The very first decision any affiliate marketing business owner must do is, decide on a niche.
Choosing a niche, can be a challenge but there are some simple rules and techniques that can help with making a final decision.
First, would be to keep in mind that whatever niche you choose, you will need to be able to write about it for a long time and ask yourself if you can come up with enough material.
Many online training programs ask the reader, can you write about the subject week after week and not lose interest? Are you passionate about the niche in question? Do you truly enjoy the topic?
Second, is to consider if the niche may become obsolete over time or do you want to find a niche that is timeless.
An example of a niche that could quickly become obsolete is anything that has to do with technology. Just in the past 5 years or less computers, cell phones and tablets have changed drastically. This does not have to be a problem as long as you are being very specific in the material you provide so that the reader can determine if the information is up to date.
If you would rather have a niche that is timeless then consider something like crafts, woodworking, cooking, barbecue and grilling, landscaping, the list can be endless.
Additionally, can you be an expert on that subject and provide information that is interesting and valuable to the reader.
If you can answer yes, to each of those questions, you may have found your niche. If your answer is, I’m not sure, and then maybe keep on looking.
One of the best resources for exploring niches is any book store that has the biggest magazine rack you can find.
Magazines are one of the best resources you can have when it comes to picking a niche, coming up with article ideas, and locating affiliate offers. If there is a magazine on a subject then there is an audience and there are ads.
Find a few magazines that you really, really like and buy them. Then sit down and take the time to examine them.
Here are a few things that you want to look at:
What kind of information is being provided in the articles? Look at the table of contents, subject matter, and classified ads if available.
What kind of ads are in the magazine and do the companies have an affiliate program?
If there is a classified section, what kind of offerings are there?
How long has the magazine been in print and what is the circulation?
Next, check Amazon online and do a search on the niche you are considering. Can you find products and materials about it and does it appear to be popular? Are there reviews about the products? And make sure you check in Amazon where it says, “customers who bought this item also bought”, since that will help to develop your site.
If you think you have found your niche then forge ahead. Don’t let fears or the possibility that someone else is already doing your niche stop you.
Think about this, what if an automobile dealership decided not to open because there was already an automobile dealership in the area. That would not make sense, right.
Just because there are already bunches of cooking sites or bunches of hot rod sites, does not mean you cannot compete. Your voice is unique and people will connect with you, just give them what they want.
You can always change your mind down the road and make another niche on another site.
The important thing right now is to get started.