In today’s podcast, we are taking a look at the unique space that a marketplace fills in the eCommerce world and an example of just what starting up a marketplace involves, both the rewards and the challenges. To hear the story behind a successful marketplace, we have invited Brady Nord, co-founder of MOJO Marketplace. Brady takes us through his journey and not only shares what it takes to get started, but also how to keep the momentum up and what you need to know about choosing the right products and services to sell.

We chatted about:

* The decision to start MOJO Marketplace and what drove the founders

* The challenges that are specifically unique to starting a marketplace

* What Brady would differently if he had the chance for a do-over

* The importance of the  service and training aspect in the space of a marketplace

* The dynamics of selling themes for multiple platforms

* How Brady makes sure that the vendors who provide 3rd-party services perform to MOJO’s expectations

* Brady’s final tip on creating an online site as a reseller

Thanks to our Sponsor Bluehost

Transcript

You can also download a pdf of the full transcript here: WordPress eCommerce Show Episode 79 May 24 2017

Bob Dunn: Hey, everyone. Bob Dunn here, known as Bob WP on the web. In today’s show, we are in for a special treat. I know that nothing is more powerful to learn from than the story of someone who has successfully launched an e-commerce site. Learning about the successes as well as the challenges first hand is more valuable than anything you can imagine. Today, I’m excited to bring you the story behind a marketplace. In fact, specifically, MOJO Marketplace. To hear the story, we have invited Brady Nord, co-founder of MOJO Marketplace and currently VP of products at Bluehost. Welcome to the show, Brady.

Brady Nord: Hey, thanks, Bob. Appreciate you having me.

Bob: My pleasure. Before we get into your story, I’m sure we have lots to talk about, can you just tell us a little bit more about what you are currently doing at Bluehost?

Meet Brady Nord, Co-founder of MOJO Marketplace

Brady: Yeah, happy to. As I transitioned out of MOJO, I’m pretty new here at Bluehost. I’ve been a customer long time, but now I’ve been in this role for about six months. I’m focused on rethinking about, how do we change the strategy of hosting? How do we not talk so much about the technology and provide a better platform for people to get online? That’s really the focus that we’re trying to target.

Bob: Cool.

Brady: That goes from our products and services to the platform as a whole. How do we help people succeed online?, not, specifically, how do we provide cPanel or something like that. Really trying to think about the customer component.

Bob: I think that’s true because I’m around these developers all the time. I’m not a developer myself. It may be a little too much outside when talking to clients versus, what this can do for our client. I think those clients, they want to know that it works, one thing. Sometimes that technical stuff it’s like their eyes glaze over and it’s like, “What is this going to do for my business?”

Brady: Yep. That’s 100 percent. 100 percent.

Bob: “What are you talking about, FTP?” Don’t freak me out.”

Brady: Exactly. When you look at the people getting online today, it’s a much more novice user base as a whole than 5, 10 years ago. We have to dumb this down.