Harness the Sales Power of Niche Marketing
Niche marketing is one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal as an online retailer because it provides a focused and target market.
One of the most important things to establish when considering niche marketing is what you will be selling. If you're not sure, consider these questions: What are my interests? What would I buy if I were planning my dream home? What would I buy for myself if all money was no object?
The Internet makes it easier than ever to tap into new markets and connect with potential customers, so whether you sell shoes or shower curtains, there are buyers out there waiting to purchase your goods or services.
The most important thing to remember is that there is no such thing as a "one-size-fits-all" niche market. But you don't have to limit yourself to just one niche. Select two or three, and go with what works best for your business. That way, you'll be able to expand your business whenever you want.
Start with a niche market and then branch out, expanding in the good direction.
Recommended Reading: 10 Tips for Choosing a Niche Market: http://www.gumroad.com/l/blog/Determine_the_Right_Market » Click here to download PDF document of 10 tips for choosing a niche market .
By Melissa R.
In a nutshell, niche marketing is marketing to the "artisans" in an otherwise thoughtless world. It's about using your knowledge and experience to provide relevant services, products and knowledge that are more meaningful and specific for a "niche market". We can't forget that every member of society has some kind of unique skills or experience to share with others. I love how Benjamin Franklin said "He who dies with the most toys, is still dead".
I create custom pieces of branded jewelry (such as dog collars, cat collars and dog leashes) while also working on custom animal products such as pillows, blankets, and slings (along with other handmade items). My best blogging material is my "Craft-o-Matic" blog.
If you go to the craft-o-matic blog, as well as other blogs that I write, you'll find a lot of information on a wide variety of topics. You may also see that I have other niche business interests, including: coaching in an online course for the "newbie" blogger; making wooden animal toys for hand made gifts; customizing and selling handmade gifts online; and creating designer dog collars for clients. (In addition to this information on my business, I also have a list of products that I sell online at Etsy).
I would like to focus on my "niche market". I more and more am finding myself "thinking like a customer" as I interact with other bloggers, and like-minded people. I find that my blogging has become more focused and is more directed to my niche customers who are looking for the following: (1) custom jewelry; (2) custom pet products (pet collars, leashes, cat toys); and; (3) handmade gifts, such as wooden animal toys (dog collars etc.). Plus I also sell on Etsy.
When starting out you may want to consider what type of niche marketing is most effective for your business.
For example, if you own a restaurant and want to become engaged in social media, blogging and networking with other local foodies, you may want to consider using "niche marketing" to get your name out there and build a reputation for your business.
If you are interested in the new technologies of "3D printing", then perhaps find a niche market where you can reach out to people who are buying, selling or making these items. This can include giants like EV3, but also smaller niche companies such as Teraformars or Hexy.
If you are interested in making and selling slot car products online, then choose a specific niche that will interest these customers. (I personally have been making and selling slot car products online for over 30 years).
As you can see, the options are endless in finding a niche market.
There are many ways to find a niche market, including: (1) observation of similar industries; (2) online research; (3) social media research; (4) knowledge of your markets; and (5) experience and creativity.
If you need help finding your niche market on the web, then I invite you to contact me at MelissaR@MelissaRenaeLane.com . I have over 6 years experience in the jewelry industry, as well as other related industries.
I look forward to providing you with information on this topic, and others.
Be sure to check out my articles under the following subjects:
You can find me on Facebook at Melissa Renae Lane and also on Pinterest at Melissarenaelane. Be sure to like and follow my page by clicking the links below:
http://www.facebook.com/MelissaRenaeLane http://pinterest.com/melissarenaelane
You can find me also on Twitter . Click here to follow me!
I will be posting a variety of information and news as well as special offers that I am hosting for handmade business owners that I interact with online in social media (they may be local or online).
I will be posting other related information (as mentioned in the Melissa Renae Lane blog) that I would like to share with you. Look for a variety of weekly updates!
Click here to learn about my online jewelry making course for "newbies" who want to start their own handmade business and make jewelry .
Click here to learn about my custom handmade pet items and gift ideas .
Click here to see examples of my work and find out more about me as a designer and crafter.
"Melissa Renae Lane" is a trademark of Melissa Renae LLC - 2014 – all rights reserved."MelissaR@MelissaRenaeLane.
Conclusion - My Niche Market (or "Who is my Target Market"): Finding a good niche market is all about knowing your customers, who they are and what problems they have. Every business owner needs to know the type of niche customers he or she wants to target for their business.
You need to have a very clear picture of your customer's personality, lifestyle and basic needs.
Remember, you are selling your brand, product or service to these niche customers.