Michelle from Texas asks, “I have not decided on a specific niche. I am interested in many things, do I need to have one specific niche or can I make a blog work that has multiple interests?”
Oh my goodness, I hear it all the time…ALL. THE. TIME….
New bloggers tell me they heard that they have to niche down. Pick one small niche and create a blog about that ONE thing.
Biggest load of crock I’ve ever heard!
First of all, hello. 🙂 My name is Sarah Titus. I’ve been blogging since Dec 23, 2013, which makes me barely 3 years old now in the blogging world, a time when experts agree that your blog is just now stable, growing, and taking off.
But I’m over here proving all the experts wrong! Within my first year of blogging, I was making $10,000/month (no joke!). Within my second year blogging, I was making $23,000/month and had reached 1.7 million pageviews per month (at my highest point). I’ve been a six-figure, single mom blogger since year one. And one of the main attributes that I personally feel has LED to my success is by posting on WHATEVER I WANT!
See, I’m a person. I’m a human being. I’m not a one dimensional, fictitious character. I am interested in many things and that passion that I have about different things, comes through on my blog.
I’ve made a name for myself as that passionate blogger. I can’t sit here and write about one thing, day in, day out for years to come without getting bored out of my mind! And I’m here to stay. So…what’s a girl to do?
A girl is to write about whatever she wants to write about. ESPECIALLY when you’re first starting out. I think the whole, “pick one niche” thing literally just MAKES new bloggers fail. What if what they write about isn’t what their audience wants to hear?!
Then what? Give up? NO!
So, how do you balance it?
Popular Blogging Advice You Should Completely Ignore
Starting a blog is a lot like throwing spaghetti against the wall. Have you heard that metaphor before? It’s a good one!
You start out, talking about tons of DIFFERENT things and eventually, as you build an audience, they tell you what they want to learn from you.
That’s the balance!
Writing about what YOU love to write about AND attracting the audience that wants to hear what YOU love to write about. Over time, your audience grows, they want more, you give them more. It’s really very simple.
We don’t have to complicate things.
Your audience (the one you build over time) wants something, you give it to them. It’s not rocket science. Every year or every 6 months, do a giveaway and poll your audience. Then, just decide what you love to write about that correlates with the poll results.
But you can’t know what your audience wants, unless you give them CHOICES!!!! So niching down, especially in your first two to three years of blogging is really dumb.
If you’re just writing about one thing, how is that a choice for anybody?
Listen, I rank on several different platforms for multiple things. On Pinterest, my #1 traffic-driver, I rank in organization. Pinterest tells me that organization is what my audience wants. On my blog, I rank on the topic of saving and making money. Nothing to do with organization. You guys want to learn how to make money from home legitimately, how to run a successful blog, and how to save money. On Twitter, I rank for daily Christian inspirational quotes.
Yes, absolutely niche down on social media. I totally agree with that. On Facebook, pick one niche. On Instagram, pick another niche. On Twitter, pick another niche.
Here’s a sample of how it might look:
- Twitter – Christian
- Newsletters – Christian Blogging and Printables
- Facebook – Saving Money
- Instagram – Recipes
- Pinterest – Organization
My main niches for my blog, the ones that I have huge authority in is: Christian, Saving Money, Blogging, Making Money From Home, Organization, and Printables. That’s 6 different niches on this one blog.
How can I do that and possibly get away with it?
It’s all about how you present it. I like using a name for a blog URL, unless it’s really uncommon and hard to spell. Why? Because I don’t remember anothermommyblog.com. I’m sorry. I really don’t.
Every blog is mommy this, mommy that, and that’s great. It’s totally fine, except that I can’t remember it personally. Even my own friends blog names! I can’t remember them. I’m like…that was frugalmommy dot com, frugal something mom? I never can remember. Ever!
It’s horrible. It’s embarrassing that I can’t remember my own friends’ URL, but it’s the truth.
But here’s what I DO remember…I remember a name. You have to give your audience what YOU like as a reader yourself. You have to put yourself in their shoes. You’re NOT JUST a mommy blogger, you have a name, a personality. You’re different. You’re unique. SHOW ME. Pick a URL name that is unique to YOU, not to what you do. Everybody’s a mom basically…how are YOU different? Lead with that.
Here’s the thing…
You don’t have to do everything like the experts say. Pinterest just added a new gallery slidebar thingybobber to promote boards. When I’m making a decision, I base it on what I want as a READER, not what I want as a business person. So…what do I do in this case, when everybody and their mother is utilizing the gallery slidebar? Well, as a reader, I loathe it!!!!!!!!!!!! LOATHE!! It’s so distracting and super annoying. I just get my eyes focused on one thing, something I like, then it slides and it’s gone. Grrrrr. And what, I can’t scroll down 1 mili-second to see their top boards anyway? Most people put their top boards at the top!
