How To Decide What To Blog About If You Want To Make Money

You want to start a blog. Not just for fun (though that’s fab too), but because you want to make money... Yet, there’s a significant question that’s stopping you in your tracks, leaving you feeling uncertain and hesitant.

“What should I blog about?”

Choosing the right blog niche is the difference between a hobby that drains you and a business that sustains you. So grab your favorite notebook, a strong cup of something caffeinated, perhaps a rich espresso or a comforting chai latte, and let’s break down how to choose your money-making blog topic with clarity and confidence. It’s important to recognize that the niche you select will not only reflect your passions and interests but will also determine your potential for success in the blogging world.

Understanding Your Interests and Expertise

Before diving into the vast ocean of blogging possibilities, take a moment to reflect on what truly excites you. What topics can you talk about for hours without losing enthusiasm? Consider your hobbies, your professional expertise, and the unique experiences that shape your perspective. This self-reflection is crucial because a blog that stems from genuine interest is more likely to resonate with readers and keep you motivated during challenging times.

1. Passion + Profit + People

Here’s my golden trio for choosing a blog topic that actually makes money:

What do you love to talk about endlessly (even if no one’s paying you... yet)?

Identifying a topic that ignites your enthusiasm is crucial. This is the subject matter you could discuss for hours without losing interest, the kind of content that gets you excited and motivated to write. Think about your hobbies, interests, and the subjects you find yourself gravitating towards in your daily life. This passion will not only fuel your writing but also resonate with your audience. When you talk about something you love, your authenticity shines through, making it easier to connect with readers who share similar interests.

What topics are people already spending money on?

It’s essential to conduct thorough research to identify which topics have a proven track record of monetization. This can involve looking into existing blogs, online courses, products, and services that are thriving in your area of interest. Tools like Google Trends, keyword research, and social media platforms can provide insights into what consumers are actively seeking and willing to invest in. By aligning your passion with profitable niches, you increase your chances of creating content that not only attracts attention but also generates income.

Can you build a loyal, hungry audience around it?

Building a dedicated audience is a vital component of a successful blog. Consider whether the topic you’ve chosen has the potential to cultivate a community of engaged readers who are eager for your insights and willing to interact with your content. Think about ways to foster this community, whether through social media engagement, email newsletters, or interactive content like webinars and Q&A sessions. A loyal audience is more likely to support your monetization efforts, whether through subscriptions, merchandise, or affiliate marketing.

Passion is important. But passion alone won’t pay the rent. You want to find that sweet intersection of what lights you up and what solves a real problem people are willing to pay to solve. This intersection is where you can thrive as a blogger, as it allows you to create content that is not only enjoyable for you to produce but also valuable to your audience. When you can successfully merge your enthusiasm with market demand and community engagement, you set the stage for a sustainable blogging career that can provide both personal fulfillment and financial stability.

2. Research What’s Already Working, Then Make It Your Own

To successfully carve out your niche and connect with your target audience, you should conduct thorough research on existing trends and popular content. This process involves diving deep into various platforms where your ideal readers are likely to spend their time. Head over to Pinterest, Google, Etsy, YouTube, and other relevant social media channels to start digging for insights that can inform your content creation strategy.

You want to look for:

• What blog posts are trending? Analyze the themes, topics, and formats that are gaining traction. Pay attention to the headlines that are drawing clicks and engagement, as well as the comments and discussions that follow. This will give you a sense of what resonates with readers and what they find valuable.

• What digital products are flying off the virtual shelves? Explore marketplaces like Etsy or other platforms where digital products are sold. Identify which items are bestsellers and examine their features, pricing, and customer reviews. Understanding what makes these products appealing can inspire you to create something unique that meets similar needs.

• What questions do people keep asking? Engage with forums, social media groups, and Q&A sites to uncover the common queries and challenges your audience faces. If you notice a recurring theme in the questions being asked, this serves as a vital indicator of the topics that require attention and could lead to lucrative content opportunities.

  
  

If you see people asking the same question again and again, that’s a money signal.

It is important to emphasize that simply copying what others have done is not the way to stand out in a crowded market. Instead, you should add your magic. This means infusing your unique voice, perspective, and personal experiences into the content you create. Consider how you can approach a popular topic from a fresh angle or incorporate your own stories and insights. Your individuality is what will attract and retain your audience, setting you apart from others who may be addressing the same subjects.

Think about the elements that make your style distinctive. Whether it's your writing tone, the visuals you choose, or the overall presentation of your digital products, ensure that these aspects reflect who you are. By doing so, you not only create a sense of authenticity but also foster a deeper connection with your audience. Remember, in a world filled with similar ideas, your unique perspective is your greatest asset.

3. Write to Serve, Not Just to Share

When you sit down to write, remember that your purpose extends far beyond merely recounting the mundane details of your cat’s daily antics or describing the colorful ingredients of your breakfast smoothie, unless, of course, your cat is an internet sensation raking in millions or your smoothie recipe holds the secret to overcoming procrastination. Instead, your writing should be a powerful tool aimed at addressing a specific need or challenge faced by your audience.

