Ain’t No Valley Low Enough: You Almost Can’t Niche Down Enough

Niche businesses, including niche law practices, are so effective, in large part because those business types reduce competition.  That logic is probably obvious: any time you sell to a smaller interest group, you sell to fewer people – but, it’s really powerful in application. 

To new business owners, or general practitioners, that can sound dangerous = it places too significant a limitation on accessing potential clients.  You see, there’s this notion that most entrepreneurs latch onto, at first, which says that a wider pool means access to more potential clients.  But, a bigger group of potential clients can also mean more expenses, more competitors and less focused messaging.  In the end, you can’t reach and convert all the clients; so, why not reduce your focus, and sharpen your branding, thereby giving yourself a better chance at converting from a targeted group?  And, as you develop a reputation in a given space, it will become easier over time to generate business; that’s especially true if you own the first law firm to start up in a particular practice niche, and gain a ‘first mover’ advantage. 

 

And, if a general niche (like family law) works to reduce competition, a more specific niche (like estate planning), even further reduces competition.  Take that to its logical extreme, and the deeper your niche, the less competition you have.  Estate planning not a deep enough niche for you?  Try drafting only special needs trusts for children.  Opt for student loan law, within education law.  Choose a loan workouts specialty within a real estate practice.   

 

It’s been said that niches lead to riches; and it’s true.  But, the deeper you drill, the more likely you’ll be to strike oil. 

 

And, while it will take longer for a niche practice to develop, it’s worth the wait. 

 

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If you want to convert your law firm to a niche practice, we can help! 

Through a unique partnership between the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar and Jared Correia’s Red Cave Law Firm Consulting, Maine attorneys have access to experienced law practice management consultants at a special discounted rate. 

To get started, visit Red Cave’s landing page for Maine attorneys, and start running your law practice like a business.