To create a networking application, you have to go through a few important steps. B2B, B2C or C2C, these platforms are increasingly flooding the web. In addition, all sectors of activity are using them today. There are different reasons behind this craze. Creating a marketplace also requires different skills. It requires technical, commercial and marketing know-how.
Are you planning to launch a networking tool? Find out what the different steps are. However, before talking about these development phases, let's think about those who still don't know what it is.
A matchmaking application is a means designed to make contact and exchanges between its users easier. This can be professionals, you can find out everything about b2b matchmaking platforms, individuals, sellers, buyers, service providers, etc. This type of platform is also accessible and advantageous for all areas of activity: marketing, construction, health, transport, etc.
For its operation, the site can specialize in product offers, services or generalist type. Depending on the provider, the platform can be free or paid, governed by rules or free. In all cases, visitors can see the different information on the platform: offers, characteristics, prices and others. They can also exchange, sell or buy depending on the specialty of the matchmaking application.
Creating a matchmaking application has multiple advantages. The service provider or owner of the platform as well as the users all have something to gain.
Creating a marketplace allows its owner to generate money. It is a fairly interesting source of income. For this, there are different solutions that he can choose from. This can be in the form of commissions, advertising, subscriptions or premium rate numbers.
A matchmaking platform is also an excellent way to strengthen the notoriety of a brand. Indeed, by meeting the needs of users, the matchmaking website helps improve the reputation of a company. For example, the application allows a user to find investors, suppliers, customers, employers, etc.
Developing a marketplace for connecting also allows you to have a customer database. Data from users and visitors to the platform is important because this information allows you to know the behaviors and trends of users. This makes it easier to define gaps in order to find solutions to meet their needs and expectations.
With a connecting tool, it is possible to launch a new product, a new service or even make improvements to existing businesses. However, for this to be possible, the application must be fully efficient at different levels: design, user experience, data security, payment methods, visibility, etc.
Let's now move on to the actual stages of developing a matchmaking application.
Creating a matchmaking platform begins with the search for ideas. You must start thinking about the type of application you want to develop. Once you know what you want, you must move on to market analysis to know the needs and trends of the market. In this case:
- Analyze the markets that are already in the circuit and see the necessary points of improvement.
- Look for the expectations of consumers who still complain about the offers proposed to them.
- Study the competition in order to find the right path for the choice of the economic model and the marketing strategy.
- Make an assessment of the potential benefits and possibilities of evolution.
- Put yourself in the shoes of the future users of your application.
Defining the persona remains an important step in creating a networking platform. Indeed, you need to know exactly who the tool you want to develop is intended for. So, ask yourself who your future users are, what they are looking for, their needs, the problem they face.
It is important to note that in a marketplace, it is advisable to identify at least two personas since there are sellers and buyers.
To develop a networking site, you have to choose the right business model.
- The commission model consists of taking a percentage according to the transactions made on the platform.
- The subscription model consists of registering on the site and choosing from the offers proposed in order to take advantage of the different features of the application.
- The advertising model allows users to benefit from the networking services offered for free.
To find the best business model, you can test different formulas. So you will know which choice allows you to enjoy higher earnings.
To create a matchmaking platform, you should not neglect any detail. When you have an idea of what the tool will be from design to maintenance, development will be easier.
The design of the matchmaking application also involves defining the different features. With the platform, you may want the user to be able to do different actions. This could be registration, connection, offering a service, the search bar, receiving payment. You can also add storage space, a blog, a forum for discussion and many others.
It is important to make sure that the matchmaking tool is well rated at all levels: loading speed, quality of reception, ergonomics, etc. So, you need an app that loads quickly, is easy to use, and adapts to different screen sizes. A responsive design is essential for better display on mobile devices. All this is essential to ensure a better user experience.
The specification contains the smallest details of the matchmaking application. This concerns in particular the functionalities, the business model, the budget as well as the different stages of development. This document is very useful to serve as a guide, especially for the professionals who will carry out the task.
All the preparations completed for the creation of the matchmaking platform, you can start by launching an MVP. This beta version of the minimum viable product will allow you to have a first idea of the impressions of the users. This is a step before launching the final version of the application.
For the launch of the minimum viable product, you can use CMS or other technologies. In addition, you can call on a freelancer or a web development agency to help you create the matchmaking application.
To create a networking application, consider a no-code agency like Scalapp. This has multiple advantages:
- A custom development that perfectly meets your needs and expectations.
- A faster creation than with traditional web development.
Savings on the budget.
Our team ensures the creation of the platform; your support during the project and maintenance.
Why is it so important to choose the right payment service provider or PSP? It must guarantee payment security. It is also essential that payment transactions are simple to avoid lowering the quality of the user experience. To find the right PSP among the many providers, a few criteria must be considered:
- Its business model
- the payment methods offered
- Ease of payment
Make sure that the payment provider is adapted to the economic model of your networking platform. In addition, it must be a support to support your site in order to achieve your objectives.
A new creation, unless you have a lot of friends and acquaintances, needs a marketing plan to promote it. So, when you have successfully developed the tool, you need to advertise it. It is advisable to set up a good marketing strategy.
The quality of the design, the user experience, the functionalities are all important. However, you have to work on the content and look for the right keywords via SEO in order to ensure the visibility of the dating platform. Well worked, this point allows you to have the best places in the SERP, that is to say Google search results.
Nowadays, social media is becoming more and more successful. If you want to optimize the visibility of your dating application, you must have a presence on social networks. Building community and user interaction will not only ensure visibility, but it will also increase awareness of your app.
However, carefully choose the right platform where you should be present according to your personas. It is also possible to be on different sites. Once you have an account on a social network, remember to regularly publish relevant and quality content. These are good practices for SEO, for the attractiveness and loyalty of your audience.
Email marketing remains an effective method to communicate with your community. If they have agreed to subscribe to your newsletter, do not hesitate to send them emails. Whether it is to invite them to come and return to your networking platform or to tell them about an update, a promotion, etc.
To promote your networking application, you can also work with communication experts. This can be digital marketing professionals, Google Adwords or Facebook Ads specialists. You can also look for partners such as local businesses or influencers to help you launch your marketplace.
Creating a matchmaking application allows you to benefit from many advantages. It allows you to make income, improve the visibility and notoriety of a company, launch products or services, collect a database.
However, the development of a matchmaking platform goes through different phases.
The work begins with thinking to find a good idea and then carrying out a market study. The objective is to know the necessary improvements on the market, customer expectations and the marketing strategy of the competition. Provide solutions to the problems encountered. This analysis will serve as a guideline for the creation of the matchmaking application.
You also need to define the persona or target audience, for whom the matchmaking platform is intended. As for the business model, you have different options: by commission, by subscription and through advertisements.
For the development work to go smoothly, it is necessary to detail the different characteristics of the connection application. Determine the different functionalities of the tool and its design. You must ensure that the tool offers the best user experience.
Regarding the actual development of the application, consider launching an mvp. This way, you will know what users think about it before making the final adjustments and launching the final version.
Don't forget the marketing strategy to promote your platform. You can create a blog, launch a partnership with an SEO expert, a community manager to work on your presence on social media. You can also work with an influencer. The goal is to create a community to ensure more acquisition and loyalty.
To carry out your project, you can trust a no-code agency. A team of experts like Scalapp can support you from the design, development and maintenance of your platform. In addition, our services are affordable since we offer the services of an agency at freelance rates.