What’s My Niche?
Since I started this blog in July, I have read everything possible about blogging. From how to increase traffic to how to engage readers, the experts out in the blogosphere have so much to say.
I have learned a lot and I’ve followed some of the advice, but to be honest, much of it I have not. In particular – narrowing my niche.
The experts advocate for a narrow focus and a specific product. I should be writing about one thing, one specialized area of expertise, and one portion of an industry. While this may work for some, it just doesn’t fit me right now. It’s not why I began blogging.
When I originally created the site, I wanted to showcase some of my sample work for my students and freelance editors. Soon, it evolved into something much more meaningful.
It turned into a story blog. This blog has become a venue for me to tell stories about myself, my children, my family and those who have touched my life. This blog is a venue for me to communicate with my students, engage in writing with them and offer tips on both writing and journalism.
I purposely left my niche broad because I wanted to explore how blogs work, how I can interact with my readers and how I can tell stories while improving my writing.
I blog about writing. I blog about my reflections. I blog about teaching. For the time being, I’m not concerned about making money by blogging – I’d rather learn more about how to engage my readers, share some stories, and write as often as I can.
I just want to write, reflect and teach. That’s my niche.
– Shannon Philpott
Blog Entry: Dec. 28, 2009
© Shannon Philpott, 2009. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Shannon Philpott and shannonphilpott.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
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About Me
Three words to describe me? Passionate. Motivated. Curious. These traits help me as a college media adviser and professor, freelance writer, author and mom. From student journalism and higher education to parenting and freelance writing, this site, focused on writing, reflecting and teaching, offers a mix of blogs with a hint of humor, sarcasm, and inspiration, as well as my published stories on just about every possible topic.
Feel free to browse my sample works including feature news, magazine, and web copywriting pieces from the past and present. You can also pick up my new book “Screen-Free Fun: 400 Activities for the Whole Family” now available. Check back often for daily updates, blog entries, and additional stories. Feel free to contact me directly at shphilpott@gmail.com, follow me on Twitter, or grab tips for Screen-Free Fun on our Facebook page. Comments are welcome!
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 
My niche is physician bluegrass fiction. Like you, I find the stories are the ticket.
Dr. B
drtombibey.wordpress.com