One of the first things you need to do, it seems, if you want to start on the path towards becoming a successful problogger, is to choose a “niche” for your blog: that is, narrow down your focus and target your content to appeal to readers who are interested in that niche topic, so as to establish yourself as an expert and build a loyal following. The catch, though, is that in order to keep your niche blog going long-term, you need to be passionate about the topic you’ve chosen, so passionate that your words will carry conviction and you won’t soon tire of writing on the subject.
I would really, Really, REALLY like to try my hand at becoming a problogger. Everything about blogging interests and thrills me – the writing of the content, the design and layout of the blog itself, the technical details that make things run properly, attracting and keeping an audience, the continual learning curve… everything. I have a background in web design that started when I taught myself HTML, I know (and am always learning more) about using CSS, and I’ve been blogging for years – so the basic skills are in place, and I have a willingness and excitement to learn anything new that might be required along the way. On top of all that, I’m in an excellent position to pursue problogging: I have a part-time job that pays my living expenses (so I don’t HAVE to make money from my blog), I have plenty of free time outside that job to devote to whatever I choose, and I have a great home office setup.
So what’s the problem?
The problem is, I have no niche.
- I am neither a mommy nor a homemaker.
- I am childfree by choice, but not militant or outspoken about it.
- I appreciate finding a good deal as much as the next person, but I’m not particularly frugal or into clipping coupons in any noteworthy or shareable way.
- I don’t make things to sell.
- I’m not going to school at the moment.
- I don’t travel anywhere exotic.
- I am not a photographer.
- I’ve tried all sorts of crafts and hobbies, but wouldn’t say I’m passionate about any of them (except blogging).
- I am not a professional anything.
What on earth AM I, then?
What it comes down to is this: I love writing, I love blogging, and I love making connections online. And since I’m already doing all that stuff anyway, wouldn’t it be nice to try to earn some money while I’m at it? So that maybe, some day, I can do more than just pay the bills?
My kingdom for a niche!
Thoughts, comments, suggestions, ideas… I welcome them all!