I get a lot of questions about website topics and what’s the most profitable niche. First of all, what’s profitable for someone else may not be profitable for you and vice versa.
For example, a lot of people make money online because they choose topics they love to write about, then affiliate themselves with companies that sell products and/or services that relate to their subject of interest.
Having an interest in their topic is what motivates them to build the best site possible, and they enjoy spending time promoting it.
Two people can choose the exact same topic, but one could be tremendously successful while the other one fails miserably. It happens all the time online, and the big difference is often passion and interest.
For example, I make a lot of money reselling domain names, but that’s because my site is about teaching people how to build websites.
If your site is about car repairs then obviously this program is not going to pay as well for you because your audience is not interested in buying domain names. They want car info.
And I’m sure there are many profitable car-related affiliate programs that can earn money from your site if you provide useful information and build up enough traffic.
Find Your Passion, Not Someone Else’s
So before you choose your topic on the basis of what’s the most profitable, dig deep and think about a topic you would love to write about. What interests you? Do you have information on a topic that can help others?
Unless your topic is totally obscure, you can make money from virtually anything thanks to Google AdSense and other affiliate programs. So there’s enough money out here for everyone.
But if maintaining your site becomes a chore then you’ll never see the money because you won’t be motivated to stick with it long enough to make it succeed.
Now, that’s not to say there aren’t topics out there that are more profitable than others. Nor am I saying you can’t choose a topic you know very little about and make money.
Some people are clever at pay per click marketing so they choose hot, competitive topics, bid on keywords for search engine placement and make money by placing ads. If you’ve got the budget, then this method could be for you.
Others choose topics they know very little about, but take the time to research it until they are knowledgeable enough to build a useful site that becomes successful.
However, for most people it’s easier to create a successful site if you write about topics that interest you. This allows you to come across as the “expert” in your niche, build credibility with your audience, and most importantly, enjoy the ride.
Hi, Lisa. My niche is making money online and a subniche is sterting an online business. I chose it because I needed to choose something at that moment but I still don’t feel confident in it. I’ve been doing it for more than a year and still haven’t made a penny but spent a pretty one. There are niches I feel not only interest but also a passion for which are: History (mainly WWII and ancient Middle East), Sea fishing, Bible. But I’m not sure, if I can make any good money on them to add up a fact that I was told that I probably can’t. And there is a very personal niche: Living with a person with Asperger Syndrome: my 2 boys have been diagnosed and I’m waiting myself for a diagnose. So there are probably 3 of us in the family. So, I’ve been struggling and need to make final decision. And my mental condition doesn’t help for as a 52 years old I learn quite slowly (not because of my lack of intelligence but of fragmented perception and internal resistance against changes). So your post is a serious challenge (’til the red!)
Great post…You are right, passion is the most important thing…We have to love everything we do…this is the only way but sometimes we forget it…Thanks for remembering
Thank´s so much for the great advice and sharing your knowledge with us.
Hey Lisa:
This is most helpful!
Just want to thank you for all the valuable information you provide!
Do you think it’s a good idea to monetize a new blog from the start (as in zero followers/subscribers) or wait until the subscriber count is high?
Thanks in advance!
I’ve got a quick question, Lisa. Do you think that the web-development/designer tutorials arena/niché is still feasible? It seems to be dwindling down as of late.
I’m a “Sr.” web developer/designer who does love his code and design. I could teach people, but I’m not sure if it would go anywhere!
you are right, its a great article, congratulaations
Ganhar Dinheiro Online
Lisa
How true is that. I have been trying to promote niches that I do not have a passion and only a little knowledge of and you get it, the fog goes over the mind and you can’t think of a thing to write! Well that’s about to change.
Thanks
Hey, is possible to make money with a niche that you are not passionate about. However under certain condition, that is you know how to learn.
Personally I pick a niche market that is profitable and then learn much about it before marketing it. If you read a great amount of quality content, even buy some products you might just be able to become an expert in the niche.
I recommend just doing research before you try to create a website in your niche. Its not easy, but its doable.
you are totally right, you need to find what you like, and then make money with this.
