With your list of passions in hand from Step 1, How to Find Your Passion, now it's time to zoom in on a blog topic.
Tip: Your blog's general topic is often called a niche. While not required, a niche provides focus and direction, making your blog's purpose easily understood and defined, not only by you, but by your visitors as well.
Here are 8 tips to remember when choosing a blog topic or niche:
1. Be helpful
You are much more likely to attract (and keep) readers if your blog provides information your readers can use. Unless you have a particularly gripping or fascinating personal life, I recommend saving updates about your family's daily life for a personal blog.
That's not to say you shouldn't talk about your family on your money-making blog — not at all. But for example, if your family owns a farm where you raise llamas, blog about your family by all means, but talk about how you raise llamas and not just that you raise llamas. Think about what someone might be looking for and solve a problem for your readers.
2. Find a niche that's not too broad but not too specific
If your blog's topic is too broad, it's hard to compete with and stand out from all the other blogs in your niche. Being known (and therefore having lots of readers) is key to generating income, and it's hard to be known with a blog that gets lost in the crowd.
If your topic is too narrow, there is probably only a tiny handful of readers interested in your topic and a small readership usually equals limited income potential.
So, for example, instead of the broad category of fishing, or the narrow category of fly fishing on the Washington River, you might pursue fly fishing.
3. Do you have plenty to blog about?
Choose a topic that you can write about regularly and indefinitely. In other words, don't choose something so narrow that you run out of writing fodder after only a few weeks or months.
A good way to test this is to brainstorm possible posts or subtopics pertaining to your main blog topic. If you can easily come up with a long list, it's probably a good sign you'll have enough to write about. If, however, you can't think of many, you might need to refine your choice.
4. Give yourself some credit
If you aren't sure you have much to offer, I love what Sonia Simone said on Third Tribe, "Even if you're only pretty good, but not a ninja, you're still a ninja to someone."
Find that thing about which you have a decent amount of know-how and go with it. Chances are there are others who will appreciate what you have to say.
5. What kind of site do you wish you could find?
Sometimes a good way to determine a viable blog niche is to ask yourself what you've found to be lacking online. After all, if you're looking for it, someone else might be looking for it too.
Back in 2004, I was a struggling pastor's wife. I knew I couldn't be the only pastor's wife having a difficult time, so I searched online for others with whom I could relate. The only pastors' wives sites I found, however, were written by women who seemed to relish their roles as pastors' wives.
So, I started blogging about my challenging experience as a pastor's wife at WithPurpose.com. When other pastors' wives started expressing their appreciation for my story and when I was included in the April 9, 2007 issue of TIME magazine in an article about pastors' wives (the online version is here), I realized I had unwittingly found my blog niche.
6. Be flexible and unique
Once you choose a niche, don't feel like you're committed to it for life. Blogging is very fluid and changes constantly. Being flexible and taking advantage of ways to be different will serve you well.
For example, in How to Find your Passion, Pamela said she likes cooking, most things related to raising kids and frugal living. So Pamela, what about a cooking blog with an emphasis on well-balanced, kid-friendly meals and ways to incorporate kids in meal preparation? You could also branch out from there to talk about parenting in general as well as some good frugal living tips thrown in.
7. Be you
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to find a blog you love…and then try to create its clone. One of the greatest things about blogs is that they afford us the opportunity to get to know the individual behind the blog.
Blogging is part of social media because it's just that: social. Let your personality come through. If you're goofy, be goofy. If you're feisty, be feisty. If you're contemplative, be contemplative. Your readers will be drawn to what you have to say, but they will also be drawn to who you are. BE YOU.
8. Resist paralysis of analysis
Many people get stuck at this point in the process (i.e. choosing a blog topic or niche). While a well-chosen niche is a benefit, one wonderful thing about the internet is how forgiving it is. Don't be afraid to dive in and figure it out as you go. Better to do that than to do nothing at all. Just go for it!
So, what will you blog about?
Disclosure: The links to Third Tribe in this post are affiliate links, meaning, if you click on one of them and purchase a membership at Third Tribe, they will give me a portion of that sale. I have personally benefited from my own Third Tribe membership and if you think you would too, I'd be grateful for a click through my affiliate link. But that is completely up to you. 
Here at BloggingWithAmy you'll find tips, tools & tutorials about blogging and websites. In plain English. Want to 
I am a Christian mommy blogger and I love it! I have four children who are very young and that is mostly what I blog about, but so does SOOO many other women! I think it would be awesome to gain revenue from my favorite hobbie but it seems that my topic is either far too broad or not interesting enough. I am looking forward to reading what else you are offering about this topic. Ps I am also a pastors wife, newly.
