Telling the story. Living life one moment at a time. That is what I say when I am asked what I write about here on Ciao Mom.
Except that I have realized lately that I seem to be telling a very different story from the one that I started to tell almost three years ago. Back then the story was about getting remarried and lots and lots of parenting. Principessa this, Principessa that. A little fitness thrown in here and there, but mostly, mom-mommy-parenting stuff.
Which of course is not what I am writing about anymore. Or at least, not primarily. Which begs the question…is Ciao Mom even the appropriate name of this space? Have I transitioned away from the MOM content so much that I need a new name? And the best question…does it really even matter?
People talk of the importance of having a niche. Which of course is driven by your content. But the truth is that I have struggled over the last three years to define my blogging niche. I never did fit neatly into mom blogger. Nor did I fit nicely into fitness blogger. Or travel blogger. Or cause blogger.
And again…does it really even matter?
I think about where I am heading. Looking back at my editorial calendar I realize that my focus is non existent. Travel, fitness, great causes, cars, food, technology, career, social media, and a sprinkle of parenting makes me NICHE-Less. There are topics that I am really very knowledgeable about. Topics that you might even say that I am considered an expert and leader…like education, best practices in instruction, or even fostering reflective conversations through coaching that I do not even write about, because well, I don’t. But I think about it. About whether or not I should.
Which is of course why, in large part, I am trying to find my WHY. But the question remains…is a more narrow focus better? Or is writing whatever you are passionate about enough?
Or again, does it matter?
Clearly there is a transition happening. In my writing. In my career. In my mind. A transition that I have probably not even fully understood. But it strikes me that there are probably a great many opinions out there about this topic…this idea of niche or no niche. Focus or lack there of.
So…what do you think? Is one better than the other? Does it matter? Chime in with your opinion.
{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }
I have struggled with this too. And I have come to believe my niche is me. My interests, the things I am passionate about, my life and the things that happen in it. Isn’t that why we write and blog? To share us and to hopefully find and connect with others that live, think and feel like us. To find those we have things in common with. I refuse to allow worry over whether I have a niche or not blind me to why I started blogging in the first place and rob me of the pleasure I get out of it.
I continue to hear that blogs need a niche, but we are multifaceted people. So why do we need to focus on just one or two things, especially when you write from the heart. I went through this type of struggle a few times. Although my main blog is a parenting blog, I write about lots of things and people continue to read. Thank goodness. Good luck with your decision.
I am nicheless, but I should not be looked upon as a blogging example
A couple of things:
I don’t think you NEED a niche at all. Your voice can be your niche. If you are consistent with your passion and your various interests, that will come through.
I’d love to see you delve a little more into “teaching” or “mentoring”. Maybe it’s the former teacher in me, but I can imagine you have so much to share that can be applied to non-classroom situations.
I love “Ciao Mom”.
Depends on your goal. I have decided I am quite content with my no-niche blog. My blog evolves as my interests evolve, and my readership has definitely transitioned over the years but it grows steadily, and that’s okay with me.
If you really are out to make money off your blog, then a narrowly defined niche is probably best. But it you’re like me, and you have lots of interests, and you’re blogging for the fun of it, then just keep going as you’re going now. Those who are interested will follow along.
And having a no-niche blog, or really, a blog that covers various niches, can be great too. Because it opens up a variety of opportunities that you wouldn’t get if you were focused on only one of those areas. So I say, keep doing what you’re doing.
Agreed about the wider array of opportunities that can come from being no niche. It does allow for more freedom. I think that as I transition out of teaching, and am trying to figure out how I will earn an income from the writing, I need to come to terms with my goals. Maybe that income and freelance work should be somewhat separate from my blog, with my blog as more of my resume or work. I think the crux of the issue is that I very much need to figure out my why and make it concrete.
I definitely feel that is how my social media presence has evolved. My blog doesn’t make much money, but it has given me a platform to do things that do. I have several regular freelance writing gigs, a social media manager position, and various community leader roles. It all adds up – and it’s fun!!
And best of all, I can work from home and create my own hours.
The name works as long as it works for you. When I blogged about anything and everything I rarely blogged. There are a lot of other factors, but once I narrowed myself to a few topics two, mostly with a follow Friday (which I am not even going to write today since I didn’t have time last night and I want to leave the Egret Poem I dedicated to Susan up first for a while longer).
I echo everything Jo-Lynne said. I’m content to be niche-less. I will add though, that having a cohesive vision and mission for your blog does help pull it together and keep it focused. It can help with your writing and marketing as well. If you don’t already have a strong reader-focused vision statement as to why you write, or rather what you hope to offer, it might be a good exercise to create one. An elevator pitch that is less random than “well I write about my life!”.
Absolutely– that is why I am trying to hone in a bit more on my why and my goals, so that I can say more than I write about “living life one moment at a time.”
Good input from Sarah. I have finally honed in on “my why” for my blog.
