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3 Steps To Selecting A Blogging Niche

This post was most recently updated on August 2nd, 2016

3 Steps To Selecting A Blog NicheThe “3 Steps To Selecting A Blogging Niche” I’m about to share come as a result of years of experience.

In other words, they didn’t come from my conference notes, and they’re not a condensation of the first chapter of a “how to blog” course.

This was just a natural process for me, and you might find it works for you.

When I first started blogging, I had no idea what I was doing.

I heard people talking about niche selection but it seemed to be mostly a matter of “blog about something you like.”

So, I did what a lot of people do I suppose.

I blogged about me.

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I told people who I was and why I decided to start blogging.

The truth is, though, I didn’t really have any clear idea of where I was heading.

You see, niche selection is way more about where you’re going than where you’ve been.

I think, though, that most new bloggers talk about things they’ve done than things they want to do.

I guess that’s because when we first start blogging, we want to impress people.

It’s hard to impress folks about some vague goals for things we want to achieve.

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It’s much easier to let them know about things we have achieved.

If we can’t think of anything remarkable we’ve achieved, then we can always fall back on our experiences… places we’ve been, people we’ve met and things we’ve seen and done.

What this gets down to is blogging about lots of random things, but nothing in particular.

That’s okay, too.

Walk Around The Room A Few Times

If you have no idea what to blog about, but you just know you want to start reaching out to people by blogging… go for it.

Just start introducing yourself and getting to meet people.

That’s pretty much what I did.

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I loved it because I’ve always loved talking to people and getting to know them better.

My blog was just a new place to do it.

I always thought of my blog as going to a party or a convention or some other gathering of people.

If I didn’t know anybody and didn’t know what to do or say, what would I do?

I don’t know about you, but in situations like that, I just walk around the room a few times.

Don’t hide in a corner and expect people to find you.

Step out of your shell and start talking with people.

Sure, it might be a bit of a strain in the beginning, but soon enough, you’ll “know the room.”

You’ll learn soon enough, which little clusters of folks you find to be a bit boring and which ones are fun to hang out with.

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You’ll start identifying your “crowd.”

The more you walk around the room, the more you’ll know the room… who to gravitate to and who to hide from, hehe.

 

Hangin’ With Your Peeps

So, when you find the people you feel naturally tight with, they become your “peeps”… the ones you want to know better and hang out with more than all the others.

So, do it.

In time you’ll know more than just their names.

You’ll know where they live, what they do for work, what kind of struggles they’ve been through and what their dreams are.

You’ll come to know their big challenges in life.

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Who wants to get married, who wants to fit into a new bathing suit this summer, who wants to start their own business or go back to college.

The more you’re hangin’ with your peeps, the more you’ll know about them.

The more you know about them, the better you can relate to them.

That’s because they’re in your head a little bit by now, right?

Like when they hear a song, or talk to some random guy… you know what’s going on in their mind.

Then you can grab them on the side and say “I know what you were thinking when that song came on” or “I saw you talking to that guy… I know he’s not your type, but…”

You know what I mean?

I always thought of it as “girl talk,” but it’s really just getting close to people.

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Late Night Movies

Eventually, some of the people you met as strangers not long ago, have become your friends.

You go to their house, they come to yours.

You might grab lunch together, or even curl up with a late night movie.

This almost always leads to deeper connections.

You know your new friend pretty well, and start trusting them with your deepest thoughts and aspirations.

They trust you, too.

In time, you pretty much know your new friend almost as well as you do yourself.

But it goes beyond knowing and trusting.

It rises to caring about each other.

You really want them to get past the things that trouble them most, and you want to help them when you can, or just be there to support them when you can’t.

You’ve formed a bond, and the tighter it gets, the more loyal you will always be to each other.

3 Steps To Selecting A Blogging Niche

By the way… I told you’d I’d share 3 steps to picking a niche for your blog.

So, here they are.

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1. Walk Around The Room A Few Times

Go to something you’re interested in.

It could be a party, a car show, a food exp.

You don’t have to actually “go” to an event… just do a virtual skip-through of some of the online groups you’ll find.

Visit your favorite social media sites, maybe some blogging circles, forums… wherever.

Walk around a bit.

Get a feel for what you like to do and talk about.

Eventually, start identifying who “your crowd” seems to be.

This is your niche audience.

These are the folks you’ll want to write your blog posts for and about.

Special: [FREE] Learn To Blog… (My Video Inside)

2. Hang With Your Peeps

Spend some more time with the folks you resonate with.

Talk to them.

Teach them things.

Learn from them.

Share your thoughts and address your challenges.

