How do you deal with the competition?
So you have picked a niche, created your website and have started writing original content. Along the way, you may of had a look at some websites in your niche to get some ideas. During this process, have you felt like you're in over your head? That you are no match for your competition? Have you felt like your confidence, enthusiasm and faith in yourself depleting? What have you done?
I sure have. At times, I feel excited and confident in my ability. Other times, I feel like I have nothing new to offer with my niche website. All I can do during these times is remember that I am passionate about my niche. I love writing the content and developing my websites direction. I try not to give up and keep thinking up original ideas for my content and cross my fingers!
Share your experiences and strategies :-)
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We all feel insecure at times. Every time I sit down to write a press release or an article for a client I think:What if I can't think of a single thing to say? But I do because I know, at my core, I can do my job and doubt is my way of avoiding arrogance. You know you can do it, just step out of your own way.
As for competition? I look at competition as my silent best friend. What advice can they give me? What can I learn from what they are doing? How do I avoid the mistakes they are making? And don't forget, whoever your competitor is, you are their competition.
All so true. I get the same feelings. Hard to be Patience. I sometimes get the "I want it now" thing going. Have to refocus and when I do, something cool happens, I figure out how to do something new to my web site and it works. Disappointments are stepping stones to Success.
Wow - Am I in a time warp? I asked the EXACT same question 4 years ago in my first month at WA. lol.
What I've learned over the past couple years is two strategies.
One, if you dislike your competitor and want to crush them, just stay on for the long-haul. Most people will lose interest or lose steam, and with enough passion and motivation, you can power past them. It may take 6 months, it may take 3 years, but the tortoise definitely wins the race here.
The other strategy is to not consider them competition, but as a partner. If they are passionate about their niche, they they are caring about the same people you are. If they are established and you are new they might not be receptive to "teaming up" right away, but when some time, traffic, and a couple rankings under your belt, you might be able to do guest blogging or a team promotion.
Hope this gives you some good ideas!
LOL! Thanks great Nathaniell! It is so great to hear and be a part of a community that is going through the same process. The gifts I have received here are the amazing learning and support from such a variety of people - all on the same journey :-)
I totally understand and I have found myself doubting my content from time to time. Then I remember though that there is no one else like me out there so as long as I am honest with my content I will be fine. Just push through it and be confident in yourself.
This used to happen to me a lot, and I still does sometimes. As I learned more and more about creating content and my niche, it did not happen so much.
Usually stuff that others do is not as difficult or as good as it looks at first, so learning, hard work, and endurance is the best way to deal with the ups and down. I know, cliche as hell, but it works.
We all have our own life experiences , so your take on a subject would be a 360 from your competition . So in reality we have no competition, but ourselves. Staying true to your own message , and perceptions is the challenge . Great points ! Loved it !
Yin - I think it's normal to feel that way. One of the things that I would try not to do is focus on your competition. Much better just to focus on producing the best site you can that meets the needs of readers and future customers :) Beverley
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Yin if you have competitors in your passion niche, to that means you choose a good one. I think competition breeds success as well as keeping you on your toes. My mentor always tells me "Don't reinvent the wheel, just add value to it." I know you will do well, you have success in your past, this should be even more fulfilling. Go for it!