Again, it has evolved with my interests, and I’m sure it will continue to evolve. But for now I describe it as “a lifestyle blog about food, fashion, fitness, family travel and more” — and my goals are basically to share what I’m learning in all those areas. I don’t consider myself an expert at any, rather an avid learner — and over-sharer. HA!
Ah yes, this question is one so many struggle with- including myself. I wrote a post not too long ago about my blog being like a box of chocolates. I even thought of changing my name last year – bought the domain and everything. I’ve never fit into the mommy-blogger mold, though I sometimes write about being a mother.
I suppose it depends on how we view ourselves – a “parenting blogger”, “tech blogger”, etc. are niches. A “personal blogger” is nicheless. I do believe it is harder to find and build an audience as a personal blogger, but I also believe there is a higher level of humanity on a personal blog because of the freedom it allows. For me, it’s worth it.
It is funny you mention the name change and bought domain–I have been “this close” to buying a new domain, just in case for a few months now. And I love the idea that a blog is like a box of chocolates. So incredibly true!
I am also nicheless but also nichey. I know what I want to write about and what I don’t. I don’t have a huge audience, but I think that my audience knows what to expect when they come to my blog. I wonder what more people would come to read – possibly product reviews and giveaways – but that’s not where I am. I want to care about what I write about and who I work will and will keep that going.
I think Jo-Lynne said it the best: it depends on your goals and it is probably easier to make money on certain specific niches than on lifestyle blogs. I’m 100% lifestyle and completely nicheless, but at the same time very focused on delivering certain type of mixed content. But part of blogging goal for me is to be a lifestyle blogger not just by niche, but by my personal lifestyle – I don’t want to build a blog that I feel I “have to” write, I want to build a site that I am excited to write every single day and it enhances my own life. I have very big business goals with my site, but yet living life to the fullest and having fun as a blog is the most important to me. Ones you find your “happy” place, you will know. Editorial calendars help a lot by the way – they keep you on track and semi-focused even if you don’t have a niche, AND you will notice pretty soon which posts are just not fun to write — and you can choose to drop the topic.
I agree completely Katya–and my editorial calendar is the one thing that keeps me sane. Part of my transition right now and figuring out my why means really honing in on what my goals are because right now they feel very nebulous and abstract. Knowing what those are, and looking for patterns in what I am passionate about I think will give me a more general framework that ties all my niche-less content together. Or at least I hope it will.
Boy you weren’t kidding…. these comments are inspiring and fantastic! What an amazing group of woman leaving their insight. I have been having these conversations with a blogging friend for days and because of that have started to waver on what I thought were some pretty clear views on blogging. I started to doubt myself. After reading all these comments I no longer doubt myself or what my vision is or will be. It is all mine!
I have to say Elena… I have always adored you and love learning from you. You are such an amazing woman and it is wonderful to watch you enter this new part of you life. You are an amazing force. I do have a thought on your comment to Jo-Lynne. You have new goals and you are entering a new niche. I do not think it needs to conflict with this amazing space you have here. Have you considered combining the two? More like a web page with a blog. I find it very refreshing and interesting to know a “business” and the personal side of it too.
I do believe very strongly that you have an amazing connection and following of many people. Whatever path you choose or changes you make…we will go with you!!!! xoxox-LV
Though I admire those with the integrity and self control to fit into a niche and not blog about whatever is pounding at their souls to get out, the thing I LOVE about your blog is NO NICHE.
I can count on always finding something new here.
I like that.
i don’t have a niche and i definitely struggle with that. i’m all over the place…fiction, personal, mommy…everything. i’ve been around for 6 years and have never really found my place. i’m just starting to be ok with it!
Love this post. I don’t fit neatly into a niche either, though when I find myself veering too far away from my mission I make sure to write a couple of posts that bring me back to center. Again, does it really matter?
I honestly don’t think being in a niche is that important, unless there is something very specific you want to accomplish with your blog…I have no niche and it’s worked out nicely for me so far!
I am also in the “niche-less” category…where I write about everything and I like it that way-)although I would definitely consider myself more a personal blogger than mommy blogger) It allows me to explore all the things that make up “me”. This is what I like about your site too…you share all the little things that make up you.
When change is happening in one area, it seems to make us question EVERY area, wondering if change needs to happen there as well. That is when things need to slow down, take it one step at a time. You will find what works for you best.
You will find your path…and we will all be here to follow your journey.
xoxo
The transition does matter for me but I think you did it in a good way. What’s you new inspiration to your blog contents? Anyway, thanks a lot for posting this.
-Liam
I’ve always struggled with this problem, and it’s getting more magnified as time goes on (have a post in draft on it myself!). I vow to spend the summer thinking a bit about it. I’ve always been an advocate for the nicheless blog…but it makes it very hard to keep your readership when you blog about a million different things (like I do) and people only want to read about one or two of those topics.
I’ve struggled with this as well. My blog started as a mommy blog telling the story of my struggle with PPD. And then it became a place for me to really bring awareness to PPD and mental illness. And then it became a place to bring awareness to all causes I was passionate about. And now it is what ever I want.
I think your blog should be that.
Whatever you want.
It’s yours.