Why Niche Blogging Isn’t for Me (and You)
// March 29th, 2008 // 37 Comments » // Online Experience
Niche blogging is basically only blogging about a specific topic. The scope can be quite broad such as “life skills” or very narrow, like “-insert celebrity’s dog-”. It can be seasonal like “Paris fashion week” or year-round like “US Election and the economy”. Niche blogging supposedly helps the writer develop authority on his/her subject and ensures that the readers don’t have to dig through a pile of posts before finding something useful - because almost everything is on topic. However, as awesome as blogs like Zenhabits and Problogger are, and as juicy as blogs like Perezhilton has become, there are several reasons why niche blogging may not be for me (and you).
Topic restriction and lack of flexibility. After you pick a niche, your posts must nearly always be on-topic. If you are someone who like creativity and flexibility, this limit may even contribute to your blogger’s block.
Amount of topics available. The two biggest niches out there today blogs-about-blogging and make-money-online-blogs. Yawn. It’s getting old folks. I know for most topics nowadays, you can get ten posts right off the bat. But in a few months? Will you still have a steady source of ideas?
Demographic target and size. Most of the lovely people I have on my blogroll (updated, check it out!) have been on there for almost a year. A good number are students like me and we’ve been commenting on each other’s blogs for as long as Ubiquitous existed. If your website shifts from a personal blog to a niche blog, rest be assured that your reader demographic will change. From teen-bopperitis to obiesity to blogs-about-blogging, the audience varies drastically.
Competition. A healthy competition is a good thing, but is the business so cut-throat that a horde of people will shut you down as soon as you open your mouth? I stand by my belief that the make-money-blogging sites are a lost cause with some hefty giants in the field like JohnChow who’s “been there, done that”.
Personal pleasure. Your blog pretty much defines you. A niche blogger needs passion, dedication, and determination. I’m not sure I’d still love blogging if it becomes a part-time job.
Questions niche bloggers have to ask themselves
- What is my target audience/potential audience?
- What do I bring to the field that’s unique and attention-worthy?
- Will I be able to maintain consistency in post quality?
- Am I passionate about this topic?
Most people who make it big have a niche. As Amanda pointed out below, niche blogging in a loose sense can also be lifestyle blogs about a career (eg. lawyer blogs, mommy blogs) or person (eg. you). So is niche blogging really for you? Or are you just more of a personal life recorder like myself? You decide. Keep in mind though, never stop blogging!
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