One of the first things that has to be done in every single instance, for any exchange is to have the coin listed on at least one data site, such as CoinMarketCap or CoinGecko...
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it's the other way around: first you get listed on a couple of exchanges and once you have a decent volume then you can apply for a listing on CoinmarketCap.
No, you are correct. I say that, assuming the coin in question is already being traded. For Coinmarketcap, specifically, the coin must meet the following prerequisites:
- Must be on a public exchange with an API that reports the last traded price and the last 24 hour trading volume.
- Must have a non-zero trading volume on at least one supported exchange so a price can be determined.
If the coin is brand new, then there is no market for it yet. Yet, it will still need to be listed "Somewhere" and there are other options available.