Episode Details

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You can use WordPress to build all kinds of websites. There are no hard limits when it comes to looks or functionality.

That freedom is powerful. You can build sites that handle eCommerce, memberships, and large databases. You can tie in with third-party APIs and create headless front ends.

However, such power may be overwhelming to freelancers. Each type of site has its intricacies – learning them can be difficult. And some are more profitable and relevant to your business than others.

That’s a good reason to find a niche. Developing preferences for site type, client type, and price range helps narrow your focus. From there, you can find projects that fit you best. The result is a leaner, more efficient freelance business. In addition, you’ll become an expert in your field.

How does it work? And how do you find your niche? We’ve got some tips for discovering and doing what you like best with WordPress.

Be Open to Different Types of Projects

If you’re new to freelancing or don’t have a niche yet – don’t worry. Determining your path is part of the fun. You might as well treat it as an adventure.

Keep an open mind as you look for new projects. Pay particular attention to the types of sites you haven’t built before. The same goes for plugins and clients in different industries. Don’t be afraid to consider the unfamiliar.

Perhaps that sounds counterintuitive. How can you develop a niche and be open-minded at the same time? It’s all about gaining experience.

If you’ve only built brochure-style sites – how will you know if eCommerce is a good fit? You’ll only learn by rolling up your sleeves and trying.

The trick is to find projects that won’t overwhelm you. For example, a site that sells a single product could be the perfect match for a beginner. Avoid sites that require a heavy dose of expertise.

The more types of projects you complete, the more data you’ll gather. Use it to understand your pros, cons, likes, and dislikes.

Look for Opportunities That Match Your Preferences

For this section, we’ll assume you have some experience building different kinds of websites. And perhaps you’ve found a potential niche. The next step is to look at the market and identify opportunities to make it work.

Dedicating yourself to a niche is great – but it must be sustainable. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck working on projects that don’t match your preference. They might also get in the way of booking ideal gigs later on.

Let’s look at a few examples:

Medical-Related Websites

In this scenario, we’re focusing on a specific industry: the medical field, which is large and has a variety of potential niches. That includes doctor’s offices, suppliers, non-profit organizations, etc.

It might make sense to pick one or two of these subgenres to start. But which ones?

Here are some things to consider:

• Geography: Are there potential clients in your area? Or are you willing to work with anyone, anywhere?
• Connections: Networking is always a handy skill – but it’s vital when working within an industry. The right connections can help you find clients and expand your business.
• Features: Are there features that are common to medical websites? Do you have a reliable and efficient way to provide them?
• Budget: Research the costs associated with building websites in the industry. Finding specifics may be difficult. However, the goal is to determine how much you’ll need to charge to be profitable – and how much c