How Do I Choose a Web Design Niche?

Six key questions to ask before focusing on a niche:

1. Is Your Potential Clients’ Market Growing?

That your potential clients’ own market grows is the most important factor when choosing a niche. If their market is shrinking, there probably won’t be enough business for you either.

Companies that are facing vigorous growth are starting more new projects.

Fast-growing niches are attracting entrepreneurs to start new businesses, and newly established companies need to buy many services for the first time. For example, almost 100% of all new businesses need a website.

It is also easier to sell your services to a company that does not already have an existing supplier.

2. What Size and Type of Projects Are Available?

If you need to charge $5,000 for a website and the niche you’re looking at can only afford an average of $1,000, it’s not worth your time pursuing.

If a typical project consumes a lot of time or requires many types of specialists, the niche you’re looking at may suit agencies better than freelancers.

3. Do They Know They Need Your Services?

You’ve limited time for marketing and sales.

Your time is best used when you speak to decision makers who are already aware of their need, rather than spending your time trying to convince someone who has a hard time realizing how your services can help them.

4. Do They Value Your Services?

This extends the previous question. If potential clients know they need your help, and they also value those services, it’s a sign that it’s a good niche.

On the other hand, if most websites in the niche you’re considering are “old, slow, and ugly” (or non-existent), it’s possible that this niche simply don’t see the value of web design - trying to sell your type of services could become an uphill battle.

5. Do You Like the People?

In the end, all business is about people and people like to work with people they “click” with.

So if you like your potential clients, they will be more prone to like you. And you will develop stronger relationships easier.

6. Can You Reach Potential Clients?