How to build a website like JustAnswer

The success of the online marketplace JustAnswer can be attributed to its unique and innovative approach to connecting users with experts in various fields. By providing a platform where individuals can ask questions and receive answers from verified professionals, JustAnswer has created a convenient and efficient way for people to access expert advice and knowledge. This has not only helped users solve their problems and gain valuable insights, but it has also allowed experts to monetize their expertise and provide assistance to a wide range of individuals. The platform's user-friendly interface, extensive network of experts, and commitment to customer satisfaction have all contributed to its success as a trusted and reliable online marketplace.

For buyers, a marketplace like JustAnswer offers a convenient platform to seek expert advice and solutions. They can post their queries on various topics and receive prompt responses from verified professionals. With a wide range of categories available, buyers can easily find the right expert to address their specific needs, ensuring a reliable and efficient experience.

For sellers, a marketplace like JustAnswer offers a unique opportunity to monetize their expertise. They can showcase their skills and knowledge in various fields, attracting customers seeking answers to their specific questions. Sellers can set their own rates, work flexibly, and gain exposure to a wide customer base, ultimately increasing their earning potential. Additionally, the platform provides a secure payment system and offers support to sellers, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.

JustAnswer is an online marketplace that connects users with verified experts in various fields to provide answers and solutions to their questions and problems. The business model of JustAnswer revolves around a pay-per-question or pay-per-service model, where users pay a fee to get access to expert advice and assistance. Experts on the platform are vetted and have to go through a rigorous application process to ensure their expertise and credibility. JustAnswer earns revenue by taking a percentage of the fee paid by users, while experts receive a portion of the fee for their services. This business model allows JustAnswer to provide a platform for users to get reliable and timely answers while compensating experts for their knowledge and expertise.

JustAnswer makes money through a combination of user fees and expert payments. When a user posts a question on the platform, they are required to pay a fee to access the expertise of the available experts. This fee varies depending on the complexity and urgency of the question. Additionally, experts who provide answers on JustAnswer are compensated for their time and knowledge. They receive a portion of the user fee as payment for their expertise. This revenue model allows JustAnswer to generate income while providing a platform for users to receive expert advice and assistance.

The most important functionality of a marketplace like JustAnswer is the ability to connect users with experts in various fields who can provide accurate and reliable answers to their questions. This includes features such as:

1. Expert matching: The platform should have a robust system for matching users with the most suitable experts based on their specific needs and expertise.

2. Secure communication: The marketplace should provide a secure and private communication channel between users and experts, ensuring the confidentiality of information shared.

3. Payment and pricing: The platform should have a seamless payment system that allows users to pay for the expert's services and ensures fair pricing for both parties involved.

4. Rating and review system: A marketplace like JustAnswer should have a rating and review system that allows users to provide feedback on the quality of service received, helping others make informed decisions.

5. Knowledge base: It is beneficial to have a comprehensive knowledge base or database of previously answered questions, allowing users to search for relevant information without having to directly engage with an expert.

6. Customer support: The marketplace should have a responsive customer support team that can address any issues or concerns raised by users and experts.

7. Mobile accessibility: With the increasing use of mobile devices, having a mobile-friendly platform or dedicated mobile app is crucial for users to access the marketplace on the go.

Overall, the most important functionality of a marketplace like JustAnswer is to facilitate a seamless and efficient connection between users and experts, ensuring high-quality answers and a positive user experience.

Building functionality like JustAnswer from scratch would require significant investment in terms of time, resources, and expertise. The cost would depend on various factors such as the complexity of the platform, the number of features, the technology stack used, and the team size. Development costs alone could range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Additionally, ongoing expenses for maintenance, server infrastructure, customer support, and marketing would need to be considered. It is crucial to conduct a detailed analysis and consult with experts to get an accurate estimate for such a project.

