How to Test a Niche the Cheap and Easy Way - Step By Step
Published: Thu, 04/28/16
Today I wanted to share a little tutorial-by-email with you. Someone asked me about my 2016 survival PLR that's ending today and they basically just said, "I don't know what to do with it." This is a newbie, but it's a good idea to review and get some fresh ideas about tapping into a NEW niche when you haven't been in it before, so enjoy...
Step #1: Know When to Test a New Niche.
Ask yourself if you're already overwhelmed. If you are, put blinders on and get back to work - now's not the time. If you're bored with what you're doing and want a break, or can handle multiple business branches, go for it.
Step #2: Decide on Your Domain Slant, and Then Buy One.
Don't forget to use a coupon code to buy your domain. Just typing in Godaddy April 2016 coupon will give you one so your domain is under $2, instead of $11.99.
So what slant will you use? With survival, it could be broad like covering survival tips and gear, or drilled down, like focusing only on food and water.
Buy a domain. I used Power Suggest Pro and found these ideas all available right now on GoDaddy:
- PreppingFoodAndWater.com
- WaterPrepping.com
- FoodAndWaterPrepping.com
- BestPreppingIdeas.com
- BasicPreppingSupplies.com
- BudgetEmergencyPrepping.com
- WaterSurvivalTips.com
- FoodAndWaterSurvival.com
- SurvivalFoodAndWater.com
- FoodAndWaterSupplies.com
The tool I used is here:
http://trueguru.powsuggest.hop.clickbank.net/
Step #3: Set up WordPress.
Keep it simple. Use a free theme. Get it set up (I use twenty ten). Make a cheap header or use Fiverr to have one made using a stock photo.
Step #4: Set up a list.
I use Aweber and I've been with them since 2006. Love their system, their customer service, and the reliability I get through them. Doesn't matter WHAT you use, but use something to build a list.
http://www.aweber.com/easy-email.htm?id=215284
Step #5: Add a follow up email with a free opt in gift.
You can either write one, or use PLR. In my survival pack I have an 11-page report you could use called Be Prepared with a Water Supply:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/bigplrevent.com/indexsurvivalbundle2016.html (the $7 sale ends tonight at 9 PM CST and then it goes up to $31)
Step #6: Add the opt in form to the sidebar of your blog.
Step #7: Create or Use More Content for the Blog and Emails
Now the way I like to do it is to put all content on my blog and then email my list when a new blog post is ready. I do this instead of making a bunch of follow up emails because then the content is bringing me traffic, not only catering to my subscribers.
In the above survival pack, you'll find a mix of articles and product reviews you can use for this purpose. And the $17 oto has 339 additional pieces of content you can use for this purpose to keep the site blossoming for almost a year!
Do you need to edit the content? You can! I like to alter the titles, add an introduction and insert any personal opinions or thoughts into it.
Step #8: Start a FB Group for the topic.
Start posting there daily. One post is fine. Use some of the content or ask a question, etc. Don't worry if no one's there yet. You can participate on other groups and pages and make connections. Add your group link to the sidebar of your blog.
Step #9: Start posting links to the blog on Pinterest.
Pinterest does well with survival stuff. I've made several sales. People have entire accounts devoted to their prepping plans.
Step #10: Post it on Google Plus.
Some say it's dead. Nah. Post it. It ranks in Google. You can use hashtags, too. Put it on Twitter and do the same.
Step #11: Consider a challenge.
Challenges are always fun and it gets people participating. For example, you could do a weekly "Best $5 Find" Challenge where everyone posts what they bought in terms of survival gear for $5 or under that week.
The survival niche is an awesome demographic that participates and shares information. The more active your posts are, the more eyeballs that see it and the more sales you make.
I don't do anything other than this. I don't advertise. I just post content and share it on social media.
If you start seeing a response, kick things up a bit. Make some unique content or buy more PLR to beef up interest in other specific topics. Looks for PLR that has an eBook you can sell and profit from and have a Fiverr person create a cover for you. (The oto of my pack has an eBook or two you can sell).
Once you see sales surging, reinvest some profits and expand on your reach. THEN maybe try advertising and creating your own product with affiliates, etc.
Don't make it harder than it has to be! And don't invest more time or money than necessary at first.
Tiff ;)
P.S. Prefer a Weekly Digest?
http://www.tiffanylambert.com/weeklytiff.html