Are you lovin’ these bliss*tastic posts? Well, I am! Enter Andrea from Mommy Snacks. Read what she has to say about niche blogging…
I met Amanda last year on our trip as #magicalmoms to Walt Disney World. I can honestly say I feel blessed to have met her and get to know her. We have since been fortunate enough to hang again on other occasions. She is the exact same person in person as you read on her site. Her voice shines as bright as she is!
When she asked me to share something blog-related, of course I agreed. I am passionate about all that is involved with the learning and growing of this community. So much so that I have worked with some fantastic bloggers to create Savvy Blogging – a site focused on helping those who want to help make their blog a successful business!
As I began to write this, I looked at the definition above. Whenever I receive questions or challenges on topics, I try to go back to the foundation. Knowing I’m reading from the *same book* helps me to be as objective as possible.
Did you notice that the definition, according to Merriam Webster, doesn’t say anything about rules, niches, monetizing or professionalism (I wish that was inherent for bloggers, but sadly it is not). It certainly doesn’t say “some categories of blogs are more a blog than others.” Wouldn’t that be silly! Yet, I have heard people state that about authors in a certain blog niche.
A blog niche, or specialty, focuses on content and marketing to the target demographic. You heard Christine share how she wanted to provide content for those living in Boston, saw a *hole* and with that passion created Boston Mamas. JoLynne shared how she felt she was a memoirist and identified with a new niche. She is equally successful in sharing everyday life on a personal level with her community.
I write, generally, in the money-saving/frugal niche. Let me back up. I started a blog to share a passion of saving money. It was only later that I understood I was in a niche, or specialty per *blogging* terms. According to a demographic survey I conducted last year, my readers read primarily to find ways to save money. So I check *that* box.
When you look at the three of us, are any one of us better than the other? I would say yes, they are super smart and I could learn a ton from them. In general, as we share and what we do according to that definition of a blog, no we’re not. Do we adopt specific strategies to reach our target demographic, connect and achieve our goals? I would say absolutely. Others may argue there is no strategy to it at all. That idea may be completely accurate for your blog. That’s the beauty of blogging – there are no rules to blog!
The one aspect I see many blogs offer, regardless of niche, is personality! I 100% believe that you can provide great information but if you fail to include your personality you will become boring. Not that I follow every definition, but it does state that a blog is an *online personal journal….. the contents of such site.*
A large difference between what I do and what my readers will find in a forum or message board is that *personal journal* component. They can find the same deals, and will find them more timely honestly. In that same reader survey I mentioned above, my readers stated they liked the personal posts, such as my faith and weight-loss journey, as well. You don’t always find this level of personal sharing in a forum. I believe it is also rare to see on many large niche sites.
Now, would my community continue to exist if Mommy Snacks.net became more personal and less focused on saving money? Yes, I did share in detail how a niche is important even if I break the rule myself 🙂 I am guessing if I wrote less content about saving money, my traffic would go down a great deal. However, I have a mind beyond deals and don’t want to start a new blog to share them.
Here is an example of a recent topic when I went outside my niche. I have readers who want Buca di Beppo coupons. However, I just shared how we won’t take our kids to visit Buca di Beppo anymore. I received more comments in my personal post – moreso than when I have simply posted about a coupon for the restaurant. What does that say?
At the end of the day, I go back to that definition. I go back to my passion to help people *save on what you want so you can spend on what you need.* I also strive to *keep it real* with my readers and show them who I am. I’m not perfect and I have opinions. I use my blog to share those because, well, it’s my blog. Niche or not, I’m not changing. I kinda like it the way it is!
:: :: ::
What an encouragement for whatever type of blog you have! Now, if you are looking for a good deal, want to get your couponing on or just become bffs with Andrea, please subscribe to Mommy Snacks. And follow her on twitter. She is a GEM. If you ever get a chance to see her in real life–hug her neck because she will be an instant friend.
Stay tuned for Bliss*Tastic Week 4 with a special post from Amy at The Finer Things in Life!
Boston Mamas says
That’s such a good point Andrea — I felt that I needed to carve out a personal blog (Pop Discourse) for my ramblings and thoughts and interests that weren’t relevant in a resource-y way to Boston Mamas, but I also have found that some of my posts on BM — where I step outside the resource box and share in a different, yet still related way, get so much response.
At the end of the day, I think listening to instinct helps. We’re all forging our way here, and as you said, there are no hard and fast rules! -Christine
.-= Boston Mamas´s last blog ..Take Care of You =-.
Andrea @ MommySnacks.net says
Christine, I completely understand that. I actually started writing about the benefits of a niche and realized I went against what most experts say you should do.
The reflection made me confirm that it’s not about the niche, it’s about the content and the delivery person (so to speak). And, instinct, as you said. That is huge and something I see a lot of people ignore to try to fit a mold.
Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect says
Thanks, Andrea, for sharing your insight! I think your Buca di Beppo example is a great one, and I agree with your other readers – personality trumps most anything, any day!
Andrea @ MommySnacks.net says
Thanks, Mary!
