Is the Christian Market Viable?

[AlwaysClassy]

Hello everyone. If this question has been asked before please forgive me. I searched for the information here first through the "search" function, but I did not find it.

I am a Christian, and I am interested in writing ebooks/reports for the Christian Market. I know that in the "real world" the Christian market is absolutely booming! But, as far as online success I have heard different things.

Some say that I is a very successful niche/sub-niche. Some others say that it is not. So what is the truth?

If there are people here making money in this niche please respond. I want to hear about your success in this area!

Please let me know which areas are the most popular in the Christian marketing niche. Are self-improvement/motivation, Bible studies, Christian grow good niches? Let me know as many as possible. I haven't really seen very much for Christians in the way of ebooks online. Maybe I've been looking in the wrong places?


Thanks to you all! Blessings!

[Michael Motley]

I'm thinking that chistianity sort of has the 'book' part of their 'niche' already locked in.

What are you going to provide in a 10 page report for 9.95 that hasnt been provided for free by the bible already?

[CDarklock]

Originally Posted by AlwaysClassy

Some say that I is a very successful niche/sub-niche. Some others say that it is not. So what is the truth?

You have to be an actual christian yourself, and say things that you completely and totally believe.

There are many niches like this, where if you aren't part of the target market, they won't buy from you - and if you don't believe it, they won't either.

[LookItsMeTerryG]

I've done very well with websites devoted to christian marriage issues, local directories for churches and news from the Vatican, etc.

My experiences are a bit different though, more "traffic" driven and have been monetized primarily with Adsense and a few CPM networks.

[Marhelper]

Originally Posted by CDarklock

You have to be an actual christian yourself, and say things that you completely and totally believe.

There are many niches like this, where if you aren't part of the target market, they won't buy from you - and if you don't believe it, they won't either.

I do agree with that but you can still be an actual Chrsitian and believe what you write but it totally flops too.

I have been curious about this also and the demand is there but you have to creative and think outside of the box.

[Jason Moffatt]

Not if this is the trend...

YouTube - Boy's Bold Attempt to Avoid Going to...

[Vanquish]

Originally Posted by Jason Moffatt

Not if this is the trend...

YouTube - Boy's Bold Attempt to Avoid Going to Church

lol, nice post Jason

[Rachel Goodchild]

ha ha Jason- that was on TV here in nz too

I think that you need to think why are you selling?
If you ahve a fresh and meaningful take then integrity will shine through. I too think free products with adsense works better for the christian market

[Raydal]

I sell just one ebook in that market and I don't push this product
too much, but I do know that the 'christian sale' isa tougher
one to get. You'll find some people with the attitude that you
should be giving away your service/product rather than selling
it.

As far as my copywriting service is concerned, I seldom find a
Christian client willing to pay my fees, even when it's a
national organization. (I've had a few of those.)

This doesn't mean that there is no market for Christian products,
just that your selling becomes tougher.

-Ray Edwards

[shermancox]

Well,

I am exclusively in the Christian Market...I market mainly to ministers. I think that the challenge will be do find a subgroup in that market that is willing to pay for what you are offering.

I would suggest attempting to turn whatever you have to offer into a "how to..." and not engage in writing for "inspiration."

In other words: if you want to write a book on prophecy...instead of writing a Left Behind clone, why not attempt to write a "how to understand prophecy" book. Other thoughts like: "how to understand God's will?" "how to pray".

As always, I would encourage you to gain some sort of solid footing in your niche. I blogged for a year and a half before offering any product. Gain preeminence and then offer products related to your blog topic...

My guess though is that there are more "economically viable" niche's, but this is to which I am drawn....

Originally Posted by AlwaysClassy

Hello everyone. If this question has been asked before please forgive me. I searched for the information here first through the "search" function, but I did not find it.

I am a Christian, and I am interested in writing ebooks/reports for the Christian Market. I know that in the "real world" the Christian market is absolutely booming! But, as far as online success I have heard different things.

Some say that I is a very successful niche/sub-niche. Some others say that it is not. So what is the truth?

If there are people here making money in this niche please respond. I want to hear about your success in this area!

Please let me know which areas are the most popular in the Christian marketing niche. Are self-improvement/motivation, Bible studies, Christian grow good niches? Let me know as many as possible. I haven't really seen very much for Christians in the way of ebooks online. Maybe I've been looking in the wrong places?


Thanks to you all! Blessings!

[Marhelper]

Originally Posted by shermancox

Well,

I am exclusively in the Christian Market...I market mainly to ministers. I think that the challenge will be do find a subgroup in that market that is willing to pay for what you are offering.

I would suggest attempting to turn whatever you have to offer into a "how to..." and not engage in writing for "inspiration."

