A two-sided market facilitates interactions between multiple interdependent groups of customers. The value of the platform increases as more groups or as more individual members of each group are using it. The two sides usually come from disparate groups, e.g., businesses and private interest groups.
How they do it: Google’s search engine operates as a two-sided market, connecting websites and users who search for websites. Google does not provide any content but utilizes data to make sure that users with a specific search query find the website which can best answer their need / search. It also utilizes the data to allow website owners to target the user’s they want to attract on their websites.
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How they do it: Especially the hiring functions in LinkedIn function as a two-sided market. The value for both recruiters and candidates increase with the amount of jobs and candidates on the platform.
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How they do it: In the Amazon online store’s ”marketplace” section, retailers independent from Amazon can sell their products to customers.
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How they do it: eBay is a two sided market. Sellers are able to list their products for a small fee or even for free, while buyers can discover product listings, and bid on or purchase products. eBay facilitates discovery and payments via its platform.
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How they do it: Airbnb offers a platform for everyone to offer their home, or experiences to guests. Airbnb’s focus lies purely on providing a reliable platform with safety mechanisms for both hosts and guests which simplifies the process of hosting and booking an accomodation.
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