This is when things start warming up with you and your crowd.

They’re not just a random and nameless cluster of folks, they’re your peeps 🙂

These are the people you’ll follow onto social sites and visit their blogs.

You’ll make it your business to get to know more of what they’re about.

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And, in turn, they’ll make it their business to get to know more about you and your blog.

3. Late Night Movies

Your most loyal followers and readers will be the people you bond with.

Don’t just write information for them to read.

Have conversations with them.

Dig deeper into their lives and into their heads.

Know what they want, and give it to them.

These are the folks you blog for.

They are the ones who will form the base of your new business.

The more you know what they need, the more you can help them.

The more you help them, the more they’ll want to get to know you.

The more they know you, the more they’ll trust you.

That trust is what blogging is all about.

Without it, you’ll never have a business.

With it, there’s no limit to what you can achieve with your blog.

Your Blog Is A Sales Funnel

Are you struggling to define your niche?

I actually know people who have been blogging for years and are still trying to figure out their special focus.

Do these “3 Steps To Selecting A Blogging Niche” help you find your way around in the blogosphere?

I’d love to have you comment below, and please share this article on your favorite social sites.

-Donna

 

Donna Merrill
Donna is a well known blogger and creator of "Blogging Magic" - an intensive guide to blogging. "Blogging Magic" is for beginners who are trying to figure out how to bring their blogs to life with tons of visits, comments and social media interaction. It's even for advanced bloggers looking to reach new levels of authority and engagement with their audience.

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56 Responses to 3 Steps To Selecting A Blogging Niche

  1. Muhammad Ahmad
    Twitter:
    June 27, 2016 at 11:07 am #

    Hi Donna Ma’am,
    I was on vacation and now, I am back to work!
    Just landed on this post, read and found it really informative.
    I love the way you write 😉
    Thanks for sharing!
    ~ Ahmad
    P.S. Please do read my latest blog post at MeetAhmad [dot] com, I’ll be waiting for your response.
    Thanks again!
    Muhammad Ahmad recently posted..How to write Affiliate Product Reviews – The simplest Guide!My Profile

  2. Bola
    Twitter:
    June 18, 2016 at 12:25 pm #

    These tips are so helpful and there are some that I’ve not considered before. I love the idea about bonding and knowing what our readers want. Looking forward to implementing them. Thanks

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 22, 2016 at 3:07 pm #

      Hi Bola,

      Welcome to my blog.

      Glad you liked this. Oh yes…bonding with our readers is one of the most important things to do. Engagement is key!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Piggy Back BloggingMy Profile

  3. Chery Schmidt
    Twitter:
    June 5, 2016 at 4:07 pm #

    Hello Donna, What an Awesome blog post! I oh so agree with you! Yikes I to had NO idea as to what to blog about when I first started blogging… But once I started getting to know other bloggers ( Like YOU) I really started enjoying it more and opening up and sharing more. I just love learning from everyone, especially YOU!!

    Thank You for the Awesome Post Girlfriend.
    You’re The Best
    Chery :))

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 6, 2016 at 1:03 pm #

      Hi Chery,

      It is so true…when we first sit there to write our very first blog we have no clue. But in doing the action it causes a reaction. From there…we start growing into our own.

      Knowing more and more bloggers is a wonderful experience and the friends we make online is amazing.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Are You A Blogging Zombie?My Profile

  4. Maxwell Ivey
    Twitter:
    June 5, 2016 at 2:27 pm #

    Hi Donna; Your early days remind me of that song songs about me. lol Am so happy to count us as peeps. You have ben loyal and supportive. And I actually still wonder about myself. I have the amusement equipment site and I blog about being a blind entrepreneur and lately people want to know about how i get on all the radio shows or how i have become so comfortable doing that. I keep hearing that I need to pick one and totally focus on it. but its hard. As for wandering around the room at a party at my height and size i never had to do that. But I was never afraid of doing it. And i do it big time online. I recently decided that I need to focus more on online and stop thinking of someday when I could talk to people in person. And I now have a desk where I can record videos sitting up and hopefully do more Skype, zoom, and google hangouts. Thanks for sharing this post. It was a great mix of past experience and good advice for the future. Much love, Max
    Maxwell Ivey recently posted..my 2nd book it’s not the cookie it’s the bag is finally hereMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 6, 2016 at 1:01 pm #

      Max,

      You have many interests and have just published your second book. This is quite the accomplishment. I would say, by knowing you that you are a fine example for others to stop making excuses and just do it!

