As an aspiring blogger, brainstorming can be a bit overwhelming. It can be difficult to rein in all the ideas you have in your head for that perfect post. On the other hand, you may have chosen to write about a topic, but don’t find yourself particularly interested in it. When getting together a blog or a blog post, it helps to have a blueprint of how the writing is going to go.
Finding your unique scope on topics not only serves to keep your interest, but also to enable you to write in an authoritative and captivating way for your readers. Below are a few ways in which you can find and pinpoint your niche.
Find Your Passions
Writing on what you are interested in is the first step to finding your niche. Your interest in the subject will show through in your writing, and since it is a passion of yours, your knowledge of the subject will allow you to write with a higher degree of credibility. Finding your passion will help your whole writing process, from brainstorming to final editing.
Research for your posts will be easier and more enjoyable when investigating a topic that is relatable and of interest to you. Topics you aren’t familiar with can be time consuming when familiarizing yourself with the material, and if you aren’t interested in it to begin with, you are more likely to stall or just plain give up.
Your passions can stem from a fondness or appreciation of a subject or from firsthand knowledge — whether positive or negative. For instance, if someone close to you has found themselves in debt, a subject you might be passionate about would include credit card management to help out others who may be in the same situation. In a more positive example, maybe your favorite author has come out with a great new book and you would like to write a review in promotion of it.
So, take note the next time you find yourself really passionate about something. This can be a topic that always pops into your head in the shower or something that makes you smile. Conversely, it could be a topic that makes you angry that something hasn’t been done about it yet. Taking a look at your hobbies can be a great way to find niches you will fit into nicely while maintaining a steady supply of material. A firm analysis of your passions can turn a boring post into an interesting, heartfelt piece that’s well received by your audience.
Read Your Competitors and Blogs You Enjoy
Ok, so maybe if you’re just starting out you don’t have competitors. But you can read the articles you enjoy and find their competitors. If you do have a competitor, that’s great. Reading a publication that you don’t necessarily agree with can be great for finding and reminding you of topics you are passionate about. It will give you material to write a piece in response to what you just read. Additionally, reading things that are conflicting of your views will solidify your reasoning and better prepare you for discourse, increasing your knowledgeable and authoritative tone on a subject.
Reading blogs you agree with has the benefit of further exploring a topic you would write about. Maybe you missed something that a writer has chosen to illuminate on a topic you enjoy. On the other hand, maybe you can fill in the gap on something the author failed to notice. As Sydney Lines puts it, “It expands my knowledge of other cultures, people, and ideas and exposes me to ideas I’ve never considered.” You should always be looking for a slightly different perspective on things that you’re passionate about, as you can never be too knowledgeable about your interests, and this knowledge can turn into great, consistent writing for your blog.
In the world of writing, coming up with fresh, relevant topics can stop your process before it even starts. Being aware of your passions to find your niche, and keeping up to date of the topics on your niche will provide you with a never ending supply of starting points and interesting topics for your writing. So, the next time you are brainstorming, keep the above information in mind!
About the Author:
Avery T. Phillips is a freelance human being with too much to say. She loves nature and examining human interactions with the world. Find her on Twitter; comment or tweet her at @a_taylorian with any questions or suggestions.