What is a Niche Anyway?

If you conducted a study of terms that were most prevalent online over the short life of the Web, they would most likely fall into specific categories. In the early years, the term “shopping cart” would be front and center. Other words over the years would include, “banner advertising,” “pay per click,” “search engine optimization,” “analytics,” and, most recently, “social networking.”
Another one of these terms, which has continued its successful run for some time, is “niche.” What, exactly, does this mean for you?

The derivation of the word “niche” could be as early as the 14th century Italian “nicchia” or “niche” or “nook” from “nicchio” or “seashell” or the 15th century French “shallow recess in a wall,” or “recess for a dog kennel.” Other word experts say it may come from the Old French term “nicher” “to nestle, nest, build a nest.” The debate continues. The controversy also continues on its pronunciation of rhyming with “itch” or “each.” It’s one of those “eether” or “ither” arguments that no one will ever win.

Regardless of derivation or pronunciation, in economics a “niche” refers to a specific sector of the marketplace, which is distinct from the norm. Boutiques, for example, are often found in isolated areas that are away from the main shopping malls or downtown. Each of the boutiques has its own unique theme and set of buyers. Rather than a general clothing store where customers can buy everything from brand name shoes to scarves, the boutique will only sell jeans from one or two designers.

Niches: Survival of the Fittest

It’s human nature to gravitate to other people that share certain interests. Most likely, it is in the genetic structure somewhere for the whole purpose of survival. How long will an animal last when it joins other species? And if they are not eaten or ignored, they cannot reproduce anyway. So what’s this biology 101 have to do with an online business niche?

People who are either shopping or hunting for information online are also looking for that unique boutique or others who share their interests. That’s where they feel safe, comfortable, appreciated and content. In my book on How to Start 199 Online Businesses due out later this year at Atlantic Publishing, I talked with people who are really successful with not only a niche, but a niche of a niche. Forget having a store with a couple of designers’ jeans. What about one that only carries one designer’s jeans?

photo andercismo

How to Choose an Online Business

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