      You do get on many radio shows so maybe write about how you did that…wrote two books, and keep on going. Know this: You are an inspiration for others. So be that person. They need you.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Are You A Blogging Zombie?My Profile

  5. Muhammad Tabish
    Twitter:
    June 5, 2016 at 12:36 pm #

    Awesome Article! It has greatly clarified my decision in selecting a niche.

    I still would like to write about a few different Marketing/Multi-Level Marketing topics though – Blogging, Affiliate Programs, Email Leads and MLM System – as the variety is what motivates me:
    Do you think multi-niche/topic sites can work?

    Thank’s For Sharing: have a Great Day Ahead,
    Muhammad Tabish recently posted..What Is A MLM System? (Multi-Level Marketing)My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 6, 2016 at 12:58 pm #

      Multi niche topics will sure work my friend.

      It is all how you do it. You mention blogging, affiliate, MLM Email….it all goes together like one big puzzle. That is the way it all works when you get down to marketing.

      So writing about each topic does compliment each other. As long as you are writing in a way that helps others….you win!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Are You A Blogging Zombie?My Profile

  6. Edward Thorpe
    Twitter:
    June 5, 2016 at 10:58 am #

    Hi Donna,

    You’re such a cagey writer! And, funny, too. Enjoyed your post so much that I hardly noticed I was learning valuable insights about why I’m so bored with my own blog. Thanks.
    Edward
    P.S. You’re one of my favorite copy writers – so easy & natural…
    Edward Thorpe recently posted..Are Energy Drinks Tanking Our Kidneys?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 6, 2016 at 12:56 pm #

      Hi Ed,

      Aww…thank you so much! I do try to get a message out on my blog posts for everyone to benefit from. What a great compliment that you hardly noticed you were learning something! Woo Hoo

      Whenever I need to learn something and go to a long and boring article I seem to drift off to never never land. So I don’t like writing that way. 🙂

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Are You A Blogging Zombie?My Profile

  7. Monna Ellithorpe
    Twitter:
    June 4, 2016 at 8:39 pm #

    Hey Donna,

    I’m still not sure what it is about you and the way you explain things but when I read your posts, “I GET IT.”

    It seems that I can be wondering about how to do something or what I should do about something and I come here and search a little and “Bingo,” you have my answer.

    So happy I met you and David and will continue to keep coming back.

    Luv ya, girl. Thanks again. 🙂
    Monna Ellithorpe recently posted..I LOVE Working With New AuthorsMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 6, 2016 at 12:54 pm #

      Hi Monna,

      Thank you so much for the best compliment I can ever receive. It helps me know I’m doing my job. I like to keep things simple and easy for others to understand. If I have information about something why not share it? Why not make it short and simple for a take-away for others?

      I am so glad you feel this way and happy that we connected.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Are You A Blogging Zombie?My Profile

  8. Chris Hooker
    Twitter:
    June 4, 2016 at 6:08 pm #

    Donna thank you.
    Strangely enough I am still in the process of identifying my niche – after close to two years of blogging! And still I haven’t the faintest idea of what, who or where to focus.
    You see, there’s not a lot of point in ‘walking around the room’ if you are the only one in the room!
    No, I’m not crying about it, just sayin’. For so many of my 70 years I was a ‘hands on’ guy, if there was something (anything!) needed fixing, I was the bloke! I enjoyed it!
    However, I am not a very social animal and tend to keep my core self very much enclosed, I suspect that this is perceived by many as snobbishness and aloofness, but that’s the animal I am!
    I’m sorry, this shouldn’t be about me, suffice it to say that I enjoyed your post and if wishin’ were fishin’ my boat would be full (If I had one that is!)

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 6, 2016 at 12:51 pm #

      Hi Chris,

      You are not alone. There are many people who choose not to be social online. That’s fine. But if you get to a point where you find a niche you are interested in, get going with blogging and marketing it….then it is important to be sharing with your ‘peeps’

      You don’t have to reveal anything about yourself but rather share their information and push a few like buttons.

      No…you are not a snob. My husband is very quiet and is not very social. I’m the one that is. People often think he is a snob or even worse….but we are all different and have to respect each other.

      Cheers!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Are You A Blogging Zombie?My Profile

  9. Mitch Mitchell
    Twitter:
    June 4, 2016 at 5:10 pm #

    The only one of these that could possibly be debatable is #2, hanging with your peeps. This one depends on who you consider your peeps, the people you interact with in your real life or your online life.