In other words: if you want to write a book on prophecy...instead of writing a Left Behind clone, why not attempt to write a "how to understand prophecy" book. Other thoughts like: "how to understand God's will?" "how to pray".

As always, I would encourage you to gain some sort of solid footing in your niche. I blogged for a year and a half before offering any product. Gain preeminence and then offer products related to your blog topic...

My guess though is that there are more "economically viable" niche's, but this is to which I am drawn....

Great advice. I agree completely. I have also been marketing to a niche within Christendom. It comes out of a passion and that shows to those that are interested in this. I advise you to market to a "niche within" out of the overflow of your passion.

[Wakunahum]

There are thousands of Christian topics that people write on, produce videos on, courses on, etc.

I'm sure there is a giant market out there. I once got onto some mailing list and was getting like 3-4 pieces a mail a day for various programs/courses.

For example, just look at Vacation Bible School programs and you will find THOUSANDS of programs and products to use just in that niche.

[MichaelHiles]

I find that people who conduct business as a "Christian Business" are far more crooked than their secular counterparts. Your mileage may vary.

That being said, the Christian publishing business is massive.

[Marhelper]

Originally Posted by MichaelHiles

I find that people who conduct business as a "Christian Business" are far more crooked than their secular counterparts. Your mileage may vary.

That being said, the Christian publishing business is massive.

Sad but true. Don't trust someone just because they have a fish on the back of their truck. If it looks like a fish ... smells like a fish ... well then something maybe fishy!

[Raydal]

Originally Posted by WordPro

Sorry Ray, I'm going to take issue with you there - that's one hec of a sweeping generalisation to make.

What data exactly do you have to support such a claim?

Not being impertinent to you -- you are one hell of a good copywriter by any stretch of the imagination, one of the best in fact, but...

?

Best regards to you.

Mark

Well let me see Mark ...

I sold Christian books from door to door.
I've been a Christian for over 30 years.
I'm a seminary-trained Christian Pastor.
I've been doing business online for over 8 years.

I advertise Christian services and get calls from
'Christians' who need my services.

It may be a generalization, but it has also been my
experience that when business people introduce
themselves as 'christian', they are usually dishonest.

Interestingly, when I sold Christian books the toughest
people to get to settle their accounts were fellow
church members, not the secular non-churched client!

It may be a generalization, but just a rule of thumb I go
by.

-Pastor Ray Edwards, MDiv

[1wisewoman]

Christians use services/products in their everyday lives just like other people, outside of reading the Bible and going to church. Instead of focusing on being "Christian" as your market, target a sub-niche of something that Christians need/want. Then deliver your content around that need/want in a way that's in alignment with the values of a Christian. It doesn't necessarily have to say "The Christian's Guide To..."

[parker3773]

Originally Posted by WordPro

I think this thread is getting diluted.

Why can't people just stick to the topic in hand and help the OP out positively, without these kinds of comments in the first place?

Since I'm relatively sure that none of us have data to support Christian pay habits versus non-Christian, it seems like keeping potential offensive comments without data to ourselves would be best served.

I give the "best response" award to the person who said that rather than market TO Christians, market to what they use but maybe steer clear of books. All of us Christians know all too well that the self-help, Bible knowledge books are plentiful.

[GarrieWilson]

Just slap Jesus, a cross or the "fish" on something (make it goth & kids will want it) and it will sell IF you can market.

If you really want to write something, make a monthly subscription site that targets pastors. Call it "Sermons to Go" and the slogan can be "For when you can't hear Christ."

On a more serious note, Jimmy D Brown does a Christian related site (Welcome to Living4Jesus.com \o/). It looks a little dusty but I think he still does the emails.

Garrie

[kimothy777]

I think any niche has the ability to be successful if you come up with the right angle and differentiate yourself. Alot also depends upon your marketing skills. So if you feel passionate about this christian aspect, go for it, but make sure you find the right angle. Your scope is enormous.
Having said that, I am a christian and although I wanted to go down that track, decided that for me it was best to just give normal everyday advice without using the christian slant. I decided that it would potentially scare away some of my clients. That was my decision. I am in the child discipline niche and although I will occasionally mention a bible verse my choice was to make my ebooks and products more generic to cater for a larger niche market. That was my personal choice.
Maybe down the track I will decide to tackle christian parenting. That may become a sub niche of mine at a later date.
I wish you well. You have every right to make your own choice. I would rather fish in a lake with more fish.

[Mark McClure]

OP - check out Sean Mize.

He started off with articles for the Christian market but ascended to bigger things and is now a demi-god in the IM world ;-)

Here's one of his 2006 articles on searchwarp - "Why Write Christian Articles?"
Why Write Christian Articles? by Sean R Mize

[seriousmny]

AlwaysClassy,

Now that you have gotten the information you need from your fellow warriors, how about spending some time in prayer and asking the one who knows everything how to proceed and ask for blessing and direction. You just might get an angle or idea no one else has gotten yet through divine inspiration. That's the best kind. It's a cliché but prayer does change things even your perspective on how to run your business or what topic to focus on.