So, what do I do? Do I follow what everyone else is doing or do I do what I WANT to do?
I do what I want. I don’t have the gallery slider. I don’t want the slider. I HATE the slider! And you know what, I get a heck-of-a-lot-more followers than most of my colleagues. Now, let’s think about this for a minute…being different matters! Okay…it matters!
EVERY single decision you make in blogging should be well thought out. Does it makes sense to YOU?
WHO CARES what some expert says. Who cares what I SAY! Do what YOU want to do! What’s right for YOU, your brand, and your blog!
When you’re just starting blogging, it can be so overwhelming and you know what, I’m going to hurt your feelings, but it’s your own fault. 🙁 STOP listening to everybody! Stop searching around. Stop trying to get advice and think about what YOU WANT as a reader, then make decisions based on THAT. Pretty simple, right?! I totally just cleared 5,000 hours worth of research work for you! You’re welcome. 🙂
Listen, do what’s right for you. Don’t let anyone else tell you what that is. Because blogging is NOT a one-size-fits-all. You absolutely CAN make a go of it doing it YOUR WAY. It’s all about putting yourself in your audience’s shoes and doing what YOU’D want as a reader, rather than looking at everything as a business-person.
You may make less money doing that. True story: you may not get $5,000 in ads revenue every month, because you personally hate them, so you don’t have ads on your site (like me).
That’s okay…because over time, your audience will know you care about them. That you put THEM first over profits and that’s attractive. It attracts more people because you’re just blogging genuinely, whole-heartedly, purposefully.
Do whatever you want! Don’t let others tell you what you should be doing!
Do what’s right for you. Test things out. Put yourself in your readers shoes, and above all….have fun. Because if YOU’RE not having fun, I promise you, your readers won’t either!
Then, after you’ve been blogging 2-3 years, by all means, start niching down. You totally should, but in those first few years, nope…write whatever you want, whatever you are passionate about. Because THAT’S how you stand out from the crowd and get the audience numbers you want!
I really believe the Lord led me to this exact post, Sarah. I have put off and procrastinated starting my blog because I could not nail down one specific topic I wanted to blog about daily. I prayed abiut a blog name and which direction to go, then I ended up here! God is good all day, every day.
That’s awesome. Praise the Lord. Thank you for sharing Lesley. {{hugs}}
ME TOO 100%!!! –> I’ll elaborate in a new comment. But totally the same here too.
I have read several places that you should find your niche, be an expert, find the one thing you like and write about it. I agree with your statement above where you said “I can’t sit here and write about one thing, day in, day out for years to come without getting bored out of my mind!” That is what I was thinking when I read that I should narrow my focus. I’m glad to hear someone else say it’s okay to have a broad range to begin with, and then decide what to to do as you go. Makes me feel better to know that if I want to share a recipe one day, upcycling pillows the next and saving money the 3rd, it’s okay. Eventually I will find the one or two or three things that work for me! Thanks for a great post!
Absolutely Amy. Be who you are. Don’t let others put you in a box. I get the whole “expert” thing, but…who says you can’t be an expert in a few different topics. People consider me an expert in saving money and organizing, both the same. An expert in printables and in photography. I’m not a one dimensional person, neither should my blog be. Just be yourself. <3
Thank you, Sarah, for all the encouragement you give! Even as a blogger who has been blogging for several years, it is easy to begin listening to what everyone else says should be done. I put pressure on myself when I look to others rather than God and that takes the fun out of it all! That being said, I am cleaning and updating the look of my site because of you and am really excited about it!
God has made us all special and there are people that need to hear what we have to say the way we say it – thanks again!
I love how you want to keep your eyes focused on God Dina-Marie. {{hugs}} It’s always a battle of temptation to look around, but, our lives are so much easier and clearer when we focus on Him. I have an upcoming post on the 17th of this month that you’ll really like…I was in the park and this deer came right up to me (I had no food!) It was SOOO cool! 🙂 I took pictures! lol Post is titled, The Secret to Being a Blogger Worth Listening To. Be sure to check it out; you’ll love it. 🙂
Sarah, your point of view is so refreshing! Thank you for keeping it real!
So glad you think so Jayleen…wow, your blog looks so different now. You have been a busy girl. 🙂 Look at you go!
I’m working hard between moving and remodeling! So much to do, so little time! I do appreciate your encouragement!
Excellent advice! I love your passion and your honesty! Thank you for this post! You just so helped me decide! Yes! He answers our prayers!
He absolutely does Mar. <3 If you feel in your gut something that is opposite to what you're reading online someone else say, ALWAYS, ALWAYS....ALLLLLWAYS....go with your gut. Your gut knows.
