Finding the Right Niche

Just turned in another article, and this one provides tips for business blogging. Almost anyone who talks about business blogging recommends the blogger find a niche — I agree. The same applies to make a business stand out from others — why should you buy from ABC rather than XYZ? The answer needs to related to the customer’s point of view, not the company’s.

I mostly write about technology, web design, and grammar — hence, things geeky, webby, and wordy. This is too broad. Prolific and talented writer Bob Bly encourages those starting out in their business to go ahead and be general / broad and work toward a niche “after you become established.” OK. Tick tock. Where’s the niche?

A publisher asked me to propose ideas for an ebook. So I tossed him suggestions surrounding blogging. After a few email exchanges, he said there was enough on blogging (including business blogging) between books and ebooks. He’s right. That was my mistake… I discover something before the public does and I do nothing about it.

My blog started before most published authors’ on the topic started theirs (I hope that doesn’t sound snotty as it’s not meant to). I love writing about blogging — but now it’s an overcrowded field with established and respected experts, authors, and bloggers. However, I just received word that I’m doing a presentation at a tech organization’s regional conference in Dallas. The topic: Business blogging.

I guess I’m afraid of specialization. Can I talk about one topic all the time? Won’t it get old? I talked to a marketing expert and she suggested becoming a specialist in white papers. Do mostly white papers and nothing else? Stressful though. I like the diversity of work and clients.

Experts recommend thinking about the things you’re passionate about when searching for a niche. For me, that’s tech, web, and words, but these don’t qualify as a niche.

Meanwhile, I continue my quest. How about you? Do you have a niche? If so, what is it and how did you choose it?