[AaronJones]

Originally Posted by WordPro

I find remarks like this to be incredibly offensive.

Your comment has nothing whatsoever to do with the original question, not in the absolute slightest - to be perfectly honest, it nothing more than a blatant slur on all Christians.

What can't posters just stick to the subject matter in hand?

You know that religion is a forbidden topic on this forum and for very good reason too.

These kind of remarks I just find revolting and reflect very badly on the Warrior Forum as a whole.

There shouldn't be any place for this kind of comment here.

If you havn't got anything useful to say, pertaining to the OP's original question, it's best not to air your views at all.

Sorry you take offense to that, but you misinterpret me and the context in which it was written.

FYI....I am a christian, a decon and going to school to be a pastor in the near future. (IM will pay the way).

I am in no way making a slur against Christians.

My response was clearly to a point made by another.

I appologize again if you are offended.

Aaron

[Alexa Smith]

Originally Posted by WordPro

I find remarks like this to be incredibly offensive.

Your comment has nothing whatsoever to do with the original question, not in the absolute slightest - to be perfectly honest, it nothing more than a blatant slur on all Christians.

I must say, as a Christian, my reaction to it was totally different, Mark.

There are an awful lot of "Christian cash gifting scams" out there at the moment, in this recession, using what pretends to be a religious appeal to hype their criminal wares. I'd love to see them all prosecuted, myself ...

[Kay King]

The word "Christian" has been used to scam people offline and online - but it doesn't say anything about those who are true Christians or have anything to do with marketing to the Christian niche.

Just read a few of the most common Nigerian emails or other popular scams. They almost always bring religion into their spiel in some way. Why? Because the word Christian is thought to convey truth, honesty and other good qualities.

There are those who use religious posturing to abuse the trust the word implies. BUT - and this is the distinction - they don't market to the true Christian market. The scammers use "Christian" in an attempt to gain trust to pursue their own ends. Nothing wrong with pointing it out but it's not what the OP is asking about.

I suggest the OP spend some time doing research on keywords and sites and products. If you want to market in the Christian niche as a labor of love you can easily do that. If you want to market profitably in the niche, you have to do the research to see what sells. You have to find a need and fill it just as with any other niche.

Important - you can't get emotionally bent out of shape when others point out potential problems you might face. We're looking at a religious MARKET, not at a religion - need to keep that in mind. The point is not about advocating religion or prayer or questioning it - it's niche marketing!

kay

[ildarius]

A wise man once said: "never talk about religion or politics"

may be consider marketing politics, bet someone made a killing selling "Obama for President" t-shirts

[sevenish]

I think the market is there if you know how to market to it. There exist many successful products in so many narrower niches within as well. I don't buy them myself, but I have relatives who do. Not the most authoritative research stats, I know, but it tells me the market is viable for someone wishing to target it.

For services, I can see where there might be an issue about wanting a discount or pro bono-- as evidenced by RayDal's experience. I think products would work better.

Originally Posted by WordPro

it's just that I didn't enjoy seeing how one or two above were seemingly using this thread as an excuse to have a bit of Christian bashing going on.

I don't think anyone was bashing Christians.

I think it was more about the redflags that go off when a vendor flashes the Christian card whilst selling a product or service that has no dependency upon the creed of the vendor. For example, would you perceive my software product or me in a better light if I said I was Christian in my salesletter? Probably not, but it gets used a lot attempting to build a rapport with the prospect.

I think it's this sort of practice that is receiving the "bashing". And rightly so in my opinion.

Best wishes.

Edit: Kay posted similar thoughts whilst I was typing

[sevenish]

Originally Posted by Kay King

Important - you can't get emotionally bent out of shape when others point out potential problems you might face. We're looking at a religious MARKET, not at a religion - need to keep that in mind. The point is not about advocating religion or prayer or questioning it - it's niche marketing!

Beautifully and succinctly stated.

[BrainDance]

Hi Classy
as a Christian myself, and busy in the 'secular' internet marketing end of the business, I think the Christian market is very viable.
I recommend you start by commenting on popular christian blogs and article/magazine sites. get yourself a blog, and link to it when you leave comments.
I read ChristianityToday.com online and often leave comments on stories their writers have online..most of them make me insane but that's another story.
You can offer to write copy for Church and Ministry websites, contact Christian designers and let them know of your services.
Write on a topic like Homeschooling, Youth Ministry, short term missions,or even recent social topics.
Start small, pick something that interests YOU and develop it.
when the Lord is involved, it's viable, so go for it.
LB

[artwebster]

Christian?

It seems nobody has given any thought at all to what this noun refers but has gone off half cocked like the internet marketers that they are.

