When considering starting a blog, you don’t necessarily need to find a niche. Many bloggers talk about anything and everything on their websites (as you can probably tell from all my ramblings…), with articles that swing between various topics of interest, as well as articles that relate to their personal life. And that’s fine. It relates back to the reason why my blog is called ‘Mapped Out’ - because I wanted to blog about everything and anything!
However, if you are looking to make money from your blog, then you do need to consider finding a niche. Many people search the internet for something specific, so to both attract and maintain a readership, you should narrow down your blog as much as possible.
You might choose one topic or several, but I would probably recommend committing to an area of interest to appeal to your readers. If your blog serves a particular purpose for your reader, then they should (hopefully!) return again and again.
So, how exactly do you find your niche?
Choose something you are passionate about
If you don’t choose something you are passionate about, your lack of love and enthusiasm might show in your writing. There have been so many times where I have just blogged for the sake of it and found my writing was just completely uninspiring. You might experience writer’s block regularly because you might not have enough inspiration to keep your blog going. And you might end up neglecting your blog, because if you don’t care about the subjects you are covering, then your motivation to write every day might be little to nil.
Therefore, think about those subjects that inspire you. If you are passionate about them, then you are more likely to write something fresh, interesting, and engaging for your readers. Your enthusiasm will show, and when your readers get a sense of that, they are more likely to return to read more of what you have to offer.
To find your passion, think about the following:
What do you enjoy doing with your spare time? What topic of interest do you discuss with your friends and family with on a regular basis? What do you regularly search for and read on the internet? What topics excite you and stir up your emotions?
After answering these questions, you might have an idea of what it is your blog should cover. But then also try considering the next point…
Look for a gap in the blogging market
If you aren’t planning on making an income from your blog, and you are using it for personal rather than professional reasons, then you don’t have to worry too much about when it comes to finding a gap in the market.
However, if you are looking to make money from blogging, you do need to commit to research when considering your niche. You are unlikely to find a topic that has never been covered, as there will probably be hundreds if not thousands of blogs out there that are based around ideas similar to your own. However, there are ways you can set yourself apart from other bloggers.
So, if you were looking to create a fitness blogging income, for example, you might narrow your niche, talking about particular aspects of fitness that are rarely covered by other bloggers in the same field. You might center your blog around home fitness products or health foods, for example, if you noticed a lack of information on other blogging sites. You might then gain money through advertising and affiliate links based around the products you discuss and promote.
And you might also become an authority on your chosen subject by taking a qualification to prove your credentials, as in theory, you are more likely to attract more readers if you know what you are talking about. This will give you a step up from other bloggers in the same field as you, and you might make extra money through an extra service, such as an online tutorial.
By following your passions and finding your niche, you stand a greater chance of success as a blogger. Take time to think about the subjects you enjoy then, and commit to research to find ways to set your blog apart from the glut of blogs that are already available online. You will never be completely original, but with passionate writing and a unique standpoint, you will most definitely differentiate yourself from others.
*This is a collaborative post but all thoughts are my own.
