"Required reading" for today's smart writer.

"Required reading" for today's smart writer.
Information & inspiration to hone your craft and increase your cash...Since 2009

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Should Bloggers Have a Niche Focus?



Lawyers specialize.
Many medical practitioners specialize.
Heck, even singers have a tendency to specialize in a particular style or category of music.
Should bloggers?

I pose this question because I do a lot of surfing and searching around the Net, for research purposes for my "professional" writing, and also, if I must admit, because I really just dig "recreational" reading of any sorts too. ;-)

As a matter of fact, today I am forced to donate a vast amount of books and magazines to a local thrift store, because I'm in the 100s here with reading materials. I kid you not, I could operate my own personal library from home, folks!
Things are geting way out of hand.:-) I either need a bigger house, or...well you get my drift. :-)

Anyway, I digress...

When I visit fellow blogger sites, I like to know what I'm getting into. Unless it's a personal blog, or one devoted to commentary, I think that the focus should be clearly defined.

Here's why:

1. It's more engaging, and in my opinion, easier to follow.
2. It establishes your expertise in your "niche area".
3. It comes across as being better organized.

How about you? Do you prefer reading "focused" blogs? Is your blog niche specific?
What's your take on this topic?


Image: Suat Eman

14 comments:

  1. Hi Jennifer,

    I do like niche specific blogs. Because they are more organized and focused.

    Yeap, my blog is niche specific, but a little broader. I focus on healthy living while focusing on a plant-based diet.

    I think this topic is cool. A blog should have a specific purpose, always keeping the audience in mind.

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  2. Hi Evelyn!

    I'm glad you consider this topic "cool." :-)
    It's cool to have your comments. Thanks much!

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  3. I like specific topics......some blogs just yammer on about daily happenings in the writer's life which can be tedious to read (my opinion only). I also like to find blogs that are about topics I personally enjoy reading about. With that said, my very topic specific blog (The Letter Writing Revolution) can be challenging in that my almost daily posts need to be about writing letters specifcally handwritten letters.
    I am enjoying your blog, Jennifer!
    www.theletterwritingrevolution.blogspot.com

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  4. Julie,

    I'm so glad to know that you're enjoying it here @ Pen and Prosper. Welcome! I would agree that sometimes it can be a bit much when blogs get too personal. I try to strike a good balance.

    Thanks so much for your thoughts and your time today. :-)

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  5. HI, Jennifer!
    Thanks for leaving a message on my blog! Isn't it great? So many people I might never have "met" had it not been for the internet....that was absolutely not intended to rhyme.

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  6. Jennifer Brown BanksJuly 27, 2010 at 4:40 PM

    Julie,

    U.R. welcome! It is neat, isn't it?

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  7. I'm not always looking for a blog that is topic specific. I also like blogs that are entertaining and whimsical. I like to be able to relate to the author. Blogging for me is a form of expression. I like to write about real life experiences.

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  8. Moonwillow,

    How great to hear from you today! I agree that I too like blogs that are "entertaining" in nature. B/T/W/ I've enjoyed visiting your blog. Love the orange and pink colors! And your garden is gorgeous. I'm doing a decent job with my house plants and hope to expand to more "garden" stuff next year.:-) Hopefully...

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  9. Jennifer: I agree. I think it is great when you know what a blog is going to deliver in terms of information and topics. I do appreciate blogs expanding their approach and sometimes bringing in topics that are only related to their niche. However, I think it really can improve the content when you have someone that focuses on a niche because it usually requires them to become even more of an expert on the topic.

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  10. Welcome back, Sybil! Well stated.
    I appreciate your time and your feedback.

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  11. Hey Jen,

    My blog is kinda sorta niche specific, in that it covers a host of "Living Well For Less" topics. I tend to visit blogs that I relate to, niche specific or not.

    Thought-provoking topic here, and one that bloggers and other writers frequently think about.
    -Nikola

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  12. Jennifer Brown BanksJuly 29, 2010 at 6:44 AM

    Hi Nikola,

    Long time, no see.:-)

    Yep, I would agree that your blog is "niche specific" even though you cover various topics, they all blend well to support your mission.
    Thanks for stopping by today!

    Be well.

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  13. I'm a big lover of niche specific blogs, too! I have one that I write, but I also have a personal one to share my funny stories of my kids. If I think about it, they are probably both niche blogs! LOL. Great post. Glad I found you through Lady Bloggers.

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  14. Jennifer Brown BanksJuly 31, 2010 at 6:38 PM

    Staci,

    Welcome, welcome! Glad you found me too. I look forward to hearing more from you in the future.
    Thanks for your thoughts today.

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