Christians are too numerous to be considered a 'niche' - if anything, they are a category containing millions of niches.

The last time I looked, USA was a Christian nation which implies that the bulk of the population, at least nominally, acknowledge that faith. They might not practice, they might not go to church, they might not even live by Christian principals but hasn't anybody been aware oif the numbers of them that have been sacrificed or sacrificed themselves in order to defend Christianity?

Maybe the OP might have got more meaningful responses if he had been a little more specific about which Christian sect he wished to market to. Maybe he should have said that he was looking at the Fundamentalists, the Born Agains or even the Halelujia, Christ is acomin's.

In a Christian country, doesn't it stand to reason that you are addressing a Christian market or has Internet Marketing, as it has so many other things, re-defined Christianity?

[David Hooper]

I'm in the buckle of the Bible Belt and i can tell you that it's a HUGE market and they spend money. Even if it's not a "Christian" niche, you can make it one by putting something like "Where the Son Always Shines" on whatever you're selling and go after it that way. You'll turn a lot of people off, but the people who are passionate about it will love you and absolutely pay a premium price to do business with you.

[rsm3745]

I've purchased a lot of Christian ebooks and cd's online. And I will continue to do so. So I think this niche is viable. I have benefited greatly from some of these purchases. Sometimes I wish these Christian vendors whom I have come to trust would offer affiliate programs but they don't. I thought I knew God, but little did I know that He is a lot better than I had imagined. This I learned from purchasing from brilliantbookhouse.com (not an affiliate link). My advice? find a subniche in the huge Christian niche market.

[Ian Jackson]

My IM education has taught me that there are two things/niches that one should leave alone; religion and politics. Because they are personal and provocative subjects, that stir up too many arguments.


good luck to you though!

[Nightengale]

Art Webster is right on the money. The "Christian market" is way too broad.

Are you talking about selling things like Bible studies and other related materials? Are you talking about selling education-related materials to Christians? If so, you'll need to target those in Christian schools and the homeschool markets. Or are you talking about selling something in a more general market, like biz-op stuff, but want to sell it to Christians?

It seems to me that unless you're selling things like Bible studies and other para-church materials, "the Christian market" is really a sub-niche of your first niche. For example, if you're selling education-related materials, then your primary niche is education and your sub-niche is the CHRISTIAN education market.

I'm a Christian myself and have been since I was about 8 years old. My faith is very important to me, but I don't use the fact that I'm a Christian in any of my marketing materials or campaigns. It's absolutely irrelevant. (I'm a copywriter and IMer.)

When anyone tries to sell me a product or program BECAUSE I'm a I'm Christian, like long-distance telephone service or an MLM program or any other biz-op program, I get VERY suspicious. My faith (and the seller's) has NOTHING to do with the product or service at hand and should be kept out of it. While I won't go so far as to say that those who peddle such products and services to the "Christian market" are scammers, I know that a lot of them are just using it in lieu of any other marketing angle -- that the product or service often doesn't have anything else to recommend it and therefore is not always the best value.

I think my faith sould speak for itself in my everyday dealings. I shouldn't have to advertise the fact that I'm a Christian. Unless I'm selling Bible studies and other related material or educational materials to the Christian education market, my faith and the seller's is absolutely irrelevant. Period.

One of the Web designers I used for a long time became a Christian during the time I used her services and had a page on her site about her faith. On the one hand, as a fellow Christian, I admired her for her willingness to share her faith so openly. On the other hand, I thought it was somewhat unprofessional. Why? I don't think that her faith shouldn't be a factor in my buying decision. I don't think that I should buy from her BECAUSE she's a Christian. Even as a fellow Christian, that implication offends me.

Now, if I'm just talking with someone and in the course of the conversation, they reveal that they're also a Christian, then I'm much more open to it. But remember, a positive business experience with them has preceded that knowledge.

Some of the biggest reasons I don't advertise my faith in business is because 1) people will often expect more from you (for free) just because you're a Christian, over and above normal business practices (in other words they'll take advantage of you and 2) if something goes wrong (as it often does) you may end up with an angry customer on your hands ranting and raving about you and your product or service and "How could this happen or how could you do this? You're SUPPOSED to be a Christian!"

It may be just an honest, unavoidable situation, but now your faith and your witness is tarnished because of it.

Blech! NO THANKS!

Life is messy and things happen. That's life -- and business. I want my products and services judged from a BUSINESS perspective, not from a religious perspective.

Michelle

[MichaelHiles]

Originally Posted by WordPro

Fair dinkum Aaron, perhaps I read that the wrong way, my apologies too, if that's the case - it's just that I didn't enjoy seeing how one or two above were seemingly using this thread as an excuse to have a bit of Christian bashing going on.

