In 2023, there are 600 million blogs on the internet, publishing over 2 million new blog posts every day.
But not all blogs are alike.
There are different types of blogs, which fall into hundreds of different blog niches.
Feeling confused?
Not to worry — in this post, we’ll define the most common types of blogs and list more than 25 popular and profitable niches to choose from.
Whether you want to blog as a hobby or make extra cash on the side, there’s a perfect blog type and niche for you.
Ready to dig in?
Let’s go!
5 Different Types of Blogs (+ Examples)
There are types of blogs, and blog niches.
Let’s clear this up straight away:
A niche is the blog’s specific topic — think travel, cooking, pets, etc.
The type is the broad category the blog falls into, which has a lot to do with the purpose of the blog.
The type of blog you choose will depend on your target audience and what you’re trying to accomplish.
To get a clearer picture, let’s look at some examples of 5 of the most common types of blogs.
1. Personal Blogs
Personal bloggers were the pioneers of the blogging world, and they’re still around today.
In a personal blog, the author shares their thoughts, insights, and experiences from a first-person perspective.
Personal bloggers usually have a unique view of the world — maybe they struggle with a mental or chronic illness, they’re a single parent, or they’ve overcome a major life obstacle and want to share their experiences to inspire and connect with readers.
If you have a unique perspective and a message that would resonate with your audience, starting a personal blog could be a super rewarding experience.
Personal Blog Example
Dad or Alive is a great example of a personal blog. Blogger Adrian Kulp shares his personal challenges (and rewards) as a stay-at-home father.
2. Personal Brand Blogs
If you want to position yourself as a thought leader in your industry, a personal brand blog is a great way to do it.
A personal brand is an individual trademark — a proactive way to position yourself in your space, and convince people to work with you instead of the other guy.
As Neil Patel says, a personal brand blog should answer the questions, “who are you and why should I care?”
Think of it as the business card of the internet age.
A business card on steroids.
One that gets you massive traffic along with great quality sales leads.
Personal Brand Blog Example
Nicholas Kusmich is a Facebook ads expert. Blogging gives him a chance to showcase his expertise and stand out from the competition.
3. Business Blogs
A business blog (or a corporate blog) is similar to a personal branding blog, except you’re promoting a business, instead of an individual — and most of the time, the content is less personal and more informational.
If you own a plumbing business, you might write a post like “3 Easy Ways to Unclog Your Toilet Fast” — an article that will help readers solve a problem, and bring in new clients (who aren’t digging the DIY method!)
Search engines like Google reward websites for providing relevant information consistently, so blogging about your business and writing helpful informational articles is a fantastic way to drive traffic to your website.
Business Blog Example
The Franchise King blog is full of useful information about buying, selling, and operating franchises. By showing their expertise, blogging is an important part of their marketing strategy.
4. Affiliate Blogs
Affiliate blogs are some of the most profitable types of blogs. Affiliate bloggers sell goods and services related to their niche and get a commission for each sale.
As an affiliate blogger, you’ll write three kinds of posts:
- Product reviews
- How-to posts
- Product tutorials
You’ll add affiliate links throughout your blog posts, and when readers click and buy, you get a cut of the sale.
To succeed in affiliate marketing, you’ll need to position yourself as an expert in your niche, cultivating trust in your reader base so they feel confident the products you promote will add value to their lives.
Affiliate Blog Example
The Points Guy blog covers credit card points and how to maximize their value. They make most of their money from affiliate offers.
5. Niche Blogs
Yes, a niche blog is a “type” of blog!
A blog niche is simply the primary topic a blog covers. Examples include: health, crafting, sports and parenting, among many others (more on that later!) Most blogs (outside of business blogs) have a particular niche.
For example, one of the blogs listed above, “Dad or Alive,” is a personal blog (that’s its blog type) within the parenting niche.
Similarly, Nicholas Kusmish’s blog is a personal brand blog, within the marketing niche.
You can easily monetize a niche blog — you just need to get to know your audience on a deeper level and offer a product or service (like ebooks or coaching) they’ll find super valuable.
Niche Blog Example
ElderGym focuses on the unique exercise needs of older adults. Fitness is the niche, and within that niche, is a “sub-niche” of fitness for seniors.
Passion + Purpose: How to Choose a Niche for Your Blog
Now that we’ve defined the difference between types of blogs and blog niches, how do you choose the right niche for your blog?
Running a successful blog is a huge commitment, so it’s important to choose a topic you’re interested in, or at least wouldn’t mind learning more about.
To figure this out, grab a piece of paper and make two lists — one for all the topics you’re most passionate about, and the other for topics you know a lot about. If you find a match within the two lists, it’s probably a great niche for you.
If you’re stuck for ideas for your lists, one method to get your creative juices flowing is to go to Amazon. Browse the Best Sellers, New Releases, and Movers and Shakers.
Or go to a bookstore and see what magazines catch your eye.