    I don’t have a single real life friend or “peep” who cares about anything I write about. I only have one friend who occasionally looks at something I write, and that’s only because I tend to mention him here and there. lol

    So, for my life, I either write things I know some of my online peeps enjoy or I pretty much write about what I like to write about based on the particular niche of my blog (since I have more than 1). Maybe I should be wondering why I have any friends at all. 😉
    Mitch Mitchell recently posted..Memorial Day, The News And Social MediaMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 6, 2016 at 12:48 pm #

      Hey Mitch,

      Peeps on line are the ones I’m referring to. Our off line peeps are another story. When we are hanging out with them on Facebook or other social sites, we get to know each other on a different level. Take you for instance…you always have a way to make me laugh. And I know you are a man that “tells it like it is’ all the time.

      So with that being said, you are one of my peeps I like to hang out with, learn from, discuss things with.

      -Donna

      P.S. I don’t have any off line peeps myself … oh well
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Are You A Blogging Zombie?My Profile

  10. ikechi
    Twitter:
    June 4, 2016 at 12:37 pm #

    Hi Donna

    The great thing about this post is that the tips you shared for finding your niche are just so cool.

    Walking around the room a few times. Yep, I did this before I could get a sense of my niche. Just hand to think, think and think till i could get a sense of where I was heading and Oh! I had to put them down too

    Hanging out with my peeps. Well I did this too and being able to share and learn from others was a wonderful experience. I got to see thing from the eyes of others and this helps me sometimes when I tell a story.

    Thanks for sharing Donna. You are simply awesome. Take Care

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 6, 2016 at 12:45 pm #

      Hi Ikechi,

      I do think that hanging out with our peeps is a great way to learn so many things.

      When it comes to telling a story you are a master at it and I love reading those articles you often write.

      Well…I’ll see you while we both walk around that room.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Are You A Blogging Zombie?My Profile

  11. Peter Beckenham
    Twitter:
    June 4, 2016 at 10:21 am #

    Hi Donna,

    I loved that concept of “walking around the room” and it’s so true.

    For some time I was just so busy creating content for all and sundry and thinking I was doing such a great job. Sure I had folks come and leave me nice comments but really I did not have a clear direction and to be brutally honest, despite the visits and comments, very few were clicking my links and joining my community.

    They were just being nice to this Aussie marketer.

    The problem was not them, it was me.

    I had not fine tuned my target audience and was trying to please all and sundry with my content. In hindsight I can see how stupid that was but at the time I thought I was doing just great and it would only be a matter of time before my community would start to really grow.

    Your post really hit home with me when you talked about “hanging with your peeps”

    This was a very tough lesson I had to learn and once I started spending more time with my target audience of battling beginner marketers, everything seemed to gell so much easier.

    Simply by conversing, listening, learning and then teaching this audience created a whole new world of blogging for me.

    I even had people for the very first time reaching out to me for help – now that really showed me I was on the right track – at last!

    Many thanks as always for sharing your experience and expertise Donna – you have helped me so much in recent months with your guidance and straight-shootin’ content.

    Best wishes from the remote Thai village marketer

    Peter
    Peter Beckenham recently posted..Affiliate Marketing Course vs Self LearningMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 5, 2016 at 3:24 pm #

      Hi Peter,

      Yea…I’m the straight shoot’n gal. Some like it some don’t but it is the only way I can help others and I’m so glad you have benefited from it.

      Thank you for your share of how you solved your problem. I know my readers will learn from your comment here. Especially when you noted it was your problem. I think we all reach that point. But it is a Godsend.

      That is when we start to change things up. And the best part is when people start reaching out to you. What a wonderful feeling!

      Cheers!

      ~Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Make Your Blog SocialMy Profile

  12. Peter Beckenham
    Twitter:
    June 4, 2016 at 10:17 am #

    Hi Donna,

    I loved that conceopt of “walking around the room” and its so true.

    For some time I was just so busy creating content for all and sundry and thinking I was doing such a great job. Sure IU had folks come and leave me nice cmments but really I did not have a clear direction and to be brutally honest, despite the visits and comments, very few were clicking my links and joing my community.

    They were just being nice to this Aussie marketer.

    The problem was not them, it was me.

    I had not fine tuned my target audience and was trying to please all and sundry with my content. In hindsight I can see how stupid that was but atr the time I thought I was doing just great and it would only be a matter of time before my community would start to really grow.

    Your post really hit homewith me when you talked about “hanging with your peeps”

    This was a very tough lesson I had to learn and once I started spending more time with my target audience of battling beginner marketers, everything seemed to gell so much easier.

    Simply by conversing, listening, learning and then teaching this audience created a whole new world of blogging for me.

    I even had people for the very first time reaching out to me for help – now that really showed me I was on the right track – at last!

