FAQs
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CREATION OF ONLINE PLATFORMS
How does an online platform work?
An online platform brings together demanders and providers for certain services or products. The business model is excellent for both B2B and B2C as well as the C2C sector, enabling direct P2P (peer-to-peer) exchange.
Examples of well-known online platforms include ImmobilienScout24, Uber, Udemy, and AirBnb, to name a few. Furthermore, marketplaces such as Amazon or eBay also fall under the category of online platforms.
Is now the right time to found an online platform?
Online platforms have revolutionized the internet and the market in recent years by enabling direct exchange between all participants. Today, such business models have replaced traditional solutions in many areas of our lives. For instance, the majority of travelers choose to book accommodation through the AirBnb platform instead of a hotel room.
There are still many market niches in which hardly any online platforms have been implemented. A strategic positioning in such an area that also has high demand for direct exchange between demanders and providers can make an online platform successful. Even though online platforms are now widespread, the market for such portals has by no means reached its full potential and offers numerous opportunities for growth through new projects, such as online platforms.
Who are online platforms suitable for?
Online platforms are very well suited for small businesses, SMEs, and even large companies. Basically, simple platforms are also suitable for individuals due to relatively low costs and complexity in implementation and operation. A platform with basic functionalities can still gain a very high market share if it manages to offer a better alternative to existing solutions.
The most important questions are whether there is high demand for direct exchange within the corresponding industry and whether comparable solutions already exist and, if so, how widespread they are.
How can I differentiate my platform from the competition?
Instead of entering into direct competition with market leaders, new online platforms must focus on a new niche. In addition, certain conditions for customers or buyers and providers can be offered that provide a clear competitive advantage compared to the competition.
Therefore, fundamental competitive analysis is essential when conceptualizing and refining the business idea for an online platform.
QUESTIONS ABOUT WORKING WITH SHOPBOOSTR
What distinguishes Shopboostr from other agencies?
Most agencies in the market are not specialized in the development of online platforms – they offer a broad portfolio, such as the creation of websites or online shops. Therefore, although these providers may have basic knowledge of developing online platforms, they do not develop such platforms on a regular basis.
At Shopboostr, we focus exclusively on the development of online platforms. We know the nuances throughout the entire implementation process and are familiar with the scaling mechanisms required to make your online platform successful. Our experience allows us to offer a fair price-performance ratio for our clients. We are interested in the long-term success of your project, which has made us a leading agency for the development of online platforms.
How many online platforms has Shopboostr already implemented?
We have already created over 100 online platforms in the last 5 years. You can view some of our references on the following page – https://www.shopboostr.de/portfolio/
How many people are on the Shopboostr team?
Our team consists of 12 experts in all the areas required to create online platforms: from conceptualization, UX / UI design, graphic design, programming, and Q&A, to marketing. Our employees have worked at some of the largest e-commerce companies in Europe and have been working for Shopboostr for several years. We are also passionate about the online platform business model and see our work with these portals as a true vocation.
Where is the company headquartered?
Our offices are centrally located in the heart of Munich and Berlin.
Our office in Munich is located right in the city center, just five minutes from Königsplatz. Nearby are some notable sights, as well as cafés and restaurants. This allows us to also welcome our clients in a relaxed atmosphere if needed.
Our office in the federal capital, Berlin, is located near the Technical University, on Ernst-Reuter-Platz. We chose this location after receiving several awards from innovation competitions sponsored by Deutsche Telekom and the Technical University of Berlin.
Why should I choose Shopboostr?
We specialize in developing online platforms and offer a transparent and success-oriented way of working. 70% of our new customers come from recommendations by previous clients.
What is important for the collaboration with Shopboostr?
We only work with serious projects that have high market potential. Therefore, our first requirement is that you really want to implement your project and establish it successfully in the market in the long term.
You also have to actively participate in the project, especially during the conceptual phase, so that we can get the best out of your idea. Your motivation is especially important to us, as it is the fundamental prerequisite for long-term success.
Do you have expertise in my industry or sector?
With more than 100 successfully created online platforms, we have already gained diverse experience in over 40 different industries. This includes both the B2C and B2B sectors. After we identify your industry or sector in an initial consultation, an experienced expert in that area will be assigned to your project.
Can I create the design of my online platform myself and define its functionalities?
We are of course happy to receive your input and ensure that the final result fully matches your wishes and expectations.
Which programming language is used to develop an online platform?
We do not use simple CMS systems or website builders. Our platforms are developed using leading programming languages and frameworks. These solutions provide you and us with the best possible scalability and performance so that your platform can grow in the long term.
Is the online platform optimized for mobile devices?
Yes – we ensure a cross-device design that looks great on all devices. We then test your platform on all common browsers and smartphones to ensure its functionality and responsiveness.
In which languages can my online platform be created?
We will translate your online platform into any language you wish. We always recommend starting with a German version of the platform and then adding more languages later on.
Who holds the rights to my online platform?
The rights to your online platform are completely transferred to you after development – which means you can use and expand the platform in the long term as you wish or as your needs require.
What does the process for developing an online platform with Shopboostr look like?
First, you outline your project idea and provide us with some information and key data. You also describe the target group as well as the desired features for your online platform. After that, an expert from our team will contact you to analyze the potential of your online platform. In our first conversation, we will work together to develop an individual strategy for successfully implementing your online platform.
We then move on to the implementation phase of your online platform. First, a detailed concept is drawn up with all requirements, functionalities, and mockups. Then a modern and user-friendly design is developed, including all the desired subpages. The appropriate programming language is selected for the development of the platform. After that, the programming of the platform is carried out, including extensive testing on all browsers and mobile devices. After launch, we ensure the efficient marketing of the project through social media and all other relevant advertising channels.
How much time and effort should I plan for developing my online platform?
We handle the entire implementation of your online platform: from strategy and conceptualization to design, development, and market launch. In doing so, we strive to reduce your effort to a minimum. What we need from you is a description of your idea, as well as feedback on the concept we develop, the design, and the desired functionalities. During the collaboration, you should plan to spend about one to two hours per week on feedback and discussions with our team.
The conceptual phase usually takes four weeks. After that comes the design phase, which takes about one to two weeks. Once that is complete, the programming phase begins. Here your online platform is programmed and implemented. This phase takes about two to three months, depending on the scope of the platform’s functionalities.
What costs should I expect when developing an online platform?
It is very difficult to give a general cost estimate. The development of each online platform is different, and costs depend on the complexity of the project and the client’s requirements. However, developing an online platform usually starts at around 10,000 euros and depends on the respective range of functionalities. If you wish, you can receive free advice from our team to assess the expected costs for development of your online platform and its prospects for success.
Does Shopboostr offer support for further development and maintenance of my online platform?
Yes, we are interested in a long-term collaboration so that you can scale and expand your platform over time. We are happy to take over maintenance as well as the management of technical upgrades and updates for you, and we would be delighted to serve as your long-term partner.
What are the next steps?
Since we have been receiving a lot of inquiries from customers lately, we have introduced an
application process. As a first step, we ask you to fill out our questionnaire and provide us with more information about your project idea. An expert from our team will then analyze your details and determine the potential for your online platform. If we believe that your project has potential and meets our criteria, we will develop an individual strategy for creating your online platform in an initial discussion together.
We are currently offering a free consultation for our new clients. You can request it using the following form: https://www.shopboostr.de/beratungsgespraech
Contact us for a free consultation
Let’s work together in a joint conversation to find out how we can help you create a successful online platform.
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