Of course, you could always read Smart Blogger… I hear they have a few good ideas about blogging 🙂
26 Popular & Profitable Blog Niches in 2023 (+ Inspirational Examples)
If you’re still stuck on a niche for your blog, here are 26 outstanding examples for inspiration.
1. Beauty
Beauty is a popular niche where bloggers review products, post tutorial videos, and showcase their own services. Sub-niches include makeup, hair, skincare and more.
Beauty Blog Example
The Beauty Look Book’s beauty blog discusses makeup, fragrances, hair care, skincare and some lifestyle elements. Product review posts and high-resolution photos help readers choose the safest and most effective products.
2. Blogging
It may seem strange to find on this list, but many people write about the craft of blogging itself, and give guidance to new writers entering the field.
Blogging Blog Example
Here at SmartBlogger, we write about how to start and monetize a blog, create compelling content and start a career as a freelance writer.
3. Career
Career blogs help people achieve career goals.
Maybe they’re looking for their first job, making a career change, or just want advice on how to get the most from work life.
Career blogs offer job search strategies, networking advice, resume and interviewing tips and more.
Career Blog Example
Top Resume offers career advice, tips, techniques, and the latest news about the job market.
4. Crafts
Craft blogs are popular with hobbyists of all kinds.
If you enjoy knitting, woodworking, jewelry-making or any other craft, you can start a blog to connect with and help fellow crafters.
Blogs in the craft niche provide a community of like-minded artists and a platform to share their latest creations.
Craft Blog Example
Hello Hydrangea offers classes, how-to information, and online tutorials about various aspects of weaving.
5. DIY
Some people prefer to tackle a project themselves instead of paying someone to do it for them.
If that sounds like you, a DIY blog might be in order!
Do-It-Yourself blogs offer tutorials, project ideas, blueprints, and other materials to help readers fix and create things on their own.
DIY Blog Example
House Tweaking is for the do-it-yourselfer who wants to learn how to improve the look and feel of their home.
6. Fashion
Fashion blogs help people look their best and keep up with the latest trends in fashion.
A fashion blog can be part of an overall lifestyle blog that captures many aspects of daily living.
Fashion blogs cater to a wide variety of audiences: college students, maternity, casual, budget, eco-friendly, and many others.
Fashion Blog Example
Girl with Curves covers fashion trends, style tips, beauty advice, parenting, and wellness for full-figured women.
7. Food
Bloggers in the food niche offer everything from delicious recipes to tips about food preparation and presentation.
A food blogger may provide demonstration photos and videos on baking, desserts, vegan recipes, holiday treats, and ethnic cuisine for beginners and seasoned pros.
Food Blog Example
Sally’s Baking Addiction is a food blog loaded with recipes, tips, and how-to tutorials on baking. Not to mention mouth-watering images!
8. Gaming
Gaming blogs cover topics related to video games — including game reviews, upcoming tournaments, industry news, gaming technology, instructional videos, and more.
Gaming Blog Example
Niche Gamer is about niche and unusual games, and new gaming technology.
9. Gardening
Gardening bloggers share best practices, tips, tools and hacks for growing and harvesting a fruitful garden.
Composting, landscaping, insect/weed control, fertilizers, seed preservation, and gardening tools are popular gardening blog topics.
A large number of sub-niches exist too: vertical farming, patio gardens, gardening in a variety of climates, and indoor gardening.
Gardening Blog Example
Self Sufficient Me is about self-sustainment and self-fulfillment, and focuses on minimizing our impact on the environment.
10. Health/Fitness
Health and fitness bloggers help people maximize their health and vitality by reviewing products, planning exercise routines and posting demonstration videos.
The range of sub-niches is almost endless: nutritional supplements, weight loss, meditation, aerobics, and yoga, just to name a few.
Health/Fitness Blog Example
Advanced Human Performance is a health blog about optimizing athletic performance, fitness, healthcare, and wellness transformation.
11. Lifestyle
Lifestyle refers to the unique way a person lives. This can include social relations, patterns of consumption, entertainment, and dress.
Sub-niches in this genre include digital nomads, luxury living, minimalism, homesteading, senior travel, and more.
Lifestyle Blog Example
The Skinny Confidential’s blog content covers a range of topics including travel, beauty, skincare, food, weddings, fitness, and style – all from the point of view of sassy blogger Lauren Evarts Bosstick.
Related Reading: The 36 Best Lifestyle Blogs to Model for Success in 2023
12. Marketing
Marketing bloggers help businesses increase social engagement, generate leads, and close sales by discussing marketing strategies, reviewing software products, and providing actionable advice.
Common marketing blog sub-niches are: SEO optimization, email marketing, sales funnels, content marketing, and social media marketing.
Marketing Blog Example
Econsulantcy publishes content on marketing and analytics, as well as statistics and opinions on marketing and e-commerce.
13. Music
Music blogs report the latest news from the music scene, review new releases, give the dates for upcoming tours and festivals, and discuss music technology accross all musical genres.
Sub-niches for a music blog include musical instruction, musical instruments, recording and production, karaoke, fan sites, and more.
