How do I find my Niche? I get that question all the time. I usually respond by saying you do a little research but keep it simple. Let me share a story with you before I explain to you how you begin the research.
One day I got to thinking the internet is a really big place and it has a ton of info that can be used to search out any Niche business. As the morning progressed along I wondered how much content I could gather about Niche ideas.
So I sat down that afternoon with a cup of coffee to do the math on it in terms of measuring the amount of content on the internet. I know what you’re thinking, where did I begin my research and how did I come up with a formula to compartmentalize it so that it would make sense. Well believe it or not that was the easy part because I do what I always do when I want the answer to a difficult problem. I Kendyl it, not Google it. Kendyl is my 9year old daughter and quite the problem solver.
So here’s what happened, Kendyl saw me at my computer working hard as usual (because that’s what I do) and she asked me, “Dad are you on Twitter again?” as she’s walking over to me. I said, “Nooooo honey (I love firefox’s multiple tab browser thats lets you change screens in a nano second ) I’m working on a complex problem trying to measure the amount of content of Niche ideas on the internet.” And before I could ask her what her thoughts are on the subject Kendyl immediately put a blank look on her face and said so nonchalantly, “Why would anyone ever need to know that?”
Now there’s a lesson there that even a 9yr old could figured out. Folks keep it simple when it comes to choosing your Niche. You shouldn’t spend a whole lot of time trying to figure it out. If you’re like most people you probably have a number of things you like to do whether its on your job or in your spare time. Here’s how to decide what’s your Niche.
Start by asking:
1. What am I good at?
2. Can I teach others how to do what I’m good at?
3. Would I do it for free?
4. What do I like doing with my time?
That’s it, 4 simple questions to get you started. Ok so what to do next ? Well Kendyl it… just kidding search your Niche with Google and look to see if there’s anyone doing what you’re passionate about and while you’re at it look to see if anyone’s paying for advertisements on the right side column.
I entered the Niche “baking cookies” in Google search field and found a ton of ideas on baking cookies. For you oatmeal raisin cookie lovers
I found a receipt that looks pretty tasty check it out when you have a minute they’re called spicy oatmeal raisin
and you can thank me later :~).
Ok so you did your research and found your Niche has some potential. The next thing to do is choose a domain name that’s highly searchable and related to your Niche. The best free tool for that is Google’s keyword tool and it’s fairly simple to use click here to bookmark the URL.
Using this tool can help you select a word that many people have searched for. Choosing the right words for your domain name could make the difference in how much traffic to your site has over any competitors. Here’s a video to explain.
So there you have it, a few simple steps to take to determine your Niche, I hope that helps.
As always your comments are greatly appreciated even if you just want to say hey-lo.
Ralph
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
That’s exactly what I did a few months back – asked the 4 questions. Let me tell ya, I came up with a big long list of opportunities. Had to narrow it down somewhat. Then got so overwhelmed in the niche that I narrowed it down some more. And then some more. Plus I was finding out that the more I learned about some things the less I wanted to do them. Dropped those. Other things were just the opposite – the more I learned, the more I enjoyed. Kept those. Took a while to zero in on my current niche – online content writing and management, but the journey was fun!
Yelena, now thats what its all about…. searching out our multiple talents, please keep me posted on which Niche you start with.
Love it Ralph! Thank you very much and I hope Kendyl gets her share of praise for heading you in this direction too!
) I tend to go very, very overboard in thinking things to death and appreciate what you’ve written here a great deal.
Great points, Ralph! So much of the time it comes down to keeping it simple and not over complicating things. Thanks to Kendyl for a sage piece of advice–hope you will be baking some spicy oatmeal raisin cookies as a bonus for her assistance.
Thank you so much for this information. My novel is coming out in about a year and I’ve been looking for a way to choose a domain name that’s highly searchable and related to my book which of course encompasses some of my core niches. You saved me alot time and I now know how to make this decision
Cute story! You know kids are really simple, but in many ways smarter than adults.
Ralph,
Another great post, and an awesome way of including your daughter in the story.
My boys are 10 and 14. They grow up fast, don’t they.
Speak soon,
Rob
Ahhh yes they do Rob… hey I’m looking forward to your next coaching session.
It’s about passion but coupled with insight on what is needed.
Sometimes people desire success for success sake. I think that is empty. Success isn’t an end it’s a way of life. It’s what is reached whenever we find our life’s purpose. Altruism is an often overlooked motivation to find success and our niche. Work our lives backward, think of the memories of us by those that cried at our funeral. How do we want to be remembered? Find something worth eulogizing then live it!!
Hi Ralph,
You have chosen a great and important subject for this post. Something that is not often talked about and sometimes dreaded and avoided.
Niche (how do you pronounce it? I heard both “nich” and “nish”) research is the stumbling blog for many people. Lots of people don’t do it and those who do attempt it may get stuck and give up.
It has taken me months to start feeling comfortable about it.
The way you put it makes it more understandable and simple.
Vance
Hey-lo Ralph
Great perspective on niche finding. Did you make some of those cookies?
Cheers
Anthony
hey there Anthony … yes sir those cookies were great!! thanks for stopping but I’ll be doing the same for you on your blog later this week love the title “Antics for Success” oh and you use thesis OUTSTANDING!!
The post helped me figure out what I am really good at. Those questions work. Now I can teach other people my niche. I will recommend your site to other people when they need help learning their niche.