Dec
18
Finding a blog niche that is on the verge of rapid growth can be difficult, but it’s not impossible if you know where to look. I did this years ago with flashed-based web video, when Google Video was new and YouTube didn’t exist. That video blog now has more than 1,500 subscribers and I make a couple bucks from AdSense on it.
Staying on top of trends, changes, and advances offers you the following advantages:
- You can snag the best URLs before someone else does.
- Your blog will have a greater degree of longevity than the newcomers, so you will rank higher in search results.
- The new blogs will link to you and see you as an established expert in the niche already.
But what are some ways to stay on top of trends? There are websites devoted to this. Whether you call it trendwatching coolhunting, or just good ol’ research, keeping an eye out on some of these sites puts you ahead of everyone else:
I subscribe to several of these sites, and I benefit from them. Some of my recent, current, and future blogging projects are driven in part by being ahead of the curve and by having this information available when most bloggers don’t pay attention to it.
A Word of Warning
Creating a new blog in anticipation of a trend is risky. Sometimes, things don’t shake out like we might think. I’m very glad I never bought any domains or created any blogs around Microsoft’s Zune, for example, because it’s basically a dud. And even though you’re basing your decision on an educated analysis of trends, you should still choose something you have an interest in–the greater your interest, the better. In another example, I once created a celebrity video blog about Britney Spears, Lindsey Lohan, and Paris Hilton. I wasn’t really personally interested in it enough to work it up into a blog with solid traffic, so I killed it.
Popularity: 20% [?]
thanks for the links, I’ll be going through each one
You’re welcome! Sometimes it’s the off-blog stuff that has the biggest impact, especially when planning future projects.
I just wonder what percentage of products take off compared to those which are duds. It would be very tempting to get in first but I suppose you either really need to know what your doing or you’ll end up wasting your time.
April that’s a good point. In spite of research, there is an element of chance and risk. But the payoff can be pretty good. I bet the first few people who created iPhone blogs are pretty happy, right now.
I’m a big fan of capitalizing on trends, but those links are new to me, so I’m a happy camper now. Thanks!
Donna, you’re welcome! If you have any others to share, why don’t you share them in another comment?
Yeah, I too never knew about these sites but may have to bookmark them. Though honestly, I don’t think I really have the time to do anything else web wise. I think I’m stretched too thin as it is!
Great stuff, this is what I have been looking for all the while.
Thanks
Damian, you’re welcome! I’m one of those guys that watches all those “future” shows on the Discovery Channel, so this sort of thing is my style. You gotta keep your eye on the horizon.
Thanks for the resources Michael. I’m not really familiar with these.
Steven, you’re welcome. Glad to be a source of new info for you.
Thanks Michael… staying ahead of the curve is very important and there are a couple of links listed here that I was not familiar with. Very helpful!
Glad you liked it, Dave!
Good resources Michael…New for me too
Seven Trendwatching Sites to Put You Ahead of the Game
Finding a blog niche that is on the verge of rapid growth can be difficult, but it’s not impossible if you know where to look. I did this years ago with flashed-based web video, when Google Video was new and YouTube didn’t exist. That video blog no…
Thanks Michael, although I have to agree with your point that it’s important to pick a topic to blog about that you’re interested in, instead of just something that might be the next big thing. I could see myself using these resources more for posts I could write centered around my current topic (something up & coming in that area) instead of creating a new blog, but who knows….inspiration can come from so many different places, you don’t want to limit yourself.
JoLynn, that’s a great point. Yes, you absolutely can use sites like these to help you come up with post topics!
Thanks for the list. I also subscribed to most of them…
You’re welcome, Ruchir. Out of all of them, I find the Springwise and the Trendwatching ones to be the best.
I started to create a Paris Hilton blog, but thought twice after I realized what a saturated niche it was. There are people that write about her and details down to the color of her panties (if she’s wearing them).
I’d fathom that anything to do with new games (Mass Effect, Guitar Hero 3, etc) would do well.
I tried to make money online with a site dedicated to webkinz, but just wasn’t that focused with it. It’s all about foresight and dedication to your niche.
Michael – what a great idea – thanks for helping me think outside the box. I can’t keep up with you! lol Honestly – I appreciate you doing the homework and sharing the cliff notes – off to read…Cyndee Haydon
Thank you for a list of sites. I interisuyus this topic.
Hallo Michael,
Thanks for links…I’ll check each one.
I also subscribe to some of these websites. Thanks.