Should I keep it niche, or should I go general?

Discussion in 'General Marketing' started by jeeplaw, Jun 16, 2006.

  1. #1
    I'm talking about my imbuzzworthy site. I initially started it for internet marketers who wanted to launch their new sites, products or services. But I'm not getting as much traction as I thought. So now I'm thinking, since it's still a heavily modded site with a great domain name, to just turn the site into a launching pad for marketing one's website. Not for stories, or for cool things, but specifically launching new websites.

    Granted, my competition is still shoutwire, and to some extent digg, but now I'd be going after every webmaster and not just the internet marketing ones.

    Would this be a good marketing move in your opinion, or should I stay niche? Or even just open another site based off this one I built up?
     
    jeeplaw, Jun 16, 2006 IP
  2. wizardofx

    wizardofx Well-Known Member

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    #2
    Here are my thoughts. I have been in several startups,
    and my friends have been in or invested in hundreds.
    This is the way it goes:

    1. You think of a great idea and build a business around it.
    Your business plan shows how you are going to make a ton
    of money.

    2. Your business model doesn't work the way you planned.
    Either it was a bad idea, or the market changed radically under
    your nose. However, you are generating enough cash to
    perservere.

    3. As you stay in your niche you will either find new opportunities
    or your customers will ask for things you hadn't thought of yet.
    This is the hard part, separating the wheat from the chaff.

    4. Eventually you will evolve into something that makes
    sense or die trying. The longer you can hang in there the
    more likely that you will hit upon a winning formula.

    It is very very rare for the first business plan to work the way
    it was planned.

    So, if your first business model isn't carrying you where you
    want to be, stir the pot! If it is already successful and
    growing, think carefully about diluting your efforts.

    Best regards
    wiz
     
    wizardofx, Jun 16, 2006 IP
  3. thegypsy

    thegypsy Peon

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    #3
    Hi there

    After 10 years building internet businesses (consultant), a few of the old theories ring out well.

    USP; Develop a unique selling proposition ( or MSP Multiple selling propositions). When dealing with competitors large and small a strong marketing plan including research of competitors strengths and weaknesses and aligning your offering to capitalize on them is a great place to start.

    Feasibility; Niche or not, can you afford the time/money to establish it? A niche market may not have the sustainability in revenues and the core market may not be feasible in terms of branding costs to get a foothold in the market.

    I could truly go on for hours. Ha! Point being that it’s real hard to give accurate advice without more research. So that would probably be a good place to start.

    Ya know?

    Cheers…

    Dave :D
     
    thegypsy, Jun 16, 2006 IP