If you haven't heard the word 'niche' being batted around
by Internet Marketers then you haven't been listening. Finding
a niche has become the antidote to competing in overly saturated
online markets.
What is a niche?
According to Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary a niche
is described as "a place, employment, status, or activity
for which a person or thing is best fitted... a specialized
market".
Have you noticed that despite the closing of many businesses
in these harsh economic times, the local hobby train store
is still around? That the 'hole-in-the-wall' eatery is thriving?
Or that trends such as scrapbooking can start with a bang
and still close within a year when four similar businesses
start up in the same area?
The online business world reflects the same trends as experienced
in the offline world - often with faster turnover and startup
rates. Those who promote a product or site that targets
a small, select audience can tap into a market that is otherwise
not being served. Despite the limitations of the client
base, the targeted nature of the business creates a devoted
and active market - the aim of any business.
HOW DO I FIND A NICHE?
Finding a niche requires diligent research. Whether you
have access to software that harvests and sorts information
or you take a manual approach you must first start with
ideas.
With a pen and paper (or computer, if that's more comfortable)
brainstorm a list of businesses, products and industries.
Create a list of keywords and phrases you think would be
used by individuals looking for these items online.
Use a software program such as Wordtracker or a free resource
such as the Overture Keyword Selector Tool to find keywords
for your niche that have a high amount of traffic.
Although a program like Wordtracker makes it easy to find
details such as how many sites compete for that market,
you can also do your own research.
Concentrate your attention on question phrases such as
"how do I..." or "where can I...". These
questions will clue you into potential markets that need
servicing.
Next, look in Google Answers. Type one of your keywords
into the search area. What questions are being asked and
how much are people willing to pay for answers? If you find
a group of keywords with a high number of questions then
enter these words in your browser's search engine.
What sites come up? Do they provide answers or solutions
to the problem? How are they making money? Can you see an
opportunity to service these individuals?
Finding a niche can open the door to a profitable online
business. Research the market and be certain that your product
or service is valuable to this group. Find forums or groups
that target this audience and pay close attention to their
concerns.
If you can help these people you WILL make money. The best
of both worlds!
If you would like to use these article's you must
enclude the resource box at the bottom of each page.
====================================
Internet Advertising Online Solutions
Website Traffic And Website Promotion
© 2005
Check it out at =====>
http://www.Internet-Advertising-Online.com
====================================
