It seems like a lot of people starting websites are gearing everything towards other internet people like Web Directories, adSense help, mySpace templates, etc... I'm wondering what non-IT related markets are up and coming or already hot? I know scrapbooking and crafts are pretty popular. Are there others? I'm looking to build a site in a non-IT related field to diversify a bit but not sure where to start. Thanks
Just pick something you love. I started out with a site on indie music. It doesn't have the best ad pay rates, but it's not terrible either, and I liked it enough to start several others in the niche. I also have one on business topics (marketing, PR, consulting, and freelance jobs). I don't get huge amounts of clicks b/c I haven't been marketing it much at all or writing much new content lately, but the clicks I do get are almost always good (average $.30-.50 / click, and far from uncommon to get them over $1). Again, not as high as some of the huge ad markets, but if you like it, you're more likely to stick to it. For traffic, even though I've never heard anyone here really talk about it, political humor can bring in huge amounts. Not sure what kinds of pay rates there are on ads, but you might be able to monetize that in other ways.
Exactly what Jenn said. I go for what I love. I put much more effort on my non profit site than my money making site because the non profit is something I LOVE to learn about and research. Just pick something you are passionate about and something you can talk about...I find it extremely boring to start a site on something I don't care about. There's ways to make money on each and every niche.
My problem is I have entreprenurial ADD and I can't just stick with one thing. I'm passionate about random things like hockey, cars, motorcycles but they fade in and out. Same with things like painting and drawing. Oh, and real estate. See what I mean Anyway, I really just need to take others advice and stick to one thing at least long enough to build a base. Then I can always sell and move on and hopefully cash a bit of a profit! Maybe I need a site called RandomThoughts...hey, there's a thought.
The problem is that if you can't stay interested in what "interests" you, you won't stay interested long enough to stick with someone just because someone else says to. You have a better chance starting sites on those topics you mentioned. The problem with just jumping on a topic b/c someone says it's a hot keyword is that once you get settled into it, that keyword could be yesterday's news. It's always going to change. IMO, you'd be better off with a topic you're at least mildly interested in, so you'd have a reason to keep going. Over time, you can build enough of a reader base to make up for non-hot keywords.
There are literally millions of niches to choose from. There are a variety of tools that you can use to find one that interests you. I don't necessarily think that you have to be "passionate" about a topic, but it is very beneficial to have at least enough interest that you want to learn more about the topic and will be motivated enough to create content on that topic.
The topic should be intresting enough to keep you going during the inital hard period . Passion about the business is good but a necessity . Passion can be alright for a small time business but for a long term it should be planning and execution . Take any niche sector ( as has been rightly pointed , that there are millions of them) and plan its execution for atleast a year . Forcast the worst factor if the planning goes heywire . If that factor is not worst enough just do that.
Just write on topics that interest you and in which you can learn. If 100 people write on the same topic, no one will end up writing the same thing. But at least write on something that interests you or that you can learn from. E.g. if you are in college studying IT, write articles on IT. Like this you are learning and you will be interested in the long term.
Try taking up a new hobby (body building, getting fit, getting a girlfriend, making money, getting a job.. something that we're all trying to do), and blogging about your adventures. At some point along the way, a money stream will crop up.
Make a list of 10 non IT topics that interest you. Rotate around them as your interest waxes and wanes. :thumbsup
Thanks for the tips. I originally started a site on IT related stuff because that's what I do. I get about $1 - $3 per week. I know it takes time and patience but I'm worried I might be in a saturated market. I'll try to stick to the stuff that I have specific expertise in, like the SDLC, CMMI and databases. I'll learn what works and what doesn't and use those tips for the next topic I try, I'm leaning towards real estate. That really excites me. Especially, now that it's calmed down. I feel its a good time to build a base before it drops and then goes back up!
Make a site dedicated to technology innovations in real estate. Add some real world reviews, advice, and throw in the occasional humorous remark.
Hey Ben5082, I like that idea. I'm hoping to partner with a friend who is a realtor and see what's hot in real estate and try to leverage his experience to build a quality site. Flipping houses has always interested me so maybe I could write a guide to that (with his help). Thanks again for all the responses!