Michel (among others) has written quite a bit about becoming a specialist in a given field. Specializing gives you instant credibility in your niche. See:
Carve Your Niche By Dominating One » The Michel Fortin Blog

key quote: "Being a general copywriter when I first started out would have pitted me against all the copywriters in the world, particularly all the top copywriters who were far better than me. But being a copywriter specializing in cosmetic surgery (which was my niche at the time), I naturally dominated that niche."

Also, Three Tips For Getting Copywriting Work » The Michel Fortin Blog

I've been doing writing for my best buddy, who is an awesome acupuncturist/herbalist with a doctorate in Chinese Medicine. He told me years ago his goal is to be the best healer ever, and he's been walking his talk by continually learning. He was so sincere, all I could say is "How can I help?" (I wasn't into copywriting at the time).

Now that I'm writing, I can help. He's doubled his physical clinic size because he's expecting to more than double his client base and caseload (right now he's tag teaming with his wife between the clinic and their 2 year old son. They also have another baby on the way). He is hiring more acupuncturists. We're also working on a plan to open another clinic closer to where I live. I've written some letters for his existing patient list. I am working with him on some ads for local papers. Most recently he asked me to write a letter for post-partum care (after childbirth), especially post-partum depression.

I really believe in what he's doing, because it's worked on me. I also believe in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) itself. So, I'm going to specialize in marketing for TCM practitioners.

He's given me marketing materials to study, mostly written for chiropractic marketing. The strategies and associated tactics are good, but the copywriting is horrid. Good news for me - I love seeing that.

What I'm planning on doing:

• Getting the trade journals for various TCM/acupuncture associations
• Contributing articles on marketing
• Set up a website with a free report, mailing list, etc.
• Testing out every single marketing idea on his practice (and perhaps my new clients practice), to find out what works best.
• Eventually give seminars at conferences.
• Put together a comprehensive system.

I'm sure there are some approaches I've left out. Does anyone care to comment on how to dominate a niche? A friend reminded me tonight how I used to joke about plans for world domination, but I'll settle for this niche.

My buddy's baby is due in May, and I want to take the niche by storm by then. I don't expect to work with him for a few months after his new arrival.

Thanks for any insights. And thank you, Michel, for writing about that. I don't know what I'd be doing if I hadn't read what you wrote.

Merry Christmas,

Burton

So are you saying you are the "Alternative Health Practioner Copywriter?"

That's pretty cool.

Check out Steve Wexler, who specializes in supplements.

America's Leading Direct Mail Copywriter

Anyway, I think that's a great angle. You also want to fish where the fish swim. Ask yourself, where do alternative health practioners hang out? Is doesn't necessarily have to be about alternative health, too. You want to find ways to be in front of their eyeballs.

Hmm.

You just gave me an idea for my next blog post

Michel,

Thanks for your comments.

I actually thought about alternative health but decided against it, because the business model for acupuncture is slightly different than most types of alternative health. Most alternative health practioners sell their time - they only treat people on a one-on-one basis. Acupuncturists sell treatments. After diagnosis, they needle the patient, then the patient relaxes with the needles for up to an hour. This means the acupuncturist can see many patients per hour.

That also means that they have a lot more money to pay me.

I checked out Wexler's site, and he has good material to swipe for the "acupuncture facelift" my friend does. Apparently with needles and herbs he can stimulate the skin to regain natural elasticity, instead of stretching it like a normal facelift. I don't have all the details yet, and he still has to come through with before and after pics.

Good point about "fish where the fish swim." I'll ask him about it when he's back from vacation.

Looking forward to the blog post!

Burton

Rediscovered this thread started by Michel... great information:

http://www.copywritersboard.com/copy...-position.html

This is a great string. Thanks, Burton, for starting it.

Michel, how do you decide on a niche? For example, I have a lot of samples in B2B and some in info products, (from books and tapes to seminars), that I have done over the years.

Are these too big to be considered niches? If so, how can I narrow them down?

John

Choose an industry, product category or audience type.

Examples...

Industry: copywriting for car dealerships, department stores, landscaping, etc.

Product: copywriting for ebooks, infoproducts, websites, direct mail, radio, etc.

Audience: Internet marketers, photographers, married with children,
B2B, etc.

Interesting thread. Alex Mandossian has been on me for months to do this exact same thing. And since he seems to know a thing or two about this whole internet marketing dealio, I went for it.

Jay White Is Your Go-To Source For Autoresponder Copy!

Just put it up last week and already have a few bites from the guru community. So go for it, Burton. Carve out a corner for yourself, get a few happy clients, and you'll never want for any more.

Oh, and go Bears.

JW