    Many thanks as always for sharing your experience and expertise Donna – you have helped me so much in recent months with your guidance and straight-shootin’ content.

    Best wishes from the remote Thai village marketer

    Peter
    Peter Beckenham recently posted..Affiliate Marketing Course vs Self LearningMy Profile

  13. Sue Bride
    Twitter:
    June 4, 2016 at 1:10 am #

    My main site was quite unique when I started out but now there are so many blogging about the same topics. I do draw quite a large audience for one area but they’re likely not interested in my other posts. I’ve considered setting up a separate site just for that but the thought of starting again puts me off, especially as I have other projects on the go too. There are only so many hours in a day:-)
    Sue Bride recently posted..Yoast SEO Social Media ImagesMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 5, 2016 at 3:20 pm #

      Hi Sue,

      Oh I know what you mean. There are only so many hours in a day. But..if you chose to do another site, it can be done, but in a different way. I did and I have more action here. My other site is a niche site. I treat it as such. Not too much of comments, but instead SEO Rich and an entire different way of communication. It saves me time.

      So put your thinking cap on because where there’s a will, there’s a way.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Make Your Blog SocialMy Profile

  14. Manidipa Bhaumik
    Twitter:
    June 3, 2016 at 2:17 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    What a lovely post on niche selection. Many a times people struggle to find the right one as per their expectation. They start with something profitable, but quit within a short time for lack of interest.

    Alternatively it is also not easy to carry on blogging, if your niche doesn’t support any monetising opportunity. However, the first thing is obviously having interest in whatever you want carry on.

    Thank you for sharing your experience here. Take care and have a wonderful weekend 🙂

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 5, 2016 at 3:18 pm #

      Hi Mandipa,

      If someone chooses a niche just for the money, it will never last. I’ve seen it time and time again. They just disappear.

      On the other hand, if they have something they love to give to others, then, they are never at a loss.

      Monetization can come from just about anything, if one knows how to do so.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Make Your Blog SocialMy Profile

  15. Kim Willis
    Twitter:
    June 3, 2016 at 12:47 pm #

    Hi Donna

    What a creative way to uncover a niche. Walking around the room – love it!

    I normally suggest to people that they start with their passions, interests, and skills. Maybe they can make a buck from one of them. Of course, a blog forms part of the package, but not the only part.

    Some people have passions but can’t monetize them. Trying to make money from underwater basket weaving may well have its limitations.

    I was lucky. I already had a passion for marketing (offline), so just transferred the love to the online world. Ten years later, I’m still here.

    Bottom line. Find ways to help people solve a problem and/or have a better tomorrow. And fall in love with the result. That’s the best way to get passionate about a niche.

    That’s enough from me. I need to do some room walking now.

    Thanks a lot Donna

    Kim
    Kim Willis recently posted..How to Use Authority Positioning to Give Your Competitors NightmaresMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 5, 2016 at 3:16 pm #

      Hi Kim,

      What if I wanted to learn how to weave underwater? he he he…I always love your humor.

      But back to the post..Your “Bottom Line” rings true….Find a way to solve a problem for others. When we have that in our hearts, it sure is the best way to get passionate.

      Don’t get exhausted walking around that room my friend.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Make Your Blog SocialMy Profile

  16. Joy Healey
    Twitter:
    June 2, 2016 at 8:17 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I do like the way you describe “walking round the room”.

    I’ve been very lucky finding such a great group of people to hang out with – and you’re right, I really do care about them – which seems silly to anyone other than bloggers, because I’ve never met them.

    As for finding that niche…. I’ve certainly got it wrong a more than once. A few times I got pretty close, but made some mistakes, and back to the drawing board.

    It was very embarrassing looking back at early blogs and blog posts, most now deleted or re-written. Yes I think I’m closer to finding my niche. Just need to flesh it all out!

    Thanks for a new way of looking at niche selection.

    Joy – Blogging After Dark
    Joy Healey recently posted..Time Pressure and StressMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 5, 2016 at 3:13 pm #

      Hi Joy,

      Yes…walking around that room is what I love doing. So much so that I have more real friends on the internet than I do in real life.

      It was so strange…the other day I met a woman near my mailbox. We chatted for a while because she is a neighbor whom I never talked to in the three years I’m living here. It was kind of weird because she was in the flesh lol. But we did have an immediate connection. But I digress….

