The "Best Niche" Myth...

[Jared Alberghini]

I hate to break it to you, but there is no such thing as the "Best Niche".

I see so many people asking the question "What's the Best Niche to start with/get involved with" and so many others give the quick answer of "Weight Loss" or "How To Make Money Online" etc.

Next you see that same person that took the advice on the "Best Niche" is begging for help, because they have done everything right, and after a year of struggling with the (very competitive) niche, only has $30 in their adsense account and $40 in their clickbank account.

If something isn't working for you, move on. Try something different.

Here's a funny way to look at it:

You are single, in a bar, looking for a potential 'mate'. You look across the room and spot someone that is popular and attractive, you go over and introduce yourself, and they obviously show no interest in you.

Fast forward a few weeks/months, and you are in the same bar, spot the same person whom now you know and have spoken with several times... and they STILL show no interest in even talking with you... what do you do?

You Move On. There are plenty of other fish in the sea, and there are certainly plenty of other niches on the web.

Back to niche research... here's how it is totally different than human relationships... you should not dedicate yourself to ONE niche, but find SEVERAL niches that work the best for you.

Find something you at least have an interest or experience with. The worst cliche is someone who has never made money online, promoting a 'how to make money' online product. Don't be that guy/girl.

What I suggest for those who are struggling to find a niche is not to seek out the 'Best Niche'... but to figure this question out: What niche(s) WORK BEST FOR YOU?

- Jared

[lstoops]

This is true. There are many, many niches out there. Another problem is that some will jump into too many niches at once and become unfocused or don't jump into any at all for fear of picking the wrong niche. Just pick one and get on with it!

[countonuspr]

I couldn't agree with you more. That was a really good post. Almost any niche can make you money online. You just have to find an audience that wants the information you have to offer. I have made money in many different niches online, and it is possible to do this in any niche. It just takes effort and focus.

If something isn't working sell the website on eBay or SitePoint and move on. Don't just scrap the project and not make nothing from it. Someone else may find value in your website that isn't producing for you.

Great post above.

[tommygadget]

Well, I can say from personal experience that my turtle niche website ISN'T IT

TomG.

[Johnnyboy83]

Yes its true, but finding a gold niche is very hard. Everyone and their grandma wants to make money online. I say forget trying to find a niche and just go for the big fish, if you do everything right and in the process buy a few $1999 course from the so call guru, who knows you might get rich or lose everything you have trying.

[Jim Hallmark]

Hi Jared,
Couldn't agree more. Don't ask which is the best niche but find the best niche for you. I had the same issue when I was in the medical profession and a patient would ask which of the most popular drugs for their condition I recommended. My reply was always the same: "The one that works best for you. They're all good but if a particular one doesn't take care of your symptoms it's not worth a plug nickle."

Same with niches online. Each has value and has made many folks alot of coin. Does that mean they are no good if you don't make any money? Nope, just means it wasn't right for you.

It has to be a match. I also agree that it is helpful to go after niches that you have a knack for or have a hobby in. First hand knowledge coupled with passion can be dynamite if the niche you choose is competitive enough to be sustainable.

Cheers,
Jim

[AndyCamden]

I agree with your post. If something is not working and you have given it enough time and effort and its not producing, consider moving on or getting someone to look at your process to see if it has an error in it. Sometime a simple little tweak to what you are already doing will solve the problem all together.

[winebuddy]

I hit on the same chic for a year and it finally paid off...

just thought I would mention that.

Sometimes... persistence pays :-)

[Johnnyboy83]

Originally Posted by winebuddy

I hit on the same chic for a year and it finally paid off...

just thought I would mention that.

Sometimes... persistence pays :-)

LOL good one

[tommygadget]

Originally Posted by winebuddy

I hit on the same chic for a year and it finally paid off...

just thought I would mention that.

Sometimes... persistence pays :-)

Sounds great, do you want to buy my niche turtle website?

TomG.

[Roderick Armstrong]

That's right Lisa...I couldn't agree more. Instead of waiting to find the perfect niche, just pick one and get going. Words of wisdom!

[Johnnyboy83]

Originally Posted by tommygadget

Sounds great, do you want to buy my niche turtle website?

