I am building a site where users from a niche demographic can review products and services targeted at them. Businesses, in turn, can claim their page, respond to reviews and manage their reputation.<p>I'm just starting and would really welcome any insights, advice and or reactions on the points below. Most of what I hear is that by getting into this I'm facing an uphill battle bigger than the one faced by most product/service based startups. :)<p>1. Solving the chicken-and-egg problems that review sites face (similar to marketplaces). I thought I could build a directory of products and services and the proceed to attract users/reviewers. Lastly, I would contact businesses to 'claim' their product site.<p>2. Possible revenue models for such a platform. I'm considering keyword-based ads (without collecting private info) and charging businesses to add features to their individual product sites.<p>3. How to determine product/market fit. This seems 'easier' with a concrete product or service, but not so much with a review platform. I guess marketplaces face the same problem. Struggling here.<p>Thank you.
You're on the right track with this:<p>>build a directory of products and services and the proceed to attract users/reviewers<p>Think about the questions users ask and build content to suit their needs. Cast a wide net while keeping quality good. If the businesses in question are tech savvy they may review their referral traffic.