Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Blogging Tip #2–Finding Your Niche

Before we get started here, keep in mind that these are my blogging tips, which means my opinion. Which is based totally on something that has worked for me, or for other bloggers I admire. I am, by no means, an expert or authority, believe me.

However, if you do read any tips by blogging experts, they’ll most likely tell you to find a niche for your blog. In theory, I think it’s a good idea to have a niche. But before we go any further, let’s go back to Tip #1 – Why do you blog?

The answer to that changed for me. I started a blog to market my artwork and gain more exposure.

Then I got bored. Just how much can you talk about painting?

(Actually, quite a bit, but it’s still boring.)

I considered expanding into crafts or decorating, but, “No. I have to stay within my Niche.” (I like following rules.)

I started spending more and more time in Blogland – reading, researching, linky parties, visiting, and laughing. I found a few blogs that make me laugh out loud. Those are my favorites. I subscribe to them but I read them before I get an email. And guess what I noticed?

They don’t have a niche!

Let me rephrase that – They don’t seem to have a niche. But actually, they do. Their niche is them, their posts, their writing style.

I went out on a limb and started writing about personal stuff – memories, musings, along with painting. And something surprising happened.

Blogging became really, really fun!

Now – all that being said, do I think you need a niche?

Yes, especially when your blog is new. Give people (and the search engines) a chance to get to know you. And your blog.

What are your favorite blogs. Why do you like them? What do you expect when you visit them?

That’s their niche.

So, yes, I recommend using keywords and catchy blog titles, and all the SEO tools. Having a niche (or two) makes marketing your blog much more effective.

But if you don’t enjoy what you’re writing about, none of that will matter because you won’t continue to write.

 

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