      Never be embarrassed looking back at your old blog posts. So much so…don’t delete them. It can come in handy when you teach others. “See what I did first?” People love that we start from the same place as them when they are new.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Make Your Blog SocialMy Profile

  17. Ben
    Twitter:
    June 2, 2016 at 2:56 pm #

    Hi Donna. I’ve read plenty of posts about how to find your niche and I don’t think I’ve ever come across those three steps before. Of course most of those posts you see about that are all probably rewrites of the same original post that some forgotten blogger wrote years ago. So, thanks for something original. I’ve read enough of your posts and seen enough of your videos that I can actually see you walking around the room and getting the feel for it.

    Aside from the visual, it’s excellent advice. Most of the other things you read about finding your niche feel forced and confining. “I spent three days figuring out my niche. This is my niche. This is what I have to write!” Your way feels much more natural, like figuring out which pair of jeans feel the most comfortable and going with them. You know, there’s a reason why Levi has more numbers than just 501’s.

    Thanks for the advice Donna. Always appreciated.
    Ben recently posted..If you Want to Live, You Have to Keep MovingMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 5, 2016 at 3:09 pm #

      Hi Ben,

      Love your analogy of figuring out which pair of jeans feel the most comfortable. So true…it is like finding the niche you are comfortable with.

      We are all unique beings. One size does not fit all and there is no protocol of “how to” find it. The best advice is to just relax and start writing.

      Oh yea…some of those posts do feel like it was from long lost blogger lol. Content has to be original and from the heart. I do believe that is the best form of communication.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Make Your Blog SocialMy Profile

  18. Enstine Muki
    Twitter:
    June 2, 2016 at 7:35 am #

    Donna,
    This topic of niche selection in blogging is as important as blogging itself. It’s the foundation of any blogging activity and if done with levity, the result will be failure.

    One of the reasons why most bloggers abandon is failure to select the right niche. Like you mentioned, people have taught different ways to locate your right topic but what’s exciting here is that you shared your personal experience.

    I think this is what makes bloggers interesting and attractive. When they share from their experiences to teach others, rather than repeat what we’ve all read in books.

    Thanks for letting us know how you get things that work for you Donna.

    What a share-able post
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    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 5, 2016 at 3:06 pm #

      Hi Enstine,

      Finding a niche we love can be difficult to do. When I first started I had so many directions I wanted to go. It does get confusing, but why not share it with others?

      Once we share our own experience, other people say “me too” and it is like sitting at a table talking to a friend.

      I do find it helps when working with others because we realize that we are all on the same level at one time or another.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Make Your Blog SocialMy Profile

  19. Stella Chiu
    Twitter:
    June 2, 2016 at 3:47 am #

    Hi, Donna

    It is an important topic for any bloggers – niche selection. BTW, this article is a lovely one.

    As we start blogging , we really need to write about where we have been to introduce yourself to others. After that, just like you said we have to step into the party room to “walk around the room few times” to find our niches. I am just starting to “walk around the room” to decide whether to select a different niche or stay on niche about “life”. I hope I will come to decision sooner than later.

    Sherman offered good suggestion that talking about your own struggle can be a good niche. I also agree with Atish’s suggestion that the niche must be of my interest and profitable one in order to work.

    Thanks so much!

    Stella Chiu
    Stella Chiu recently posted..You can Free from Asthma for Good almost EffortlesslyMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 5, 2016 at 3:04 pm #

      Hi Stella,

      So good to know you are walking around the room lately. It can be difficult at first, but once you put one foot in front of the other, it starts to become easier.

      Indeed, Sherman’s suggestion is a good one. When we talk about our own struggles, it will resonate with others. One can be surprised how much others like to pitch in that comment section when we do this.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Make Your Blog SocialMy Profile

  20. Erika Mohssen-Beyk
    Twitter:
    June 2, 2016 at 12:35 am #

    Hi Donna,
    this is needed advice you give here.
    I see many young people who want to start new blogs having difficulties
    with this . I agree with Atish here,if the niche does not really interest you and
    only promises profit ,it will not work out.
    It is important to be interested in the niche to be able to write about .
    Only if one is ambitious about his niche and interested can he write
    compelling posts about and people will follow and it will be profitable.
    Thank you
    Erika

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 5, 2016 at 3:02 pm #

      Hi Erika,

      Well said! It is so true, if we are not interested in what we are doing, how can we ever write a compelling blog post?

      Once we find what we love doing…especially something that will benefit others…we have it made.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Make Your Blog SocialMy Profile

  21. Atish Ranjan
    Twitter:
    June 1, 2016 at 5:16 pm #

    Hello Donna,

    Great tips on selecting blogging niche. When someone asks me the question about which niche to select, I always reply them that choose something that you are interested in, and also research whether that niche is profitable or not.

