30DC: Day 6 - 3 More Things to "Notice" about your Niche!

This part is the "noticing" phase. The exercise is mostly about noticing various characteristics about niches:

• Sponsored Ads
• Affiliate Programs
• Daily Searches
• Google Trends

Here is a snapshot of the niches I am focusing on:


Anyway, I've noticed that most of the keywords I used to determine affiliate programs, competition, and trends are not really targeted. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised that I might have to go back to the drawing board when researching niches.

Here are some things that I recommend "noticing" when doing market research:

1. Pay attention to the consumer.
   
• Does this niche solve any problems?
• Try to put yourself in the shoes of the consumer: "If I was in the market looking for XXX, what would I search for in Google?"
  
2. Pay attention to potential popular resources
• Look for forums or groups that participate in the niche market
• Dig into these forums/groups to find more information about your niche. You might even find a more targeted niche than the one you already have!
  
3. Pay attention to the words and phrases that relate to the niche
• Look at how the the niche is talked about within communities
• Unbiased conversations are valuable resources. It will usually reveal the needs and wants of the consumer in the market.
  
• It is now your job to fulfill that need and want of the consumer!
  

I think that this part of the 30DC is more of an art than an exact science. It is important to think in terms of consumer psychology rather than numbers. So, for those participating in the challenge, try to change your mindset to the consumer's and you will see more opportunities as you do your research!

So go out there and start "Noticing"!