15 Unusual Blog Niche Ideas That Work

So, you are probably thinking of starting a blog for the first time or possibly starting a new blog to diversify your portfolio a bit more. Perhaps you’ve considered some popular niche topics like finance, travel, or entertainment and want to try something a bit more exciting or learn something new that may get your creative juices flowing again.

In this article, we will cover niche ideas that may appear unusual but actually work wonderfully well. I will also discuss a few ideas for monetizing the blog if and when you are ready for that step in the blog’s lifecycle.

Starting with one is one of my favorite ideas–tiny house living. I’m very much into tiny house living and have been able to easily create a well-thought-out content strategy and plan for years. I think this niche’s DIY side is what draws me in.

1. Tiny House Living

The tiny house living niche focuses on the trend of minimalist living in homes under 500 square feet. Blog content could cover design tips, DIY builds, space-saving hacks, and interviews with tiny home dwellers. The key is to offer value beyond just showcasing the tiny house lifestyle.

Content tips:

Potential monetization strategy:

Monetization options include affiliate marketing for tiny house products, offering downloadable tiny house plans, or even creating sponsored content with tiny house builders. The more comprehensive and valuable your blog becomes, the more it attracts readers and opens doors to earning potential.

2. Urban Exploration (Urbex)

Urban Exploration, or Urbex, is all about venturing into abandoned and neglected human-made structures. It’s like real-life spelunking but for forgotten buildings and places. If you are drawn to the beauty and mystery of these decaying spaces, this niche may be right for you. Photography and historical documentation are big parts of the hobby, and explorers often share their adventures online.

Content tips:

Potential monetization strategy:

There are a few ways to monetize your Urbex blog and turn your explorations into income. One way is to build an audience through high-quality content and stunning photography, then partner with brands for sponsored content.

You’d have to contact outdoor gear companies, apparel brands, or even headlamps and flashlight manufacturers.

These brands may be interested in sponsoring blog posts or videos featuring your Urbex adventures and showcasing their products in action.

Another option is to offer exclusive content to paying subscribers. This could include in-depth guides to specific Urbex locations, “how-to” articles on Urbex photography or safety, or even access to a members-only forum where Urbex enthusiasts can connect and share their experiences. If planned correctly, this option may be more lucrative.

3. Historical Fashion

Historical fashion is a smart choice for a blog niche. It fills a unique gap in visually stunning historical clothing styles, which are not something you read about every day. With history to draw from, you can explore everything from specific periods like Victorian fashion, analyze iconic outfits of famous figures, or offer tutorials on recreating historical garments. Beyond trends, you can bridge the gap between fashion and history, educating readers on how clothing reflects societal shifts. You could also write about designers and cultural movements shaping our clothing.

Content tips:

Potential monetization strategy:

There are a couple ways to monetize your historical fashion blog. One common method is displaying ads. Platforms like Google AdSense can place relevant ads on your blog, earning you revenue with clicks or views.

Another option is sponsored content. Here, you partner with brands that align with your niche, creating content that promotes their products while offering valuable insights to your readers. This can be particularly effective for historical clothing reproductions, fashion accessories, or even books on historical fashion.

4. Animal Communication

Animal communication checks a lot of boxes for a great blog niche. The animal communication niche explores the idea of telepathic communication with animals. Blog posts could examine techniques for animal communication, success stories, and the science behind the human-animal bond.

People love their pets and are constantly curious about their thoughts and feelings. Understanding them better is a universal desire. Animal communication focuses on a fascinating yet debatable topic. You can offer fresh perspectives and explore them from scientific, anecdotal, or even spiritual angles.

Content tips:

Potential monetization strategy:

Target pet owners with practical tips on understanding their furry (or feathered) friends. Once you have a loyal audience, explore monetization options like affiliate marketing for pet products, online courses on animal communication, or even ebooks on the topic.

5. Mycological Marvels (Mushrooms)

The world of fungi is fascinating and often overlooked. This blog could focus on mushroom identification, recipes for edible varieties, tips for growing mushrooms at home, and the ecological importance of fungi.

Content tips:

Potential monetization strategy:

Monetization can come through various avenues. Partner with mushroom growing kit suppliers for affiliate marketing. Offer workshops or guided tours (in person or virtual) on foraging for wild mushrooms (ensure you emphasize safety aspects!). You can even create merch like t-shirts or mugs featuring your favorite fungi.

6. Calligraphy and Lettering

The art of beautiful writing is resurging. A blog in this niche could showcase different lettering styles, provide tutorials for beginners, and even review calligraphy tools and supplies.

Potential monetization strategy:

Here are a few ways to turn your calligraphy and lettering blog into a money-maker:

You can sell digital downloads, package them as downloadable PDFs, and sell them on your blog. This passive income stream requires minimal effort after the initial design.

You can offer online courses and develop in-depth calligraphy or lettering courses. These can be pre-recorded video lessons or even live workshops you host online. What is great about this is that you can cater to different skill levels and interests, like beginner’s brush calligraphy or creative lettering for bullet journaling.

Lastly, affiliate marketing. You can partner with art supply stores or calligraphy tool brands and promote their products within your blog posts or tutorials, including affiliate links. You earn a commission every time someone makes a purchase through your link.

7. ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response)

This niche focuses on sounds that trigger a tingling relaxation response in some people. Blog content could feature different types of ASMR triggers, create original ASMR recordings, and discuss the science behind the phenomenon.

