If you’ve been keeping up with my blog, you might have noticed that I don’t limit myself to a specific niche. It’s a personal blog where I write about random topics to connect with others who can relate to my experiences. I don’t write for money or seek fame; instead, my primary goal is to express myself freely.
When I first started this blog, it was all about sharing my adventures as a solo female traveler, to encourage more women to do the same, but since the pandemic, my travel plans have taken a serious hit. On top of that, I’ve been dealing with some serious mental health struggles from 2019 to 2021 due to the impact of the relationship I had in 2019.
Since then, I’ve been devoting myself to writing as a means of helping myself. Gradually, my blog has transformed into a self-help space where I talk a lot about mental health. I also throw in random topics about my experiences, opinions, and even some venting—helping others along the way who can relate to it.
Having a niche or not having one?
Choosing between having a niche or not really depends on your goals and preferences as a blogger or writer. Think about why you want to write in the first place. If you enjoy covering a wide range of topics and don’t want to limit yourself, then not having a niche might be the right choice. It gives you the freedom to explore different subjects and appeal to a diverse audience, just like my blog. However, keep in mind that without a specific niche, it can be harder to target a specific audience or gain immediate attention. In my experience, my blog received more traffic when I focused on travel topics.
On the other hand, having a niche can bring more focus and structure to your writing. When you choose a specific area of expertise or interest, like travel, cooking, or fashion, you can establish yourself as an authority in that field. This attracts a dedicated audience that is specifically interested in that topic, making it easier to connect with like-minded individuals and gain attention within that niche.
Summarize,
- Having a niche: Limited topics, more focused audience.
- Not having a niche: Wide range of topics, but attract a smaller, more diverse, audience who might appreciate the content.
Which is easier?
After 7 years of writing blog content, I can honestly say they both have their quirks. My favorite is when I focus on the travel niche because the material is right there, ready to be shared. It’s a quick and less time-consuming process. The same goes for product reviews.
However, when writing about random topics such as self-help or just venting, sometimes it’s tough to put into words exactly what’s in my head, and that can drag out the writing process. But overall, I enjoy exploring different topics because it helps me enhance my writing skills and expand my language proficiency.
Explore and keep exploring.
If you’re not sure about your niche or what to write, you can start by focusing on something you’re good at. That way, you can talk about things you know well. Then, you can explore writing about more topics. Avoid writing about topics you’re not familiar with. If you’re unsure about something, read. Reading helps you gain knowledge. Find your own writing style because everyone has their own unique way of writing.
There are also helpful tools like Grammarly and Quillbot, which I use every time I write. While you can find inspiration in other people’s content, it’s important to never copy it. Keep your content authentic by writing your own thoughts. Don’t limit yourself to strict rules as well. Just write in whatever style you want. Writing is an art, so express yourself in your own unique way.
Don’t think too much.
Sometimes, we get caught up in our thoughts, and it can hold us back. For example,
- “What if people don’t agree with me?”
- “What if I receive haters for that?”
- “What if my friends and family read it and don’t like it?”
- “What if people criticize me?”
It’s important to remember that these thoughts are just possibilities, and dwelling on them excessively only prevents you from making progress.
Just write. It’s your space to express yourself. Don’t think much about the audience or other concerns. Just go with the flow, and everything will fall into place naturally. Let go of the fear of judgment. Be more spontaneous, adaptable, and open to the unexpected. Remember, life is meant to be experienced, not constantly analyzed. Don’t be afraid. Just enjoy the journey.
X, Hani. ❤