Earn an

This "extra credit" task involves going to a good public or university library to find magazines. Finding magazines online may work great if your niche is well-served by publishers. At the library, however, you're likely to find even more. In the case of small niches, the library may be your only inexpensive option. Be forewarned that it will take longer than 20 minutes.

Your Extra Credit Task

Go to a large public or university library. Look for a publication called Standard Rate and Data Service (SRDS)--it will likely be in the reference section--and search it for magazines that target your niche. When you find some, photocopy the page of information about each one. You'll want the information about the publisher, the circulation (because it gives you an idea of how many people are in the niche and are passionate about it), and so on.

Another resource is Writers' Market. Like SRDS, it's a book that lists magazines but it includes other media where writers can submit their material. Again, you'll want to photocopy any information you find.

What If You Can't Get to a Library?

If you can't get to a good library, you still have options. Writers Market has a web site where you can do research. You can sign up by paying a subscription fee. You may also find the Writers' Market book at a large bookstore or online at such sites as Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble. If you buy the deluxe edition, you also get free access to the website.

Finding the magazines that target your niche is so valuable to your web business success that it's worth spending money if necessary.