Why Niche Research is Critical for eLearning Freelancers

Let's talk about niche research. As an instructional designer you are often expected to do it all and do it well! You should be an all-knowing, all-doing, mystical creature that transcends the limits of the human condition. But let’s face it, there can only be one Brendan Fraser. And we can’t ALL be Brendan Fraser, try as we might. And man, do we try.

This is where some nice, niche research comes in. Not the German philosopher…that’s Nietzche. And not the French egg tart…that’s quiche. We’re talking about finding your niche — your area of expertise. If you’re wondering how to transition from being a jack-of-all trades to a highly specialized expert in your chosen niche, read on!

“Niching-Down”

So what exactly is a niche? It’s important we understand this term before getting into the nitty-gritty of niche research. We hear all the cool kids saying that by the way— “niching-down!” I guess we’re pretty cool.

Anyway, a niche is your specialty. It’s a small segment of the market (the smaller the better) that you personally excel in. It’s the difference between shopping at a department store versus your local Mom n’ Pop. YOU are the boutique.

When people think of you, they think of a highly specialized skill. They breathe a sigh of relief because they know no one is better than you at this particular NICHE. Some examples of niches in the field of Instructional Design might include animation design for medical eLearning solutions or designing online scuba diving courses. How cool do those jobs sound!?

So don’t be intimidated! This journey is going to take you somewhere really fun! Plus just picture how cool you’ll look when you slide your glasses down the bridge of your nose and announce your highly specific expertise at a party. Too cool, too cool. Just like us. At IDLance. Yeah, us. We’re cool right?! Niching-down anyone?!

Identify Your Area of Expertise

Ok, so now that we understand what a niche is, it’s time to put in the work of finding yours! Ask yourself, “What am I good at? What do I know the most about?” Surely, you have strengths deep within you somewhere that you’ve developed over the years through school, work, or play.

Think of the areas you excel in when it comes to instructional design. Is writing your strong suit? How well do you visualize data and ideas? Do you get all tingly inside when you’re creating graphics? Does the very idea of working with educational technologies send a blissful shiver down your spine?

We recommend assessing yourself in each of the following categories below in your journey to pinpointing your niche! And for even more hot tips on “niching down,” check out our full program over at IDLance. OK, here we go. Get a paper and pen at the ready!

Writing: How does your writing measure up in areas such as clarity and conciseness of thought? Attention to detail?

Visualizing: How well do you visualize data and ideas in areas such as static graphics, photographs, and infographics?

Communicating: At which kinds of communication do you excel: verbally, visually, or physically?

Listening: What kinds of listening do you do well? Can you spot what works and what doesn’t?

Planning: What strengths in project management do you have? Can you estimate and adhere to a budget? Can you state goals and objectives well?

Assessing: How well do you design measurement in areas such as cognitive understanding and business performance?

Problem-solving: What problem-solving skills are you great at? Can you ask the right questions to identify the real problem?

Researching: Are you above average at identifying the Who, What, Why, When, Where, and How?

Working with educational technologies: How well do you work with technology like rapid authoring tools (Captivate, Rise, etc.) or graphic editing tools?

Feeling stumped? Don’t be shy with us! We know that you have what it takes to not only identify what you’re incredible at but also to put that knowledge to use in developing your “calling card” in the biz. And if you’re really stuck, it’s helpful to consider where you get the most positive feedback in your work or even ask a friend!

Remember, we’re trying to summon our inner Brendan Fraser, here. Now is not the time to sell yourself short. Play your cards right and you could get a beloved, 3-film mummy franchise out of this! Or just…a really great reputation in your field. I mean, I guess that’s fine, too.

Identify What You’re Passionate About

Here’s the thing. Some people are naturally talented at event planning and scheduling stuff, but it sucks their soul out of their body quicker than a Dementor on a bender after quitting their job at Azkaban. We don’t want that for you. We want your new life to be fun…seriously. And it’s a given that you won’t be successful in your niche if it’s something you’re not passionate about.

For example, this blog post is going really well (it just is, ok?) because we’ve identified our expertise as writing and our passion as Brendan Fraser (ok ok instructional design, too). But! While it’s possible for your work to be something you enjoy, it’s not always a good idea to commodify your hobbies, aka “things you love.”

It’s very common that attaching a monetary value to things you love can cause you to not love them anymore. Keep some special things just for you! Take care of that big ol’ heart and mind of yours, please. If you’re happy, you’ll do better professionally, which in turn will make you even happier. It’s basic science!

Nurturing Your Nice, New Niche

We just can’t resist the wordplay and tongue twisters here! Ok, so you’ve assessed yourself deeply and honestly. You’ve pinpointed what you excel at and also what you’re passionate about! You’re just completely nailing the assignment.

Now it’s time to nurture your niche. How can you cultivate your expertise and what are some areas that you can even improve upon? Being an expert in your field will take lots of time, dedication, and self-reflection. Plus, the more gigs you book in your chosen niche, the more and more refined your expertise will become. You may even discover things you want to do that you didn’t even know existed in your previous life!

But don’t overthink it, guys. The choice you make now does not mean you’re stuck with it for the rest of your life! And remember, you are not alone in this journey.

IDLance is here to support you every step of the way. And so is Brendan Fraser. One need only speak his name three times into a mirror in a darkly lit room to conjure him.

Trust us, we’re experts.