Choosing a niche to work in on the internet seems to be one of the most challenging steps in getting started with an online business. I believe this is because our niche is just too close to us for us to see what area we would best serve. I have created a simple process to help you in choosing the niche you are best suited for, and that will earn you the most money in the coming months and years.
Make a list of what you are passionate about. This will include anything you like to spend time doing and also enjoy, regardless of whether there is any money involved or not. Think back to your childhood and younger years to remember your passions. I love dogs, photography, writing short stories, walking in nature, helping my friends choose a new computer, and many more things. Some of these passions began about forty years ago, when I was just a child.
Now make a second list of the things you have experience with. They may be related to jobs and careers, but may also include situations that you had no choice in. My experiences include being a classroom teacher, working in real estate as an appraiser and broker, surviving cancer, caring for an elderly parent, home schooling, being involved in charities and fundraising, and more. These are all a part of who I am and what I am knowledgeable about. Don’t leave anything off of your list, as it will be valuable in choosing the right niche for you.
It will all come together when you know where your prospects are, so now make a list of where the market is for the areas you have written down. This will take some time to research. I recommend starting with Google’s free keyword tool. Keyword research is a valuable part of getting started online. This has helped me to choose the niche of teaching technology to people starting out online, as well as some smaller niches like dog training and cancer support. I believe it is important to have one main niche and two or three sub-niches that can bring you income and satisfaction.
Suzan Schmitt is an expert in this area, so visit the Niche Finder for Coaches to see where you should be spending your time and energy.
This is a good process for people who don’t know where to start. My own niche was very well defined over the years and I love helping people get well so that was easy. But I remember reading that when people have a lot of talents and skills (even if they can’t see them) it makes it harder to focus on and select just one. But for those folks who have only one talent, well, they easily know what they will do.