TomG.

I love this forum, will definitely get a good laugh

[BrianMcLeod]

Originally Posted by tommygadget

Sounds great, do you want to buy my niche turtle website?

TomG.

Only if they've been subjected to radioactive waste and flushed down the sewer, then trained in martial arts by a talking rat...

If so, let's negotiate...

; )

[winebuddy]

uh oh... sorry I started all the mutant stuff :-)

[tommygadget]

Originally Posted by LoudMac

Only if they've been subjected to radioactive waste and flushed down the sewer, then trained in martial arts by a talking rat...

If so, let's negotiate...

; )

Sadly, no, but I'm sure some of them got flushed down the drain if that counts?

TomG.

[Jared Alberghini]

Originally Posted by tommygadget

Well, I can say from personal experience that my turtle niche website ISN'T IT

TomG.

Tom, I'm shocked... especially with the Johnathan the Zombie turtle craze... I would send him an email if I were you... he could be your best client...

YouTube - Zombie Kid Likes Turtles

P.S. I also like turtles... just send me your website Tom and I will order 2 of everything.

[Jared Alberghini]

Originally Posted by winebuddy

I hit on the same chic for a year and it finally paid off...

just thought I would mention that.

Sometimes... persistence pays :-)

Touche... you got me there winebuddy (I'm still chuckling over that one...) persistence does pay.

[Mike Williams]

I also think it's a myth that "this niche is not working". Money can be made off of any niche, you just may not have the right monetization system for these group of people. But I don't give up on a niche so easy. If they don't like what I'm offering them that doesn't mean the niche is bad. It means I didn't find what they want yet.

[tommygadget]

Originally Posted by Jared Alberghini

Tom, I'm shocked... especially with the Johnathan the Zombie turtle craze... I would send him an email if I were you... he could be your best client...

P.S. I also like turtles... just send me your website Tom and I will order 2 of everything.

That kid gave me the creeps. Thanks, but I don't sell anything anymore on the site. I do, however make $0.03/month or so with adsense!

TomG.

[Ross Dalangin]

Well this is true but .....??.... let me give you my thought. Niche research is pretty hard or sometimes easy..depend on your experience. Ask yourself, in your experience what things you can buy online that you can't buy offline? What things you are desperate to get but not available for free...Always think of the word "desperate" and you'll see why some people can earn and why yours are not. Look at the relationship niche..."Make your BF, GF,Wife or Husband back" is it a good niche or saturated niche? Do you think people who are desperate getting their love ones back can buy or will buy online?

Check the bestwarriorthreads.com and you'll see some experiences of our fellow warriors.

When I was starting, I created a clickbank mall so that I can sell all products of clickbank in one website...All I need to do is to put traffic on it. When I got sales, I'll check the website to see the cause of sale...is it because of the sales copy, bonuses, the design, quality of the product or there is hungry buyers. After that I will create articles and press releases and if it gives me more sales in a week time then I will create several review sites, different landing pages and blogs.. When all things done then I'll start marketing.

It's really important that you know a good niche but you must think that even you know a good niche you need to create a plan to reach that niche. How to "approach" is the question. What "smart" move you need to do?

I remembered courting my wife before...
When I first approach her, she don't have interest on me. She even hide on me and end up leaving my job because we don't want to see each other. But you know what? She's my wife now, we have two good kids and recently celebrated our 9th year wedding anniversary.

The moral of the story is still a question "What you need to do?". Where do you need to start? Think ahead of the competition and do the smart way. List down all good products that works for other people and start promoting it and when you had sales then focus only on that niche and outsource everything. After that, start researching another niche and focus again on building traffic.

