Blogging has been around since 1999 and has continued to grow in popularity. Currently there's 1.7 million blogs world wide. So trying to find your niche in a sea of blogs feels being in the middle of the ocean without a compass. You have no idea which way to go or how to get there. So how do you find your way?
You need a compass
A compass provides a dependable sense of direction and knowing where you're going is essential when it comes to writing a blog. I'm not talking about a literal compass, but a sense of direction. Simply said you need a plan. Most blogs fall into one of the following categories.
Business
Professional
Media
video
Personal
Niche
Start by figuring out what kind of blog you want to write. For example; do people come to you for advice on certain subjects? Are you an artist, photographer, teacher, writer etc. Your specialty can become your niche. The next step is to read blogs that fall into your chosen area, especially successful ones, and learn from them. Steven King said "If you want to be a good writer, you need to be a good reader."
Don't rush the process
Practice
Practice writing blog posts, share them with your friends, writers and other bloggers, get their advice, feedback and learn from them. The more you practice, writing the better you'll become. But don't let your fear of not being good enough rob you from an opportunity to share your gifts, talents or expertise with the world around you.
Connect with other writers
Another way you can improve your writing skill is to invest yourself: take online writing courses, attend conferences{ when available} and connect with other writers.
You can connect with other writers through social media. Start by finding your favorite author and leave positive comments on their posts. I have several favorite authors, follow them on Twitter, Instagram and occasionally comment on their posts, but never ask anything from them. Another way you can connect with other writers is join an online writing group, there all kinds of online groups for writers. A good writers group can make a huge difference in the quality of your writing, I've been in some good writing groups over the years and it really does make a difference
Start somewhere
I started writing stories when I was young and grew into a full fledged desire to be a writer and which led me to study journalism and creative writing in college. But it didn't stop there. I took a variety of writing courses over the years and wrote articles, interview for a small Christian newspaper and learned some valuable lessons. along the way.
1. You have to start somewhere.
2. There are some terrible first works.
3 Learn to take advice
4. Don't give up
5. Focus on quality over quantity.
6. Strive for excellence
In summary
I found my niche, by focusing my assets, the things I do best and spent years writing articles, blog posts, devotionals etc. When I look back the things I wrote years ago, I consider them the terrible firsts, but kept copies of most every thing I wrote, so I could look back someday and see how far I've come and I've come a long ways baby!
In order to find your niche, be different, unique, stylish and use your skills, talent and expertise to help you navigate your way through a sea of blogs. Most importantly, be patient with yourself, get help and advice and don't give up!
I recommend Author Media, {Thomas Umstattd Jr} he has a courses, podcasts and more all designed to help you succeed with your writing . . . and it works.
J.L Wallace
seen first on gracefulpen.org