    Just selecting a profitable niche without any interest is not what I recommend, and also, if you are interested in something but that is not profitable then again I don’t recommend that.

    It’s very important to find the niches of your interest. Do research whether that is profitable or not. Until you find something that you are interested in and that is profitable too, don’t stop researching.

    If you select a good niche, you are already on the right track.

    Thanks for the lovely post, Donna.
    Atish Ranjan recently posted..What is Snapchat? 10 Apps Like Snapchat!My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 4, 2016 at 1:48 pm #

      Hi Atish,

      That IS the best answer to give anyone who is searching for a niche. It is one that we are interested in.

      Indeed, if one is selecting a niche because they may think it is profitable, they won’t maintain the energy needed to do the work.

      Researching is one thing, but we do have to love what we do.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Make Your Blog SocialMy Profile

  22. Brenda Pace
    Twitter:
    June 1, 2016 at 12:11 pm #

    Hey Donna,

    This is fantabulous advice! I know there are a lot of folks out there sharing their knowledge but yours is one I can always resonate with. You put it out there in terms of being “real”, if ya know what I mean.

    Finding a niche can be hard for anyone. I like to keep with multi-niche blogs because I swear A.D.D. will kick in and funk it all up. However, I have been managing to keep my business niche just that.

    Anywho, you know I’m passing this along because there are so many people who need help with finding their niche.

    Thanks for sharing doll!

    B
    Brenda Pace recently posted..If At First You Don’t Succeed, Try and Try AgainMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 2, 2016 at 9:54 am #

      Hi Brenda,

      Good to know you can resonate with the articles I write. I do know what you mean by putting things out there that are ‘real.’

      Finding our niche is difficult. We start with a huge one, then have to narrow it down. That is no easy task. But once we find it…that little sub niche, then we can go out there and conquer the world!

      Thanks so much,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Make Your Blog SocialMy Profile

  23. Marquita Herald
    Twitter:
    June 1, 2016 at 9:14 am #

    All great tips, but I especially relate to “walking around the room” because I recall putting on some serious mileage when I first started blogging, but that was after I literally backed into my niche.

    When I was working as a life and small business coach I had hundreds of clients spread across 3 Islands here in Hawaii so it was a challenge being as responsive as I wanted to be, so I set up a Yahoo group. (It seems so long ago now!) That led to a blog with the sole purpose of providing additional support. So I wrote about ideas and inspiration and created some tutorials, blah, blah. The site was only promoted to my clients, but they began sharing it with others and it started to take on a life of its own which is how the germ of the idea to get serious about blogging was born. From that point, I put on my tennies and started walking. 🙂 Thanks Donna, always appreciate your valuable insights!

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 2, 2016 at 9:46 am #

      Hi Marquita,

      Wow.. I didn’t know you started blogging that way and thank you for sharing that. Word of mouth still is going strong from off line to on line.

      I am so glad you started blogging because I look forward to each article every week. It does help me in many ways.

      Writing your books are another inspiration. I think it is great that you reach so many people.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Make Your Blog SocialMy Profile

  24. Stephanie Faris
    Twitter:
    June 1, 2016 at 7:06 am #

    Great tips! I think we usually naturally gravitate toward our niche based on our own interests. And then we attract people who are interested in similar things. I do read a few gardening blogs and photography blogs even though I’m interested in neither! Usually the blogs I enjoy most are ones that are just about people’s daily lives.
    Stephanie Faris recently posted..IWSG: Real Writers Don’t Talk, They WriteMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 2, 2016 at 9:36 am #

      Hi Stephanie,

      I think we all love to be in our own niche. But sometimes other things are interesting because we learn a thing or two.

      I couldn’t be writing about something I wasn’t interested in. I would just go blank lol.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Make Your Blog SocialMy Profile

  25. Christina Ervin
    Twitter:
    June 1, 2016 at 12:43 am #

    Good ideas. I use to think that the Internet made people more comfortable to network and talk to strangers. After a couple years online, I’ve been shocked that this isn’t the case. You are so on point with the need to get out of the comfort zone a bit and just strike up a convo with people. Social media makes it so easy because you can locate groups based on common interests!
    Christina Ervin recently posted..The No Fear Video Marketing System Full ReviewMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 2, 2016 at 9:27 am #

      Hi Christina,

      Indeed, using social media, we can zero in to specific groups based on common interests.

      The internet sure made us much more comfortable networking with others. When I think of all the friends I have world wide, it is such a blessing.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Make Your Blog SocialMy Profile

  26. Jennifer Giacoppo
    Twitter:
    May 31, 2016 at 7:31 pm #

    Hey Donna,
    I love this post since it is very much how my journey has been. I love that you are this blogger who does not do BS. I love this process of “walking around the room” I couldn’t agree with you more. People have forgotten how to be natural and I think you are bringing ‘sexy blogging back'(Justin Timberlake…..lol sorry couldn’t help myself).