[tommygadget]

Jared,

I like your original OP, but I have to say a few things here. Back about a year or so, a very well respected warrior here created a membership site dedicated to getting his members to 6 figures in 6 months with niche sites. I personally spoke with him and joined his membership site. Now almost everyone who joined up failed and they had quite a few sites put up. There were some successes, but the people who made some money had over 100 sites. Think about that for a moment. The successful people wrote over 1500 articles and put up 100+ websites!! Almost $1,000 spent on domain registrations alone. Here's the problem with niche sites. You can really spin your wheels putting up site after site with paltry results. I bought up over 60 websites from people who gave up in disgust. Why did I do this? I wanted to let all these sites age and pick the best ones to continue to promote and update. So after I said all of this, what's my point? What advice do I have? Well, here it is:
1) Make sure you have a way of very quickly putting a site up, like WP.
2) Test out the waters with free websites (squidoo, blogger, hubpages, etc.)
3) Go where the money is (reference my turtle site posts)
4) Once you see results, then find a domain and work it.
I hope this helps someone as I spent lots of time and money with niche sites. I have over 200 and some are great, but lots and lots of duds. I don't even want to admit that lots of sites were also ghostwritten at my expense.

TomG.

[daijoubu]

A niche is what you make up of it. If you're committed, do your proper market research and look at why you're failing, when you can turn it into something. I don't think there's any "bad" or "good" niches, only different strategies for different niches.

[RareGoodStuff]

Well said.

Jared Alberghini couldn't have said it better.

Too often I see, marketers, even so called superstars who laboriously toil almost daily to sell products that supposedly are good niches. Yet their conversion stinks. Why? Fierce competition. You will never find a good niche for too long without some form of competition. To mitigate this necessary evil, you need 2 things:

1) Always look for new ways to marketing your niche. Try a combination of online and offline promotions. But after you have failed to score a hit with your niche, the next option might be #2.

2) When your returns falls below your expectations, stop forcing your niche to produce miracles. Get out, drop that niche and look for something new. Your goal should be to make money and not fall in love with a niche.

Jared, is right.

[ss61288]

Definately, you just need to have that abundance mindset and be prepared to walk away from the site even if you haven't reached your goals - as long as you learnt the lesson!!!

[Black Hat Cat]

Originally Posted by winebuddy

I hit on the same chic for a year and it finally paid off...

just thought I would mention that.

Sometimes... persistence pays :-)

Dang dude, a year? You should have hit her harder.

[FrediDoo]

Originally Posted by Jared Alberghini

If something isn't working for you, move on. Try something different.

Here's a funny way to look at it:

You are single, in a bar, looking for a potential 'mate'. You look across the room and spot someone that is popular and attractive, you go over and introduce yourself, and they obviously show no interest in you.

Fast forward a few weeks, and you are in the same bar, spot the same person whom now you know and have spoken with several times... and they STILL show no interest in even talking with you... what do you do?

You Move On. There are plenty of other fish in the sea, and there are certainly plenty of other niches on the web.

Back to niche research... here's how it is totally different than human relationships... you should not dedicate yourself to ONE niche, but find SEVERAL niches that work the best for you.

Find something you at least have an interest or experience with. The worst cliche is someone who has never made money online, promoting a 'how to make money' online product. Don't be that guy/girl.

What I suggest for those who are struggling to find a niche is not to seek out the 'Best Niche'... but to figure this question out: What niche(s) WORK BEST FOR YOU?

- Jared

I understand the points you're making but I think, if I'd had editorial for this post I'd have worded it a little differently.

If something doesn't work for you, the very worst thing you can do is give up immediately. Instead stop. Think: why did this not work? What could you have done differently? What steps do you need to take in order to ensure your goal?

Really think about that for a second.

Consider whether your goal is viably attainable. If it's not viable, that's when you move on. Not before.

The same principle applies with meeting a 'mate' in a bar. If a person doesn't show any interest in you, there's a reason behind it. That reason is usually a need. Perhaps they need to feel excitement around you. Perhaps they need to experience pleasure, or be entirely enravelled in a topic that really captivates them.

Once you know the reasons behind this person's actions, you have a choice: you can either fulfill this person's need, and get what you want from them. Or you can give up and walk away.

The mistake is giving up straight away, without first thinking flexibly about a solution.

Before you give up, ask yourself: is this person worth my attention? Then secondly: do I have the skills and resources to fulfill this person's needs? If you have these skills or you're willing to learn them; you have power, and freedom, and choice.

Much like dating, there is tremendous power in persistence without being pushy, overwhelming, or having your head in the clouds.

