Comments on: Can A Niche Be Too Defined?

By: Mitch

Mitch — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 14:32:38 +0000

Hi Sheryl; thanks for your comment on one of my older posts; makes me feel special! In regards to the topic, I understand what you’re saying about niche writing and possibly making sales, but, to me, saying you’re a WAHM blog one doesn’t really promote sales but like minded visitors, and two, pretty much excludes males, not overtly, but because most males (most that is) would stay away from reading them, let alone commenting on them. Maybe that’s what the women want, but if not, then that kind of “niching” (creating new words every day!) could be an impedance.

Of course, one of the stories that brought me to write this post, which I didn’t mention, was concerning this blog on feeding squirrels; yup, you’re reading that correctly. I think even the writer has gotten bored by now. lol

By: Sheryl Loch

Sheryl Loch — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 14:09:25 +0000

Hey Mitch,
I normally don’t dig up post and comment in the ‘way back zone’. But, you brought this article up in your post so, here I am.

I understand a good part of what you are saying. I think that many times the Mico-niches do not really care if the everyday Joe Blow reads them. They are going for key phrases that target their specific buyer.
If I am going to sell Humming Bird Feeders then, my whole site will be about & only about humming birds and throw in the best feeders I offer. I know that I am going to hit that target in the SERP’s. They are the people popping online and putting Humming Birds into Google.

A mico-niche blog is harder to write for in ways. You have to follow the trends on that particular subject and that can get old. At the same time you don’t have your mind wondering in 50 directions thinking about your next topic.

I have my ‘General’ blog named Life as a WAHM. That is because the health food that I have section for has mostly been ladies that buy. I also have been a member of WAHM forums for years and had a reputation there.

Thruthfully, I could not tell you the NAME of most blogs. I do know the URL so if the name is different, I would have no idea. In fact in my bookmarks & reader I have the Authors name. So this would be marked under Mitch’s blog.

All this to say that a name only goes so far. Yet, your products offered (ads) should fit the audience you draw. Otherwise you are just playing a massive numbers game.

Sheryl Loch´s last blog post..Shyftr for RSS Feeds

By: Mitch

Mitch — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 19:41:56 +0000

Hi John; thanks for commenting. Obviously I’m not against niche blogging, but there are times when the niche gets so defined that it really is exclusive. Talking about internet marketing is a pretty good niche. Talking about internet marketing for one legged blue people from Zanzibar would be too restricting, and what would be the point? Heck, for that matter, how much could a person write about it, even if they fit that bill? So many other people could possibly benefit that it might as well be less refined. That’s kind of my point on it all.

By: John Dilbeck

John Dilbeck — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 10:14:39 +0000

Hi Mitch,

I believe that it is important to define your niche and speak to the people who identify with it.

Business is a process of filtering.

We need to identify our best customers, define their common traits and self-chosen identities, and understand their demographics.

When we can do this, we can eliminate huge areas of wasted efforts. We can determine where we can best advertise and we can write those ads to pique their interest in our niche.

It’s an art more than a science, and how we segment our marketplace can possibly be offensive to some.

I would like for people to know what I’m marketing at a glance. That way, they won’t waste their time.

If they’re not interested in affiliate marketing, they’re probably not interested in what I’m promoting.

Yet, if they are interested in affiliate marketing and want to know more about the tools and techniques they can use to become more successful, then I want them to find me and become part of my tribe (using Seth Godin’s analogy).

I’m not trying to drive away the pet lovers, political activists, people interested in celebrity gossip, anyone wanting to redecorate their homes, or any other sub-group of my fellow earthlings. I’m trying to attract the people who want to make more money online using affiliate marketing.

That way, both the reader and I can focus our efforts and accomplish more.

Does that make sense? Does it feel like that would be offensive and separatist?

Act on your dream!

John Dilbecks last blog post..Twitter Updates for 2008-08-16

By: Sire

Sire — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:36:10 +0000

Mitch I like you do not like to stick to a niche, especially narrow ones that do not give you scope for expanding your posting boundaries. Having said that I believe that there are certain niches that have a big enough audiences to survive and you did mention one, that one being stay at home moms, that being said they have heaps of competition and need to work hard to stay ahead of the crowd.

Sires last blog post..When The Law Just Simply Gets It Wrong

By: Mitch

Mitch — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 16:04:00 +0000

Thanks for the comment, Beverly. Glad we agree on it, and we do want to be all-inclusive, period.

By: Beverly Mahone

Beverly Mahone — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 14:50:53 +0000

Mitch,

I’m inclined to agree with you to a point. I do believe some folks narrow their scope too much and may even end up with the wrong target market. I do believe you need to have a clear idea of who you’re trying to reach.

In my case, my niche is baby boomer women. I’m an African-American baby boomer but I’m ALL-INCLUSIVE because I know “narrowing the scope” too much will narrow my opportunities to get my business out there.

Beverly Mahones last blog post..Stop Relying on Corporate America for Financial Success