Unlocking opportunities: Building on B2B marketplaces for Indie hackers

As an indie hacker, my curiosity is piqued by SaaS ventures that seamlessly align with thriving B2B platforms. These platforms offer a multitude of advantages: they simplify customer acquisition, enable laser-focused product development, and foster trust among users. We're all familiar with B2B giants like Shopify and Slack,but there's a thriving ecosystem of B2B marketplaces out there, ranging from feature-rich hubs with integrated reviews and payment handling to more basic integration directories.

The Appeal of B2B Platforms:

Building on B2B platforms isn't just a trendy pursuit; it's a strategic one. The perks are undeniable. You get a direct line to a substantial user base, making it easier to validate your ideas and tailor your product to their needs. Trust is built-in because users often turn to these platforms for solutions they can rely on. But how do you choose the right platform to invest your time and skills in? Let's delve into the key factors that guide my decision-making process.

Evaluating Potential Platforms:

How many people use the platforms?

The user base size matters because it indicates the potential reach of your product. More users equal more opportunities. Consider Shopify, with over a million businesses relying on it for e-commerce solutions. This extensive user base opens up numerous opportunities for app developers to reach a broad audience.

How much do people pay for the product that the platform is built on?

Pricing insights give you a hint about the users' willingness to invest in additional apps or extensions. Take Salesforce as an example. Companies are willing to invest substantial sums in Salesforce's CRM solutions, indicating a willingness to spend on complementary apps and extensions.

How competitive is the platform?

Competition can be healthy, but too much might make it challenging to stand out. Look at Slack, which has a thriving marketplace but remains open to innovative solutions. While there's competition, it's also a fertile ground for unique, niche applications.

Is the product the platform is built on used for many use cases or just a narrow few?

A versatile product opens doors to a broader range of app ideas. Consider Trello, a popular project management platform. Trello's visual approach to task management is versatile and adaptable, making it suitable for a wide range of use cases. It's not limited to a specific industry or niche but can be customized to meet the needs of various teams and individuals. This versatility opens up a plethora of opportunities for indie hackers to develop specialized apps and integrations that cater to diverse user requirements. When a platform's core product is flexible and multifaceted, it creates a fertile ground for innovation.

Is the platform growing quickly?

Growth often means more users and more opportunities. Zoom's rapid growth during the shift to remote work is a prime example. It attracted millions of users virtually overnight, illustrating the potential for app developers in such a dynamic environment.

Do I have any interest in working with and helping the type of people who use the platform?

It's essential to connect with the platform's user base to create valuable solutions. Let's consider Github as an example. Github is a go-to platform for developers and software engineers, a community I'm genuinely passionate about. As someone deeply immersed in the world of coding, I find great satisfaction in building tools and solutions that cater to the needs of fellow developers. It's not just about creating apps; it's about contributing to a community that values collaboration, innovation, and problem-solving. When your interests align with the platform's user base, the journey of building and offering value becomes even more fulfilling.

Do I need to jump through too many hoops to build on the platform? Are the docs decent?

Ease of integration and good documentation can save you a lot of headaches. Take Twilio as an example. Building on Twilio's communication platform is known for its straightforwardness. Their well-structured documentation and developer-friendly resources make it a seamless experience for app developers. The platform's clear API documentation, code samples, and active developer community significantly reduce any obstacles you might encounter when integrating with their services. When the path to building on a platform is smooth, it encourages us to focus on creating innovative solutions rather than getting tangled in technical complexities.

Is it likely for an app I build on the platform to get enough distribution through the platform alone?

Consider whether the platform's ecosystem can help your app gain traction. Zendesk's marketplace has a reputation for helping apps gain substantial distribution. If your app adds value to customer support, this platform offers a significant boost.

Moreover, when exploring potential platform ideas for validation, I often examine apps or integrations built on platforms that may have similar counterparts. For instance, integrations may be built on top of Google Sheets or Airtable. If such an integration is missing from a platform like Notion, I seize the opportunity to provide it. This strategy allows me to identify gaps in the ecosystem and develop solutions that resonate with users, fostering both innovation and validation in the process.

Newer and Growing Platforms:

One exciting avenue for indie hackers is to explore newer marketplaces on growing platforms. Take Airtable, for instance. It serves a multitude of purposes and will never be a one-size-fits-all solution, presenting ample opportunities in the years to come. Another intriguing option is Zoom, which gained remarkable popularity in the wake of the remote work revolution.

Mature Marketplaces of Interest:

While newer platforms offer exciting prospects, don't overlook the potential goldmines in more mature marketplaces. Platforms like HubSpot, Salesforce, Slack, QuickBooks, Zendesk, and Intercom are enticing because users within these ecosystems are often eager to adopt and pay for apps that enhance their experience.

Realization and Future Plans:

I was pleasantly surprised by the sheer number of B2B app marketplaces out there during my research. Although I haven't personally built apps on these platforms yet, I'm planning to dip my toes into this space later this year. If you think I've missed any marketplaces worth mentioning, please do let me know.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the world of B2B app marketplaces is vast and rife with opportunities for indie hackers like me. Whether you opt for newer platforms with untapped potential or dive into the thriving ecosystems of established marketplaces, there's no shortage of ways to make your mark and provide value to users. I encourage you to explore, experiment, and share your experiences within these vibrant ecosystems. Together, we can unlock the full potential of building on B2B marketplaces.

I have consolidated a bunch of marketplaces that you might be interested in here.