I'm not even a Christian myself (agnostic) and found one or two of the remarks offensive - I just don't like to read on a business forum I guess these kind of things full stop.

I couldn't care less who the remarks are aimed at, I wouild feel the same way.

And thanks Alexa too - you're always spot on lass.

I hope you both have a great start to August.

Cheers!

Mark

Mark, I hope you don't think my statements were bashing Christians as a whole either -- because I'd be bashing myself. I simply expressed my own observations about how so many have used expressions of faith to appeal to a particular affinity group when considering a vendor for products or services. There are many Christians who, be it right or wrong, will automatically choose a business that flagrantly waves expressions of Christian faith around over one that does not. In my own experience, the businesses I have observed doing this are less than forthright and honest.

This is hardly an endictment of Christians as a whole, or even all businesses that openly declare their faith as part of their marketing brand. I don't personally know every business in the world that expresses their Christian faith, so my observations are subjective at best. I simply express my own observations and experience.

I also agree that the demographic is massive, and contains many sub-niches - really almost any other niche. Peruse Christianbook.com - Shop for Christian Books, Bibles, Music, Homeschool Products, Gifts & more the Amazon.com for the Christian market, and one can see the variety of topics. Literally almost any topic is a candidate, because applying biblical principles is the "slant" or "spin" on the subject matter. Hence, we have books on Christian business, Christian self-help, Christian relationships, Christian child rearing, and so on... because they express a position about the topic along with a biblical viewpoint.

So, someone wanting to produce and/or marketing information products to the Christian market isn't limited to bible study guides or small group ministry workbooks.

I also agree with CDarklock... if you aren't a believer trying to produce and promote an information product to the niche, you'd better have your understanding of doctrine down or you'll be ferreted out quickly.

There's a big difference between promoting a WWJD t-shirt and an information product that contains a biblical slant on a particular topic.

[Grandspecial]

Yes, I've seen a lot interest in this field. Expecially on Youtube. It's hugh.

[Shana_Adam]

Religion is a big market and a very huge niche in itself.

It also depends on what service or product you intend to sell.

for example christian music has a volume of 1.2M searches globally

find a niche then dominate it is the best advice every one will give

[AlwaysClassy]

This has all been very interesting. Many replies have been positive while many have been ugly. I guess that is to be expected. I asked how to best to serve the Christian market and I get a few mean-spirited people or maybe just people that have been hurt by so-called Christians, doing some Christian bashing. I’m disappointed about that. However, I am very grateful to all of those that have been truly helpful to me in this thread. I appreciate your help, and words of encouragement.

This post was NOT about religion! It was a means to find out 1. If there was money to be made in this market; if it was viable. 2. Which niches/sub-niches in this market are the most popular. Instead in turned into a free for all about how terrible and untrustworthy Christian supposedly are. Is this the way it always is here at the WarriorForum or just when dealing with Christians or ANYTHING having to do with Christianity? I had hoped that this post would yield more positive results that would be helpful to me and others looking to market to this niche. I take some of the blame for that. I should have been more specific in regard to niches/sub-niches. But, I really didn't know which niches I was looking for. But, the rest was because of some that just wanted to not be nice. This post has been been polluted by some that don’t have anything else better to do than to be thoughtless. This post was not supposed to be a place for Christian bashing or negativity of any kind! It was to be a place about finding out some valuable information to help those interested in this market!!! To those that had nothing positive to contribute, but only negativity I say ‘how unkind and thoughtless of you!’ It was a shameful thing!


It seems that this market is indeed a viable one. That’s great. That means there is a place for me in this market. I just need to find my niche/sub-niche within it. I’m happy about that. I wish that you could see my grin!
But, I wish that I could have gotten more information on the best niches/sub-niches in this market. People have lots of niche information to share with you concerning secular things, but not much about this one it seems.



I will reply to as many of those as I can that were the most helpful. THIS WILL BE A LONG POST!

But, before I do I just want to say one more thing:

First, like I said in my original post I am a Christian. I'm not some fake trying to "pimp out" my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to my Christian family. I'm looking to offer them something that will help them grow stronger in their Christian walk. Yes, the Bible is the ultimate authority on our faith, but I believe that I have something to offer that could be helpful. We are to help each other. The Bible tells us that everyone has something to contribute to the other members in our spiritual family, as well as the world. If I can do it in this manner then that's what I want to do! That's what I'm going to do!


Now to the nitty gritty...


WordPro-

Every major niche is saturated, you just need a new angle.

And as the others pointed out above, it very much helps if you are a Christian yourself, as your integrity will then shine through.

But to try to put a person off just because a market is saturated, no offence, that's just daft.

If that was the case and held true, why open up another high fashion clothes boutique in the middle of town?

The fact is at the end of the day, that if you can stamp your own mark, you've got just as decent a chance of success as the next guy.

