche marketplaces). Make sure to research the platform thoroughly before getting started.
As mentioned earlier, it’s important to base your product selection on keyword and search volume research. Avoid launching too many products at once. In many cases, existing bestsellers also perform well on marketplaces. This is because your own bestsellers often give you an advantage over competitors, as your product costs are usually already lower.
Successful businesses on marketplaces understand the importance of thorough preparation. Ensure that your product information is complete and fully optimized. Aim for 10/10 content quality so you can launch successfully right from the start.
Once your product information is complete and optimized, you can launch your products. Monitor their performance and make adjustments where necessary.
By following these steps, you’ll lay a strong foundation for a successful start on marketplaces.
At MarketPlace Expert, we know everything about marketplaces. Thanks to our experience, we can guide you on how to get started with selling successfully. We know exactly what works, and what doesn’t, and how businesses can thrive on these platforms. We assist with strategy and provide hands-on support. Take a look at our full-service account management page or get in touch with one of our specialists.
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