Do you think its possible to make money having a fairly broad mommy blog? Or should I stick to frugal tip or recipes that relate to careing for a bunch of littles? I know that I love reading those kinds of blogs I also have a giveaway once a week or so for mommy related items or Christian based companies. Is that too many irons in the fire? Just picking your brain.
Hi Amy,
There are lots of broad mommy blogs that make money, so it definitely can be done! It can be challenging to stand out in a niche that's already big, but on the other hand, there's obviously a large audience amounting in lots of potential readers for you! I think the main question to ask yourself is, how will you stand out and be different? What makes you unique? Focus on that!
Amy, I have been enjoying your blog so much. You give the information and tips with straight language that non-geek or not too savvy blogger like myself can understand. Thank you!
I love tip #5 because that what brought me to create my current blog. When I look for more information about blog conference I couldn't find one place where I can find different blog conference available.
thanks Amy, I signed up for Third Tribe and loving it.
Brie
Awesome. It's been a great resource for me too. I love the in-depth interviews with the blogging big-hitters – very enlightening! And the forums too! Glad you you like it.
yep, that works
Wow this is a great resource.. I’m enjoying it.. good article
Just came across your site. LOVE it. Very useful tips and as others have said, easy to read. I just started my first blog in February. It is ever-evolving and I'm having a blast with it. You are correct you need several hours to put into it if you want to make money, especially in the beginning because you don't start off with thousands of followers – it takes a LOT of networking. You wouldn't think you could sit on a computer for hours just reading other blogs and digging deeper into the blogging community, but I have and do. Not an easy task with a 6 month old and 4 year old. I'm a new SAHM and I have found blogging to be as addicting as it is therapeutic and I am determined to make money doing something I love (much different than the job I just recently gave up!)
Thank-you for doing such a great job. I will tagging your site as one of my new favorites. You need a button, lol!
Most recent post: http://itrocks2bmom.blogspot.com/2010/07/growing-up-together.html
I just came across your site, and I'm so happy to have found someone who can explain how to start a blog. I've been thinking of starting one but have felt so overwhelmed that I haven't known where to start. I love finding deals and doing things inexpensively. I live just across the street from a thrift store, and I must admit that I'm there quite a bit. So, I was thinking of starting a blog about frugal living. I thought maybe I could talk about decorating, cooking, crafting, and gifting on a budget. Is that too much to put in one blog? Do you think that would be to scattered?
Hi Brittany,
Frugal living is a popular niche and many people cover those topics (and more!) in one blog. Starting a blog in a popular niche has pros and cons. One pro is that you know there are a lot of people interested in the topic and therefore potential readers. The con is that it can be challenging to figure out how to stand out amongst the crowd! That's not to deter you, just to inform.
I would highly recommend spending some time reading other blogs in that niche and watching how others are doing it. Then, come up with a new and unique angle! I hope that helps!
Hmm, how about a video blog on filmmaking?
Btw, I just found out about your site this morning and it is so helpful! Thank you for taking the time to put all this info together.
Glad it's helpful!
My idea for Heart of a Working Mom was propelled by three main forces:
1) I enjoyed reading MSM but was discouraged because as a working mom I don't realistically have time for a lot of the "simple" Do-it-yourself, money saving practices there and a lot of the commentors seemed to be stay-at-home moms whose lifestyle didn't match mine and it was sometimes hard relate. I still follow and love MSM, but I was looking for a blog by a working mom, for working moms and wasn't finding it, so I thought I'd start one.
2) God started doing a work in my heart, teaching me to be content in my present situation when I'd always dreamed of being a stay-at-home, homeschooling mommy. Since starting to blog I've found many other moms out there whose situations and emotions are so much like mine!
3) I realized that money can be made through blogs and I'd like to slowly increase my online income so that I can eventually be home with my boys.
That's how I came upon my blog topic. I hope it's interesting and informative enough and that I will perpetually have something to write!
Hannah
Slow and steady.
Hi Amy, Am just lapping up your articles (loving them) right now as I'm in the middle of the mammoth task of starting my own blog. This leads me to comment on the above article you wrote,
I am a New Zealander, living in the USA since 2007. I'd like to think of myself as quite creative and innovative, I'm also a teacher by trade (SAHM right now). What do you think about a niche centered around couponing and money-saving tips based on a New Zealand or 'kiwi' theme? Meaning my blog will include 'frugal living' but narrow into a sort-of sub niche of living like a New Zealander. In essense I guess I'm bringing my uniqueness as a Kiwi (New Zealander) to a fun and spirited look at saving money. New Zealander's are simple people; not dumb… but we are not as drawn to consumerism as Americans on the whole, so I'm looking at a site which will be Simple, not time-consuming for readers to save money. We generally buy only things we need. I'm personally tired of the hoards of frugal living websites that are just plugs for deals. I want my readers to be able to find what they need and get on with life!
might be enough to stick out!