    Anyways back to your blog post.

    I recently have just identified my niche and geez it feels good to pin point and focus in on what you are good at. I just realized it was where my strengths were and have decided to run with that.

    And definitely hanging with your people is key to finding out what their pains are. I am on Quora and I am seeing a repetition in what is paining people.

    You are so good at helping people with your posts. Really enjoy them…-Jennifer

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 1, 2016 at 12:37 pm #

      Hi Jennifer,

      So nice to know you are enjoying my blog posts. I’m loving your vlog myself! Glad you found your niche because that feels wonderful doesn’t it?

      Indeed, keep a sharp eye out on what people’s ‘pains’ are because you will have enough material to help them with.

      Thank you for the reminder to get back on Quora! I’m in and out and really do need to be there more consistently.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Make Your Blog SocialMy Profile

  27. Mark
    Twitter:
    May 31, 2016 at 6:44 pm #

    I really love your proven three step formula Donna!

    And it really does make a whole lot o sense.

    After all, if you don’t invest quality time, with a different selection
    of various groups, how will you know for sure, which particular group you
    bond with best.

    And far too many aspiring online marketers, forget about the word “social”, in social media!LOL!

    And instead, they go straight for the sale, and basically
    turn potential prospects off, before they’ve really even had a chance to officially
    approach them!LOL!

    Boy do I remember the error of my ways!LOL! And yes, we both
    rock solid trust most definitely takes a little time and concerted effort, before it
    comes about!

    Thanks for sharing, your proven three step formula!going forward,
    consistently applying it, will definitely make things so much easier
    and profitable!
    Mark recently posted..How So Many Extremely Dedicated Entrepreneurs Miss The Boat Big Time Marketing Online!My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 1, 2016 at 11:54 am #

      Hi Mark,

      You got it….too many aspiring online marketers forget the word “social.”

      We have to treat social media like a party in slow motion. I think I’ve said that a thousand times lol. And if we do, it comes so naturally to have someone work with you.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Make Your Blog SocialMy Profile

  28. Dana
    Twitter:
    May 31, 2016 at 1:42 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I can always count on you to offer a perspective that makes me go “aha, yep.”

    Sage advice here.

    There is so much info out there about blogging, it can be challenging to know what will work for YOU.

    This, to me, makes perfect sense.

    I guess over the years, I have been walking around the room – getting to know people and even care about some of them. These are the people I think about when I blog.

    I agree (and hadn’t thought about it this way) that when we first start, we talk about what we’ve done rather than where (we think) we’re headed. Sometimes, we don’t even know ourselves where we’re going, so it’s much easier to talk about where we’ve already been.

    And from a “hey, I’m credible – let me prove it” standpoint, of course it makes sense.
    But you know – the past is the trail left behind. Not going that way, so the question is – where to now?

    Thought provoking post Donna.
    Dana recently posted..Our Thoughts and Beliefs – Are They True?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 1, 2016 at 11:46 am #

      Hi Dana,

      I was there too long ago. Delighted to meet others and get to know them. I still am, but have tweaked it a bit.

      I mention what I do and it is from the heart. I was just talking to a man I recently met and he was complaining that he wanted more business. “Are you online?” No…not really…someone made a website for me. On and on we went and he opened up a fantastic specific niche he does offline.

      Now…we are meeting once a week to figure out a little e-book we can work on together and get him noticed.

      Ahhh…the things we can do over a beer!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Make Your Blog SocialMy Profile

  29. Sherman Smith May 31, 2016 at 1:02 pm #

    Hey Donna,

    These are some great ideas. One thing you will find when put into practice are a common denominator on the people you meet.

    With that said you can write the type of content based on the common denominator. Whatever their struggles are or tools that they will find handy will be based on this.

    As for me I actually focused on my own struggles and happened to attract those with the same struggles besides going to other blogs and leaving comments. It was what worked for me and I learned a lot from it.

    Great post Donna! I hope you enjoyed your memorial day weekend!

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 1, 2016 at 11:35 am #

      Hi Sherman,

      Indeed focusing on others is the name of the game. But even better is sharing like you do. Focusing on your own struggles. People learn from us all the time. We have to be brave enough to share!

      Also going to other blogs is a constant learning lesson. It’s why I love it so much.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..10 Ways To Make Your Blog SocialMy Profile

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