Building Your Brand and Becoming an Expert in Your Niche
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For as far back as I can remember, I have been interested in learning how to generate a passive income online.
One of the reasons I joined HubPages was to earn money through affiliate marketing programs such as Google Adsense and Amazon Associates.
Only recently, eight months into my HubPages journey, am I really starting to understand some of the fundamental factors in what makes any online endeavour worth pursuing. For me, the hope of making a passive income just isn’t enough; it is about learning, persevering and being part of a network of people that can help and support each other throughout the learning process.
There’s a well known expression that if you want to learn how to do something, then the best way is to learn from the people that are already doing it. More specifically, if you want to be successful then you should closely watch and learn from the people who are already successful.
This concept is true of making money online, or starting an online business. Unfortunately though, so many people think that making money online is easy and straightforward. I must admit that several months ago when I started writing hubs with HubPages, I did think that it would be a lot easier to make a little money. I realized very quickly that I would not generate any real profits within the first day, week, or even several months. As I am finding out from other hubbers in this great HubPages Community - earning an income online is going to take a lot of hard work and commitment! Thankfully though, I have not given up. My inspiration now is to learn from experienced individuals who can provide valuable information and support. What better way to learn and grow than by associating myself with successful people who freely share their experiences?
I’m starting to realize from the help of others that if you want to be a successful writer, affiliate marketer, or successfully promote yourself online, then the first thing to do is think about building your brand.
When I did the “30 Hubs in 30 Days Challenge” I had no idea what I could possibly write 30 hubs about. And so, as a result, I decided to write on a variety of topics that I felt would be interesting for people to read. While they were all very well received, some hubs did do better than others. It started to become clear to me that I was creating a reputation as a writer, and that other hubbers would follow me if I wrote an article on a particular subject matter that they found enjoyable. Why? Possibly one of the reasons is because of the anticipation that I will follow up by publishing more hubs of interest in that topic. This leads me to believe that focusing on less topics, and building a brand in more specific niche areas, has more potential than writing scattered articles on many different topics.
For me, my most popular topic areas are:-
- Food and Cooking: I love writing my recipe hubs because I am so passionate about food! This passion really comes to life in my recipe hubs and I get pleasure from knowing that other people enjoy them.
- Personal Finance: Saving money, being frugal, and investing wisely are matters that are very important to me and it’s rewarding to be able to share my tips with others.
- Online Experiences: I want to continue sharing my HubPages journey and my growing knowledge of keyword research, learning seo, finding royalty-free images and more. By sharing what I learn, I hope to help others along the way. Knowledge is nothing unless it is shared!
This actually comes as quite a surprise to me because I originally joined HubPages to write about my wonderful travel experiences in the Grand Cayman! As it turns out, the Grand Cayman hubs are not my best work, and so perhaps writing travel hubs is not going to be a strong point for me on a go-forward basis!
So, what next? According to the experts, the next step is becoming an expert in your niche. I don’t think I’m ready to stick to just one subject, but I can see a huge benefit in learning as much as I possibly can about my favourite niche subjects. For me, that surely means I will be cooking more gourmet food, saving and investing more money, and then continuing to share my all online adventures here on HubPages.
Sounds good to me!
More of Cloverleaf's Story...
- PHEW! 30 Hubs in 30 Days Challenge: My Story
My story of taking the "30 Hubs in 30 Days Challenge" on HubPages. Taking the challenge gave me much insight into writing online with HubPages and I continue to learn so much and meet amazing people along the way. Why not join HubPages and take the "
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Great, practical advice as always, Cloverleaf. Thanks.
There are many chances to get nice income from HubPages. Google adsense gave good income even when we are sleeping. HubPages ads program is also running well for me. I can't wait to hear good news about Ebay program from other hubbers. I hope you can share about new opportunity with us. Success for you!
Prasetio
Ah Cloverleaf, niche writing also needs to be an area that a large population are interested in otherwise you are limited on the number of views, as well as followers - take it from one who can speak to this first-hand.
