What are the most profitable offline niches?

15 years ago

Originally Posted by krikkod

Pretty keen to get into some offline biz on the side and was curious to know what are some of the most profitable niches to go for - and for what reasons?

Varies by a ton of things...

Location, popularity, etc etc...

I'd start with just mom and pop shops though if you're looking to get into offline marketing. Plumbers, electricians, car shops, etc...

The key is to just get started, worry about the money a little later once you have a foothold and some referrals.

Thanks

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Mkcoy

Banned 15 years ago

Prostitution.
Drugs.
Alchohol.

You asked.

Thanks

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seomoney

15 years ago

Chiropractor$. They are a good niche to sell to.

Thanks
1 reply

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qualitytw

15 years ago

Health, weight loss and fitness are always good!

Thanks
1 reply

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krikkod

15 years ago

Hay guys thanks for the responses thus far, very interesting!

@Will Perkins thanks for the sound advice and you raise a good point, having the experience of working with a variety of businesses will more than likely begin to reveal which are the most profitable.

@Jodib thanks for the vote of confidence, much appreciated

@Qamar cheers mate will check it out for sure

@Mkcoy lol but you're right i did ask.

@seomoney never even considered it but now you mention it, that sounds like a great idea - thanks heaps seriously.

@qualitytw It's funny you mention this niche because this was one of the first i considered but the Personal Trainers i know almost never have a marketing budget to speak of - im not saying its a bad niche - in fact i hope it's a great niche because i have personal reasons for wanting to be in this niche - i just have some doubts (noobish perhaps) that they are worth going after)

One thing i am suprised to see is that there is no real common niches coming up, at least not yet.

I was kind of expecting to see the usual response - thanks to a certain IM product:

-- plumbers
-- dentists
-- auto electricians

But i guess these are either over saturated by now or nobody who really knows just doesnt wanna comment

Hopefully will get a few more responses on the topic - fingers crossed.

Thanks
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Will Perkins

15 years ago

Originally Posted by krikkod

@qualitytw It's funny you mention this niche because this was one of the first i considered but the Personal Trainers i know almost never have a marketing budget to speak of - im not saying its a bad niche - in fact i hope it's a great niche because i have personal reasons for wanting to be in this niche - i just have some doubts (noobish perhaps) that they are worth going after)

One thing i am suprised to see is that there is no real common niches coming up, at least not yet.

I was kind of expecting to see the usual response - thanks to a certain IM product:

-- plumbers
-- dentists
-- auto electricians

But i guess these are either over saturated by now or nobody who really knows just doesnt wanna comment

Hopefully will get a few more responses on the topic - fingers crossed.

Weight loss does't specifically mean personal trainers. Most of them don't ahve a budget, you're right there. But try looking around town for trainer agencies, and also weight loss clinics. Those are the people with the big bucks, I know just in my local area we have a handful of them. I'd say they easily do several million a year, so it's worth checking out.

But don't knock out all trainers just cause of low budgets. Offer them a simple website service you create from a template. It's a easy $100.00 and you just landed a referral.

Thanks
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Nutrifitness

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Will Perkins

Weight loss does't specifically mean personal trainers. Most of them don't ahve a budget, you're right there. But try looking around town for trainer agencies, and also weight loss clinics. Those are the people with the big bucks, I know just in my local area we have a handful of them. I'd say they easily do several million a year, so it's worth checking out.

But don't knock out all trainers just cause of low budgets. Offer them a simple website service you create from a template. It's a easy $100.00 and you just landed a referral.

I have some ideas for this niche (trainers) if you want to pm or email me..I can help or give you ideas

Thanks

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Dexx

15 years ago

If they are spending a lot of money = profitable prospect.

Don't worry about chasing industries -- there are "poor" and "rich" businesses in every business.

Focus on businesses that are ALREADY spending money on marketing.

~Dexx

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Jonathan Beaton

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Dexx

If they are spending a lot of money = profitable prospect.

Don't worry about chasing industries -- there are "poor" and "rich" businesses in every business.

Focus on businesses that are ALREADY spending money on marketing.

~Dexx

Absolute GOLD.

Someone businesses understand that marketing is an investment and are willing to spend the money. Others treat marketing as an expense and are won't dish out the cash.