OP I'd disregard that last remark by that poster if I were you - don't let that put you off.

If you have faith that you can do this and make a success of it, you are willing to help your fellow Christians out and your heart is in the right place, along with good imagination - you can make this work, just as well as the guys and gals 'next door'.

Wishing you all the best with it!

Best regards.

Mark

Thank you Mark. Excellent advice. I will surely remember that.



Sherman Cox –Thank you for your reply. Thank you for giving me ideas on how to market in this niche! You are the one of maybe four others that gave ideas about potential markets! I’ve seen posts full of markets for “desperate buyers” in other threads in this forum, but only four gave me any information about niches in this market, and I did indeed ask for that as well. Thank you! I do have a blog and I am doing my best to gain preeminence in this area. That was great advice as well.

Marhelper-I most definitely have a passion. I was just confused about how I can be helpful to anyone in this market, and if the market was financially viable. There are LOADS of courses that teach you how to market to the secular world, or niches in secular markets but none that I know of that that teach about how to reach believers.

1wisewoman-Excellent suggestion. Thank you.

kimothy777-Thank you. I think I’ve got that now. I just need to find my angle. How do I set myself apart? I need to take a step back and really think this through. Thank you for the advice. This was great as well. I hope that you will have continued success in your parenting business.

Mark McClure-Thank you for the heads-up about Sean Mize. I have checked him out like you suggested. I liked that article. It made perfect sense. It was very helpful. I will be learning more about him!


Seriousmny-You are absolutely right. And I am a step ahead of you on this. I have been praying and I will continue to pray about this. I know that the Lord will lead me. Yes, prayer does change things. I know that he will lead me and guide me in the proper direction. He always does!


Kay King-Thank you for explaining the difference of how a scammer claimimg to be a “Christian” to gain trust in order to scam you, and the true Christian really seeking to make a difference in their chosen niche to the others in this thread. Obviously someone that is truly in Christ will not set out to scam you! I will follow your advice and do some serious research.


BrainDance-Thanks Brian! I already have a blog. I’m only just starting to learn more about linking and such. I will follow your advice. I will start visiting places where Christians congregate and get more involved. Your advice for writing copy for Church’s and Ministries was excellent! I hadn’t even though of that. I appreciate your comment. It was very helpful. Thank you for even giving me possible topics to write about. Only three other’s out of all the other posters actually answered this part of my original post and did this for me. Thanks so much! I will be figuring out how I want to reach out to others, and let God do the rest just like you said. I will pray about it. As Seriousmny reminded me prayer changes things. God will lead me where he wants me to be. Thanks.

artwebster -

Originally Posted by artwebster

Christian?


Maybe the OP might have got more meaningful responses if he had been a little more specific about which Christian sect he wished to market to. Maybe he should have said that he was looking at the Fundamentalists, the Born Agains or even the Halelujia, Christ is acomin's.

In a Christian country, doesn't it stand to reason that you are addressing a Christian market or has Internet Marketing, as it has so many other things, re-defined Christianity?

First of all I’m a SHE, NOT a HE! While there are lot’s of men with class, I’ve never known any to call themselves “Classy.” It’s not very masculine. Now to the point at hand. Perhaps I should have been more specific. I will remember to do that in future posts.


And NO internet marketing has not re-defined Christianity! No man, woman or thing can ever do that!


rsm3745-Thank you for sharing that! What type of ebooks and CD’s have you purchased? What type of ebooks and other products are you looking for? What do you like?


Nightengale- Thanks for your reply I have a lot to say in response to your post. Nothing here was meant to be negative or mean. This is just my opinion, just as your original post was yours. I hope that you will take this is a positive light.

I'm sorry. “Christian Market” is too broad. I should have been more specific. Thank you for the help that you gave me in that area. I appreciate it.

Now to comment on the bulk of your post.

I am a Christian before I am anything else. I have no shame in telling that to anyone. I am a Christian before I am a writer or anything else. Understand? But as far as my gift for writing is itself concerned I am a writer first and foremost. That is the gift God has given me and I love it! It is not a tool to scam or manipulate to get what I want or as a means to an end. I’m not looking to “use” my Christianity to sell anything to anybody. I don’t have to “use” my faith to get ahead. I want to reach out to those that believe as I do, and write things to help them grow in their faith. That’s it. That’s all. Nothing more. Period! Get it?

It makes sense that if I’m trying to sell to Christians that they know I am also a Christian. If I was a demon worshipper and I said I was trying to sell you an ebook about “How To Grow Closer to God” would you buy that from me?!!! I don’t think so! I’m not trying to sell “Christian” real-estate! There is no such thing. That would be trying to use my faith in a manner that is nonsensical. That’s not what I’m talking about. That’s not what this post is about. Nor is it about having to advertise my faith. I don’t. I know what I am whether I pursue this market or not. That is not the point of this post. The point of this point is “Is the Christian Market Viable?” and “What Niches/Sub-Niches in This Market Are The Most Popular?” Those were the two questions I asked that has been half-answered, and that is yes, the market is viable. The other half is missing.