Oh Sarah! What a great post. Makes me warm and happy reading it. I did finally get my blog up and online and Yes – it’s a NICHEY – well – sorta. But I had these other things I also wanted to write about sooooo I just started trying to work them into fit with the main niche. LOL And I have no idea if it’s working. The blog is too new to tell, but I’m having fun and enjoying it.
I do know that there’s going to be a link to this article for my readers interested in blogging. It’s the missing link that needs to get out there.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for giving us permission to have fun and follow our hearts.
Love, Hugs, and Prayers, NanaPennypockets
As long as there’s a cohesive theme to your blog, you’re okay adding different topics. Example, for me, my theme has always been to help get moms to stay home with their kids. To do that, they will need saving money advice. They will need making money advice. They’ll want organization tips. They’ll want personal life-stories to connect to and not feel so lost when transitioning from working outside the home to now being home. I provide all the types of posts that those women will want and need. They don’t have to search 10 different blogs to fill their needs. They get it all from my site. Each year, I add in another topic to the blog. Right now, I’m adding in blogging advice. So that, at the end, it’s well-rounded content. Glad you like the post. Thank you for your desire to share it. <3
Hi Sarah,
Just reading another one of your fabulous posts! I’m so glad you said to post whatever you want! I actually just took your advice a couple weeks ago and re-branded my website to my name. I have a different niche for nearly every one of my social media accounts, so it is SOOO nice to hear you say this! By using my name, I can now add all of the areas I’m strongest in to one place.
Now on to reading more of your Pinterest tips!
You are absolutely right Nicole! Then, whoever coming from one place, will be interested in something else, love the variety and stick around. Plus, just like you said, it allows you to be strongest on the particular social media that you excel in. You’ve got it down! 🙂
This is just awesome. I feel so liberated. Thank you so much, Sarah. Love, love, love the way you voice ideas. Like you’re talking to me right where I am.
I have been struggling with similar thoughts about niching down but I was losing the fun part of blogging. You make so much sense. And I never thought about enlarging the box instead of trying to think outside of it. A different workable niche for every platform. So copying this!
And also, thank you the most for putting God’s name into your work. It’s so soothing.
Absolutely Hena. 🙂 Just be sure you have those same topics on your blog that you will have on social media, so when someone DOES come to see, say organizing posts, they will see many of them on your blog. 🙂 Also keep in mind that, you are more than your social media. Social media is NOT where I get a majority of my audience members from! And THAT…is just a hint…to a jaw-dropping major bomb I’m about to set off on this blog soon. 🙂 You wanna hit those big numbers in traffic, social media is NOT the key! Here’s my rule for myself…in life, in my Christian walk, and yes, even in blogging: if everyone else is doing it, it’s probably not wise. I’m not saying reinvent the wheel, I’m saying…think differently! Be different. <3
Absolutely! Thanks.
I totally agree with this post. I have started several blogs over the years and eventually let them fall by the wayside because I ran out of enthusiasm. This last one, the longest surviving blog, by the way, is about several things but mainly about hoarding/decluttering/minimalism and making money. It developed into what it is today and I think that is what others should do. Just write. Eventually, the direction of your blog will reveal itself.
Yes, exactly (“Eventually, the direction of your blog will reveal itself”) For me, it’s several topics, for others it may just be a few topics, but when it’s just one topic, that sure is a lot of pressure for one topic to do well. Think about it, when you have an organizing blog, there are certain seasons you’ll be slow in traffic. Like around Christmas. Not a lot of people are thinking organizing at the end of the year, but they would be thinking about making money. It’s better to have several topics, so you always have at least something “in season.” 🙂
Thank ypu for this post. I’ve been struggling with setting up my blog because I can’t pick just one topic. This gives me the confidence to just start out and see which topic people enjoy.
Thank you so much!
Shelly
Glad you found it helpful Shelly! 🙂
Fantastic post ms. Sarah 🙂 I have several passions also and ready to begin a blog helping others. I have one hurdle that I don’t see discussed often. It concerns the legal and tax side of a business in blogging. Is there any way you could soon write about these areas. I love your heart for God and will also be expressing my love for Him in my blogging He is the one that has been showing me this way to stay home and work and He will be given honor through me. Thank you again for all you do ~~ Love and blessings ♥
For tax and legal advice, it is best that a blogger NOT give that kind of advice online, to protect ourselves legally. Every blogger that is beginning to make money from their blogs should have a tax consultant, someone who prepares their taxes and qualified to give advice. So, I’d encourage bloggers to find a good tax consultant in their area. Hope that helps guide you in the right direction. All the best in your blog! <3
Thank you so much Sarah..this does help greatly 🙂
Sarah, great advice and very timely for where I am on my blogging journey. Thanks for the encouragement!
