Wikipedia, in my estimation, is one of the most valuable resources available for subniche research. Most of the time, if Wikipedia is even used, it’s to look up definitions or seek out further information about a niche at a very superficial level. It’s not used nearly to its full potential as a pipeline to new subniches, which is exactly how I use it day after day.

I use Wikipedia’s search bar as frequently as I use Google’s. Why? It all boils down to the organization and streamlining of information in compact chunks.

Let’s say, for instance, I want to make a new series of tshirts in the dance niche. To niche-down, I’ll need to focus on various types of dance. If I search “types of dance” on Google, the first page yields a decent array of findings. The first link that pops up gives me insight into such dance styles as:

  • Contemporary
  • Ballet
  • Jazz
  • Tap
  • Hip-hop
  • Ballroom

Now, let’s try Wikipedia’s search bar. The “Types of dance” page returns more than TEN TIMES as many dance styles, such as: Disco, Latin/Rhythm, street dance, swing dance, robot, dance improvisation, line dance, and dozens of other types of dances that, while definitely out there on Google, aren’t summarized and listed anywhere else in the world like they are on page 1 of Wikipedia’s findings. This is why Wikipedia is a fantastic tool for searching not only smarter but faster.

The key strategy for using Wikipedia brilliantly to your advantage involves leveraging phrases like “types of.” It could be everything from “types of guns” and “types of music,” to “types of surgeries” and “types of outdoor hobbies.” Wikipedia will flood you with information and bulleted lists that, from time to time, will leave you feeling as though Wikipedia has done all of your subniche research for you.

In fact, on days when you have no other ideas or inspiration, just put “types of” in the search bar with no corresponding niche. You’ll be met with hoards of insight into everything from types of rocks to types of chocolate (and a host of other oddities in between).

Wikipedia, if used properly and with great frequency, can provide new depth to your niching-down efforts in ways you may have never previously considered.