Thanks
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The Niche Man 15 years ago

Believe it or not one of the fastest growing offline niches is hip hop accessories.
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John Baron

15 years ago

i would say food , but still most new food places get closed during the first year .. very little make it into the second year .. but still a lot of money rolling around there.

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Amir Luis

15 years ago

Originally Posted by liror

i would say food , but still most new food places get closed during the first year .. very little make it into the second year .. but still a lot of money rolling around there.

This is an actual statistic of all businesses... Not just restaurants, according to the SBA several years ago....

Thanks

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MikeRogers

15 years ago

Originally Posted by liror

i would say food , but still most new food places get closed during the first year .. very little make it into the second year .. but still a lot of money rolling around there.

This is a GREAT stat... At least for us

Hit 'em with it and assure them that it's our job to make sure it doesn't happen to them.

Mike

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MRomeo09 15 years ago

The problem with this is that many people are beating their heads against the same wall and wondering why it isn't working. Do you have any clue how many marketing messages a day that dentists are subjected to? While I have a niche(not sharing it) that I've never seen mentioned anywhere who is willing and able to pay me $3k a month that is just a gold mine, they are NEVER marketed to. You need to find your own niche.

And you have to consider it's not all about cash, it's about time as well. If any of you have tried to tackle the real estate/mortgage markets, you'll know what I mean. It takes a lot of work to build those things up. Versus try ranking a massage therapist or an accupuncturist, in many cases it's a joke.

My most profitable niche has actually been in alternative health. I built a sort of directory site, before I even knew what I was doing. I signed up 4 clients to rent space on the site back 5 years ago. They are renting space on the site that sits at #1 for multiple keywords. I spent maybe a couple of hours building it, and paid for some directory listings, and that's really about it. I've never touched it since. 5 years later, I'm still getting $300/month in paypal from these clients. That's my most profitable site. Perhaps 3 hours of work, and $18k later I'm still making money with no end in site.

I've since built a handful of those sites that sit in my Roth IRA. My total investment in the Roth was less than $200. Right now my Roth is growing by close to $1,500/mo with no further investment on my part. Now that was a pretty profitable investment.

Time is money friends. I personally prefer to spend time crawling on the floor and playing with my little girls than trying to talk to another ADHD, stuck up dentist on how they need me.

Marcos
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Chris_L

15 years ago

Accountants are a good niche too. They know a lot of local businesses due to the nature of their job. And If you do a good job for them, it could be a stepping stone to other lucrative clients.

Thanks
2 replies

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James Basher 15 years ago

i have made good money from running an interior painting firm(still do about 6.5k-8k monthly) as well as catering marketing toward real estate agents(50% split on commissions which nets me about 4k-5k per lead easily)..
- Thanks
- 2 replies
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- djohn1 15 years ago
  
  Rathnavelpandian,
  
  I like your thoughts about real estate agents. I'd love to talk to you because you are marketing to real estate agents and I am an agent with a lot of great ideas. How can I get in touch? I don't have enough posts to PM.
  
  Thanks
  
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- djohn1 15 years ago
  
  Rathnavelpandian,
  
  Any way to get in touch with you. I have great ideas for real estate agents.
  
  David
  505-670-7727
  
  Thanks
  
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tanya7zhou

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Chris_L

Accountants are a good niche too. They know a lot of local businesses due to the nature of their job. And If you do a good job for them, it could be a stepping stone to other lucrative clients.

AND Solicitors/Lawyers

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JodyRossDeane

15 years ago

Originally Posted by rathnavelpandian

i have made good money from running an interior painting firm(still do about 6.5k-8k monthly) as well as catering marketing toward real estate agents(50% split on commissions which nets me about 4k-5k per lead easily)..

What do you mean "catering marketing towards real estate agents?" exactly - I am intrigued, please explain!

Originally Posted by Amir Luis

This is an actual statistic of all businesses... Not just restaurants, according to the SBA several years ago....

Yes, my business coach would repeat this all the time "4 out of 5 new businesses FAIL within the first 5 years."

It's the cold hard facts...

Nobody seems to know this, it seems!

All the more reason why they NEED us.

Originally Posted by Mkcoy

Prostitution.
Drugs.
Alchohol.

You asked.

funny you mentioned them... i am about to bite into a sub niche of one of those... and yes it will even be ethical!!!

Originally Posted by krikkod

Pretty keen to get into some offline biz on the side and was curious to know what are some of the most profitable niches to go for - and for what reasons?

