Glad it helped, I really like thinking of niches in this way. I find a lot of people think a niche is “copywriting” but really it’s “copywriting for x person with y problem and X story”
I'm not sure I believe in the almighty power of niching down, but if I did, this would be the way to do it. Your description of the psyche of this illustrative person is phenomenal. We should all endeavor to understand ourselves this well, nevermind our audience!
I think niching down is the FASTEST way to build a profitable following.
That said, I’m not currently following this method at all. I’m expressing my interests and values as a creator, hoping to build a large enough following that eventually it becomes a career
I hear that. Niching down is very effective for product development, but I'm not convinced it is as effective for content development. I also think that niches can provide an outsized return when someone is early in their career. I'm testing my own theories on this concept and I'm open to being proven wrong, so stay tuned!
I feel like you are good at understanding people's psychology. After all, the point is to show people the problems they have, but can't see yet. And also the solutions. Otherwise people become hopeless.
Your client / customer is trapped in that tunnel - the darkness.
You're here to guide the out.
You know, sometimes it might be beneficial to have tunnel vision (okay corny) - but what a great question to ask, "What story am I helping someone finish?"
For the first time, I have nothing to pontificate on a niche subject. I’ll take this round, Josh - maybe ease off the gas and give the niche bros a break.
You can write about a lot of shit, it often just needs to be through the lens of a person you’re trying to help.
For instance, I’m trying to help solo business founders cut thru noise and understand business concepts. So I write about that.
But I also write about anti-corporate, the coming of AI, humanness in work, the absurdity of our system, etc. I just make sure to wrap it in “this is how these things impact or help you think differently about work”
So the trick is find the person you want to help, understand their beliefs and story, and then write about how your interests impact them
I totally get it. It is just really hard right now, but yeah, your text helps a lot. Btw, I really like your content and writing man. Finding it really inspiring.
Ansh, I wouldn't focus on building a niche right now. I would focus on becoming a self-taught engineer. While you are learning that, share what you are learning and doing to build authority over time. Eventually this will lead to a niche naturally.
I willl focus on becoming a self-taught engineer and sharing what I learn along the way..
One genuine question though:
Since becoming competent as an engineer will take time (24-36 mo month) what are some practical ways an 18-year-old beginner can earn a little income meanwhile without derailing the learning process?
For example:
skills worth building early that can pay sooner
beginner-friendly freelancing or leverage paths
mistakes to avoid while trying to earn early
I want to work toward independence, but without rushing or choosing the wrong path.
Ohh, love this breakdown. Finally something concrete, not like - you just are the niche/just find a niche🤓☝️
Glad it helped, I really like thinking of niches in this way. I find a lot of people think a niche is “copywriting” but really it’s “copywriting for x person with y problem and X story”
what specific transformation does one experience by joining your Solo community?
Most “marketing gurus” should be embarrassed after reading this.
Damn that is high praise
I'm not sure I believe in the almighty power of niching down, but if I did, this would be the way to do it. Your description of the psyche of this illustrative person is phenomenal. We should all endeavor to understand ourselves this well, nevermind our audience!
😀
I think niching down is the FASTEST way to build a profitable following.
That said, I’m not currently following this method at all. I’m expressing my interests and values as a creator, hoping to build a large enough following that eventually it becomes a career
We’ll see how it works
Can't wait to see how it evolves!
I hear that. Niching down is very effective for product development, but I'm not convinced it is as effective for content development. I also think that niches can provide an outsized return when someone is early in their career. I'm testing my own theories on this concept and I'm open to being proven wrong, so stay tuned!
I feel like you are good at understanding people's psychology. After all, the point is to show people the problems they have, but can't see yet. And also the solutions. Otherwise people become hopeless.
Excellent writing! So glad i saw this post of you. Cause i’m so tired of the vague “you are your niche”
Thank you for sharing, Josh.
Glad it helped… have you thought about your niche?
Person, problem, transformation
That's an excellent framework. It's simple yet 90% don't even get that.
The first thought that came to mind was a tunnel.
The tunnel is your clear focus.
Your client / customer is trapped in that tunnel - the darkness.
You're here to guide the out.
You know, sometimes it might be beneficial to have tunnel vision (okay corny) - but what a great question to ask, "What story am I helping someone finish?"
I love the tunnel / guide analogy, that’s clear as hell and makes perfect sense.
It’s exactly right
If you think others may resonate with it, feel free to use it!
For the first time, I have nothing to pontificate on a niche subject. I’ll take this round, Josh - maybe ease off the gas and give the niche bros a break.
Need I say: original insight!
Hahaha well shit… I could take the foot off the gas or I could go harder 👀
Glad it resonated tho, means a lot coming from you
This rule about having a niche so you can create an audience and strike growth is being a bitch to me in these first days of Substack.
I want to write about everything.
You can write about a lot of shit, it often just needs to be through the lens of a person you’re trying to help.
For instance, I’m trying to help solo business founders cut thru noise and understand business concepts. So I write about that.
But I also write about anti-corporate, the coming of AI, humanness in work, the absurdity of our system, etc. I just make sure to wrap it in “this is how these things impact or help you think differently about work”
So the trick is find the person you want to help, understand their beliefs and story, and then write about how your interests impact them
I totally get it. It is just really hard right now, but yeah, your text helps a lot. Btw, I really like your content and writing man. Finding it really inspiring.
I AM 18...i have no idea what's my niche
I just started learning maths in order to become a self taught engineer..
But for now Idk if I can solve any problem?
Guide me please
Ansh, I wouldn't focus on building a niche right now. I would focus on becoming a self-taught engineer. While you are learning that, share what you are learning and doing to build authority over time. Eventually this will lead to a niche naturally.
Okay sir, I understand...
I willl focus on becoming a self-taught engineer and sharing what I learn along the way..
One genuine question though:
Since becoming competent as an engineer will take time (24-36 mo month) what are some practical ways an 18-year-old beginner can earn a little income meanwhile without derailing the learning process?
For example:
skills worth building early that can pay sooner
beginner-friendly freelancing or leverage paths
mistakes to avoid while trying to earn early
I want to work toward independence, but without rushing or choosing the wrong path.
Would really appreciate your guidance...
Beautifully put, Josh. Big fan of the way you deconstruct things and your writing style. Keep it up!
ACTUALLY useful. Thank you.