The Marketplace Mastermind Designed To Help Non-Technical Founders Build Their MVP

Tried and tested playbooks for building, monetizing and growing marketplaces as a non-technical founder

Do You Want To Build A Marketplace But Running Into These Issues?

Budget Constraints

You don't have the funds to hire developers or purchase expensive software tools to build your marketplace.

Technical Knowledge

You don't have the technical skills required to build a marketplace from scratch, and learning to code seems overwhelming.

Finding Reliable Developers

You don't know how to vet and hire reliable developers who understand your vision, even if you could find them within your budget.

Platform Selection

You don't know which platform or tools to use to build your marketplace. There are many options, and you don't know which ones are best suited for your needs.

Marketplace Features

You don't know what features your marketplace needs to succeed and how to implement them without coding skills.

Building a User Base

You don't know how to attract both buyers and sellers to your marketplace and create a balanced ecosystem.

Marketing and Promotion

You don't know how to effectively market and promote your marketplace to reach your target audience without a significant budget.

Validating the Idea

You don't know how to validate your marketplace idea to ensure there is demand before investing time and resources.

Scaling the Marketplace

You don't know how to scale your marketplace as it grows and how to handle increased demand.

What we do

We Help Founders Build Their Marketplace MVPs Without Writing A Single Line Of Code

Roadmap

Kick off with a 1:1 consulting call to discuss your marketplace vision and current challenges. Together, we'll create a custom 6-8 week roadmap tailored to your goals.

Pre-Launch

Learn the essentials of no-code tools and how to validate your marketplace idea before building. We'll also teach you how to build a ready-to-activate buyer and seller audience.

MVP

Dive into building your MVP with advanced features. The goal is to create a self-serve version of your marketplace that effectively connects buyers and sellers.

Scale

After validating your MVP, we'll guide you in adding new features and refining processes tailored to your use case, helping you scale your marketplace for sustainable growth.

"Connors content on his free YouTube channel has been an absolute game changer for my journey as a marketplace founder. Took that to exponential heights as I joined his paid MVMP program which has empowered me to launch Townhouses.nz."
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Alex

Townhouses.NZ

"Connor is an absolute wizard of no-code automation and consultation, with a genuine warmth and expertise that sets him apart. When others doubted the feasibility of our complex projects, Connor found innovative no-code solutions that aligned perfectly with our goals, empowering us to maintain and update them in-house. We wholeheartedly recommend his exceptional skills and genuine dedication."
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Mathieu

Studio Tangible

"Connor has been the biggest help and is so open to sharing everything he knows. I've joined so many courses and groups and this is the first one where people actually learn together and the material we're given is clear and concise. He puts so much work into every course and it shows."
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Geenay

Consortium Studio

"Connor’s MVMP Course is the best and most practical no-code crash course I’ve come across. It wasn’t just an amazing help for building my no-code marketplace but the coaching sessions with Connor have been a huge help with my overall business model and my journey and mindset as a founder. Easily one of the best investments I’ve made in myself!"
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Michelle

Rivuuz

HOW WE DO IT

Tools, Systems and Playbooks

Get access to our playbooks and templates for building, validating and scaling marketplaces as a non-technical founder.

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Introducing the MVMP Marketplace Program

The MVMP (Minimum Viable Marketplace) Program is your comprehensive, step-by-step guide to building a successful online marketplace. Designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, our program takes you from validating your idea to launching and scaling your marketplace using powerful no-code tools like Webflow, Airtable, and Make.com.

Templates

Ready-Made Components

Speed up your build with our pre-designed components and templates.

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Tutorials

Step-by-Step Tutorials

Master the essentials with our comprehensive tutorials designed for beginners.

Screenshot of a step-by-step tutorial video with a presenter on the right and a digital workflow diagram on the left.
Slack Community

Supportive Community

Connect with fellow entrepreneurs in our vibrant community for support and inspiration.

Screenshot of a Slack channel with users discussing CRM integration and user experience improvements.
Workshops

Interactive Workshops

Join live workshops for practical, hands-on learning with industry experts.

Screenshot of a virtual meeting with multiple participants displayed in a grid on a computer screen.
"Absolutely the best no-code course I've taken. It's comprehensive, tackling real world marketplace solutions. The best part is the tutorials are always updated for new features. Aside from the curriculum, the support and community is outstanding."
A cheerful man with glasses wearing a dark t-shirt with the 'dwellcome' logo smiling against a grey background.