Originally Posted by tanya7zhou

AND Solicitors/Lawyers

Muaahaha!!! Those hefty legal fees have to get spent on something to bring in more clients right?

I am going to ask one thing in response to this thread: WHAT IS YOUR ANGLE? Find the angle. Find the profit point where they just can't say no because you got / give them what they NEED.

...Get your angle and pitch right - be coherent - and it's just a matter of time before you go kerchinggg!

Thanks

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TimCastleman

15 years ago

Here is what I look for when it comes to working with offline companies:

1. They have to be local (non franchise). I have no desire to work with McDonalds and they have zero desire to work with me.

2. Must be able to meet with the decision maker. No secretary or committee meetings for me. I want the person I speak with to have the ability to cut a check after the meeting.

3. Already advertising. If a business is already advertising in the local area that is one less hurdle I have to jump. Paid advertising is even better because it lets me know that they understand the importance of paying to acquire new customers.

4. Website already. If you really want to shoot fish in a barrel I suggest you find companies that already have a website online. That allows you to know that they not only understand the importance of advertising offline (step 3) but also online as well.

Be sure to also look for companies with high transaction values. It is easier to work with a company that sells a 3 to 4 figure product than one that sells at the local dollar store.

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NyNyDanDan 15 years ago

An offline niche I'm about to go after is the self storage auction. There are lots of people out there who are defaulting on their storage rent and lots of people who are looking to make additional income. Self storage auctions are a great way to make extra money IF you know how to do it.
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daddyoh

15 years ago

Originally Posted by TimCastleman

Here is what I look for when it comes to working with offline companies:

1. They have to be local (non franchise). I have no desire to work with McDonalds and they have zero desire to work with me.

2. Must be able to meet with the decision maker. No secretary or committee meetings for me. I want the person I speak with to have the ability to cut a check after the meeting.

3. Already advertising. If a business is already advertising in the local area that is one less hurdle I have to jump. Paid advertising is even better because it lets me know that they understand the importance of paying to acquire new customers.

4. Website already. If you really want to shoot fish in a barrel I suggest you find companies that already have a website online. That allows you to know that they not only understand the importance of advertising offline (step 3) but also online as well.

Be sure to also look for companies with high transaction values. It is easier to work with a company that sells a 3 to 4 figure product than one that sells at the local dollar store.

Thanks, Tim! That's some wickedly great and helpful information!
Sounds like you're someone who knows a lot about offline mktg.

Thanks

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myob

15 years ago

Originally Posted by TimCastleman

Here is what I look for when it comes to working with offline companies:

They have to be local (non franchise). I have no desire to work with McDonalds and they have zero desire to work with me.

I thought I'd step in for a moment to comment about this one. Don't discount franchises; actually they are my target market. For example, McDonalds franchisees tend to have multiple locations. I am getting these right and left as well as other fast food franchises, retail chain stores, companies with nationwide locations, mobile sales people, etc. This whole market is wide open.

Thanks
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phaproduction 15 years ago

I thought Franchises had "laws" within the franchises for whom they can and cant use for a service and what service they can and cannot offer?!
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- myob 15 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by phaproduction
  
  I thought Franchises had "laws" within the franchises for whom they can and cant use for a service and what service they can and cannot offer?!
  
  Franchisees and chain store managers have a lot of discretionary latitude for choosing local vendors and contractors. Sometimes it does require quite a bit of persistence in getting approval from the home office.
  
  Thanks
  
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Quentin

15 years ago

Pretty silly question really as it will all depend on who you are comfortable talking to.

Everybody seems to suggest the same ones because they have high prices however we find they are actually the hardest.

Most of our work comes from basic supply companies like printers, mechanics, panel beaters etc.

Don't follow the crowd get your own niche customers.

Quentin

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krikkod

15 years ago

Lots of great responses and too many to say thanks to - but thank you all all the same

Also really appreciating the sound advice from the experienced guys, as it definitely rings true from the experience i have had in canvassing for offline work.

Dexx - Definitely a valid point and certainly makes them much warmer to the idea of online marketing if they are already spending on marketing.

TimCastleman - I'm with you on them already having a website, from personal experience they are much warmer to the idea

Quentin - I agree, although i see the tremendous value in getting a lawyer, doctor or dentist the comfort level for me to deal with someone like that is not so great.

