Niche Blogging 101 Series: What is Niche Blogging?
Blogging is a continually changing content platform. What started out as a way to keep a web diary about what’s going on in your life has turned into a powerful way to create massive websites.
There are many big player bloggers out there, but it’s possible to make a name for yourself in blogging by simply running a small site focused on a particular subject. Welcome to Niche Blogging.
What is a Niche?
A niche is a small subject that is popular with a large amount of people. This can be anything from a blog about Battlestar Galactica to a blog about breeding dogs. There are countless niches, the trick is to pick a popular one.
Why run a Niche Blog?
A niche blog allows you to stay focused on one topic. This makes is easier to establish authority, focus on creating the best content possible and to attract loyal readers interested in the same subject.
Can I make Money with a Niche Blog?
Yes, and many people argue that you can make MORE money running a topic focused blog because you can become the recognized authority on the subject and attract the traffic and audience necessary to maximize ad revenue. You’ll attract a demographically targeted audience that will be attractive to potential advertisers.
What are Some Examples of Popular Niche Blogs?
Here are a couple examples of successful niche blogs.
Trekmovie.com – This blog was started when it was announced that there would be a new Star Trek movie. With it’s perfect domain name, it quickly became the authority on all things to do with the new Star Trek movie. It’s so popular now that it’s breaking big news stories about the movie and moving into having more sci-fi news.
Anglotopia.net – This blog is focused on one audience, Anglophiles. All the content on the site is designed to appeal to Anglophiles and because it can span so many subject areas, the site is filled with many different content areas that attract all kinds of targeted traffic. It’s not the world’s most popular Anglophile blog.
Digital Photography School – One of the first blogs started by Blogging Rockstar Darren Rowse, this blog is focused solely on Digital Photography. It quickly became an authority on Digital Photography tips and tricks. It’s now home to a massive community of dedicated users.
All three of these blogs are running on the WordPress blogging platform, so they are excellent examples of what WordPress is capable of.
OK, so how to I start Niche Blogging?
Start thinking about what interests you the most. Next week I’ll discuss strategies for choosing the best niche for you to blog about.
Great blog Jonathan, thank you.
I am extremely pumped about the advent of new social media and it’s impact on BUSINESS because it exemplifies a VERY OLD truism: Community.
Community (or NICHE) is the KEY to success in business, and I have spent my entire career focusing on supporting that fact. You must serve your community and they will reciprocate with loyalty, trust, and recurring business. They respond because you have offered proof that they matter by displaying a regard for their needs.
There are endless examples of how community is the nucleus of success-but let me illustrate \Community\. It is any gathering of \connected\ entities that share a common interest. If you are a Bruce Springsteen fan, then you are in that \community\. If you are a devotee of fine red wine, then you belong to a particular \community\. Most people have MANY communities that they belong to; Cars, belief systems, faith, fan clubs, collectors, product users, etc. It is really infinite.
A niche, or \community\-centric blog is the logical and predictable result of people gravitating toward what they share in common. NOT a new concept, simply a new, and WONDERFUL way to indulge in it.
Cheers;
Theresa Baker
Business Community Development Strategist
http://www.theresabaker.com
Welcome and thanks for stopping by!