I'm worried as this is a very dense niche right now, loads of sites, loads that are excellent too (I don't want to sound like i'm boobooing other sites). I've just been thinking about this long and hard because I don't want to get sucked up in the niche too. I'm hoping my Kiwiness
Hi Amy! I think your Kiwi-ness could definitely be a plus (adds personality!) but I think the thing that will be tricky is to highlight it in such a way as to make it applicable to your audience who may not be from New Zealand themselves (and therefore won't be able to understand what makes NZ unique). Deal blogs with a simple living twist are popping up all over, so if you can somehow convince readers that yours is different because of your unique New Zealander qualities, that'd be great!
I am a homeschooling blogger, but my twist is our being vegan. People are always intrigued by that.
It seems to be my branding now!
I just recently decided to try to monetize a blog and found your site in my research. I just wanted to say thank you so much!!
You are so welcome, Danica. Thanks for stopping by.
I have been holding off starting a blog because I feel like I can't find my niche- I LOOOVE the mommy blogs that have all the awesome info -but am not a mommy-yet. I have a passion for writing, working with young women/girls, looooove anything creative (decorating, crafts, refurbing, rehabing homes, etc), frugal living, LIVING SIMPLY (trying to ) health, beauty, and God. How in the world do I find a place to combine these, or narrow these areas down? Any suggestions? Feel a bit overwhelmed- and stuck. :/
I understand your feelings of being overwhelmed. It certainly can be. My recommendation is to just start and see what starts to feel "right" to you. Your challenge will be to figure out how to stand out among the crowd, but if you're creative, I be you can find a unique angle!
** also have a passion to help people, and encourage others to do same
Thank you so much for sharing the With Purpose link! I was looking for that blog 2 years ago but didn't find it. My husband is taking a break from ministry at the moment, but I know when he goes back it will be full time instead of part time and it will be a lot more intense… I look forward to learning from your blog. Loved the post "You Know Your the Pastors Wife When…" I laughed out loud at the mention of your husbands underwear- Too true!
i just wanted to say i got your infor from moneysavingmom blog which i love and i will be on here every day gettting as much info as i can i have a question
I love to cook, find deals, read and i just started back exericsing and i need help on what to blog i started one on blog.com but i quit after about two week cause i ddn't know how to have it flow so i was thinking about a blog about my adventure or working out and lossing weight w/ cooking recpies and moviational scripture on there but i dont know. Dont really know where to start i would love your input
I'd say, blog your passion. Write about something you can imagine yourself writing about in 6 months, 1 year and 5 years time.
Trying to narrow down my blog niche…it is obviously something to do with learning disabilities but I am not quite clear on how to turn that into a successful and helpful blog.
Here is what I wrote based on the questions…
When I am researching on the computer, I often lose track of time. Reading is another way that I lose track of time, especially if it is regarding, health, disabilities, or both. For example, this morning I came into my home office to read the paper which turned into am morning marathon for finding information on a handful of topics I remembered I needed info. on.
I would fly to Italy or head of to Florida and explore Orlando and Disney if I were given one week to spend anyway I like. If I were given a check for $2000 and ordered o use it on something fun for myself I would I would plan a vacation. My instant reaction was to Boston and shop for a pair of Christian Louboutins or a Louis Vuitton bag but that doesn’t seem like something I may actually enjoy, I’d have other ideas on my mind.
If I were guaranteed a handsome salary no matter what, my ultimate dream job would be helping children with disabilities receive the education that needed in the style in which they needed to learn. I am tired of reading about the continued struggle of students. We have a dumping ground school in my area that needs to either be completely overhauled or put out of business. I would like to design and fund research on how children with disabilities are actually doing and showcase it in print so people can actually see what is happening to kids with learning disabilities.
I would spend most of my time trying to create a program that educated school districts on how to really educate students with learning disabilities. Ultimately, I would love to have a program that forced teachers, administrators and staff person to really understand what it’s like for a student in a classroom. For example, I would like to work with a computer design to create a workshop where the participants, teachers, administrators and even parents come into a classroom and put on headphones, eye glasses, or gloves without fingers to mimic certain disabilities. Then the instructor would give out instructions to complete an assignment. Some people would be given a paper in another language, or letters jumbled up, some would not be given any direction or given directions through their headphones but there would be so much background noise they wouldn’t be able to process what the instructor asked. When they asked for help the teacher would be able to tell them to focus and not really provide specific direction.
