SOP 001: Niche Research
Overview
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| NICHE RESEARCH WORKFLOW |
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| Start |
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| v |
| +---------------------------------------------------+ |
| | Go to Flippa.com (free registration) | |
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| | |
| v |
| +---------------------------------------------------+ |
| | Filter: Content Sites -> Review Type | |
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| | |
| v |
| +---------------------------------------------------+ |
| | Find sites making $1K-5K/month profit | |
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| v |
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| | Ask: Can I do BETTER than this site? | |
| +---------------------------------------------------+ |
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| +---> YES ---> You found your niche! |
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| +---> NO ---> Keep searching |
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+---------------------------------------------------------------------+Why This Method Works
Instead of guessing whether a niche is profitable, you're seeing actual proof that:
- Real websites in this niche make money
- The competition level is visible (you can see the site)
- Monetization methods are proven
Step-by-Step Procedure
Step 1: Register on Flippa
- Go to Flippa.com
- Create a free account
- No payment required to browse listings
Step 2: Set Search Filters
Configure these parameters:
| Filter | Setting |
|---|---|
| Site Type | Content/Blog |
| Monetization | Affiliate / Display Ads |
| Monthly Profit | $1,000 - $5,000 |
| Asking Price | Any (just researching) |
Step 3: Analyze Potential Niches
For each site you find, evaluate:
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| NICHE EVALUATION CRITERIA |
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| [x] Can I write better content than this? |
| [x] Can I build a better-looking site? |
| [x] Can I create more content than they did? |
| [x] Do I have interest/knowledge in this topic? |
| [x] Are there affiliate programs available? |
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| If 4+ answers are YES ---> This is your niche |
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+---------------------------------------------------------------------+Step 4: Document Your Findings
Create a spreadsheet with:
| Column | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Niche | Topic area (e.g., "portable generators") |
| Example Site | URL of the Flippa listing |
| Monthly Profit | Reported earnings |
| Content Count | Number of articles |
| Monetization | Affiliate programs used |
| Difficulty Score | 1-5 (your assessment) |
Examples of Good Niches Found
From Matt's research:
- Power Generators - $3,000/month profit, review-focused
- RV Accessories - Passionate audience, high ticket items
- Pet Products - Evergreen demand, emotional purchases
- Home Office Equipment - Growing market, repeat buyers
Red Flags to Avoid
Avoid These Niches
- YMYL topics (health, finance) - Require E-E-A-T credentials
- Seasonal only - Christmas decorations, Halloween costumes
- Dying industries - DVD players, fax machines
- Oversaturated - Best mattress, best credit card
Verification Checklist
- [ ] Found 3+ example sites making money in niche
- [ ] Confirmed affiliate programs exist (Amazon, ShareASale, etc.)
- [ ] Verified search volume for main keywords (use Ahrefs/free tools)
- [ ] Assessed competition level as manageable
- [ ] Personal interest score is 3+ out of 5
See Also
- 002 - Keyword Research - Next step after niche selection
- 004 - First $1K Month - Complete path to first income
- Video: Niche Research - Watch the full tutorial