Hey - it’s Fiona

This week, I’ve been thinking about how tricky it can be to decide whether to launch your marketplace with a website or an app. It’s one of those foundational decisions that can make or break your user experience (and your budget!).

In today’s issue, I’ll break it down for you:

• Should you start with an app or a website?

• When it makes sense to build an app for your marketplace.

• A lean, no-frills approach to developing an app without overcomplicating things.

Should I build an app?

I have several calls each week with potential clients who are looking to design and build a marketplace. Every so often I get asked whether they should build an app for their marketplace (rather than a web-based marketplace).

Why start with a website?

Building a marketplace with a website provides several main advantages.

When to consider building an app

While a website is ideal for launching your marketplace, there are situations where an app might make sense down the line.

Apps are great at keeping users engaged with features like push notifications and personalised experiences. If your marketplace relies on mobile-specific features such as location tracking or camera functionality, an app could provide a better experience.

It’s also important to consider your users’ behaviour. If customers are likely to use your marketplace only once or twice, they may hesitate to download and retain an app. However, if frequent visits or transactions are part of your model, an app can significantly enhance the user experience and boost retention.

A lean approach

You probably know by now that I love the lean approach. If I was a marketplace founder, I would begin by building a no-code web-based marketplace on a platform like Sharetribe. It’s quick, affordable, and allows you to focus on gaining traction.

Gather feedback from your users and refine your offering as you grow. Once your marketplace has traction, you can consider expanding with an app.

Starting with a website lets you focus on what matters most: testing, iterating, and building your marketplace’s foundation. Once you’ve got traction, you can level up with an app.

What do you think? Have you launched a marketplace or are you planning to?

—> ✉️ Reply with your questions and I’ll answer them in a future issue.

No-code marketplace app builder

Did you know that Sharetribe and development agency, Journey Horizon, have combined forces to build a no-code app for marketplaces?

Their mobile app template for Sharetribe customers enables founders to develop a fully functional mobile app for their marketplace. Every essential feature - from product management to transactions and user profiles - is integrated into the app. This is the perfect solution for businesses ready to step into building and launching an app.

Check it out!

—> ✉️ Send me your favourite tools and I’ll feature them here. 

Fiona Burns

Find me on LinkedIn or Book a 1:1 call

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