All of this is to teach them what is really going on in the mind of a child with a disability. I have gone to so many meetings and heard a teacher tell a parent if Johnny would just focus, grrr, it makes me want to scream!
In my free time, I constantly read and research. I like to be aware of everything that is happening in areas I am passionate about learning disabilities, disability law, foreclosures, health particularly heart health and Fibromyalgia. I’m not really sure what in my life I purposefully make time for. I read, a lot. Probably more than the average person. There isn’t anything else right now that I make time for on purpose. I guess this is part of the drive to figure out what my passion is. I have given up most of my existence, willingly, to others and lost track of where I am headed.
People say I am good at writing letters, resolving problems and finding information that no one else can find. For example, people have asked me to help them write letters for tickets, I have saved houses from foreclosure, and provided people with guidance on health issues. I like to help people solve problems. I visit every kind of website that exists especially when I am on the hunt for something. I search until I find it which leads me to all different kinds of websites. I tend to watch TV shows that are uplifting or funny. I watch very little scary or dramatic programming. I love the OWN channel and find it filled with really positive television programming. As for what I read, I have shelves filled with books the majority of which fall into these three categories: 1. Cookbooks 2. Health/Self Help 3. Disabilities/disability law
If you can’t already tell, talking about changes to the disability system is what makes me excited. I love talking to people about the disability system and its major dysfunction! I also get very emotional, excited, and angry when I talk about health particularly the lack of nutritional support for cancer victims. I do not have just one hobby. I like to read and I love listening to music. I find both activities to be relaxing and they give me a chance to escape into another world. However, reading I am always thinking about the fact that my family is so entrenched in the inability to visualize when reading due to learning disabilities that I often lose sight of what I am doing and start daydreaming about how I am going to change the world, at least surrounding children with LD’s.
That's awesome, KF, and very inspirational! Clearly you've got passion so that's the best place to work from!
Amy,
Thanks for the response. I have been writing my first ten articles and have been very motivated. It seems that now that I have set an intention, the universe is throwing information at me faster than I can handle it.
My biggest obstacle write now is settling on a web address. I am completely stumped. I do not want the name to imply that I am just helping parents because I want a section to focus on teachers and administrators.
Stumped,
Kristen
What about just using your name (or a variation)?
Okay, I've searched using the search bar and read every page that I could (if you could see my red eyes! LOL) What I'm wondering is… how many blogs can a person have? Okay -that's silly. Obviously, you can have as many as you want – but I have 3 very different ideas. Two are things I've been thinking YEARS about – I've researched and no blogs on those topics… yet. 2 is a How To that I WISH was around when I began my photo career. The 2nd is a local What's Up in my hometown. (There WAS a very popular blog on this 2 years ago that fizzled when the owner moved away. My twist will be not just restaurants and shopping though. And LOTS of photos!) The 3rd is more personal (couponing, frugality etc but as a single mom of 6 kiddos who has no job). I'm trying to decide which one to do first – or do I launch all simultaneously and work out a schedule? It SEEMS pretty straightforward. I have blog post lists for each one – no less than 60 ideas for EACH. So, I have plenty of fodder. It's the execution I'm wondering about as I see ladies who said they spend 8-10 hours a DAY on their blog. I have to wonder… is that just time spent ONE blog, or is it multiple?
As a side note, I recently joined a bible study – something I'd been praying to find for many months. Last week, our topic was couponing – which I'm an avid fan of. The presenter mentioned Crystal's site – of course, I combed thru it and gleaned info about working from home. Found a link to you via the time management and then WHAM! Here I am, considering taking a 7 year old dream and committing it to a blog form that will (hopefully) provide my chickadees with much needed bread crumbs. Isn't God marvelous?! When I pray, I have to remember to keep my eyes WIDE open – He answers prayers all the time – as long as I'm open to seeing it, I will.
Thank you for all you do – blessing those of us, who are searching for a way to care for our families while still being the mamas that they need. Blessings to you!
Hi Amy,
I'm so glad that I stumbled upon your blogsite. I'm gaining a lot of great insight by reading your posts. I've been in full time ministry my entire life and just this week resigned my position as worship leader to concentrate on family and future. I have seven children and eight step-children. Fifteen in all. Only three children are still at home, so I'm a partial empty nester. I'll also be 50 this year. I have been blogging about the things I love, ie….children, family, worship, organic living. I have been having a difficult time narrowing down to a specific niche, though. I feel like my years of experience in a variety of areas gives me wisdom to speak to younger women on a variety of topics. Is it better to include 'pages' on my blog to include a variety of topics, or to consider several blogs that could be topic specific?
Thanks for sharing your experiences with us!
Darla
This step is really useful for those who don't know what to blog about, thanks so much for share this, it even helped me so much to find a niche for my new site