• Identify a niche or specific area of expertise that is not well-served by existing platforms like JustAnswer.
• Conduct thorough market research to understand the target audience, their needs, and pain points.
• Develop a user-friendly and intuitive platform with a clean and modern design.
• Implement a robust and secure payment system to ensure smooth transactions between users and experts.
• Recruit a diverse and highly qualified pool of experts in various fields, ensuring they are vetted and verified.
• Offer a range of pricing options for users, including per-question, subscription-based, or pay-per-minute models.
• Provide a seamless and efficient communication system between users and experts, such as live chat or video calls.
• Implement a rating and review system to build trust and credibility among users and experts.
• Offer additional features like file sharing, document collaboration, or screen sharing to enhance the user experience.
• Implement a responsive customer support system to address any issues or concerns promptly.
• Develop a strong marketing strategy to attract both users and experts, including targeted online advertising, content marketing, and partnerships with relevant websites or influencers.
• Continuously gather feedback from users and experts to improve the platform and address any shortcomings.
• Foster a sense of community by organizing webinars, expert-led workshops, or forums where users can interact and learn from each other.
• Leverage technology advancements like AI and machine learning to enhance the platform's capabilities, such as intelligent matching between users and experts based on their specific needs and expertise.
• Establish partnerships with reputable organizations or institutions to further enhance the platform's credibility and attract a wider user base.
• Regularly update and improve the platform based on user feedback, market trends, and technological advancements to stay ahead of the competition.

1. Quora: Quora is a popular question-and-answer platform that competes with JustAnswer. While JustAnswer focuses on connecting users with verified experts, Quora relies on its community of users to provide answers. JustAnswer offers a more personalized and professional approach, with experts in various fields, while Quora offers a wider range of opinions and perspectives.

2. Experts Exchange: Experts Exchange is another competitor to JustAnswer, providing a platform for users to ask and answer questions. However, Experts Exchange primarily focuses on technology-related topics, whereas JustAnswer covers a broader range of subjects. JustAnswer also offers a subscription-based membership, providing unlimited access to experts, while Experts Exchange operates on a points-based system.

3. Stack Exchange: Stack Exchange is a network of question-and-answer websites covering various topics, including technology, science, and more. Unlike JustAnswer, Stack Exchange relies on a community-driven approach, where users earn reputation points based on their contributions. JustAnswer, on the other hand, emphasizes the expertise and qualifications of its verified experts, ensuring a higher level of professionalism.

4. Ask.com: Ask.com is a search engine that also offers a question-and-answer feature, competing with JustAnswer. While JustAnswer connects users directly with experts, Ask.com provides answers from a combination of sources, including its own database and web search results. JustAnswer offers a more personalized and tailored experience, with experts providing in-depth responses, while Ask.com provides more general and varied answers.

5. LivePerson: LivePerson is a customer engagement platform that includes a chat-based question-and-answer feature, similar to JustAnswer. However, LivePerson primarily focuses on businesses and customer support, while JustAnswer caters to individual users seeking expert advice. JustAnswer offers a more specialized and dedicated platform for connecting users with experts, while LivePerson provides a broader range of customer engagement solutions.

Creating an online marketplace like JustAnswer is a significant and costly endeavor. However, there are now various cost-effective methods to build a marketplace.

The option you select depends on:

• Desired marketplace features
• Technical skills (or team skills)
• Budget
• Time availability

Different ways to build a marketplace include:

• Utilizing WordPress and plugins
• Building on open-source software
• Combining no-code tools
• Using a dedicated no-code marketplace SaaS tool
• Developing on an API-based marketplace SaaS tool

In addition to skill and budget limitations, consider the importance of quick learning. Launching your JustAnswer-style platform rapidly enables swift audience understanding. These insights aid in creating a platform users prefer over existing solutions.

Sharetribe's marketplace software prioritizes this iterative learning process.

Initially, we assist in launching a JustAnswer-like platform in one day without coding. Use the two-week long free trial of Sharetribe's Build plan to get your marketplace ready fast. When you're happy with your marketplace, you can subscribe to go live.

After launch, you can identify additional features and functionality needed to serve your audience. This may involve redesigning workflows, integrating third-party services, or developing a mobile app. Sharetribe allows easy customization, either independently or with assistance from our Expert partners.

With over a decade of marketplace-building experience, Sharetribe offers content resources to support your platform development, regardless of your chosen approach.

Good luck with your JustAnswer-style business!

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