1. Revenue Multiple Method (The Fastest Way to Estimate Your Value)
One of the most common ways to value an online business is by multiplying your annual revenue by a standard industry multiple.
🔹 Formula:
Company Valuation=Annual Revenue×Industry Multiple\text{Company Valuation} = \text{Annual Revenue} \times \text{Industry Multiple}Company Valuation=Annual Revenue×Industry Multiple
🔹 Typical Multiples for Dating Businesses:
Subscription-based dating platforms (SaaS model): 2-5x revenue
White-label dating software: 1.5-3x revenue
Affiliate-driven dating sites: 1-3x revenue (varies based on recurring commissions)
Marketplaces (pay-per-contact models): 2-4x revenue
Example:
Annual Revenue = $500,000
Industry Multiple = 3x
Estimated Value = $1.5M
✔ Where to find industry multiples for free?
Check similar sales on Flippa, MicroAcquire, IndieMaker.
Research dating industry investments on Crunchbase, Pitchbook.
2. EBITDA Method (For Profitable Dating Businesses)
If your dating business is profitable, you can estimate its value using EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization).
🔹 Formula:
Company Valuation=EBITDA×Industry Multiple\text{Company Valuation} = \text{EBITDA} \times \text{Industry Multiple}Company Valuation=EBITDA×Industry Multiple
🔹 Dating Business Multiples (EBITDA-based):
Highly profitable dating SaaS platforms: 5-10x EBITDA
Affiliate-driven dating websites: 3-6x EBITDA
Pay-per-contact dating sites: 4-7x EBITDA
Example:
EBITDA = $100,000
Industry Multiple = 5x
Estimated Value = $500,000
✔ Where to get EBITDA data?
Your accounting records (or an estimate of profits vs. costs).
Industry benchmark reports for dating businesses.
3. Finding Comparable Sales in the Dating Industry
A great way to estimate your dating platform’s value is by looking at recent acquisitions of similar businesses.
✔ Where to find comparable deals?
Flippa, MicroAcquire (Online marketplaces for SaaS and dating startups).
AngelList, IndieHackers (For early-stage investments).
Crunchbase (Tracks investment rounds in dating businesses).
📌 Tip: Look at the valuation-to-revenue ratio in these deals and compare it to your business.
4. Market Testing: Listing Your Business for Sale (Without Commitment)
One of the cheapest ways to check your dating platform’s real value is to list it on a marketplace and analyze investor interest.
✔ How to do this for free?
Post your project on Flippa, MicroAcquire, or other startup marketplaces.
Use the “valuation request” option on Flippa to see how much buyers are willing to pay.
5. Quick Market Valuation Guide (Summary)
🔹 If your dating business is generating revenue but no profit:
→ Valuation = 1-3x annual revenue
🔹 If your business is profitable:
→ Valuation = 5-10x EBITDA
🔹 If your business is growing rapidly but not yet profitable:
→ Valuation = 2-5x revenue (if strong growth is proven)
Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Free Way to Value Your Dating Business?
Check industry multiples and compare your revenue/EBITDA.
Find similar deals on Flippa, MicroAcquire, or Crunchbase.
Test-list your business for sale to gauge market interest.
🚀 Want help analyzing comparable sales or industry benchmarks? Let’s find your dating platform’s true value together!