Nice article….I agree. I am still learning, however so far I have found that writing about a familiar topic is easier, and you will not run out of content.
you’re right, Lisa. it’s much easier to write something that you know about. unless otherwise you’re willing to put in some effort into researching (like you said). ^^
Hi, Lisa I happen to stumble on your website from browsing and i can say your website is the MOST helpful website ever!! With the videos, helpful tips, and case studies, I am AMAZED and blown away at your success. Keep up the good work and I hope to have the same success as you in the near future. I know it will take time and dedication and I have a couple of passionate topics that i will later talking about. Right now, i’m like a sponge and SOAKING in the information before i put it into action. I’m a 25 year old business minded person and i wish i found this site sooner, but you know how the saying goes..better LATE than NEVER..lol…
Thank for certain and clear info. I created my blog a month ago and now I stuck a little. But now I understand I only began to learn. And I’m still seeking my topic.
.-= Sergey´s last blog … Outsourcing in my business =-.
Hi Lisa, Thanks for the tons of useful information that you have provided individuals like myself and others who are honesty trying to help others online and also to become a better internet marketer. I have watched several of your Youtube Video presentations and was totally blown away by your excellent track record and your sincerity. I have just published a Website, and is continuously looking for ways to improve it. You have certainly helped me a lot!
Definitely find your passion. But here’s the dilemma – some people don’t know how!
I wrote an eBook “How to Find a Money Making Niche” for this EXACT reason and I am not just posting this to promote the eBook but instead to make a point about this post…and about an issue that many people have out there…
First, people don’t realize that they should sometimes just go for it and try their idea. If their idea fails, that does NOT mean THEY fail. Instead, they LEARN some HOW-TO stuff that can be valuable later, with another idea. They get better, they learn what to do and what not to do.
Next, then they can go back and find the RIGHT thing they were meant to do, plus they ALREADY know HOW to get it up and running. Some people just need to do it this way. I did!
Do not be afraid to fail. Learn. You SHOULD BE afraid to never try. Give it a shot! If you do want to test what ideas may work best for you, then do get a copy of my eBook. Otherwise, just do it, learn something, then come back and try again!
And be sure to listen to Lisa’s advice – she obviously has a proven track record!
.-= Michael Erik´s last blog … Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-02-21 =-.
Thanks.
Hi Lisa,
Would you recommend buying and reading Super Affiliate Handbook?
Yes! I own it. Great book.
I mean the one by Rosalind Gardner.
You see some of us are competely new and not in the State.
So….
Download free photo set of small models of Vladmodels http://vladmodels.awardspace.biz/
GOOD ARTICLE! you are completely right. It isn´t all about money but loving what you do and anyone who desires to build a website better be a hard worker and love being in front of a computer for hours.
Kind regards.
http://www.toefl-madrid.com/
Brilliant phrase – “find your passion not someone else’s”
You are totally correct.
.. its me again.. hi, … your are soooo powerful when you tell your stories and just ah! .. i smile every time. i see your videos…. ok.. i would love your help and …i have no problem paying for the right help and good help!.. first off, you don’t see to many black people doing this anyway …u are one of few and to be a woman doing it… u have sooooo broke all types of goals and bounders. iam 24…i went to college i love art and it just wont for me …iam more of a hands on person and i love, love, love, computers!.. and i have a great idea that i have on copy write..i have one web page and 3 hot blogs…on ( video games…) and money maker!…fashion….witch people are crazy about .. and health, i just made them 3 days ago and my traffic is cool i have like 15 ppl come to my page the first day with out..posting adds on like face book and my space.. i haven’t done that yet!…its been 4 days and iam waiting on Google to send me my app..what would your one on one help lintel of.. like i really really wont to do this…. not just because of the money .. i have helping people and i love art!!! and what better way then web pages…i lost my job at .” wal-mart” …they lay people off left and right and they just don’t car. iam living week 2 week.. on 115$….its killing me.. i would really like your help
so ready to work and make something of myself,
Deontrae spruill..
my e mail is Rampage_1985@yahoo.com
Wow,
You are on the right track.
