Best way to set up a classifieds website

Invasion · 27 Oct 2009 at 21:45

This may sound like a daft question but how would I go about setting up a classifieds website?

I would like people to be able to list stuff for free and then, with a lot of luck and hard work I would make money through the advertising side of things.

So is there somthing out already that I can use ? or would I have to build it from scratch myself.

And what features would I need on my hosting.

Thanks

Moredhel · 27 Oct 2009 at 23:07

Just a quick query about your revenue source here, you're going to make money on advers... from an advertisement site?

Tripnologist · 28 Oct 2009 at 08:20

You basically want to have your own version of Gumtree or Craigslist.

The first thing you should be considering is what can you offer that they don't. They'll be your primary competition and it's difficult to take users away from such well established sites without giving them some kind of benefit.

dl763 · 28 Oct 2009 at 08:25

Erm, not heard of freecycle?

Edit: ignore me

Invasion · 30 Oct 2009 at 19:14

Moredhel said:
Just a quick query about your revenue source here, you're going to make money on advers... from an advertisement site?

Yes I was thinking like other sites do. A Basic add is free, then if you want pictures etc you pay a small fee.

Then I was also thinking, that if and a big if the site became really busy, there would be money to make from people wanting to advertise..although haven't a clue on what people charge for adverts on sites ??

As for taking users away, I was more thinking that they would also use this site. My wife for example will place an advert on as many free sites as she can to increase the chances of selling an Item that she may be selling, I would think that most people do this ??

I have been looking at thishttp://www.ikiclassifieds.com/package what do you guys think ??

Russinating · 30 Oct 2009 at 19:23

Invasion said:
As for taking users away, I was more thinking that they would also use this site. My wife for example will place an advert on as many free sites as she can to increase the chances of selling an Item that she may be selling, I would think that most people do this ??

I think your wife has too much time to be honest! Online classifieds is one of if not the most saturated markets. How will people find your site so that they then go on to register and list items in the first place? You're either going to have to throw $$$$ at SEO or $$$$ at standard advertising to even make a dent in the market.

My rule of thumb: if you can buy a template that does what you want your site to, then it's too late.

Invasion · 30 Oct 2009 at 19:31

Russinating said:
I think your wife has too much time to be honest!

Because she posts on 3 or 4 sites when she has something for sale and this takes all of 5-10 mins she has to much time on her hands??? I really cant see how you come to this conclusion!

Russinating · 30 Oct 2009 at 19:43

Invasion said:
My wife for example will place an advert on as many free sites as she can

Invasion said:
Because she posts on 3 or 4 sites

Contradict much?

So, basically you're aiming to run one of the top 4 classified sites on the internet? Good luck with that.

Invasion · 30 Oct 2009 at 19:48

Russinating said:
Contradict much?

So, basically you're aiming to run one of the top 4 classified sites on the internet? Good luck with that.

Ok well lets say she takes an hour to post on as many sites as she can from that you deduce she has to much time on her hands??

One could say you have to much time on your hands if you are spending a friday night arguing the toss about if my wife has to much time on her hands!

Russinating · 30 Oct 2009 at 19:51

Invasion · 30 Oct 2009 at 19:55

lmao

any way back on topic. I realy dont think I am aiming at the top 4, would just like to have a go really. if it ended failing it doesnt really matter.

I do get what you are saying and your point about the template thing.

Russinating · 30 Oct 2009 at 20:01

Invasion said:
lmao

any way back on topic. I realy dont think I am aiming at the top 4, would just like to have a go really. if it ended failing it doesnt really matter.

I do get what you are saying and your poing about the template thing.

By all means go ahead and try! I just personally wouldn't throw a cent of money at it or spend any more time than you're willing to risk being 'wasted'.

If you did really want to go ahead with a classifieds site then try and aim it at something niche - whether this is for a specific type of product or for your local area, it's up to you!

Based on your OP (ie making money) it just seemed like you were aiming quite high, which is fine, but one of the first pages on the internet was probably a classifieds site so you're about 10 years too late

.

Invasion · 30 Oct 2009 at 20:08

Russinating said:
By all means go ahead and try! I just personally wouldn't throw a cent of money at it or spend any more time than you're willing to risk being 'wasted'.

If you did really want to go ahead with a classifieds site then try and aim it at something niche - whether this is for a specific type of product or for your local area, it's up to you!

Based on your OP (ie making money) it just seemed like you were aiming quite high, which is fine, but one of the first pages on the internet was probably a classifieds site so you're about 10 years too late .

Well I was thinking of the Pet sector, seems to be big buissness soomething like this site http://www.pets4homes.co.uk/

unwashed potato! · 30 Oct 2009 at 23:05

the trouble is as you will be going with an already made classifieds site then what could you possibly ever do that others aren't already? the only thing you'd be able to offer is a better name.

citycm · 31 Oct 2009 at 00:07

Yeah, I would definately build something from scratch. Take time to make the website as user friendly and nice to use as you can and this may attract users. Sites like craigslist are really poor design.