3 Steps to Choosing a Vertical Market

How can narrowing your focus open the door to big opportunities?

In this episode, Corey unpacks the transformative power of specialization and why choosing the right vertical market is key to agency success. He shares a simple 3-step framework to identify the perfect niche: tapping into your expertise, following your genuine interests, and analyzing the market for growth potential.

Along the way, Corey sheds light on common mistakes to avoid when niching down, like targeting a market that’s too small or one that doesn’t align with your agency’s core passions. Whether you’re refining your strategy or starting fresh, this episode offers practical advice to help you carve out your niche, stand out from the crowd, and build an agency that thrives.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

• Tips for choosing a vertical market for your agency
• How to identify characteristics of a good vertical market
• How specialized agencies grow faster than generalists
• Common pitfalls to avoid when specializing
• Why market research is crucial for selecting a vertical
• How to leverage community and networking opportunities for agency growth
• Why it's never too late to specialize

Here are some actionable key takeaways for agency founders:

• Choosing a vertical market can lead to long-term success.
• Specialized agencies grow faster than generalists.
• Market research is essential before committing to a vertical. Be sure to gather insights from your existing client base.
• Avoid markets that are too small or declining in demand.
• Consider the revenue potential of the vertical market.
• Use community and networking opportunities to explore new opportunities for growth and specialization.
• Look for verticals with professional requirements.
• Empathy towards clients is the key to differentiating yourself from your competitors.
• It's never too late to specialize!

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Research your desired vertical's business data, potential growth, and total addressable market value with IBISWorld: https://www.ibisworld.com 
• Directory of Associations: https://directoryofassociations.com

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