Content tips:

Potential monetization strategy:

You can monetize your blog through multiple channels. For sponsored content or reviews, you can also partner with brands that manufacture ASMR-friendly products (like fluffy slime or tapping toys). Offer exclusive, ad-free ASMR content through a premium membership section. You can even create downloadable ASMR soundscapes for a one-time purchase.

8. Cold Case Reviews

Unsolved mysteries continue to captivate audiences. This blog could analyze unsolved crimes, interview experts, and even encourage readers to participate in citizen detective work (always following ethical guidelines).

Content tips:

Potential monetization strategy:

Monetization can come through several paths. True crime fans are avid readers – consider ebooks with detailed case dives or self-published books on specific cold cases. Partner with production companies or podcast networks that are interested in the specific cases you cover.

You can even offer merchandise related to the cases, with a portion of proceeds going to support cold case foundations. Remember, respect for the victims and their families is paramount.

9. Lockpicking (Sport Picking)

Unlike criminal associations, lockpicking is a growing hobby emphasizing skill and problem-solving. A blog could teach basic lockpicking techniques (for legal purposes only!), review picking tools, and even discuss the history of locks.

Potential monetization strategy:

There are ways to make money without promoting illegal lockpicking. You can offer reviews of lockpicking tools (focusing on picking practice locks), create lockpicking tutorial videos (avoiding bypassing mechanisms), or even write ebooks on the history and mechanics of locks. Remember, responsible education is key.

10. International Board Games

Board games are more popular than ever, and there’s a whole world beyond Monopoly. This blog could explore games from different countries, review new releases, and even provide resources for finding international gaming communities.

Content tips:

Potential monetization strategy:

You can monetize your blog through various channels. One way to do this is to partner with board game publishers or online retailers for affiliate marketing. Another idea can be to organize online game nights or tournaments. You can even create premium content like printable game organizers or strategy guides for specific international games.

11. Pet Tech Trends

With our furry (or feathery) friends becoming more integrated into our lives, the pet tech niche explores the latest technological advancements for pets. Blog content could cover smart feeders, activity trackers for pets, pet communication devices, and even reviews of these high-tech pet products.

Potential monetization strategy:

There are several ways to earn money in this niche. You can partner with pet tech companies for affiliate marketing, earning commissions on sales you generate through your blog. You can offer in-depth reviews or early access to reviews for a premium membership section. You can even create your own pet tech courses or ebooks, sharing your expertise and helping pet owners navigate the ever-changing tech landscape.

12. Cloud Watching Appreciation

The beauty of the sky is a free and endless source of wonder. A cloud-watching blog could feature stunning cloud photography, provide guides to identify different cloud formations, and even incorporate mindfulness exercises focused on appreciating the ever-changing sky.

Potential monetization strategy:

Monetization can come through several channels. Offer cloud identification guides or ebooks. Partner with weather apps or outdoor gear companies for affiliate marketing. You can even create a course on cloud photography or mindfulness through cloud watching. The sky’s the limit (pun intended)!

13. Tiny Art Movement

A tiny art blog is a fantastic idea for several reasons. Firstly, it offers a focused niche. You can attract a dedicated audience interested in this specific art form by specializing in small-scale art. This allows you to build a strong community around miniature masterpieces.

Secondly, tiny art is inherently accessible. It requires less space and materials than larger pieces, making it perfect for anyone with limited resources or living areas. Your blog can cater to this by offering creative ideas and inspiration for creating tiny works of art, potentially sparking a passion for new artists.

Content tips:

Potential monetization strategy:

Even a small art blog can turn into a reliable income source! Here are two key strategies:

One way is to turn your art into digital downloads, such as printables, coloring pages, or brushes for design software. You can also offer physical products on platforms like Etsy or through your own store on the blog.

Another great way is to share your artistic knowledge with the masses! You can create premium content like tutorials, e-books, or online courses. Alternatively, offer freelance services like commissions, logo design, or illustrations. Showcasing your talent and expertise on the blog can attract potential clients and much more.

14. Urban Agriculture (Vertical Gardening)

As living spaces shrink and sustainability becomes a priority, the urban agriculture niche explores creative ways to grow food in urban environments. Blog content could cover vertical gardening techniques, reviews of hydroponic systems, tips for growing vegetables on balconies, and urban composting methods.

Content tips:

Potential monetization strategy:

Monetization can take several forms. Partner with architectural firms or tourism boards for sponsored content. Offer walking tours or create online courses on specific architectural styles. Sell your own photography or design prints featuring captivating urban architecture.

15. Sound Design and Foley Artistry

The sounds we hear in movies and video games are meticulously crafted. This blog could delve into the world of sound design and foley artistry, showcasing the techniques used to create sound effects, interviewing foley artists, and even offering tutorials for creating your own soundscapes.

Content tips:

Potential monetization strategy:

Monetize your blog through various means. Create and sell sound effect libraries or sample packs. Offer online courses or consultations on specific sound design aspects. Partner with audio software companies for affiliate marketing. Consider building a premium membership section with exclusive content or early access to tutorials. The goal is to establish yourself as a sound design authority to attract a loyal audience eager to pay for your expertise.

In Conclusion…

And there you have it, folks. This list shows how some of the simplest and sometimes unusual ideas can become mega blogs if willing to do the work and provide high-quality content. The best niche ideas are really that simple.

I’d love to hear your thoughts about the list and if you’d consider trying one of them (or all) in your next project. Please don’t forget to leave a comment below and show some love by subscribing to the newsletter. Thanks, and see you in the next one!