Looking For A Niche

Finding a niche is no easy matter. Some people look for a high paying niche- but they have no passion. Now, the only way these people can keep their website or blog alive is if the high paying niche is complimenting their single passion-money. And the money is coming in. Which is a nice thought, I must admit. If you can maintain a business on a subject matter that you could care less about and make a lot of money off of it-I must congratulate you. It's hard to do. I tried to create a different blog on a different subject matter-the subject matter-I could care less about. I killed the blog, because I knew that I just couldn't muster up the thought matter even to write about it.

So, don't get discouraged if a niche market idea doesn't float into your brain right away. Take your time, make a list of all the things you do, and the things you like to do, and the things you would like to do. You get my meaning?

So, is finding a niche important? Yes. In my article, I try to give you some ideas about finding a niche and doing the research. It's important-that is-the research is. My article will explain why.

Finding Your Niche

By Vickie J. Scanlon

If you want to get into Affiliate Marketing you will need to find a niche. And finding a niche can be a heavy burden. Before I give you some thoughts on finding your niche and what to consider, let’s first define it.


A Niche Defined

A niche market is a market that is targeted not for the majority of the population, but for a subset of the population. Metaphorically speaking - it is one egg in your basket of many eggs. Now if you can find a niche market that isn't being met by a potential market, you can see a profit.

For the small person the niche market is ideal. Why? These ventures are not pursued aggressively by large business because of a lack of interest or a lack of awareness.

What's the key to the niche business? Grabbing a niche that is not already owned by an established company or person. Example of a niche: Small Business Market, Home Office Market, you get the idea-as you can realize from looking at these two examples – additional drilling down to a more targeted market is possible.


Finding a Niche

1. What are your interests? This is where a lot of soul searching will have to come into play – along with whether it is a passion. If it is not a passion, you may have a problem sustaining your interest. Your passion can be a hobby, an interest you pursue on your day off, or an extension of your 9 to 5 job. (Sometimes your hobby can be rather limited, thus, not giving you enough material to write about over a long period of time-that’s why you need to research your topic)

2. Does, or can your interest, be easily meshed with different Affiliate Programs.

3. Research your niche: Is there a need that is not being met by the others that you will be competing with. You can do varied searches in Google, Yahoo and MSN to get the flavor of what is out there. Look over their websites, ads, etc. to get an idea of where you can position yourself.

Let me elaborate on point 3. I will begin by saying, you need to do research, but that does not mean copying what you find and using it to build your website. That is definitely not your own voice, but another. Yes, for those new to online marketing, the Internet is a big place, but copying without permission is stealing. You need to use your own voice. Nothing can be more aggravating, irritating and lawyer ridden then copying a website or content (where the author has not given you permission to copy).

Don’t think they can find you? Think again. If they are polite, they will ask you first to take down the offending pages, in a not so nice email. And if you choose to ignore their email, expect to be talking to their lawyers. Sadly, you may have unknowingly ended your online career even before it began.

Once you have found your niche, did your research and you know your niche has a ready-market; it’s time to start setting up your Affiliate Plan to getting online.

Note: If you find no competition, that could be a good sign or a bad sign: 1) it could mean others have tried and failed to reach the proposed market; or 2) your would-be competitors haven’t found the niche yet. Test market.

To conclude, before putting all your eggs in one basket, do your research before moving forward. It can save you a lot of time and money.



About the Author:

Vickie J Scanlon -- Visit her site at: My Affiliate Place for free tools, articles, ebooks, how to info, affiliate opportunities, tech accessories, security software and computers for your online business.