Classify This!

I am not sure what is the right strategy for classified paper editors. I used to think it was starting a generalist website that was more like Craig than Craig, then eventually building vertical websites based on their most profitable content categories, then build niches from their generalist, then maybe add community features and make Yelp!…

But now I am not sure. But I am still convinced of a number of things

You need to make the largest marketplace, or at least try, especially if you’re a generalist

The content quality has to be a primary factor (photos, videos, information about each item, everything you can to ensure best information per item)

You probably should let private users place ads for free and add as much information per ad as possible so you continue to build content and your private users at large are happy with this free and simple service

You still have to fight for simple interfaces and a very good search, filter and ad placement function

You still have to fight to send organic searches so the quality of leads is the best (SEO focus)

I think ultimately, you have to put yourself in two shoes: the private user and the professional user - and make sure you are capable of making both of them happy and convinced that they and not the other is the primary target you’re trying to satisfy

Tags: classifieds, optimisation, strategy