Oli Dale has an article on WPLift that describes what subject matter he’d focus on if he started a site devoted to WordPress today. Throughout the article, he mentions niches that are already well covered such as WordPress news and tutorials. He concludes the article suggesting that new sites about WordPress be narrowly focused on a niche, such as Church blogs or freelancing/product owners.
I’d Still Write About Whatever Interests Me
After reading his post, I started thinking about what I would write about if I started a WordPress site today. The more I think about it, the more I realize that I wouldn’t be able to limit myself to just one topic of interest. Writing about whatever interests me is what makes the process of blogging enjoyable. Over the years, I’ve learned that one of the hardest things to do is write about something I have no interest in.
Before deciding on whether to start a new site about WordPress, consider whether you’ll be doing it for fun or for profit. This decision will help determine which types of content you write. It’s also easier to monetize a site up front rather than making the change at the height of the site’s success.
When I launched the Tavern, it was a labor of love more so than an opportunity to make a buck. However, there came a time when the light bulb went off and I discovered I could combine my love for writing about WordPress and make money doing it. It also helped that I had the support of my audience to make that decision.
People Want To Know About The Business Of WordPress
For my day job, I read a lot of material about WordPress from all over the web. One of the topics I’ve noticed that people have an insatiable appetite for is the business of WordPress. Five to six years ago, there were fewer businesses and consultancy agencies around WordPress.
Today, it feels like there are a ton of 1-5 person shops ready to grow their business and are looking for mentors to provide the information they need to make informed decisions. The business of WordPress is definitely an area that could use more content written by experienced and professional consultants, agencies, and enterprise level companies.
Showcase Sites and Products That Give WordPress That WOW Factor
A very narrow niche that could be tapped into is showcasing websites or products that give WordPress that WOW factor. There are so many sites built with WordPress, that it would be nice to see a site devoted to the cream of the crop. Sure, there is the WordPress showcase but it doesn’t tell you all of the juicy details that were involved in the making of the site. A site in this niche could focus on case studies, interviews with decision makers, etc.
One of the reasons I think a site devoted to this niche could be successful is this feeling that WordPress has reached a point where it’s boring. We know that WordPress is used to build websites, large and small, and that it’s capable of doing much more.
But there is not one site that I know of acting as a living archive that showcases how people are pushing the boundaries of the software. Common terms being used today to describe WordPress are, platform, application framework, and development framework. What does any of that mean and what are some concrete examples that define those terms?
Using WordPress For eCommerce Is Growing In Popularity
eCommerce is a WordPress vertical that continues to grow in popularity. I almost feel as though you could do no wrong by starting a website devoted to the eCommerce space. Although I haven’t come across one just yet, I wouldn’t be surprised if there are sites dedicated to the WooCommerce ecosystem. WooCommerce has turned into a cottage industry and there are always interesting things happening in the space. Not to mention there are plenty of affiliate program opportunities with several of the popular eCommerce systems.
Three Pieces Of Advice
WordPress as an open source software project is 11 years old. It’s used on nearly 23% of the web. There are plenty of podcasts, watering holes, and sites devoted to it. Don’t be discouraged by the fact that there may be one or more people covering a niche. Determine what sets you apart from everyone else and go for it. It’s possible to make a dent in the WordPress sphere of influence, Chris Lema is living proof. In early 2012, Lema was an unknown in the WordPress community. Thanks to his hard work, consistency, and ability to educate readers using the power of story telling, he’s become an influential voice. This is why I jokingly say he “came out of nowhere“.
If you decide to start your journey today, I have three pieces of advice. Be yourself, share your experiences so others can learn, and try to help others. It’s amazing how far these three things can take you.
What other verticals or topics are under exposed in the WordPress community? What additional types of content would you like to see on the Tavern?
Hi Jeff, I think you’re dead right that you’ve got to write about the things that interest you.
There’s no doubt though that the WordPress News category is well-covered ( the Tavern and Post Status leading the way in that category imo, no doubt others will have their personal favourites that speak to them).
A newcomer in that category would struggle to get traction, unless they are doing something extraordinary.
Delighted to see you mention Chris Lema – an inspirational blogger and a great example of a WordPress non-News site.
Personally, I’d love to see more sites focusing in detail on how WordPress is used in a specific vertical, even though it might not be one that is directly within my sphere of interest there’s always something you can learn from it.
So far as content for the Tavern – it’s great as it is, don’t dilute the beer!