Tom

Dwellcome

"I absolutely recommend Connor’s content to anyone diving into the world of no-code. There’s literally none better. With his support and guidance I was able to launch my online marketplace months ahead of schedule."
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Allen

TeamPlayr

"I actually can’t believe how far Chive has come in a year. From an idea to a platform of 7,000 users, all with #nocode.  And we just getting started. If you’ve got an idea, go build it and see where you are in 12 months. You’ll be amazed 🚀"
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Stephen

Chive Charities

"Connor’s nocode tutorials and courses are top class. His teaching approach is straightforward, focused and gets results. He cuts through the noise, handing you the keys to creating solutions that not only function superbly but also drive revenue. He’s super responsive honest and there is no BS. His Slack community is one of the best I’m part of."
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Alex

Boltjobs

Who Is this for

Is This Labs Right for You?

We designed this mastermind for aspiring marketplace founders who are non-technical, and eager to learn how to build, launch, and scale their business using no-code tools.

Aspiring Founders

If you have a marketplace idea but don't know where to start, this program will guide you step-by-step.

Non-Technical Entrepreneurs

Perfect for those who don't have coding skills and want to leverage no-code tools to build their marketplace.

First-Time Business Owners

Ideal for individuals launching their first online business and need comprehensive support.

Bootstrapped Founders

If you're working with a limited budget and need cost-effective solutions to launch your marketplace.

Motivated Self-Starters

Great for those who are ready to invest time and effort into learning and implementing new skills to build their marketplace.

Experienced Developers

If you're already proficient in coding and building marketplaces, this program might not add significant value.

Passive Learners

If you're not ready to actively participate and apply the learning, this program requires hands-on involvement.

Quick-Fix Seekers

This program focuses on building a sustainable business over time, so it may not suit those looking for immediate results without effort.

"I highly recommend Connor as a no-code coach. He has a talent for making the complex simple and is very clear in his instruction. He has helped me maximize the latest in workflow automation in a way that is practical and approachable. If you are looking for a knowledgeable and patient coach to help you with no-code solutions, Connor is the one to turn to."
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Keenan

SalesMagiq

"Working with Connor and taking his courses has been incredible. His expertise, practical approach, and dedication to student success have empowered me to create and innovate. It’s no wonder he has such a following in this space. I highly recommend his courses for anyone seeking to build any sort of online marketplace or streamline any of their workflows."
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Paul

Paidia Arts

"Absolutely incredible course! The individual feedback provided in this course is one of its best aspects. They don't just dish out standard responses - they give you personalized advice based on your specific needs. It's support like you've never seen before."
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Daniel

99Plus

"I can't speak more highly about Connor and his offering.  Before Connor, I felt hostage by my own website and platform, and because of Connor, I now feel completely in control, and fully supported.  I feel like Connor helped me download the most current and better version of myself."
Woman in green dress holding a laptop with a website displayed, standing against an orange background.

Damaris

The Realness

Success Stories from Our Community Members

Collaborate with other founders

Will - Founder of Industry Check

Industry Check is a platform for hiring dancers and choreographs in Norway

Allen Hamilton - Founder of Teamplayr

Teamplayr is a marketplace finding helping parents find the right youth soccer team for the kids

Alex - Co-Founder of Townhouses NZ

Townhouses is a marketplace for real estate agents in New Zealand specialized in selling townhouses

Alice & Stephen - Founders of Chive

Chive Charities is a directory for finding and supporting local charities in New Zealand

Brian - Founder of Busy Bee

Busy Bee is a hiring marketplace for helping authors find personal assistants that specialize in the publishing space

Michelle - Founder of Rivuuz

Rivuuz is a marketplace for connecting home owners to reliable service professionals in Lusaka, Zambia.

Omar - Founder of TutorLyft

Tutorlyft is a marketplace for finding and hiring tutors in Canada

Alex - Founder of Boltjobs

Boltjobs is a job board platform specializing in the further education space.
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the program cost?

We offer flexible pricing options depending on your goals and budget. Our program starts at $999 and can scale up to $15,000 if you're looking for more hands-on support and outsourcing some of the work to our team. We'll discuss your goals and build a custom plan during the call. Please note that this price doesn't include costs for tools or marketing.

How much time will I need to dedicate to this program each week?

Our program is designed to fit into any schedule, allowing you to build your marketplace part-time or after work. The more time you allocate each week, the faster you'll progress through the stages. Ultimately, it's a trade-off between time commitment and speed of completion.

Will this program really help me build a successful marketplace?

Our goal is to help you build a successful marketplace. While we cover the technical aspects and provide strategies for acquiring buyers and sellers, success ultimately depends on your niche and approach to building your business. We provide the tools and knowledge, but your dedication and effort play a significant role in your marketplace's success.

