Sticking with the theme?
Just thought I'd ask, if you have a niche that is more specific, do you ever deviate from the main theme?
My own niche is dog clothing. I started my website, progressively adding more content in October and, so far, I've blogged about Halloween dog costumes, throwing Halloween dog parties etc. I did keep it quite narrowly concentrated on Halloween, and the costumes available for dogs, but branched out slightly by including recipes for treats and cake for the dog party.
Now, we are getting into the cold weather I'm starting to promote winter clothing but also, because it interested me personally, I've blogged today about the dangers of hypothermia for your pet dog. It sparked some other ideas that might be good topics for future posts on my website:
- patterns for making knitted/fabric coats
- donating to dog rescue during the winter months
- food recipes and supplements to keep your dog healthy in cold weather
I suppose what I'm asking and would appreciate any comments about is how far should or would you deviate from the main themes of your chosen niche? Some of the blogs will not have product links but I was thinking of putting on a couple of charity links
I think my hypothermia blog is quite relevant as I could talk about suitable products available for your pet and also give advice and tips on prevention and treatment. http://cuteclothesfordogs.com/
As always your comments and thoughts are much appreciated :0) thanks peeps Jan
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That image is way too cute! As long as it relates to dogs, you're fine. If you start talking about birds all of a sudden, then I'd be scratching my head. ~ Jude :-)
Thanks Jude - yes I think I got a bit fixated on just clothes and now realise there are lots of little sub niches I can tap into :0) won't be talking about birds, promise ;0)
I agree with Rich and Debbie that as long as it's related to a dog's welfare, you should be fine. Strictly dog clothing could be too narrow. But as I was reading the topics you were thinking of writing about, others immediately came into my head - things that dogwalkers are concerned about:
1) Visibility during the winter months - fluorescent bits on clothing or collar - lights attached to collar...
2) Special mention of which breeds would particularly benefit from clothing - e.g. greyhounds, lurchers
3) Which breeds don't like rain and getting wet and would love a raincoat
I personally am mainly researching visibility at the moment. I have a labrador that doesn't mind the cold or the wet - but come summer you could think of things like 'cold water bottles' because she really can't stand the heat.
P.S. 4) Also mentioning not leaving dogs in cars in the winter since cars turn into ice boxes. There is generally lots of awareness of not leaving dogs in cars when it's hot, but nobody ever seems to mention not to leave them in a car when it's cold.
Wow thanks - you've given me some great new ideas and I feel much more positive about my niche now :0)
I looked at your site a couple of days ago and remember you had recipes and some things not precisely about clothes -- but I thought it was a nice touch -- and even if someone finds you for a dog recipe does not mean they might not need clothing. To me your site seemed genuine. Sort of like going into a house and there is not much furnishings, or too much -- you are coming along well I think -- not too empty not too cluttered.
Thanks Mike, I suppose I try to make it friendly and get a good balance with the affiliate links. It's quite hard not to go overboard!
You'd be giving your readers good quality information. That's helping them and serving them... can't go wrong!
Thanks Randy :0) I've been learning some new stuff that I didn't know too! It's getting to be a lot of fun :0)
Yeah , ya' know Jan, if you're not here in sheer desperation and your perspective is adjusted properly, this place is addictive. It becomes part of your lifestyle and daily routine that you just can't do without! I absolutely love this thing called WA!
You must write about problems faced by dogs during winter and how winter clothing can help to counter them. Thanks
I don't think you would be going to far away from your niche if you listed a couple charity links for dogs. It would still tie in with your niche. I would maybe put them on a separate page.
I think you are right - a separate page with a couple of my favourite dog rescue charities. And I've got lots of good advice here for some new articles! Thank you :0)
You are welcome jangee. I think sometimes, when people become fans of a website, they sometimes want more eg. "Hey, these cute little dog clothes are really cool, and I like they way this person writes blogs, I wonder what else they are into?" So that could be where your "Other Stuff I am Into" page comes in. That way it doesn't interrupt the flow of your niche theme.
Jan, I don't see this as that much of a "deviation" from your main niche, it's supplemental and all "dog clothing" related. I think you'll be fine. :) Rich. x
Thanks Rich - yes I kind of thought so but, with the website name, I was a bit worried about discussing frost bite and gangrenous bits dropping off your dog LOL
Nope, if half your content wasn't specifically about dogs then I'd worry. However, it is all dog related, and it's not going to form a substantial part of the site. Oh, and you benefit from the "fear" factor, their mutts wouldn't have frostbite if they'd worn booties and coats outdoors. :D R. x
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As your niche concept develops, other related topics will emerge. I agree with Jude. As long as the articles and pages you post as well as the affiliate products you add relate to dogs without branching out too far, you should be fine. In fact, the more comprehensive you can be in your coverage of little Fidoe's comfort, the better you will be.
Think of it this way....i come to your site looking for adorable jammies for my Westie and while I am on your site I notice you have heated dog beds and even offer organic cookies for my precious pup to help him have sweet night-time dreams, you are golden. Now I love you because you are giving me an added value even though it is secondary to why I came to your site.
If you get too broad and branch into aquariums for land turtles and iguanas you would be confusing me. But if you branch out but still relate to your main niche, you will attract a bigger audience. Does that make sense?
Great thank you. I have really appreciated all if the comments and input. I think you sometimes get a bit stuck in a one track mind set that blinds you from other options. Cheers Jan :0)