Amy @ Raising Arrows says
Andrea,
I totally agree. A niche is nothing but the same old same old if there’s no personality behind it. It is so important to interject yourself and interact with your readers because it’s about community. I’d rather have 100 faithful readers than thousands who stop once and never come back because sites like mine are a dime a dozen.
Blessings,
Amy
Andrea @ MommySnacks.net says
Amy, that is so true! I look at it like trying to impact the few lives I have been blessed to have read. Hearing stories from some of them who pour out their hearts is humbling and an honor for me! I’d rather have that connection over anything!
.-= Andrea @ MommySnacks.net´s last blog ..More Free Photo Cards and Prints =-.
mandi @ it's come to this says
I think the reason some readers (me included) like a little bit of both is because it brings validity to who the writer is. By seeing a glimpse of your “real life” I know how similar or different I might be with the writer. The more alike we are the more I value their opinions within their niche! Just this AM, @RealLifeSarah asked if “we were more likely to respond to a celebrity or a mom blogger in marketing messages” … for me, it depends on delivery & how sincere the message is. I wouldn’t believe a mom-blogger if I never saw her personality & beliefs through her blog just b/c she was a mom-blogger … just like I wouldn’t a celebrity just b/c they were a celebrity!
And “I kinda like your blog the way it is too”!! Looking forward to meeting you at #blissdom!!
Andrea @ MommySnacks.net says
I can’t wait to meet you girl!!
That is so true. I compare blogs to reality tv. We get so sucked into those shows because it’s *supposedly* real people. Well, we know that blogs are really real (mostly :). That’s why it almost feels like betrayal, for me, when I see something different in person than what has been represented on someone’s blog.
.-= Andrea @ MommySnacks.net´s last blog ..More Free Photo Cards and Prints =-.
Sandy says
I just started up a new blog, but I don’t really have a niche. I just post about my journey in cooking, photography, sewing, etc. I know that kind of sets me up at a disadvantage b/c it is kind of general but I hope that my content and my personality will be what sets me apart from others!!
BTW, the background colors and design for this blog is just beautiful!!
Andrea @ MommySnacks.net says
Sandy, I truly believe that it’s a combination of a few thing ts that can set you apart from others, but your personality is your #1 asset! Good luck with your new site!
.-= Andrea @ MommySnacks.net´s last blog ..More Free Photo Cards and Prints =-.
Kelleigh @ Kelleigh Ratzlaff Designs says
Awesome post! I totally needed this tonight. I love the line, “… I have a mind beyond deals and don’t want to start a new blog to share them.” That’s exactly how I feel! I think I write about my passions, which could fall into niches, but I am all over the place with them!! LOL! Thanks for pointing this out to me at the #savvyblogging party!
.-= Kelleigh @ Kelleigh Ratzlaff Designs´s last blog ..My Pretty Valentine – A new papercraft template! =-.
Andrea @ MommySnacks.net says
Kelleigh, thanks for hopping over to read!! Glad you got to party with us too!
.-= Andrea @ MommySnacks.net´s last blog ..More Free Photo Cards and Prints =-.
Tracy @HallofFameMoms says
I started blogging to earn money from home but its so much more than that. My direction now isn’t exactly as I had planned in the beginning but I enjoy it and I don’t follow hard fast rules about niches. Mines broad in that my niche is about sharing “my life” as it pertains to working from home, being frugal, saving money, etc.. I have separated more of the businessy things about blogging into a separate blog but I rarely blog over there at this time- I have much to share over there but …its more than I want to focus on right now.
Good post, thank you!
.-= Tracy @HallofFameMoms´s last blog ..Another great Giant Eagle trip. =-.
Laura says
Thanks for your post. I’ve been tossing around the idea of blogging for quite some time now and have recently decided to narrow my focus to a niche and move forward with trying to earn money through my site. I’ve started a coupon blog, but the main site is a coupon site for my town in Virginia. I really hope that I can give back to my community by building a great site to help people save money and to help local business owners have some free advertising options. Your article helped me to realize I shouldn’t be under pressure to follow *rules*.
.-= Laura´s last blog ..Blue Ridge Coupons: Tips for Earning Money Online Right from Home =-.
Monster Game headphone says
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was wondering what all is needed to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very web smart so I’m not 100% positive. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated. Kudos
phan mem diet virus says
Apple now has Rhapsody as an app, which is a great start, but it is currently hampered by the inability to store locally on your iPod, and has a dismal 64kbps bit rate. If this changes, then it will somewhat negate this advantage for the Zune, but the 10 songs per month will still be a big plus in Zune Pass’ favor.
edu backlinks says
With immense pride I wholeheartedly recommend the website http://www.seo-backlinks.org.uk to all those who are searching for quality Backlink Diversity that will knock out google panda and penguin crush your competition and catapult your website to the first page of Google search engine. I am extremely happy and impressed with their professional, prompt and dedicated services. So go online and explore the web now.
Buy Kindle Canada says
I’m glad that I found your post and your blog – will be bookmarking your blog! Thanks!
cennik schneider says
Excellent post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed! Very useful information specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this particular info for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.