Choosing your first niche

[jonesre]

This book answered so many questions I have had about affiliate marketing. It has made the approach simple enough so that I am taking the plunge without delay.

After brainstorming for ideas, I settled upon web hosting reviews as a promising topic (as a small business IT consultant, I spend a significant portion of my time advising clients on getting good web hosting without getting ripped off).

But, when I did the profitability research, I found that a zillion other people have had the same idea. On the one hand, that would indicate that it's a profitable field ("no competition" usually indicates "no market"). However, I question the wisdom of charging into the thickest part of the battle on my first day out of basic training.

What I am asking for is input from those of you who have already gotten a site (or more) under your belt. Is it better to go with what you know even if it's hyper competitive? Or is it better to test the water on something less crowded?

Thanks,
Ron Jones

[Will]

[Rosalind Gardner]

Hello Ron,

I'm glad to hear that you found the Super Affiliate Handbook useful!

Web hosting critiques sure would be 'hyper competitive'. However, if you truly are an expert in that area, and can give good thorough reviews, and are willing to pay for advertising on Google Adwords, Overture and other PPC's, there's no reason that shouldn't be your choice.

Review the competition thoroughly. Find out what they are doing, what you like and what you can do better... then do it!

Best of success!

Cheers,
Ros

[richerbrat]

I agree with Roz on this one. It's better to choose a site with lots of competition on a topic that you're interested in, than one with little competition, which you find completely boring, and have zero knowledge on.

[A. Smith]

Another way to look at it is: don't have all your eggs in one basket.

Go with the web hosting reviews, since you already know that, but have a few other sidelines, probably will be things related. Think of what else can you offer your customers? People are busy, they like to have a "one stop shop", and to have someone they trust to advise them in other business areas.

[jonesre]

I've been noodling over the "one stop shop" idea, and it sounds like something I have loads of content for.

However, in putting together a site like that, don't you run the risk of diluting your tightly-focused content-based theme site?

Thanks

Ron Jones

[A. Smith]

Well, there is no reason why you can't have several sites. Each site could be focused on one aspect of your business. You could link them too, and that's some links that you know are good .