Finding/marketing your niche
Bonnie Chambers and Renee Chin
STRATEGIES FOR FINDING
- Know yourself and what you’re interested in
- Know the people you want to work with
- Realize that what you’re offering is your unique viewpoint about your niche
- Defining your niche can be done by your customers – how you are filling their needs. Are you the cheapest or fastest in your price range. Where do you resonate in your customer’s buying decision-making?
STRATEGIES FOR MARKETING
Todd: graphic design – join leads clubs, direct mail, cold calls, standard web marketing tools, chamber of commerce. Business networking groups like SC Business Connect (he is founder/owner). Always 1st & 3rd Thursdays.
Marketing is a consequence of an opportunity to have a conversation with a potential client.
Other methods
- Client referrals.
- Trade magazines.
- Tradeshows and conferences.
- Do your homework on a company and submit a plan to capitalize on an unperceived need.
- Find a way to tie an interest in to generate subsidiary interest in your main niche. For example, network with other railroad enthusiasts.
- Merchant Circle – online local business community
- Consider sponsoring events for your target audience like FreelanceCamp.org or events/talks/seminars by recognizable experts in your area of expertise
- Find a way to communicate your investment in your area – what you’re interested and committed to. Offer value besides your service.
- Be as specialized as possible if you want to own your niche.
- Figure out what triggers a customer’s action (like a new marriage might result in a new refrigerator purchase, so making friends with wedding photographers/planners might result in leads).
- Offer your product free for viral marketing.
Recommended Reading:
- Read “Attracting Your Perfect Customer”
- Read “Made to Stick”
- Read “The 4-hour workweek”