What are some good techniques to pick a decent niche market/area? I know that the amount of pages Google or other engines return on a search for a particular set of keywords (or keyphrase) can be an indicator but what do you folks do to figure out where is best to target your websites? Thanks
the best niche always is the one niche you are the greatest expert in - and have the most experience, skills and creativity!
I will second that, maintaining a site can be killing if you are not well versed with the topic or subject
Thanks. That definitely reinforces what I was thinking. But let's say I'm an expert in everything Microsoft Windows related, wouldn't it be extremely difficult in trying to break into that area? Since there are already many many sites this is another area I was thinking of. I've heard that gambling, dating, and adult sites are some of the most popular sites on the web. But like I mentioned above would it be hard to get into those areas due to the sheer amount of sites that are already there? Thanks a million
Looks like there might be a little confusion here. The number of pages Google returns on a search are the number of websites found that contain the phrase or part of the phrase that you entered. This has nothing to do with what people are searching for. If you want to find out what people are searching for, or search for possible niches, you need to use a service or site that specializes in tracking what people are searching for. Google has a page you can use to get a rough idea: https://adwords.google.com/select/KeywordSandbox The middle column shows you how many searches were done on a phrase during a month and the first column shows you your competition. In other words, how many web sites are out there with your search phrase. Hope this helps, Zeek
Make sure you pick a niche you enjoy , and not one that is paying the most. Then take that niche and make it I guess a "micro" niche. Ex. Apple Ipod ---> Apple Ipod Skins
Gambling and dating is hardly a niche. Niche is a very narrow area eg blind dates in London or mobile phone blackjack gabling software.
totally agree with ljastangs21. I think you shud ask urself what you can write about for a whole year and that has to be your niche. while all others in a niche might be there for the money, you will be in for the knowledge. knowledge is wealth and you will make money in the longer run for sure. Otherwise, use one of the numerous keyword research tools like wordze or keyword elite to name a few.
LOL. You beat me to the punch. I was going to say something along the same lines. Gambling is a category, not a niche. But, it's all for not. Webmasters use the word "niche" to mean anything these days. Picking a category (or niche) is fairly straightforward. Get out a sheet of paper and write down what you have experience on or what you really want to know more (and perhaps become an expert in). That's your starting base. Once you have the list, you can do some research and determine what's best for you.
You can also visit amazon.com and barnes and noble sites and check out the best sellers list. Doesn't hurt to visit a physical bookstore near you (Books a million and Barnes and Noble) and browse through the magazine racks.
Love is all you need. Maybe, for inspiration, think about all of the things that you really love to do or just think about.
The problem with this thing called "niche" is that very few people search for them, while at the same time the saturated terns and products sell MUCH better, because, most DO search for them.
Thanks for all the advice. I think I know where I am going to focus my time then. I do have lots of experience with computers (that's my main job) so I'll probably stick to something in that category. Thanks for the clarification on the proper terms to use too. Cheers!
i haven't done well with too many affiliate programs - I done the $4 or $5 dollar a day sites and I got burnt out. The only things I have done really well with have been actual products and services I created myself and lead generating sites.