Absolutely Joyce. Glad it helped you. {{hugs}}
YEEEESSSS!! I’m so glad to hear someone else say this! I’ve been blogging on and off for years, trying to hold down a “niche” and never got anywhere viewership-wise (and I was bored to tears), so when I started my new one, I said, “Enough of that! I’m going to write about whatever I feel like that day!”
It’s been quite liberating! Now I get to explore so many things and help people in so many different ways. I’m totally guilty of looking for “blogging advice,” but I think I may need to just “stop listening to everybody.” 🙂
Thanks for another great post! You make me feel less like an amateur for the choices I’m making with my creative space. Hugs!
That is so cool! <3 I'm very glad that you feel liberated and free. No one is an amateur for not listening to the crowds. 🙂 In fact, a rule I always follow myself is doing exactly the OPPOSITE of what everyone else is doing. While there may be some similarities, yes of course, I actually AIM to do the opposite. Seems like...for me, it works. 🙂 I think of blogging, like life, everyone's after that cheese. I hate to make the comparison, but it's such a rat race, isn't it?! Well, I'm not INTERESTED in the cheese. I don't WANT the cheese. I heard an expert say the other day how would I like to have the media take notice of my blog and then went on to say, of course you would. Who doesn't?! Guess I'm the "who doesn't." Not that I haven't had media attention (I was on The Rachael Ray Show). But tha, I don't care about what everyone else seems to be chasing! I can be content with little followers or a lot of followers because either way, I'm helping people, I'm able to create a fantastic life for my family and help friends and my audience, what more could a girl ask for?! {{I love your comment so much, I'm featuring it and your URL in my impromptu newsletter RIGHT NOW!}}
Awe! Thanks so much for the shout out! I like doing the opposite of the crowd too, haha! That’s the only way I feel like I’m truly following what God has set out for me to do. Yes, totally agree about just wanting to help people by sharing my story and experiences. The cheese and flowers are really nice, but sometimes are not worth the race! I actually have just walked away from an extremely lucrative product I was creating for the last year, because making $7000 a month was NOT worth the time away from my family and the stress involved! I keep feeling crazy for doing it, but it just felt like something I wasn’t meant to do and writing is. You’re so encouraging as always! Keep being you!
Seriously God directed, Sarah!! You have just taken a huge burden off of my shoulders. I have been revving to go on starting my blog, but I honestly could not pick a niche. I couldn’t even bare the thought of it. How could I, Rachel, choose one thing to drill down on, when I have such a wild array of interests? I don’t want to do DIY. I want to provide a one-stop-shop for working parents who need help making life work, because that’s who I AM! God has laid this burden on my heart and to be told to drill down to a niche topic was like, “UHHH… Crock pot recipes?!” I’m a Leadership Development Professional by trade. So maybe that will flavor the blog.
Thank you again, Sarah!!! I could hug you for talking some sense into me! God bless!!
Absolutely Rachel. I hit you hit the nail right on the head. If you want to, you can always niche down later. For me personally, I tried to niche down a little while back and LOST SOOOOOOOO MUCH TRAFFIC!!! So, be careful if you do niche down one day.
Thank you for that advice. Personally, the blogs I “follow” feel more like people I know than hot topic websites I “visit”. Hence the difference between follow and visit. One is engaged while the other is transient. I couldn’t imagine visiting with a friend only to hear him or her always talking about their finances or how to food prep. But I suspect having a broad topic base would bring you a uniquely engaged audience who comes back for what “Sarah Titus” can bring us. I might even think it would reduce your bounce rate. Just a though. 😉 Thank you, Sarah! God bless!
Great thoughts Rachel. <3 It would get super annoying if a friend was talking about just ONE thing ALL the time! 🙂
Such great advice, Sarah! So, for those of us who have a first name that is almost ALWAYS spelled wrong and a looooong last name, is there any recommended activity that helps to brainstorm a name for a personal blog?
Jaimie, there’s not really any hard and fast rule to give. That’s something I’d have to personally coach you through. There are a lot of factors that go into picking a URL, including what your goals are for the blog.
Thanks, Sarah! I talked to the people who know me best to get ideas and wrote down a list of the words that describe me no matter what I do, and one word stood out and totally defined who I am and what my mission is. Your blog has been an incredible for me and I am hoping to take the blogging journey with my best friend. She also has an amazing story to tell. 🙂
This post was just what I needed! I’ve been stuck on writer’s block (thankfully not for too long!) but right after reading this I immediately wrote a post. 🙂
Wow, that is so great Jennifer. 🙂