One of the Web designers I used for a long time became a Christian during the time I used her services and had a page on her site about her faith. On the one hand, as a fellow Christian, I admired her for her willingness to share her faith so openly. On the other hand, I thought it was somewhat unprofessional. Why? I don't think that her faith should be a factor in my buying decision. I don't think that I should buy from her BECAUSE she's a Christian. Even as a fellow Christian, that implication offends me.

I admire your friend. Her decision to include a page about her faith may not have been about having others buy from her on the basis of faith. It may have been about her desire to follow the Great Commission. You know, “go out into all the world and preach the gospel.” That was her way. She was following a command from God in the way she knew best to do it. While some may have been offended, how many lives were possibly changed by her testimony? You’re looking at it from the wrong angle IMHO. She took a risk in being bold in her faith. Being bold for Christ is always risky. The risk was worth it to her. More power to her!

Jimmy D. Brown does excellently in his business and I don’t think that people knowing about his faith has hurt him one bit. I also don’t believe that he tells people about his faith or his Christian site to use it to get people to buy from him, but to use it to bring others to Christ. It’s just another case of following the Great Commission. Not everyone buys on the basis of someone else’s faith.

I just want to give one more example on this as well. While they are not internet marketers, Beyonce Knowles, Jordan Sparks, Miley Cyrus and The Jonas Brothers are professing Christians in a secular industry. They have millions of fans. While a few may be, do you think that MOST of their fans buy their work because of their faith or their talent? I say talent. I don’t believe that telling you about their beliefs is to get you to buy from them based on that belief. This isn’t a case of whites only, blacks only, Christians only. It’s just telling you about what they believe without shame! How is that offensive?



I understand your being wary of a being scammed. But, there are just as many non-professing “Christians” out there in the great big world scamming people. You’re going to get scammed at some point in your life over something by someone, “Christian” or otherwise. That’s the way it is. Unfortunately that’s just life. You can’t do anything about it.

Some of the biggest reasons I don't advertise my faith in business is because 1) people will often expect more from you (for free) just because you're a Christian, over and above normal business practices (in other words they'll take advantage of you and 2) if something goes wrong (as it often does) you may end up with an angry customer on your hands ranting and raving about you and your product or service and "How could this happen or how could you do this? You're SUPPOSED to be a Christian!"

I understand that some people may expect more from you when they know you’re a Christian. But, the same can be said about how people react in your day to day dealings with them outside of business. That’s apart of being a Christian. It’s called being “set-apart.” Persecution or greater expectations will come whether in business or on the street. That’s the way it is. It’s just a risk that you take. It’s called carrying your cross. Being a Christian is not always easy. Negativity will always come. But, in the very end the rewards will be great won’t it? We are not to hide our light under a bushel. So I won’t.

There is NOTHING I can do if someone chooses to view me as a terrible Christian because I didn’t give into a tantrum or outrageous demand. My witness will NOT be tarnished because of that one person. They will believe what they want. But, their anger or disbelief about the true state of my faith will not be the destroyer of it. I will do my best to defuse the negative situation, but if I can’t I won’t lose any sleep over it. I know what I am. I know what I truly believe. And as I lay my head down to sleep at night I will know I did my best for that person. I will be able to look myself in the eye in the morning without shame. I will not worry about it. I will just give it to God. And once I do, that problem no longer belongs to me. It belongs to Him. He will deal with it. I will hold my head high and march forward. I will do what I feel is right to reach out to others regardless of the naysayers, and those with lies on their tongues. Why not? Christ did it all the way to Calvary. And I think you will agree He suffered WAY, WAY, WAY more than having to deal with a disgruntled customer. I am in no way comparing myself to Jesus. I’m just stating that if He can deal with what He dealt with, I can deal with a few unreasonable people. I will be okay. I believe that God has control of everything. I will be okay.

I respect your opinion. Really. But, I have never been afraid to speak of my faith in any situation, business or otherwise, and I won’t be now. I do understand what you are saying. It's important that people judge you solely on your business when it has nothing to do with your faith. If your business is solely secular that makes sense. But, my business wouldn't be a secular business only, but a Christian one as well, so I couldn't completely get away from it could I? But, I understand your point.

"How could this happen or how could you do this? You're SUPPOSED to be a Christian!"