Is this program suitable for my specific marketplace idea and industry?

The strategy session is designed to assess the feasibility of building your marketplace with no-code tools. We'll discuss your vision and make recommendations on the best path forward. If your idea isn't suitable for no-code, we'll inform you during the call, helping you make informed decisions about your next steps.

How far can I scale my marketplace with no-code tools?

Modern no-code tools are robust and scalable. While you might eventually consider migrating away from no-code tools, it won't be due to an inability to scale. For example, I still run Unicorn Factory with no-code tools, and we process thousands of inquiries each month. These tools can handle significant growth and provide the flexibility you need to expand your marketplace effectively.

Still have questions?

Schedule a strategy session to discuss your marketplace idea in more detail.

🌱 Pre-launch: Build Momentum

Start building momentum with your pre-launch landing page

Screenshot of the Unicorn Factory homepage featuring a promotion to 'Hire New Zealand's best freelancers' with a cheerful man smiling on the right and call-to-action buttons to post a job or browse freelancers.

Learn how to build your customer and supplier base before building your MVP

Start building momentum for your marketplace by allowing customers to sign up to your site while you build your MVP.

1️⃣ Build your landing page in Webflow

You will learn how to structure and style your landing page in Webflow, update the content and get it ready to share with potential customers and suppliers.

2️⃣ Build a customer lead gen process

You will learn how to build a customer enquiry process so you can start generating demand for your services while you are building your MVP.

3️⃣ Build a supplier waitlist

Start getting suppliers to sign up to your platform so you have a solid supplier base before you even launch your business and while you build your MVP.

Once your landing page is up, it's time to...👇
🚀 MVMP: BUILD YOUR MARKETPLACE MVP

Build the first version of your marketplace

Learn how to build the essential features for your online marketplace

Start creating the most essential features for your no-code marketplace and start scaling your site

4️⃣ Build supplier profile pages

In this module, you will learn how to build supplier profile pages on your website so that clients can find those suppliers and reach out to them.

5️⃣ Build your listing and category pages

Next, you will build your listing and category pages that will make it easy for customers to navigate on your website and to find the right supplier for their needs. This will also help you develop strong SEO for your marketplace.

6️⃣ Build your lead generation workflow

In this workflow, we are going to be building the workflow that automatically forwards leads and inquiries to your suppliers. This is the most important workflow for generating value in your marketplace.

7️⃣ Set up your supplier onboarding process

In this workflow, we are going to be setting up an onboarding process that allows you to easily onboard new suppliers to your website whenever they apply without you having to manually add them to Webflow and all your other databases.

8️⃣ Early adopter membership workflows

In this workflow, we are going to be setting up a membership that your early members can sign up to in order to get access to special perks or discounts and for you to monetize your marketplace. 

A screenshot of Connor Finlayson's freelance profile on Unicorn Factory, describing him as a No-Code App Developer from Wellington, offering information about his services, availability, and featuring a section of his portfolio with images of web projects and a video testimony.
To help you get your site live faster, you will...👇
💥 MVMP template

Get a copy of the MVMP marketplace template

The MVMP marketplace template is a Webflow template that we will send you to that you can use to get your site live faster...

Screenshot of a supplier listing page with a 'Logo' at the top left, navigation bar with options such as Directory, Gallery, Pricing, and a Sign-In button. The main section titled 'All Suppliers' is followed by placeholder text with three circular portrait cards labeled 'Bab Davies - Entrepreneur', 'Ipsa - Property Manager', and 'Hic Quidem - Shoe Maker'. A sidebar on the left shows filter options for search, availability, job type, and rate.
Once your MVP is live, you can...👇
🤖 Grow: Advanced marketplace workflows

Take your marketplace to the next level with more features

Screenshot of the Unicorn Factory website's user dashboard displaying analytics. The page shows a navigation menu on the left side with options such as Announcements, Job Board, and Analytics, and features several analytics cards on the right indicating Profile Visits, Direct Profile Enquiries, Job Board Intros, Job Board Notifications, Total Leads, Portfolio Link Clicks, and LinkedIn Link Clicks with their respective numerical data.

Build more advanced and scalable workflows with a variety of no-code tools

As soon as your website is live and you are starting to create transactions you can build more advanced workflows like these

🔒 Build a client / supplier dashboard

You will learn how to build a dashboard for your suppliers or your clients that they can log into and update the information with. You will also be able to add gated content that is only accessible to your clients or suppliers.  

🔍 Build advanced listing pages with search and filtering

Take your listing pages to the next level by including search and filtering functionality. We will be working with third-party tools in order to create it.