The flip-side, if you can find the right group to link your niche writing, the views exponentially increase - as I found with the sub-reddit group.
Having at least a couple areas of interests will also lessen the problem of exhausting topics or becoming less than enthusiastic about writing.
I still need to focus on keywords - maybe then I would actually make even $0.01 with Google Adsense. Oh well.
[voted up, useful and interesting]
Thanks, Writer20. It's not all about the money. Building relationships and having fun is important too! :-)
My pleasure, Deborah - thanks for stopping by and have a great day!
Thanks, Prasetio! I'm looking forward to starting the Ebay program too. Take care and thanks so much for stopping by.
Hi Hazel, you have some great points there. Having a couple of good topics sure helps to keep the interest up. I messaged you with an idea about keywords, it should help with your Adsense earnings. Thanks for the votes!
Agree. Though you would never guess because I have a million different niches. But I do have some large niches I am working and focusing on one or a few could be good. Makes you articles more valuable certainly.
Cloverleaf, you have given such great advice. I wish-and hope- I could follow it. My mind is like a toddler. I see something and dash after it, then must write about it. So staying in a niche may not be possible for me. But I will try because I also want to create residual income here on HubPages. Thanks so much for all you so for us!
Hi Felicity, it's not easy to narrow them down but I do find it easier to write about what I enjoy most. Appreciate the comment!
Hi Hyph, I can relate to that! One minute I'm writing a recipe hub and the next I'm formulating a poem in my head because my mind is scattered. The problem is that I'm no good at poetry so I'm probably best to forget it and focus on what I know. You on the other hand my dear are very talented in so many areas! I appreciate you so much :-)
Solid advice about the journey to estabish yourself as an expert, Cloverleaf. It takes loads of patience. It is also a question of gaining self-confidence about your writing ability online. One baby step at a time, and before you know it you have a following - as you have shown here! Good stuff!
Hi Rika,
It's so true that it's a steep learning curve and many baby steps are required along the way. I have lots to learn but will continue sharing on HubPages! Thanks for coming by to comment.
Cloverleaf.
I originally started writing here because I wanted to put a lot of my original teaching ideas and materials out there for other teachers. Some of my teaching hubs have done decently, but some of my other topics, like beading and Etsy, have done much better. I've really learned to follow what works. It is definitely still a learning curve, but it's great to have such a good community to work with on HubPages for the duration.
I find more enjoyment when writing something that I am interested in. Will try to focus on a few niches from now on. Thanks for the advice.
[Voted up and useful]
You have the passion and drive to do so. I joined for the money part also, but now it is so much more. I just want people to read my work. It has been a lot of work though. Voted up Clover and best of luck. Maybe you can find something out and share it with me. Can't never have enough views! :)
With only 35 hubs, I'm still experimenting with topics. Food and finance are also two of my favorite topics to write about, but I also do some poetry, and now am getting into grammar, which I love. Oh, well. I'm still exploring. This is a great hub, Cloverleaf. I think you are right on target. I want to make money at this, too, but it's also a great writing community, a way to learn and grow as we go. I gave you all kinds of votes on this one!
Hi randomcreative, I think you've hit the nail on the head there, in following whatever works. And have fun in the process :-)
Cloverleaf.
Hi pinkytoky, I think it's certainly easier to write about a topic that is interesting. By exploring different niches I am now realizing the topics I enjoy the most! Thanks so much for your great comment!
Cloverleaf.
Hi thelyricwriter, You're doing so well on HubPages - in only three months you already have over 150 followers! You're certainly off to a better start than me. Keep on hubbin'!
Cloverleaf.
Aw Victoria Lynn you are so kind! Thanks for all your votes and stuff. I really enjoy your grammar hubs; I think that's a great subject because people will keep coming back and referring to them many times. Here's to much more hub-sharing in the future!
Cloverleaf.
Thanks, Cloverleaf. Here's to ya--and more hub-sharing!