Your friends, people in your church, or in your very own family will say those words to you when they can’t get their way just as fast as anyone else! I can’t be concerned about that. People will be people. Sometimes we need to hear that. If we are truly doing wrong, and going against what we profess to believe someone needs to tell us and set us straight. Sometimes we really do need to hear that even when we don’t want to. But, if you know you are in the right let it roll off of your back. There is nothing else you can do. And as far as people taking advantage of you; they will do that even if they don’t know you are a Christian. Just be sure to stand up for yourself and not let them! It’s as simple as that! People will be people. We are not to be afraid of men and their faces. They will be who they are. They will do what they do. But, that doesn’t mean that we should ever be afraid or unwillingly to speak about our saving faith just to avoid getting on someone’s bad side. Because whether you speak about your faith or not you WILL get on someone’s bad side. It’s a part of life. You just have to deal with it. Just keep on smiling and move on.

Be blessed!




MichaelHiles-

I also agree that the demographic is massive, and contains many sub-niches - really almost any other niche. Peruse Christianbook.com - Shop for Christian Books, Bibles, Music, Homeschool Products, Gifts & more the Amazon.com for the Christian market, and one can see the variety of topics. Literally almost any topic is a candidate, because applying biblical principles is the "slant" or "spin" on the subject matter. Hence, we have books on Christian business, Christian self-help, Christian relationships, Christian child rearing, and so on... because they express a position about the topic along with a biblical viewpoint.

So, someone wanting to produce and/or marketing information products to the Christian market isn't limited to bible study guides or small group ministry workbooks.

Thank you Michael for this information. I appreciate your help.

[artwebster]

I know we cannot discuss religion in these boards so I would like to invite Warriors to share their thoughts with me in my own blog set up for free and open discussion (because I say so is not a discussion) Why do they ask if they don’t want an answer?

[Sheila]

NBC conducted a poll this past week, and the question was:

Do you believe that the word "God" should stay in American culture?

NBC had the highest Number of responses that they have ever had for one of their polls, and the results were this:

86% to keep the words "In God We Trust" and "God" in the Pledge of Allegiance
14% against

That is a pretty 'commanding' public response.

So, since 86% of Americans believe the word God should be included in our everyday life ... I'd say there is a hig probability that a very large group of people might be interested in your message . . . at least in the USA.

It sounds like you're doing your research, so I'm sure you'll find a profitable niche to market to this crowd.

Best of success to you!

[xiaophil]

In reply to your original post about Christian market niches, have you seen the most excellent Geeks & God website?

They specialize in providing web design and IT support to Christian Ministries - we're talking modern, full-on Web 2.0 portals.

Their podcasts are amazing, IMO a great balance of content, and they succeed in providing useful information about sometimes technical subjects in audio podcasts.

I was really impressed and it's a great Christian market niche that I thought might interest you.

[AlwaysClassy]

Sheila, thanks for the poll information. That was excellent. Thank you as well for the kind words. I appreciate it.

Xiaophil thanks for that information. I have never heard of them before. I checked out their site, and they are awesome! You are right about that being a niche that might interest me. It does! A lot! LOL It seems there really is no limit to what can be done in this market. I just need to find my place within it . Thanks for sharing this site with me.

WordPro! Thanks for the words of encouragement. I really was put off in a big way by some of the negativity. I know that not everyone hear is mean and rude. Look at you! You seem like a really nice guy, as does Sheila, Xiaophil and a few others. I had just hoped that things would be different, and I was disappointed that it wasn't.

I had really hoped that this would be a post where I could receive some much needed help, while helping others looking for the same information in the process. I'm disappointed that things didn't turn out the way I had hoped it would. Oh, well. There isn't anything I can do about it. It's still a bummer though.

I will also try to use shorter paragraphs. It's going to be tough. But, I think I can swing it! LOL

I wish you all a great week!




AlwaysClassy

[Mangozoom]

The Christian market is viable ... it is one of the niches I am in because I am a Christian.

You just need to work hard and find a range of interesting products to sell. There are too many books, tapes and CDs already so try something else.

Christian holidays, dating, accountancy ... the possibilities are endless.

John

[AlwaysClassy]

Thanks Mangozoom for the advice. I will take your words about possible directions I could go in into account. Thanks for your reply. I wish you continued success in your business.



Thanks and Blessings,
AlwaysClassy

[Ram]

Yes, the market is viable. But "Christian" is too broad a term.

Not all Christians are the same, not all believe exactly the same. Roman Catholics differ from Southern Baptists. Episcopalians differ from Pentecostals. Mormons from Methodists. Congregationalists from Church of God in Christ.

There are Christians who are liberal, middle of road, conservative and all shades in between and at both extremes. Some believe the Bible to be literal, others do not. Some believe in speaking in tongues, some don't. Some accept faith healing, some don't.

You get my drift.

It's not a "one size fits all" market. Figure out the profile of just exactly what type of Christian you want to market too. That will make product development, lead generation, etc. all the easier.

Just saying "Christian" doesn't really say that much when it comes to successfully building a business.