In the beginning, most marketplace growth is scrappy — a few referrals, a friendly community, some social buzz. That’s great.
But what happens when word of mouth starts to slow?
Here’s how to shift from organic trickle to repeatable growth — without losing the spark that got you started.
1. Double down on what’s already working
Start by looking at what’s already bringing you users.
- Is it referrals from your early vendors?
- A Facebook group you’ve been active in?
- One post that drove 80% of your traffic?
Don’t reinvent the wheel yet — optimise the early channels that are showing promise. Small wins can be scaled.
2. Tell a clearer story
You need a strong, simple way to explain what your marketplace does and why it matters.
Focus on:
- The problem you’re solving
- The people you’re serving
- The value you’re offering (not features — benefits)
Consistency wins. Repeat your message until people start repeating it back to you.
3. Lean into your niche
Trying to reach everyone usually means reaching no one.
In early days, narrow your focus:
- Target one segment of supply
- Focus on one type of customer
- Choose channels your audience actually uses
Specific > general. A concentrated effort in a small, passionate niche can unlock your first thousand users.
4. Create marketing loops, not one-off blasts
Don’t just post and pray. Think about actions that feed growth over time.
Some examples:
- Incentivised referrals (users bring users)
- Great onboarding (happy vendors share it)
- Helpful content (blog posts, FAQs, how-tos) that gets shared organically
Loops > funnels in marketplaces.
5. Capture demand — don’t just chase it
Early marketing is often reactive. But capturing demand means:
- Building an email list
- Adding lead capture to your site
- Staying in touch with curious visitors
Not everyone converts on Day 1. That’s fine. Give them a way to come back when they’re ready.
6. Use social proof early and often
Nothing drives trust like seeing others use (and love) your marketplace.
Show:
- Real listings
- Reviews and testimonials
- Behind-the-scenes content from early users
You don’t need thousands — just a few real stories told well.
Final thoughts
Early-stage marketing isn’t about scale — it’s about direction. The goal is to figure out what works, double down, and build momentum without burning out.
At Markko, we’ve helped dozens of marketplaces move from early traction to scalable growth — with the right blend of product, messaging and motion.
Need a hand finding your early growth levers? Get in touch — we’re here to help you go further, faster.