This was another great hub. Was wondering if I was going to see you around today. I'm glad that you have done some self discovery of your own. I am looking forward to gleaning more info in your upcoming hubs. Thanks for always having great info to share, and being willinh to share it.
Did the vote thing!
Cheers, Homesteadbound. I've been kinda lost without much internet access this weekend! I'm certainly starting to see some topics working better for me than others. It's a big self-discovery journey. Thanks for your votes!
Cloverleaf.
I too have a hard time sticking to a niche, although I will say I have noticed that there are some things that I write that can be easily grouped. I do a lot of recipes as well, but I also like doing sarcastic product reviews, and then hubs on health and nutrition. Those, along with personal stuff about family, seem to be my strong suit. But like you, I can't seem to stick to just one thing. I would get bored to easily. And I know the writers I like to read have a variety. Although if you want to make the money, I guess that means staying in a niche! Good luck on your continued journey! :)
hi cloverleaf!! hubpages is indeed a great experience and one get to learn all along!! writing on a niche topic allows you to explore deeper and better into the subject thus i suppose a better quality than a completely new topic. Also reading other niches and hubs by some great writers as well as interacting here is fun and addicting!!
carrie
Great hub! I just graduated and I learned all about market niche and how it can benefit you! good job!
This is a very well written hub. Thank you for the pointers and I will include them when writing my hubs as well. I agree about writing 30 hubs in 30 days. They help make your stay here challenging and more creative. Good job!
Great advice in this hub...it sounds like you gained a ton of experience doing the 30 hubs in 30 day challenge. Finding a niche and sticking to it is the number one thing I have learned on my time here on hub pages. Voted up and useful. Keep up the great work.
Just learned that Movie Master is your Mom!
I have my favourite topics as well. Readers can tell when you love your topic.
Great advise Cloverleaf, I think I am following your footsteps, my biggest issue is having the time to put forth, but little at a time is better than nothing at all. I have learned there are no shortcuts to success, but perseverance and time will pay off.
Very well written and good advice for people to follow. I don't know that many people here have brands to build but you can't go wrong really learning and becoming an expert in a niche.
Nice Hub. I am also going through my growing pains.
Cloverleaf! did you know this hub sits on page two of the HOTTEST hubs on hubpages.... out of ALL the hubs on hubpages.... Nicely done my friend!
Hi barbergirl, you have an excellent variety of hubs; I'm really enjoying your P90X series - they are very popular and are getting us all motivated!
Have a great day,
Cloverleaf.
Hi Carrie, HubPages is addictive that's for sure LOL! Thanks for coming by, I'm looking forward to reading many more of your own hubs also.
Cloverleaf.
Thanks, donate-timeshares! And welcome to HubPages! There is lots of information to learn here and it is an excellent community. I think you'll have some fun here.
Cloverleaf.
Hi 6hotfingers3, it's always good to have fun when writing and explore different topics to find out what we enjoy the most. Thanks for your comment!
Cloverleaf.
You're so right, Cogerson! Your movie niche is very well received here on HubPages - I am looking forward to reading much more from you :-)
Cloverleaf.
Hi Flora, I think we can be more convincing when we enjoy the subjects we write about - and it's more fun!
Thanks for coming by!
Cloverleaf.
Hi Carco, I find it difficult somedays to make time to write, especially with a full time job. I think you have a great balance, a little at a time! Thanks so much for your comment, have a great day :-)
Cloverleaf.
Hi festersporling1, thanks very much for your comment, I am looking forward to reading more of your own hubs also!
Cloverleaf.
Hi srossjul, I am learning so much from your own hubs! Especially learning more about saving money and living happier...awesome stuff.
Cloverleaf.
I didn't know that, Graywarden - but thanks so much for pointing it out! Have a great day,
Cloverleaf.
anytime...I thought it was an awesome discovery.... I didn't know I posted that comment under this profile! have a great day
Great article, Cloverleaf! I found it not only useful and interesting, but full of info I did not normally pay attention to. Thanks for the share. : ) Voted it up, of course!
