Finding Success as a Writer: The Power of a Niche
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Understanding the Value of a Niche
Recently, I reflected on my earlier stance against writing within a niche, particularly after publishing an article on January 3rd that encouraged writers to explore a broader range of topics. While this perspective is common among many writers, I now realize that adhering to a niche may indeed be beneficial for showcasing expertise and connecting with an audience.
This change in perspective has prompted me to reconsider my approach.
The Importance of Analyzing Your Stats
This morning, I delved deeper into my writing statistics, something I had neglected for too long. By sorting my articles based on their read counts, I uncovered surprising insights that challenged my previous assumptions about my writing strategy.
Upon reviewing my top 15 articles, it became clear that a significant majority were centered around technology. While a couple touched on writing tools, the bulk of my most-read content was rooted in the tech niche. In stark contrast, articles that ventured outside this realm attracted far less engagement and interest.
Self-Publishing vs. Publishing with a Platform
Interestingly, I also found that 40% of my top-performing pieces were self-published. This revelation was both unexpected and encouraging. The debate over self-publishing versus contributing to established platforms is ongoing. While publications can amplify your reach by leveraging their existing audience, the freedom of self-publishing allows for greater flexibility in sharing content.
Many writers appreciate the immediacy of self-publishing, as it eliminates the waiting period for editorial approval. There are also rumors that Medium may be encouraging more writers to self-publish, although this remains to be seen.
What I Learned from My Findings
Ultimately, my analysis led me to a critical realization: my readers are most interested in technology-related content. The data supports this conclusion. Additionally, I now understand that I shouldn't shy away from self-publishing, as my articles perform comparably to those submitted to publications.
Admitting my earlier misjudgment, I recognize that writing within a niche or a few targeted areas is likely the most effective strategy. Moving forward, I plan to conduct further research to identify other niches that may deserve my focus.
As I explore this refined approach, I’m eager to see how it impacts my writing journey. Stay tuned for updates on my progress!
Floyd Mori’s Diverse Writing Journey
Floyd Mori has authored a wide range of articles that provoke thought and discussion. Explore his various writings to find topics that resonate with you.
Five Questions to Consider on Your Medium Journey
Only you can answer these introspective questions that could shape your writing path.
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In this insightful video, Floyd discusses how he would approach making his first $100,000 as a writer, emphasizing the importance of focusing on niches and strategies that truly resonate with readers.
This live session offers valuable insights into how 'niching down' can guarantee success as a government contractor, highlighting the parallels to writing and finding your unique voice.