Strategy: Building a Profitable Coconala Business
- 1. Start with low prices - Build reviews at $5-10 to establish credibility
- 2. Gradually increase prices - Raise rates as reviews accumulate
- 3. Add premium options - Offer add-ons to increase average order value
What is Coconala?
Coconala is Japan's largest skill marketplace where you can "productize" your skills and sell them as services. Unlike crowdsourcing platforms where you apply to jobs, on Coconala you create listings and buyers come to you.
Crowdsourcing (CrowdWorks)
- Apply to client projects
- Write proposals
- Often ongoing work
- Commission: 5-20%
Skill Marketplace (Coconala)
- List your services
- Buyers find you
- Mostly one-time sales
- Commission: 22%
Which is better?
CrowdWorks: Great for ongoing client relationships
Coconala: Best for productized, repeatable services
7 Best-Selling Skills on Coconala
1. ChatGPT Prompts
Highly RecommendedSell prompt templates for ChatGPT. Create once, sell repeatedly. Perfect for passive income potential.
2. Logo & Icon Design
Create logos, social media icons using Canva or Figma. Entry-level design skills are often sufficient.
3. Fortune Telling & Advice
Tarot readings, relationship advice, life coaching. High repeat customer rate in this category.
4. Video Editing
Edit YouTube videos, TikToks, Instagram Reels. High demand from content creators.
5. Social Media Consulting
Profile optimization, content strategy, growth advice for Twitter, Instagram, etc.
6. Writing & Proofreading
Blog editing, resume polishing, business email templates. Great if you're good with words.
7. Illustration & Art
Portrait illustrations, character design, wedding illustrations. Perfect for artistic hobbyists.
5 Steps to Start Selling on Coconala
Create Your Free Account
Sign up with email or Google account. Takes about 3 minutes. No credit card required.
List Your Service
Decide what to sell and at what price. Complete these key elements:
Essential Listing Elements
- 1. Title
Be specific: "50 ChatGPT Prompts for Blog Writing" beats "I sell prompts" - 2. Description
Explain what they get, who it's for, and what's included - 3. Price
Start at $5-10 to build reviews. Raise prices later. - 4. Delivery Time
Faster is better. "Within 3 days" sells better than "1 week" - 5. Cover Image
Create with Canva. Text on images stands out in search
Good Title Examples
- - [Beginner-Friendly] 50 ChatGPT Prompts for Content Creation
- - How I Got 1000 YouTube Subscribers in 3 Days - Full Strategy
- - Bad: "Selling prompts" (too vague)
Price Low to Build Reviews
Reviews are everything on Coconala. Start low to collect them quickly.
Pricing Strategy
- - 0-10 reviews: $5 (building reputation)
- - 10-30 reviews: $10 (reviews create trust)
- - 30-50 reviews: $20 (customers pay more for proven sellers)
- - 50+ reviews: $30+ (established brand)
Deliver Exceptional Service
5-star reviews are your goal. Go above and beyond for each customer.
Tips for 5-Star Reviews
- - Respond within 24 hours (faster is better)
- - Deliver before the deadline
- - Include a bonus (extra prompts, templates, etc.)
- - Use polite, professional language
- - Ask for a review after delivery
Add Premium Options
Once you have reviews, add options to increase average order value.
Option Examples
- Base: 50 Prompts ($10)
Option 1: +50 More Prompts (+$10)
Option 2: Custom Prompts (+$20)
Potential total: $40
5 Tips for Coconala Success
1. Invest in Your Cover Image
Your thumbnail is crucial. Use Canva to create eye-catching images with text. Include your service name and key benefits.
2. Use Keywords in Your Title
Include searchable terms like "ChatGPT," "prompt," "beginner." Research what terms buyers use to find services like yours.
3. Focus on Reviews First
The first month is about building reviews, not maximizing profit. 10 reviews at $5 is worth more than 0 reviews at $50.
4. List Multiple Services
Having 3-5 listings increases your visibility. Create variations: "Prompt Pack," "Custom Prompt Creation," "Prompt Coaching."
5. Promote on Social Media
Share your Coconala listings on Twitter/X. Use hashtags like #Coconala #ChatGPT to reach potential buyers.
How to Write Descriptions That Sell
Your service description determines whether browsers become buyers. Follow this structure for maximum conversion:
1. Start with Who It's For
Use "This is for you if..." to help readers self-identify immediately.
Example:
- You want to use ChatGPT more effectively
- You struggle with writing prompts
- You need to create content faster
2. Be Specific About What They Get
List exactly what's included in the delivery.
Example:
- 50 prompt templates (PDF format)
- Usage guide included
- 30 days of question support
3. Highlight Benefits
Focus on what they'll achieve, not just what you provide.
Example:
- Save hours on content creation
- Get better outputs from ChatGPT
- No more staring at a blank screen
4. Add Credibility
Briefly explain why you're qualified. Mention experience, results, or relevant background.
What NOT to Do
- - "I sell prompts" (too vague, no value proposition)
- - "I'm a beginner but I'll try hard" (undermines confidence)
- - Description under 100 words (not enough information)
- - No specific deliverables (buyers won't know what they get)
5 Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
Starting with High Prices
Without reviews, high prices scare away buyers. You need social proof first.
Solution: Start at $5-10 until you have 10-20 reviews, then gradually increase.
Poor Cover Images
If your thumbnail doesn't stand out, people won't click. First impressions matter.
Solution: Use Canva to create professional images with clear text showing your service.
Slow Response Times
Slow replies lead to bad reviews or lost sales. Buyers expect quick communication.
Solution: Install the Coconala app with notifications on. Aim for responses within a few hours.
Vague Service Descriptions
When buyers don't understand what they're getting, they won't purchase.
Solution: Clearly list deliverables, scope, timeline, and revision policy.
Not Asking for Reviews
Many satisfied customers forget to leave reviews unless prompted.
Solution: Include a polite review request in your delivery message.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can beginners really sell on Coconala?
Absolutely. The key is starting with low prices to build reviews. Many sellers go from zero to consistent income within 2-3 months. The "review first, profit later" strategy works well for new sellers.
Is 22% commission too high?
It's higher than some alternatives, but Coconala's traffic and payment system justify it. Building your own website and driving traffic costs more time and money. The commission is worth it for the built-in marketplace.
What category sells best?
In 2025, AI/ChatGPT-related products are performing very well. Prompt templates are popular because they can be sold repeatedly with no additional work. Design and video editing also remain strong categories.
What if my service isn't selling?
Try these fixes: 1) Lower your price to $5, 2) Redesign your cover image, 3) Rewrite your title with better keywords, 4) Promote on social media. Cover image changes often have the biggest impact.
Should I use Coconala or CrowdWorks?
Use both for different purposes. CrowdWorks is better for ongoing client relationships. Coconala is better for productized services you can sell repeatedly. Many successful freelancers use both platforms together.
Start Selling Your Skills Today
Free to register, no upfront costs. Turn your expertise into income.