Getting Started: Pick Your Niche
Starting an online business can feel overwhelming. With so many possibilities—products, services, blogs, courses—how do you know which one is the right fit for you?
When I started building my own business, I quickly realized that the right niche wasn’t just about what’s trending or profitable. It needed to align with my values, fit into my lifestyle, and allow me to stay present with my family. After all, what good is a flourishing business if it pulls you away from what matters most?
Let’s look at five simple steps to pick a niche that’s not only profitable but also purpose-driven.
1. What are your Passions? What are your Skills?
The first step is looking inward. Ask yourself:
• What do I love doing?
• What am I naturally good at?
• What do people often ask me for help with?
Your passion will sustain you when things get tough, and your skills will help you deliver value to others. For example:
• Are you passionate about organizing? You might sell planners or offer time-management tips.
• Love teaching or encouraging others? Start a blog or create devotionals.
• Great at crafting? Etsy could be the perfect platform for you.
It’s okay if your passion doesn’t feel “big enough.” Small, consistent efforts rooted in what you love can grow into something extraordinary.
2. Align with Your Lifestyle and Values
Not every business model will fit your life—and that’s okay. The key is choosing one that aligns with your time, energy, and priorities.
Ask yourself:
• How much time can I realistically dedicate?
• Do I want a side hustle or a full-time income?
• What values do I want my business to reflect?
For me, the answer was clear: I wanted to build a brand that I could manage and do while the kids were at school so I could stay present with my family. I focus on creating intentional content and digital products that align with my values while helping others grow.
3. Research Your Market
Now that you have an idea of what you want to do, it’s time to check for demand. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel—sometimes the best opportunities are about serving an existing need.
Here’s how to research your market:
• Google Trends: See if people are searching for your idea.
• Pinterest: Search for similar products or ideas to spot trends.
• Survey Your Audience: Ask friends, family, or potential customers for feedback.
For example, if you want to sell printables, search for what’s popular on Etsy. Maybe you’ll notice a demand for faith-based planners or minimalist meal trackers. The goal is to find a sweet spot between your passion and what people are already looking for.
4. Think Long-Term
Your niche doesn’t have to feel rigid—it should give you room to grow. A good niche allows you to evolve over time without starting from scratch.
For example, let’s say you start by selling a few digital printables on Etsy. Over time, you could expand into coaching, online courses, or even physical products. The key is starting small and letting your business grow with you.
Pro Tip: Don’t wait for the “perfect” idea to start. You can refine and pivot as you learn.
5. Take the First Step
Here’s the truth: The best niche in the world won’t matter if you don’t take action. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll learn, grow, and discover what works.
Here’s what to do today:
Brainstorm 3–5 niche ideas based on your passions, skills, and research. (Use the worksheet I created to help.)
Choose one to test—whether that’s writing your first blog post, designing a printable, or creating a social media account.
Focus on progress, not perfection.
Your first idea doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be yours.
Conclusion
Picking your online business or niche is about more than just following trends. It’s about creating something that reflects your values, fits your life, and allows you to flourish while staying rooted in what matters most.
Need help getting started?
Download my free Niche Brainstorming Worksheet to clarify your passions and plan your next steps. Let’s take the first step toward building a business you love—one that works for you, not the other way around.