Early in a creator’s journey it can be difficult to decide which topic(s) to focus on. We’ve all heard the advice that it’s best to find a niche and stick to it… but new creators don’t have any useful data to pick said niche.
Enter the Hourglass Curve
Creator topics and audience interest follow an hourglass-like curve. Early on it’s best to write about a range of topics that interest you (the creator) and even have experience/expertise in. This is level one of the curve.
After 10-30 pieces of content have been published (see Day 3) you have data to see which topics resonated with the audience. Now you can confidently pick the right topic(s) to build on. This is level two of the curve.
True Fans & Super-niching
As you ship consistently and stay focused you will build an audience. This is the march to 100 Rounds of content (see Day 1) and the move from level two to three, or the neck of the hourglass.
This is your super-niche and the place you’ll gather true fans
Notice how the topic has narrowed (like an hourglass) but audience interest has grown and become more focused with you. This helps solve the Dinner Party Problem many creators face.
The Hourglass Curve Expands
Yesterday I shared the first half of the Hourglass Curve. A creator’s topics + audience starts wide then narrows as feedback and engagement defines the “super-niche” and attracts true fans.
The Widening Interest of True Fans
After serving the true fans in your super-niche, a curious development happens. They often start to ask your opinion on related topics, often tangential to the super-niche. In the same way you narrowed the content focus early, true fans now want you to expand and share more! This is the fourth level of the hourglass.
Trust Leads to Expanded Topics
This expanded interest is a direct result of the trust developed between creator and raving fan. My super-niche is analog productivity but people ask me for advice on digital apps, habit building, even parenting!
Over time, your true fans are going to show an interest in anything you release. Not everything will be for everyone, but true fans are excited to watch you “do your thing” and keep creating. Basically – you can talk about anything you want.
The Curve Comes Full Circle
Pardon my mixed metaphors, but do you see the connection? At the beginning of the creative journey you’ll talk about anything to find what resonates with an audience. As you build a tribe of true fans connected to a super-niche, they’ll be interested in anything you want to talk about.