Choosing a niche market to promote products in
can be a
tough old game for us affiliate marketers, but it really doesn't have
to be this way.
The problem is, affiliates think that smaller markets are easier to
make money in because of less competition yet the sales activity is too
low...whereas larger markets have bigger sales activity going on but is
subsequently harder to break through the competition and make money.
Whilst bigger markets ARE harder to work in, by using PPC advertising
and a proven way to convert your paid visitors into cash is all you
need to compete with the big players in any market.
Sure, costs may be higher in PPC if there's lots of competition but the
truth is that if you pick your keywords properly and you set up your
campaigns in the right way, you've got the same formula that the big
marketing gurus use to rake big paychecks each month.
Of course, you can always choose free methods too such as article
marketing and blogging. But if they are free, you can bet your bottom
dollar that it will be just as hard to stand out and get the results
you deserve for your hard work.
Whilst many people will say that you should avoid this hassle by
targeting small niches like pebble collecting or crochet, the truth is
that you'll find it hard to draw in enough traffic to get life changing
results in terms of sales volume.
So you could work on multiple small industries to make up the volume,
or you could just dive into the bigger markets where there is enough
demand to go round for all marketers.
Whichever route you decide to go, here are a few pointers to make sure
you not only pick a niche where there is a lot of people involved, but
also that you can make the easiest sales and tap into multiple ways of
reaching the market:
1. Look for niches where the audience is likely to buy multiple
products. Think hobbies, sports and consumables that require regular
top ups
2. Consider the mindset of the market. In other words, are they
desperate for a solution or passionate about their interest? For
example, someone who likes to stay in shape is more likely to subscribe
to your diet tips newsletter or buy a new diet fad recipe than a person
who likes needlework as a weekend hobby.
3. Think of the demographics. Is the market younger or older? Teenagers
will not have as much money as thirty something married couples. Older
people might be more reserved about buying products online.
4. Are these people active online?
If no-one is searching for the types of things you are selling, you've
got your work cut out for you. Also, you need to know that your market
might read articles, get involved in online forums and participate in
other social groups and networks.
This is not only important because you'll use these paths to actually
reach your market, but also because this activity suggests that the
market is enthusiastic and responsive to what's happening in their
particular area of interest.
If you use these 4 pillars to finding your niche online, you'll save a
ton of time and money down the line and you'll be sure to get off to a
flying start with a hot, rabid and ready to buy market.