I think some great advice was given in the original post. I firmly believe that if you're marketing within a topic that really rivets your attention anyways, you're far more likely to succeed. I honestly believe that is excellent advice.

But at the same time, I think a flexible approach is needed before you immediately pack up everything and quit.

Ta for reading!

FrediDoo.

[MaskedMarketer]

thats a good point.

theres probably many untapped niches that people are unaware of that people can make money in. I would say start with a passion, hobby, or talent.

A lot of people want over night money or success, or want to be in a niche where they will make 1 million. Niches like that aren't for everyone.

If someone has a passion, hobby, or talent for something, and its a real small niche, its still possible to make money... but you gotta be creative.

sometimes it takes more than setting up a sales letter and ebook to be successful. and lots of people don't want to put in the work..

[Jared Alberghini]

Originally Posted by FrediDoo

If something doesn't work for you, the very worst thing you can do is give up immediately. Instead stop. Think: why did this not work? What could you have done differently? What steps do you need to take in order to ensure your goal?

I think a flexible approach is needed before you immediately pack up everything and quit.

Great additional points FrediDoo! It's never a good idea to give up on anything without properly evaluating & trying many different approaches.

- Jared

[winebuddy]

I put up a niche site in '07 and it didn't do squat = maybe $100.

I started actively marketing it in August and have raked in just under $10k.

I think it depends on your willingness to go the extra mile and work on promotion and SEO even when nothing seems to be working.

I am now getting 1st or second page on the big G for some of the keywords I started promoting back in September.

Seems like everything takes forever in this business because it DOES. (although a few months isn't forever - it just seems like it) Obviously I'm leaving out PPC because that could be almost instant.

[BIG Mike]

Originally Posted by Jared Alberghini

<snip>

Here's a funny way to look at it:

You are single, in a bar, looking for a potential 'mate'. You look across the room and spot someone that is popular and attractive, you go over and introduce yourself, and they obviously show no interest in you.

Fast forward a few weeks, and you are in the same bar, spot the same person whom now you know and have spoken with several times... and they STILL show no interest in even talking with you... what do you do?

<snip>
- Jared

You've clearly never seen me in a bar

Seriously, well said Jared...excellent advice!

[Jared Alberghini]

Originally Posted by BIG Mike

You've clearly never seen me in a bar

Seriously, well said Jared...excellent advice!

Yea... hypnosis does not count Mike, but even if you don't use your mind control techniques, I can imagine nobody stands a chance to resist you...



- Jared

[RareGoodStuff]

It is always interesting to see other people's viewpoints on this matter as in anything in life. When you look at two competing opinions on any given issue, you stand the chance to appreciate the angles involved.

So, the point made by Ross Dalangin and BlackHatCat are very persuasive and reasonable. I really see their point of view. To some extent I share the notion that you can hit on a Chic for as long as is necessary and one day she may have to say 'yes.'

Congratulations to Ross and BlackHatCat.

To score a good date after pursuing a mate for a long time is very understandable. We are dealing here with two human beings and their freedom to engage in an amorous relationship, blazing with emotions. Of course, persistent in this area could pay off.

In marketing, however, you are not dealing with emotions regarding your products or services. You are dealing with numbers, statistics, raw facts. Not a human being, a mate who could possibly fall in love with extenuating circumstances, like logic, beauty, power and all the trappings of success. Numbers are not emotional!

My point is this, do all that you can to make your business work for you. Do not retreat a the single sight of gun powder. Puff, and you are gone, abdicating your business. No! Give it all your best but do not fall in love with it. Look for another thing to do and maybe come back to the old business with fresh ideas, like WineBuddy did. If it fails again, then try Jared Alberghini's idea.

If I understand his post correctly, that is what he is trying to convey.

I could be wrong with all this, and stand to be corrected.

[TheAtHomeCouple]

There is no best anything, because "the best" is completely subjective to the individual making the statement. The best in the world of anything would have to be agreed upon by the global population, and that just aint happening.

To each their own. Everyone beats to their own drum.