✉️ Set up marketing and transactional emails

Automate communications with your suppliers and customers by simply setting up transactional and marketing email campaigns that automatically run in the background.

📣 Paid ads & SEO strategies for online marketplaces

Learn how to scale up the volume of transactions, suppliers, signups and new customers on your site by using paid ads and SEO strategies.

♻️ Database syncing and advanced data management

Learn how to ensure that databases in your marketplace stay in sync at all times by learning some new no-code tools like Integromat or Parabola.

👤 Advanced user accounts

Learn how to build more advanced user functionality by adding different types of memberships and adding more advanced features.

Now, it' your turn...

🌱 Pre-launch
$349

Create a landing page for your marketplace idea, generate interests from suppliers and customers.

Modules:
1️⃣ Build your landing page
2️⃣ Customer Lead Gen Process
3️⃣ Supplier waitlist workflows
🚀 MVMP
$1990

Build the MVP for your marketplace using Webflow, Airtable, Zapier and other no-code tools

Modules:
Everything in 🌱Pre-launch
4️⃣ User Profiles
5️⃣ Listing and category pages
6️⃣ Lead Generation Workflow
7️⃣ Supplier Onboarding Process
8️⃣ Early-adopter memberships
Plus:
💥 MVMP Template
💬 Chat support
💥 Mastermind
$5990

Get the course and template and personal coaching support from Connor in your first year

Modules:
Everything in 🚀 MVMP
Plus:
⚡️ 60 min kick-off strategy and goal setting with Connor
🌿 3 month intensive 1-on-1 coaching (will be discussed on call)
☎️ Priority support
🤖 Free access to our directory of tutorial series

Join a community of no-code marketplace founders!

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Rivuuz from Lusaka, Zambia

Art By Locals Thumbnail

Art By Locals from Alberta, Canada

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Neighbourhoods from Wellington, New Zealand

A screenshot of an online map search interface for preschools in Christchurch, New Zealand, with various location markers indicating the positions of different preschools on the map. The interface also includes listings for The Cathedral Grammar School Pre-School, St Margaret's Pre-school, and Learning Curves Montessori Abberley Park with brief details and an option to read more about each school.

Mucki from Christchurch, New Zealand

Screenshot of a charity website's 'All Charities' page, showcasing various charitable organizations with brief descriptions and representative images for each, including a man with a child for 'YelloHalo', a coastal scene for 'Keep New Zealand Beautiful', a group of people in safety vests for 'Matea Trust', and additional charity logos and images.

Chive from Wanaka, New Zealand

Homepage of Unicorn Factory, a New Zealand freelancer platform, featuring a smiling man and sections for posting jobs, browsing freelancers, and popular freelance services like 'Illustrations,' 'Copywriting,' and 'Graphic Design.'

Unicorn Factory from Ottawa, Canada

Questions & Answers

Can't find the answer here? Contact us

What tools do you teach?

In the first few modules, we are going to be focusing exclusively on Webflow and Airtable. Over time we will be adding more tools to the mix like Zapier, Integromat and Memberstack. As we head into more advanced workflows, you will also learn about Parabola and other very use-case-specific tools.

Do I need any experience with no-code or code?

No. This program is designed for anyone who is starting from scratch. If you do come from a Web Design or Webflow background, it will definitely help speed up the process of getting familiar with some of the tools. But it is absolutely not a requirement to get started. A lot of our students have started from scratch and have done well.

Do you offer a free trial?

Because we send you assets we don’t offer a free trial but if you want to get a feel of the types of tutorials and content that you can expect from the course, check out my YouTube channel where I create a whole bunch of free videos.

How do I know if my marketplace will work with your stack?

There are definitely limitations with some of the no-code tools that I use but the most important thing to understand is that regardless of the type of functionality you are looking for, this is going to be the fastest way to get a marketplace up and running and validated. And if you get your marketplace to the point where it’s generating enough transactions and enough new customers then you can always shift over to a spec that is more suitable to your needs.

Do you just sell the MVMP template?

At this stage, we are not selling only the MVMP template. We may reconsider this in the future and if we do we will get in touch with you through email.

How long does it take to complete the course?

Depending on how much time and effort you put into it, it will take anything between 1 and 2 months to complete the landing page section on the course. And building out the entire MVP can take anything between 2 to 3 months depending on how much time you invest in building your site. Overall, this course is designed to work at your pace and fit into your schedule so it’s really up to you. 

Can I do the course part-time?

Yes! There are a lot of people who run their online marketplaces while also doing a full-time job so there is no pressure to give up anything. In fact, I highly recommend considering starting off with this on the side and then building it up to a full-time thing. But that is absolutely up to you.