Music Blog Example
Consequence of Sound publishes content on music, television, music news and album reviews. You’ll also find tour dates and festival information.
14. News
News blogs are a type of news publishing that generates written or video content in straightforward news, analysis, or editorial format.
A News blog can be generalized, or focused on a specific industry, technology, or viewpoint.
News Blog Example
Cipher Brief focuses on national security events via news, analysis, and interviews with government and private sector leaders.
15. Online business
Doing business online presents a set of unique challenges.
Online business blogs help readers solve common problems and make more money from their online business.
Topics include web hosting, online security, software reviews, e-commerce, and more.
Online Business Blog Example
BloggerJet is the personal blog of Tim Soulo, Head of Marketing at Ahrefs. He shares marketing tips and techniques from his years of industry experience.
16. Parenting
Parenting blogs cover the many challenges and concerns of parents.
Sub-niches include raising twins, styles of discipline, childhood development, single parenting and parenting after divorce.
Parenting Blog Example
From fertility to parenting newborns, toddlers and teens, Scary Mommy’s parenting blog covers mom-related topics with a distinctly honest tone.
17. Personal Finance
A personal finance blog helps people manage their money. This niche covers investing, frugal living, budgeting, and debt reduction/elimination.
Some personal finance blogs target specific audiences: new college grads, senior citizens, and people wanting to achieve financial independence.
Personal Finance Blog Example
The Military Wallet’s finance blog discusses financial matters unique to the military community.
18. Pets
Pet bloggers review products, educate readers, post instructional videos and provide other resources to help people care for their pets.
Sub-niches for a pet blog include adoption and rescue, natural healing, puppy care, and caring for service animals.
Pet Blog Example
It’s Dog or Nothing blogs about all aspects of caring for the Great Pyrenees dog breed.
19. Personal Growth
Personal growth bloggers focus on helping people live more fulfilling and rewarding lives through psychology, philosophy, spirituality, and improved physical wellbeing.
Sub-niches in this genre include productivity, goal setting, time management, and mindset.
Personal Growth Blog Example
Arvind Devalia blogs about motivation and reaching your full potential.
20. Photography
Photography bloggers review products (like cameras and editing software), discuss industry news, offer helpful tips, and post how-to videos.
Sub-niches for a photography blog include photo editing, specific types of photography (portraits, landscapes, etc.), and teaching beginners.
Photography Blog Example
The Fashion Camera shares stories, provides photography tips, and answers photography-related questions.
21. Productivity
Productivity blogs help people manage time more effectively by getting organized, staying focused, and improving their mindset.
Sub-niches include time management, productivity tools, speed reading, and memory enhancement.
Productivity Blog Example
Be More with Less talks about increasing your productivity and happiness by focusing less on material things.
22. Sports
Major media outlets dominate the content creation and distribution channels for most major sports — so successful sports bloggers must find a sub-niche and specialize.
Examples of sub-niches for a sports blog are officiating, archery, and golf shoes.
Sports Blog Example
Rock Climbing Central focuses on providing the most up-to-date information possible to the rock climbing community.
23. Tech
Tech blogs are some of the most popular blogs on the internet due to the never-ending number of products and services to review.
Sub-niches include wireless devices, cloud computing, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
Tech Blog Example
Slash Gear writes reviews about the latest technologies and digital trends.
24. Travel
A travel blog documents a blogger’s personal travel experiences and serves as a source of information about various destinations.
Common sub-niches for this genre are backpacking, RV travel, ocean cruises, and honeymoon locations.
Travel Blog Example
I Am Aileen blogs about destinations, the best travel activities, foreign cuisine, and more.
25. Web design
Web design blogs inspire creativity and help people upgrade their skills via tutorials, learning guides, templates, and online courses.
Sub-niches are usually based on building websites for specific professions or industries, such as dentists or restaurants.
Web Design Blog Example
Web Design Ledger covers the latest web design trends and offers reviews and advice about web design tools and portfolio builders.
26. Writing
Writing blogs help people improve their writing, get published, and market themselves.
While many writing blogs specialize in fields like copywriting, fiction writing, and self-publishing, the typical writing blog offers generalized knowledge applicable to any form of writing.
Writing Blog Example
The Creative Pen covers a variety of topics ranging from genre-specific writing advice to marketing and publishing tips. Joanna’s audience ranges from beginners to experienced writers.
Types of Blogs: Choosing a Niche & Getting Started
So you’ve learned the difference between the types of blogs and blog niches.
And you’ve seen a hearty list of specific niches to choose from.
Whether you want to blog to make money or simply share your passion and experience with others, you have a place in the blogging world.
And if you’re still not sure of the best blog type and niche for you, don’t worry. Plenty of bloggers change or tweak their blog type and niche as they learn more about themselves and their audience.
But you can’t learn if you don’t write, so what’s most important is to pick a type and niche, and get started.
So grab a pen and paper and start brainstorming.
Your blogging journey awaits!
Stephen,
Thank you for including my blog, The Franchise King Blog, in your post. I’m truly grateful!
The Franchise King®
Joel Libava