By Carrie Boyko
How do I set myself apart from you, as a pet blogger? When I look around a pet blogger blog hop, a few themes pop immediately, while others require a few minutes of perusal for notice. Many of us could use a little practice at promoting our niche to our readers, as well as our peers.
Setting the stage for your specific niche takes strategic planning and thought. A few exercises to follow in this series will help you see your niche more clearly. I’ll be here several times in the upcoming weeks to offer some tips and exercises on determining what you want your niche to be, and how to get there.
Hopefully, together with your comments and discussion, we can answer the question, “If I build it, will they come?”
Who are my readers now and whom would I like them to be moving forward?
What is my niche or the special theme unique to my blog?
Where are my readers and how do I align my posts with their needs?
When do my readers need my information? Should I post daily, weekly, hourly or monthly?
Why do I need a niche? Can’t I just talk about whatever pet topic comes to mind and fly by the seat of my pants?
How will I learn to narrow my niche content and find the readers who want my specific specialties?
Grab your magnifying glass and I’ll see you soon to start looking closely at your niche and how you want others to see it as you continue your blogging journey. Happy tails!
The first in this series will begin on May 14. Stay tuned!
Carrie Boyko writes All Things Dog Blog, where she and her team offer problem-solving for your life with dogs. Check out our Ask the Vet and Ask the Dog Trainer columns.
Awesome! This is just what I need to clarify who I am and what my blog is all about. Im going to start answering those questions and refine them as I read your series. Thank you!
Posted by: Debby and Kirby | 04/28/2011 at 08:22 AM
This is a tough one as I am aware my posts can sometimes be all over the place. My blog is as much a personal website as it is a pet blog and sometimes I talk a lot more about myself than I do about my dog. Should I cut back on that, I wonder, or is that part of my special niche? I look forward to your coming posts!
Posted by: Kristine | 04/28/2011 at 11:27 AM
Great post! Been working on Orlando Hotel and niche is all about a specific specialty, for us who work in this industry.
Posted by: Jamie | 04/28/2011 at 12:11 PM
Great post carrie, I'm glad to find another place to read you're insights!:)
Posted by: Katie, Maizey, and Magnus | 04/28/2011 at 01:27 PM
I really look forward to this series Carrie! Thank you for sharing your ideas and expertise with us. I've been thinking a lot about the identity for Kolchak's blog and how to fine tune what we post and share.
Posted by: Kolchak & Jodi | 04/28/2011 at 01:30 PM
Can't wait to read the series!
Posted by: Paris @DogTipper | 04/28/2011 at 02:43 PM
Fantastic! This is just what I have been looking for. Thanks!
Posted by: Lisa Taron (aka The Pet Book Lady) | 04/28/2011 at 04:20 PM
Hi Y'all,
Sure lookin' forward to this series.
Hawk aka BrownDog
Posted by: Hawk aka BrownDog | 04/28/2011 at 04:22 PM
Did anyone notice my themed photo? Baby Oliver found his 'niche' in Tanner's waist--LOL. Okay, I know it was bad, but I couldn't help myself.
Posted by: Carrie Boyko | 04/29/2011 at 07:50 AM
Carrie,
I just found this site and am looking forward to joining the community and following your series. Dogs are my life and there are SO MANY niches within the world of dogs, that it can be difficult to focus on any one topic. One thing I'm doing a little research on now is ideopathic head tremors in dogs. One of my dogs has this condition and there doesn't seem to be much info out there on it. Mostly, no one seems to know what exactly causes it nor what might cure it, although some mention diet, which is a whole niche in itself.
Posted by: Karbicyclepettrailer | 04/29/2011 at 08:29 AM
Hello "Karbicyclepettrailer": I'd like to know more as well. I invite you to write to our Ask the Vet column for a holistic view on this condition. You can reach us at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com. Hope to hear from you!
Posted by: Carrie Boyko | 04/29/2011 at 10:08 AM
cool.. this one much needed series.. We here are still struggling to find a niche and reach the right audience!!
Richa and Chewie @ http://find-me-a-happy-pet.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Richa And Chewie | 04/29/2011 at 10:29 AM
Cannot wait to read this series of posts!
Posted by: Pup Fan | 04/29/2011 at 12:08 PM
Great idea, organization is a must with blogging it helps out in a ton of ways
Posted by: Aperion Speakers | 04/29/2011 at 12:10 PM
Just recently started my blog (a couple of weeks ago), but have been thinking about it for two or three years. My niche is rescue dogs, my own and others (as volunteer for county Animal Care Center), and dog behavior, but I know mine needs work, and am looking forward to this series. Thanks!
Posted by: Adrian | 04/29/2011 at 10:16 PM
Love this! I'm preparing to get my groomer blog back in gear and this series will definitely help to oil my gears and keep me on the right track. Thanks :)
Posted by: Keanku | 04/30/2011 at 08:51 PM
Nice tips! I really wish I can be a great pet blogger someday. My blogs are so boring and I think they're not read at all. They are not that attractive as other blogs. But I do enjoy trainpetdog blogs. They also write informative posts like you.
Posted by: Nicole, trainpetdog blog reader | 06/04/2011 at 01:04 AM