[Jared Alberghini]

Originally Posted by RareGoodStuff

My point is this, do all that you can to make your business work for you. Do not retreat a the single sight of gun powder. Puff, and you are gone, abdicating your business. No! Give it all your best but do not fall in love with it. Look for another thing to do and maybe come back to the old business with fresh ideas, like WineBuddy did. If it fails again, then try Jared Alberghini's idea.

If I understand his post correctly, that is what he is trying to convey.

I could be wrong with all this, and stand to be corrected.

Yup... you understand perfectly... and I thank you for your elaboration on the initial thoughts I had...

RareGoodStuff said it perfectly in so many words... do all that you can to make it work for you... don't back down, give it your best, and if you find that by doing this, it still isn't working for you, THEN you move on.

- Jared

[VegasVince]

Originally Posted by tommygadget

Sounds great, do you want to buy my niche turtle website?

TomG.

I thought your friggin' turtle died in the fire, Gadget. Word on the street? They found him under the vintage 70's toaster with the frayed chord....wrapped in fire insurance papers that unfortunately had expired! Doh!

Anyway...good OP Jared...even though by saying that.....Warrior DAVEBO will call me a "moron"...as that's what he called everyone who ever left props on this forum...for Vinnie here.

Oh well....I've been called worse by better.

Truth is....searching for a perfect "niche" aint about lack of perfect "niches" ......it's about lack of decision. It's about being scared to jump in the game.....and a perfect niche is an excuse to sit back and wait for something that doesn't really exist anyway. Capiche.

It's called waiting for the stars, the moon, and the friggin' planet Mars to all align perfectly in the shape of a dollar sign.

Sorry peeps...it aint gonna ever happen.

Fact is....it's better to jump in the game and fail......then sittin' on the sidelines planning your "perfect venture."

Cuz those who practice the latter......don't ever pull the trigger.

And because of that, they never build a body of life experience....re: what works and what doesn't.

So in the end they play it safe......failing safe....cuz they never had the balls to put their chips down on anything. True.




xxx Vegas Vince
Legend.

[Jared Alberghini]

Damnit Vinnie, wish I lived closer so we could hang out in person some time... (I'm sure we will run into each other somewhere down the line...)

Listen to Brother Vince's advice everyone... true words of wisdom.

- Jared

[iMerickz]

lol.. very true..
the "best niche" would be a niche that earns or generate the "most" amount of dollars in a defined period of time.
but who is to define the time frame, as this is a never ending thing as people will still continue to search and look for any information on the net.
someone "best niche" may not necessary be your "best niche" cause he/she may have proven success in the niche but you may not.
so what we need to do is find our own "best niche" and not trying to find out or research for others so called "best niche"...

[babarapho]

With persistence and perseverance the much awaited gold mine could be hit. You do not have to be IM flirt to make it online. Every niche has the potential of making money online. Just get yourself focused and keep trying by doting your "I's" and crossing your "T's"..............best of luck.

[Ross Dalangin]

Originally Posted by RareGoodStuff

It is always interesting to see other people's viewpoints on this matter as in anything in life. When you look at two competing opinions on any given issue, you stand the chance to appreciate the angles involved.

So, the point made by Ross Dalangin and BlackHatCat are very persuasive and reasonable. I really see their point of view. To some extent I share the notion that you can hit on a Chic for as long as is necessary and one day she may have to say 'yes.'

Congratulations to Ross and BlackHatCat.

To score a good date after pursuing a mate for a long time is very understandable. We are dealing here with two human beings and their freedom to engage in an amorous relationship, blazing with emotions. Of course, persistent in this area could pay off.

In marketing, however, you are not dealing with emotions regarding your products or services. You are dealing with numbers, statistics, raw facts. Not a human being, a mate who could possibly fall in love with extenuating circumstances, like logic, beauty, power and all the trappings of success. Numbers are not emotional!

My point is this, do all that you can to make your business work for you. Do not retreat a the single sight of gun powder. Puff, and you are gone, abdicating your business. No! Give it all your best but do not fall in love with it. Look for another thing to do and maybe come back to the old business with fresh ideas, like WineBuddy did. If it fails again, then try Jared Alberghini's idea.