Consider the impact of your words: you are writing to solve a problem, whether it’s providing practical advice on managing time effectively, offering insights into personal development, or sharing tips on navigating the complexities of modern life. Each piece you create should resonate deeply with your readers, compelling them to reflect on their own experiences and encouraging them to take actionable steps towards improvement.

You are writing to save someone time. In a world where information is abundant but often overwhelming, your role as a writer is to distill complex concepts into digestible, actionable insights. Your readers are busy individuals who appreciate content that is not only engaging but also efficient. By delivering value in a concise manner, you empower them to make informed decisions quickly, enhancing their productivity and overall well-being.

Your goal should be to spark a transformation in your audience. This transformation can take many forms: perhaps it’s a shift in mindset, a newfound motivation to pursue a goal, or the realization that change is possible. Your words should inspire and uplift, leaving your readers with a sense of hope and possibility. They should walk away thinking, “OMG. That helped SO much. I need more of her.” This reaction is the hallmark of impactful writing, indicating that you have successfully connected with your audience on a meaningful level.

4. Validate the Profit Potential Early

Before you fully commit to a specific niche, it is crucial to evaluate its profit potential carefully. This process involves asking yourself a series of targeted questions to help assess whether the niche can generate sustainable revenue. Here are some key considerations to guide your evaluation:

• Are there affiliate products in this space I can promote? Exploring the availability of affiliate products is essential. Look for established affiliate programs related to your niche that offer competitive commissions. Research platforms like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or ClickBank to identify products that align with your audience's interests. The presence of a variety of products indicates that there is a market demand, and it can provide you with multiple income streams.

• Could I create digital products (planners, courses, templates, etc.) for this audience? Assessing your ability to develop digital products tailored to your target audience is another vital aspect of validating profit potential. Think about the unique needs and pain points of your audience and how you can address them through valuable offerings.

• Are brands paying for sponsorships or collaborations in this niche? Investigating whether brands are actively investing in sponsorships or collaborations within your chosen niche can provide a strong indicator of its profitability. Look for influencers or content creators who are successfully partnering with brands, as this can signal that there is a lucrative market for advertising and promotions.

If the answer to these questions is yes, you’re in business. This positive affirmation indicates that there are viable avenues for monetization, and you can move forward with confidence in your niche selection.

Conversely, if the answer is “not really,” it might be better to regard this niche as a passion project rather than your main money-maker. While pursuing a passion can be fulfilling, it is important to recognize when a niche lacks the financial viability necessary for sustainable income. In such cases, you may want to consider pivoting to a more lucrative niche or developing additional strategies to supplement your income. Understanding the financial landscape of your niche is key to ensuring that your efforts lead to the desired outcomes.

5. Don’t Overthink. Just Start.

You do not need to have a meticulously detailed five-year plan or an overwhelming 37-tab spreadsheet meticulously outlining every aspect of your content before you write your very first post. The reality of blogging is that it is an iterative process, one that is inherently fluid and subject to change. Your blog will evolve as you continue to create and share your thoughts and experiences with your audience. It is through this process of creation that you will gradually begin to identify your unique voice and discover the specific niche that resonates with both you and your readers.

Clarity comes from action not from overthinking in your Google Docs.

Therefore, please stop obsessing over every minute detail and simply start publishing your content. The act of writing and sharing your ideas is what will propel you forward. As you publish more posts, you will gain valuable insights into what works and what doesn’t, allowing you to test different approaches and tweak your strategy as you go along. Each post you create is an opportunity to learn and refine your blogging skills, helping you to grow not just as a writer but also as a content creator.

The blogging community is vast and diverse, and you are not alone in this journey. Many successful bloggers began with uncertainty and without a clear roadmap. They took the plunge, shared their thoughts, and gradually honed their craft. Embrace the imperfections that come with starting out; they are part of the learning curve. By taking that first step, you will find that inspiration often strikes in the midst of action, leading to unexpected ideas and connections.

The key takeaway here is to prioritize action over excessive planning. Instead of getting bogged down in analysis paralysis, focus on generating content, engaging with your audience, and refining your approach based on feedback and personal growth. The more you write, the clearer your vision will become, and the more confident you will feel in your blogging journey. So, take a deep breath, let go of the need for perfection, and start!

Final Word From Sula:

Perfection is not a prerequisite for success.

You don’t need to be perfect.

Instead, you need to be purposeful.

The ideal blog niche will strike that beautiful balance of what you love, what helps others, and what makes money. This trifecta is crucial because it not only fuels your passion but also creates value for your readers and generates income for you.

Have fun with the process, as enjoyment is a key ingredient in sustaining your blogging journey.

The internet is vast and diverse, and it is waiting to hear your unique voice. Your perspective is valuable, and there are countless individuals out there who will resonate with your story, insights, and experiences.

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