Could you do with your own tips as well. Share pls
Dont despair about your circumstance, maximize your substance and you will be above it shortly.
I agree with you that in order to develop a good site, one must create it around his passion, but on the contrary it may not be a successful one. Profitable websites are built using good planning+proper market knowledge, and not just passion!
Thanks
.-= Matt Gorden´s last blog … Excercises to increase penis length =-.
U r simply out of dis world.i’v been doin some studies preparatory 2 joinin d internet money spinne and i must confess,ur writeups hv been d ‘realest’.thanks so much.now i knw its actuali abt my PASSION!not some shortcut 2 some run-off-mill greed-inspired venture.gr8 place 2 start 4 EVERY internet marketin newbie.thumbs up,Li.
Hi Chandrasekharan,
I know nothing about the cash gifting programs. That is an MLM program and that is not something I do. In fact, stay tuned to my YouTube channel http://www.lisaontv.com because my next video will probably be talking about the difference in what I do (affiliate marketing) versus cash gifting and other MLM (multi level marketing programs). I’m not usually a fan of MLM because your success depends on your downline (people you recruit). With affiliate marketing, you are in control of your own destiny.
i read the articles and they look quite interesting and useful. Could you enlighten me about the various cash gifting programs. They seem good and lucrative. Is it advisable to join on of the programs. Recently i saw one program which requires $ 25 to be sent to five people, and you are given a custom company site with your details, and you are required to market the site to atleast 10 people. those 10 people send you $ 5 each to you, and they in turn find out 10 people each i.e. 100 people who send you $ 5 each, and this goes on and on.
This site accepts and says that they are not selling anything excepting that it is a genuine cash gifting program.
If you are interested i shall send you the details of that site.
When i searched cash gifting in google there more than a million search details.
Pls give your inputs.
Regards
Chandrasekharan
hi lisa,
i just want to thank you for all of your information.your site is is very refreshing.although im still not sure how to get all the information to build a site if i don’t know it myself.i have started my own site please let me know what you think.
http://www.mycashtrees.com
Smriti, the best way to learn how sites can make money download this free book http://website.sitesell.com/mycps
hi,i’m smriti
well i dont know much about website hosting..hoping u’ll guide me on my question’s..
i’m confused about ‘HOW ONE CAN EARN MONEY BY A WEBSITE’??
and how much money one need to start and set up all this…
hope u can put some inputs on this.
thanks
i’m so glad i went to this site it gave me more insite about starting a home base business over the internet. It makes sense to something you are interested in that you know about. Now i have to find my niche. Your web site really helped me. THANKS
One thing that I think that could be added to your article, is that sometimes, the topic that is chosen for one’s content is more important than the article itself. Based on the topic of the post, a visitor will decide if they are going to read the content posted.
Make it creative and catchy!
thanks for the information. Really reminds me that success takes a long period of time when it comes to blogs.
I must say that your website is a refeshing change to most of the sites that talk about building a website in hopes of profiting from it. You site has all the right information and I will continue to follow your leads.
I too have been an online entrepreneur since 2000 and the long road of hard knocks and foolish spending for my online education was costly.
After years of good/bad ingormation I have built wealthsmith.com
I love the helpful information that you give out to help people get started. It is hard to be ranked in the top spots of Google with a broad topics. Like for instants create a website is very broad and many different website companies try to become ranked. Going for a topic like learn to create a website or how to create a website is more of the way to go. Less broad keywords help you become ranked higher. Remember keyword search tools can get you rank in a higher position.
Thank you, Jake
Username: Jakee246
Thanks for the refreshing article. I recently began exploring the possibilities of making money on the Internet and I must say that it is no small task. Been a real estate investor I can relate to your point about 2 people starting the same business and all things been equal one will be successful and the other not.
From a newbie standpoint, I think that to be successful on line you have to diversify and have many different channels of income. Please check my blog out at http://sbireview.blogspot.com