If I understand his post correctly, that is what he is trying to convey.

I could be wrong with all this, and stand to be corrected.

You congratulate yourself bro because you are using your brain assessing each posts and evaluating the weight of the facts while viewing it with the end in mind. You are so observant, being a good observer means open in opportunity. There's always a risk in life and in business. If it works to others, ask yourself why it won't work for you.

Learn the solution and don't focus on the problem. Check your system.

You'll also need a plan.

In business, to succeed, needs a plan.
In life, you asked a potential "mate" but shows no interest. It means there's something wrong on your approach. There's always a next day, so plan ahead.

Action affects outcomes.

You are right about checking the facts. The number of people want the product, the differences of your product with other similar products, pricing and ask this --> How is it special?

Ross

[ellyan]

Yea, good post, FrediDoo. In my opinion if something is not working, you need to stop and think over it - Just be more flexible... Oh, one more thing -there is not such a thing like "best niche"...It takes time & efforts if we're striving to find it...For myself, I will pick up only one and dive in...
All the best,
Elitsa

[yoshiko]

I agree with RareGoodStuff. After all, we need to get a handle on why we are in this business of internet marketing - to make money. Sorry if i sound too mercenary but this is indeed a fact. You only have so much time and effort to spend on one niche. if after 3 months of full effort (and i mean full effort, no less) and the sales are not looking up, well, its time to say goodbye and move one. I have been there done that and know the pain of having to give up all that effort, but if its not performing, you really need to rethink.

[matthewd]

Interesting viewpoint, but I am not too sure I agree.

Are you saying you don't think any one niche is better
than another?

Or are you just saying don't get hung up on one niche
because it is typically a better niche?

[Jared Alberghini]

Originally Posted by matthewd

Interesting viewpoint, but I am not too sure I agree.

Are you saying you don't think any one niche is better
than another?

Or are you just saying don't get hung up on one niche
because it is typically a better niche?

I guess my point is that there are so many "Hot Niches" out there, that debating which is the "Best" is futile.

Just pick one that you like, and act upon it. If it doesn't provide you with the results you desire (within a reasonable time after you have done everything you can with the niche), move on and pick another "Hot Niche".

There are plenty of "Hot Niches" in the sea...

Jared

[matthewd]

Ah, I gotcha now... I initially took it as you meant all niches were the same and
no one niche was better than the other.

I see what you are saying now though.

[redneo]

well... i'm working with a niche that cost $5 per click.... and still trying to bomb it with targeted traffic....

any opinion if i put 2 niche in one blog????

[motiv8]

The best niche is the one you enjoy working on.

[wmakara]

Obviously "making money online" niche is a big one because even once you start making money online, people will still want more information on how to make MORE money. Therefore, it is a niche that won't die.

However, I heard that the "health and fitness" niche was a good one to target too. You can guess why, there are heaps of people trying to lose weight, build muscle, etc. What happens once they have solved their problem? How can you keep making money off them? This is for customers that you've already sold to.

I've targeted the "making money online" niche myself purely because I see it's a long lasting niche. However, I couldn't write an ebook on it because I'm not successful in it yet.

Now what I do know about is being a parent (not an expert mind you). So again I don't feel confident enough to make my own ebook. What can I do to make this a profitable niche for me?

Cheers
Wendy

[JimHardin]

I totally agree. I mean I have a few things that I am trying to make money, but if it doesn't work than I try to tweek it. If that doesn't work then I try other ideas. I think you need to diversify to make money. Try a few different things, maybe its ebay, maybe its craigslist, maybe its adwords, maybe its adsense or other things. Diversify and mix it up and you are bound to make money with one of the methods. Once you find something that works then repeat it.

[JimHardin]

Wendy
You don't have to be an expert or the best to make some money on a niche like parenting or even making money online. Have confidence in yourself. You probably know a lot more about making money online and parenting than you think. It looks to me from the picture that you have 2 children. I am sure you could have a blog about parenting and people would follow. There are a lot of parents out there that love to read about how to take care of children. You could even write an e book on parenting and people would buy it. You have to be an exper. Do some research and speak from your heart. People will trust you and follow you.