Chris_L - definitely considering it!

MRomeo09 - Great concept and can see the potential - time is something i'm certainly precious of and will keep the advice in mind going forward

Has anyone used the yellow pages/ yellow book for niche mining? No doubt that would be a decent way to find good prospects based on the criteria of:

-- Has marketing budget
-- Has need for traffic
-- Has website (i read somewhere that you can get packages with them - print ad + basic website or something - also the picture ads will print there url)

Thanks

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mogema

15 years ago

Always go for niches that have a high net profit per transaction. Business's that are already spending money and know the value of advertising. One niche that i have had great success with is companies that offer High end training courses.

My one client is spending over $3000/month with me and they are making way more than what they pay me, in fact they couldn't be happier and i get alot of refferals from them.

Think of all the training courses that large corporate companies send their employees on, basic accounting courses right through to top end management and finance courses.

Anyway i have never seen this niche mentioned before and it pays me very well.

Good Luck

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1 reply

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AndrewCavanagh 15 years ago

I could tell you that a business with high transaction values and good net profits on each transaction is the way to go (and that might be true).

But the thing most people who might even be successful in this business don't realize is that it really is different for everyone.

You have a unique set of skills and experience.

You might get on really well with the type of business owners you encounter in one industry due to your unique background and you might hate business owners in another.

Also your skills and the kinds of work you're willing to do or outsource can be hugely different to another person. And that will affect the kinds of businesses you'll be more effective working with.

What it comes down to is that this is a business of opportunity.

For most people starting out you should just talk to every business owner in every industry you can get face to face with.

After you've had a few paying clients and you've had some experience talking to business owners, getting hired and working with business owners you may find you get pulled in a particular direction or you may see opportunities to niche in an industry.

The opportunities for you will be very different even to someone working in exactly the same geographic area.

Everyone is different.

Kindest regards,
Andrew Cavanagh
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cheryl381

15 years ago

I think Location Popularity Quality and goodwill are thing that effect on offline marketing for any type business .

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mattbaehr

15 years ago

I see several people saying that they have clients paying them $x,xxx per month. I assume that is to rank their site for keyword(s). Are you ranking keyword+city or are you ranking something else? Just curious.

Thanks.

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Alex Tran 15 years ago

The most profitable niches are the ones where your cost of sales plus your expenses to deliver the service are lower than what you can charge.

Many people chase what they think are profitable only to spend too much time acquiring a deal. Since time is money, the profit margin goes down.

The other consideration is how much time it will take to deliver on the service. For example, I find that developing custom websites is very time-consuming. The client also takes longer than expected to review and approve the design and content. On the other hand, doing offsite SEO is less time consuming because the tasks are clear and there is little client input.
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danielkanuck

15 years ago

Not sure if you've secured the funds to start an offline company but if you need a loan to get started, tell the banker that you're looking to shoot a rap video. This works almost every time (LOL no just kidding. Ignore this post lol...)

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ih2001

15 years ago

Real estate agents have been working well for me. They seem to know or at least want to learn about the different marketing options they have.

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Kim Phoenix

15 years ago

I would also approach businesses that you already do business with. It seems only fair that if you do business with them, that they would be smart to consider doing business with you. For example, I noticed that my hair/esthetics salon did not have a website, and so I approached the owner so that I could build them one. I also built a site for my son's martial arts club when I got word that they were planning to get a website made by someone else. I made sure to send them links of other websites that I had made so that they could see my work.

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tristatemedia

15 years ago

hi
i have great sucess with car dealerships. even though they seem huge, they are not franchises. they are always looking to try something new. i sell billboard space to them and sometimes i leave a message for them on voice mail and the next day, my phone is ringing.

good luck.

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wordpressmania

13 years ago

I got this post from search engine and thought I will find some list of niches but, I got some more valuable infos! Though I think There should me more list of niches.

Thanks guys!

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RimaNaj2011

13 years ago

Chiropractors. Those guys are desperate to make money.

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ItsmeChris

13 years ago

Classes
Rehab
Treatment
Cord Blood
Software

They are also good. Obviously you need to choose this list with a grain of salt, and I wouldn’t recommend anyone to start building websites to target those keywords directly. Nonetheless I think that having an idea of where the money is flowing online can be quite useful.