Getting clear on your niche is essential for a small business owner, solo entrepreneur, or independent business representative. The reason is so you can focus your message, your networking, and your marketing efforts on the right people: The people who are your ideal clients or customers. If a small business owner tries to reach out to everyone, her message will be muddled, and the potential customers will not know if your product, program, or services are right for them. So, it’s important to define your niche. Ask yourself these questions to help identify your niche:
- Who does your product, program, or service best serve? It may be true that many people can benefit from what you have to offer, but there will always be a best fit. Think of who your ideal client or customer would be. In fact, it’s a good idea to imagine your perfect client – and build your niche around them.
- Where will you best serve your clients or customers? Will this be in a physical location, within a certain geographic area, or will you be working with them virtually or through online methods? Are there any areas you will not work? For example, perhaps you work with clients in a certain state, country, or other region, but not others.
- How do you deliver your product, program, or service? Defining this helps narrow your niche to the who, where, and what dimensions you and your business are geared toward.
Once you have the answers to these three questions, you are well on your way to defining and understanding your niche. That will help you tremendously in tailoring your message and your marketing to the right people, in the right places, with the right tools.