Category:
Classified Script
Run a Passive Online Business in Canada by Creating a Kijiji-Like Platform
By admin on Oct 22 2025
Introduction: Kijiji – Canada’s Go-To Online Marketplace
If you live in Canada, you’ve probably heard of Kijiji. It’s the site where people buy and sell almost anything—furniture, electronics, cars, even local services. Millions of Canadians use it every month—around 17 million visits, according to SimilarWeb. That’s huge!
Kijiji didn’t just become popular by chance. It solved a simple problem: it connected buyers and sellers in one easy-to-use platform. And that’s exactly why it’s such a great example for anyone wanting to start an online business. If a website like Kijiji can serve millions and still make money, imagine what a smaller, niche version could do for you.
How Kijiji Makes Money
Kijiji keeps it simple. Regular users can post free ads, but the platform makes money in a few smart ways:
- Premium Listings – Sellers pay a small fee to make their ads more visible.
- Business Accounts – Small businesses pay to post more ads or use extra features.
- Advertising – Ads on the site itself bring in revenue from other companies.
The smart part? Kijiji stays free and easy for everyday users while earning from those who want extra visibility or reach. It’s a model that works, and it’s something you can copy—on a smaller scale at first.
Steps to Start Your Own Kijiji-Style Platform
1. Pick a Niche
While Kijiji covers everything, you don’t need to. In fact, going niche often works better. Focus on a specific market, because it’s easier to stand out and attract a loyal audience. Some ideas:
- Local Services – Think plumbers, cleaners, tutors. People always need them nearby.
- Specialized Goods – Collectibles, rare books, hobby gear. Fans of these items will pay to find what they want.
- Community Events – Local classes, meet-ups, concerts.
By narrowing your focus, you make it clear who your site is for, which helps you grow faster.
2. Choose the Right Technology
You don’t need to be a coding wizard to start a classifieds site. You have options:
- Ready-made Scripts – Tools like Classified Ad Script let you launch fast. They come with search filters, payment options, mobile-ready layouts, and more.
- Custom Development – If you want total control, frameworks like Laravel or Django are great, but they need coding skills.
- WordPress Plugins – A simple way to get started on a budget.
The main goal is to launch quickly so you can start attracting users and making money.
3. Monetization – How to Make it Passive
The magic of a classifieds platform is that it can make money while you sleep, but you need a plan. Here’s how:
- Featured Listings – Charge users to have their ads appear at the top.
- Subscriptions – Businesses can pay monthly or yearly for multiple ads.
- Advertising – Let other companies place ads on your site.
- Lead Generation – Partner with local businesses that pay for customer leads.
A mix of these methods will create steady income, turning your platform into a real passive business.
4. Focus on User Experience
People will only stay on your site if it’s easy to use. Keep it simple:
- Mobile-friendly – Most Canadians browse on phones.
- Easy Navigation – Users should post and find ads in seconds.
- Fast Loading – Nobody likes waiting for slow pages.
Even small tweaks in user experience can increase engagement and revenue significantly.
5. Marketing Your Platform
A great site isn’t enough—you need people to know it exists. Try these strategies:
- Local SEO – Make sure your site shows up when people search for local products or services.
- Social Media – Facebook groups, Instagram, X handle are perfect for sharing listings.
- Community Engagement – Sponsor local events or work with community boards to spread the word.
- Referral Programs – Encourage users to invite friends and neighbors.
Consistency is key. The more people use your platform, the faster it grows.
Overcoming Challenges
Sure, starting a classifieds platform isn’t all smooth sailing, but most challenges are manageable:
- Competition – Kijiji is huge, but by focusing on a niche and delivering better experience, you can carve your space.
- Trust – Make your platform trustworthy with verified users, secure payments, and clear moderation policies.
- Revenue – You might not earn big right away, but choosing a high-value niche accelerates growth.
The key is persistence and smart planning.
Why This Is a Passive Business
Once your site is set up, it can run with minimal effort:
- Automated posting and moderation tools cut down manual work.
- Subscriptions and featured listings provide recurring revenue.
- Active users generate content and traffic themselves.
Basically, after the initial setup and marketing, your platform can run in the background, making money while you focus on growth or other ventures.
Conclusion: Your Chance to Build a Kijiji-Like Platform in Canada
Kijiji’s success proves that classified platforms are profitable in Canada, especially if you focus on the right audience. By choosing a niche, using the right technology, using the right platform like Best Classified Script, planning monetization, and delivering a good user experience, you can create a platform that generates passive income.
Whether it’s for local services, collectibles, or community events, a Kijiji-style platform can be your next online business venture. Start small, grow steadily, and before you know it, you could be running a profitable online business that works for you, just like Kijiji.
