Category Archives: Platform Business Models

Baidu’s Search Engine Explained in 3 Slides (1 of 4) (Tech Strategy)

Baidu is the dominant search engine in China, holding over 75% of the market share. This article explains how Baidu operates as a learning platform, which improves its accuracy and quality as it accrues more users and interactions. Digital strategy consultant Jeffrey Towson also covers the basic features and functions of Baidu search engine and how it serves both human and digital agents.

Etsy Is Going for Growth by Adding Marketplaces (3 of 3) (Tech Strategy)

Etsy is not just a single marketplace, but a collection of marketplaces that cater to different niches and communities. By acquiring and integrating new marketplaces, such as Reverb for musical instruments and Depop for fashion, Etsy is pursuing a growth strategy that leverages its core competencies and network effects. In this article, digital strategy consultant Jeff Towson analyzes the rationale and challenges of Etsy’s marketplace expansion strategy.

Early Etsy Was a Great Example of Specialty Ecommerce. But Things Are Changing. (1 of 3) (Tech Strategy)

Etsy is a great example of specialty e-commerce, a type of online retail that focuses on a specific niche, customer segment, or product category. Specialty e-commerce platforms can create value by offering a curated selection, a distinctive user experience, and a loyal community of buyers and sellers. However, digital strategy consultant Jeffrey Towson details how Etsy is facing increasing competition, changing consumer preferences, and new innovation challenges.

6 Digital Concepts Are the Engine of Facebook Meta (2 of 3) (Tech Strategy)

Facebook is one of the most dominant digital platforms in the world, with over 2.8 billion monthly active users and 10 million advertisers. Digital strategy consultant Jeffrey Towson explains the digital concepts that enabled Facebook to achieve such scale and reach. This article explores six key digital strategy concepts that matter for Facebook’s tech strategy.

Facebook Meta is Mostly 4 Networks and 2 Platforms (Tech Strategy – Podcast 193)

Facebook Meta is not just one thing, but a collection of different products and services that work together to create a powerful tech ecosystem. In this podcast, Jeff Towson breaks down the four networks (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger) and two platforms (Oculus and Spark AR) that form the core of Meta’s strategy. He explains how each network and platform serves a different purpose, attracts a different audience, and generates a different revenue stream. He also analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of Meta’s approach, and what it means for the future of social media and augmented reality.

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Facebook Meta is 4 Communications Networks, 2 Audience-Builders and Some Powerful Psych Hacking (1 of 3) (Tech Strategy – Daily Article)

Facebook Meta is one of the most fascinating and influential companies in the world. But what exactly is it? How does it create value and competitive advantages? In this article, Jeff Towson, a professor of investment and digital strategy, provides a comprehensive analysis of Facebook Meta’s business model. He reveals how the company operates four different communications networks, two audience builders, and some powerful psych-hacking techniques that shape user behavior and preferences. By understanding these aspects, you can gain a deeper insight into Facebook Meta’s current and future plans, as well as the implications for other businesses and society.