Figuring out your niche is an essential task for freelancers, especially if you want to attract a steady stream of paying clients. Researching your niche, determining your unique offerings, and then actually writing a succinct sentence that encapsulates your findings without confusing or boring people is no small feat.
(If you need help getting started, check out Monday’s post about why nicheing-out matters).
One reason some people feel less-than-motivated to create a niche statement is that they don’t really know how to use it once they’ve got it (especially true for people who find clients online), so here are some productive ways to use your niche statement once you’ve got it nailed down.
Networks and Directories
Finding a niche means getting right to the heart of what it is you do, and why you do it the best. The best place to put the niche statement is right where clients and customers will be looking for it–on a niche networking site or directory. No matter what you do, chances are there is a social media network designed to group you together with like-minded professionals and make your collective talents easy for the public to find.
Here’s just a sampling of what’s out there:
The Web Design Network
Real Design Network
The Designer’s Network
Fastpitch Networking
Freelance Writer’s Directory
Freelance Writers/Designers Directory
Direct Freelance
Web Designers Directory
Health Professionals Directory
Non-Profit Consultant Directory
Your Company Facebook Page
If you’re at the stage where you’re ready to separate your personal profile from your professional page, then your nice statement needs to appear prominently on the info tab. People don’t want to read your entire history and mission statement on Facebook. The niche statement gives them just enough so that they’ll “Like” you and click through to your actual site to learn more.
LinkedIn, BranchOut, Elance.com, Guru.com, etc…
(FYI: BranchOut is a Facebook app that’s very similar to LinkedIn). Putting your new niche statement on your profile acts like a tiny 24-hour billboard, and ensures that your messaging is consistent no matter how people find you. If you’ve already got a pretty solid profile on a couple of professional networking sites, think about delving deeper and using your niche statement as a way of introducing yourself to niche groups or even individuals that you don’t know personally, but would like to have as a professional contact.
Bios Galore
No matter what kind of site you’re subscribing to or listing yourself on, everyone wants a bio these days. Use your niche statement on your own website, your Twitter page, Cohere bio, and anywhere else you’re given two lines to talk about yourself and what you do.
In what other places/situations can you see your nice statement coming in handy? (Printed materials don’t count 😉
Image Credit: MoneyTalksOnline.com
How To Use Your Niche Statement To Propel Your Business #coworking http://bit.ly/eZ4qsq
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I think it was mentioned in the previous post on niche statements, but I think a niche statement can/should moonlight as your elevator pitch. It might help to think about saying it verbally, rather than just seeing it written. Would you be comfortable saying those words in a conversational setting, or would it seem stiff?
I think it was mentioned in the previous post on niche statements, but I think a niche statement can/should moonlight as your elevator pitch. It might help to think about saying it verbally, rather than just seeing it written. Would you be comfortable saying those words in a conversational setting, or would it seem stiff?
Beth, I once heard someone say that your quick intro has to paint a picture in someone’s mind. When I was a career counselor, I would say “I give people permission slips to pursue their passions.” I didn’t give anyone an actual permission slip but that visual really resonated with clients who simply needed someone to support their decision to pursue their dreams.
Beth, I once heard someone say that your quick intro has to paint a picture in someone’s mind. When I was a career counselor, I would say “I give people permission slips to pursue their passions.” I didn’t give anyone an actual permission slip but that visual really resonated with clients who simply needed someone to support their decision to pursue their dreams.
Good post @Angel. Just one point of clarification, you stated “(FYI: BranchOut is Facebook’s version of LinkedIn)” but specifically from the FB app “This app was not developed by Facebook.”.
Just a small point of clarification in this era of FB being overwhelmed and changing the privacy rules in inexplicable ways. I am not convinced that the vetting process for FB developers is solid.
Thanks for the thoughtful post. Be well
Thanks Ted. I feel lucky if I can log in to FB every morning!
Get live feedback about your niche statement on ma' blog today by leaving a comment. #coworking http://bit.ly/eZ4qsq
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Ooo. What a great list of directories…I had no idea there were so many. I’m curious about the experiences of any Cohere’rs (or anyone else reading this) who has used a directory. Didja get business? Was it worth the investment?
Regarding where niche statements can be used: on a personal OR biz website (great way to let people know who you are as soon as they land at your site) or in an email signature. Like Beth mentioned, I think this niche statement can be particularly useful when meeting new people. If a freelancer is out’n’about at networking events, meet-ups or conferences, being able to niche out will make ALL the difference in the world. Like at the SXSWi Coworking Unconference this March, for example. 😉
More niche-y goodness: How To Use Your Niche Statement To Propel Your Business #coworking http://bit.ly/eZ4qsq via @CohereLLC
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