Customer community plays a significant role in transforming Advice Group into Bakeca.it
Bakeca.it, an Italian classifieds platform, was launched in 2005 by Paolo Geymonat. Born out of entrepreneurial intuition in Turin, the website quickly established itself as a significant point of observation on the Italian labor market, offering a wide range of categories including jobs, real estate, vehicles, services, and more.
In its early years, Bakeca.it experienced rapid growth as internet adoption increased across Italy. By 2010, it had become one of the leading classifieds sites in the country. The platform's mobile-friendly features, introduced in the same period, further improved accessibility and user experience.
Throughout the 2010s, Bakeca.it continued to evolve. Integrated search algorithms, enhanced category organization, and premium listing options were introduced, while new sections such as dating and community events were added. The launch of dedicated mobile apps for iOS and Android in 2015 further solidified Bakeca.it's presence in the digital landscape.
User engagement grew significantly in the following years, with millions visiting the site monthly. Monetization improvements, including expanded advertising options and partnerships with local businesses, helped drive revenue. Technological upgrades, such as the implementation of machine learning tools for personalized user experiences and spam detection, ensured the platform remained at the forefront of innovation.
In recent years, Bakeca.it has embraced multimedia listings, supporting video ads and enhanced photo galleries. The platform's coverage has expanded to smaller Italian towns and regions, and sustainability initiatives have been introduced to promote second-hand goods and reduce waste.
Looking ahead, Bakeca.it is projected to see continued growth. By 2025, the platform is expected to have a turnover of 5 million euros, with an AI-powered user experience, deeper integration with social media and payment gateways, and a focus on mobile platforms to capture younger demographics. The platform aims to become a key player in Italy’s circular economy by promoting reuse and resale.
In a unique marketing move in 2005, Bakeca.it used an unconventional method to promote the platform. A yellow school bus, modeled after those seen in The Simpsons, was parked in front of Italian universities to grab attention and generate buzz.
Today, Bakeca.it boasts an active user base of 3 million unique users, hosts over a million active ads, and has a monthly user loyalty rate of 50%. The platform also offers a B2B revenue-based service, facilitating millions of monthly contacts between demand and supply. As we move forward, Bakeca.it continues to innovate and adapt to the ever-changing digital landscape, solidifying its position as a leading classifieds website in Italy.
The platform, Bakeca.it, expanded its business segments in the 2010s, introducing dedicated mobile apps and new sections like dating and community events, and also embracing technology by implementing machine learning tools and AI-powered user experiences for improved spam detection and personalized experiences (technology, business). The increasing user engagement, monetization improvements, and a focus on mobile platforms has helped drive revenue, with the platform projected to have a turnover of 5 million euros by 2025 (finance, work, business). The digital platform aims to remain a key player in Italy’s circular economy by promoting reuse and resale (business, technology, sustainability).