That's great, September Girl! Glad you found it useful. Always nice to see you, and thanks for the vote :-)
Cloverleaf.
Well, just look at you. I thought I'd never reach the bottom of this page! Great advice. There is plenty to learn here on Hubpages, but there are also plenty of great friends here to learn from. I...learn from you!
Thank you Louise for your support for so many. Voted Up and across.
Hi Audrey, I feel like I learn something new every day here on HubPages! Passing these little tidbits onto others is very rewarding. Thanks for your support as always, you're a real treasure :-)
While I am close to 3 months as a writer on HubPages, I share some of the same thoughts and experiences that you expressed in this article.
Some of my best hubs are on topics that I already was most familiar with (parenting and website development), topics I tried my best to avoid because quite frankly I needed a change of pace. So, I struggle a bit with finding a niche, but for now I am going to write about whatever moves me at the moment and let things shake out after I have more hubs under my belt.
I think HubPages is a great community for learning and sharing and you definitely get out of it what you put into it. Thanks for sharing your experiences and knowledge. I hope to do the same too when I feel I have some pearls of wisdom to share.
Voted up and useful.
Hi ktrapp, you are doing so great on HubPages and have achieved so much in just a short space of time. I am learning more from you than you probably realize! I agree the HubPages community is just great; we can certainly learn a lot from each other. The best part is having fun in the process and finding topics that are enjoyable to write about and share with others.
Have a great evening :)
Cloverleaf
ktrapp - I am doing the same thing. I am writing about whatever I feel about, with the intent of getting a little more serious about it after I have a few more under my belt. Like you, I don't want to just write in what seems to be so popular for me - the Alzheimer's articles. That is my other biz and I want to do something different. How funny that we are thinking alike.
star light... star bright... all three of you... I can get tanned in the glow of your success...
Cute ... real cute ... but can't say I'm not loving it! I can't think of better ladies to be lumped together with ... to shine with!
This is not what I meant when I said I could get lost on a desert island...
I don't like to stick to one subject either. Great hub about your journey so far.
Good article with valued experience. Do agreed with you that it is better to be an expert in your niche. Writing less topics with more focus will be a good a strategy to build up our own brand. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the great tofu recipes. Some people have never tried it and will not give tofu a chance to prove itself. I love the healthy ways it can be used. I will make some of your suggestions.
I am glad to know that somehow I've been helping you Cloverleaf. I do enjoy reading people's reflective articles on their hub-writing experience. It's nice to see what works for some people and what doesn't work. It's all valuable information, especially for those trying to make a buck or two, or three, or...
Thanks, everyone!
homesteadbound,
davenmidtown,
truthfornow,
limph3215,
Hypenbird,
ktrapp,
Your comments are so important to me and I enjoy reading them all! I can feel some Christmas hubs coming on now. Totally different subject I know but I think they might be fun...
Good advice. I started out planning to write only about parenting issues and then decided to write on ways I've saved money. I think keeping it to a few topics is best because you are working for your audience. Thanks for the tip! Voted up and useful!
Looking forward to those Christmas hubs! But then again, I enjoy all your hubs!
Great hub, clover. I, too, believe in branding. That's why I concentrate on making crochet patterns and writing hubs about them. In just two months after my first hub, I have earned $50 in HP Ad Program.
Yes to building a brand!
Hi TheTruthasIseeit, great to see you - thanks for stopping by! I'm enjoying reading your hubs, especially the one you posted about making extra cash, great info for all. Take care!
Cloverleaf.
Hi Homesteadbound, first xmas one done and posted - but it took me FOREVER to research and write. Maybe I should stick to the recipes after all? LOL
Cloverleaf.
Moira, that's awesome, you've obviously picked a popular subject there - good stuff and keep on hubbin'!
Cloverleaf.
writer20 Level 8 Commenter 7 months ago
I also read a hubber complaining about not making money for their hub on Googles Adsense I tihkn that's what it's called.
You write great hubs.