Back in 2008, I recorded a video showing how I used a keyword research tool called Micro Niche Finder and a WordPress plugin called phpBay to build a niche eBay affiliate store in about an hour. The specific tools are long gone, but the underlying strategy of finding underserved niches and building focused stores around them is still very much alive.
In the video, I came up with the idea for a BMW auto parts store, did quick keyword research, bought a domain name, and had a working site up the same day. It was scrappy and imperfect, but it illustrated a powerful concept: you can build a focused online store around a specific niche without holding any inventory.
The Niche Store Concept Still Works
The tools have changed dramatically since 2008, but the principle is timeless. Instead of trying to compete with Amazon or eBay directly, you build a focused website around a specific product category or interest area, then monetize it through affiliate commissions, advertising, or dropshipping.
The key insight is specificity. A general “auto parts” store will never compete with the big players. But a site focused exclusively on BMW E30 restoration parts, or vintage Porsche accessories, or electric vehicle charging equipment can attract a passionate audience that the big stores underserve.
How to Find Profitable Niches in 2026
The keyword research tools have gotten much better since the Micro Niche Finder days. Here is how I would approach niche research today.
Start with a platform. Browse eBay, Amazon, or Etsy and look for product categories where buyers have strong opinions and specific needs. Hobbyist markets, collectors, and enthusiast communities are goldmines.
Use modern keyword tools. Ahrefs, SEMrush, or even free tools like Google Keyword Planner and Ubersuggest can show you search volume and competition for niche product terms. Look for keywords with decent search volume but low competition from established retailers.
Check the affiliate programs. Before you build anything, make sure there are affiliate programs available in your niche. Amazon Associates is the default for most product niches, but many specialty retailers offer their own affiliate programs with higher commission rates.
Validate with real demand. Look at eBay completed listings to see what actually sells and at what price point. Check Reddit, Facebook groups, and forums to see what people in your niche are asking about and buying.
Building the Store Today
In 2008 I used WordPress with a specialized plugin. In 2026, you have even more options. WordPress with WooCommerce and affiliate plugins remains a solid choice. Shopify works well for dropshipping stores. Even simple content sites built around product reviews and buying guides can generate meaningful affiliate income.
The approach I recommend for part-time entrepreneurs is to start with content. Write helpful buying guides, comparison articles, and reviews for your niche. Build search traffic first, then layer on monetization. This takes longer than the one-hour store I built in 2008, but it produces something far more sustainable.
The tools change. The platforms evolve. But the core strategy of finding an underserved niche and serving it well never goes out of style.
For more on building niche businesses, listen to the Late Night Internet Marketing Podcast.
Mark – if you don’t win first prize something is seriously flawed with James’ judging. 😉
I had no idea we could use Adsense themes with php ebay – or is that code only the super-techie can use?
Kent — thanks!
As for the themes, all I did was delete the AdSense code in the page_adsense.php file and replace it with code for the the banner that you see on the site. I think I may have also messed with exactly where the banner appears (page.php).
A pretty simple tweak. If you decide to do it and have trouble, please let me know.
Thanks,
Mark
Mark,
Wow, really great video. You set off some ideas in my head about how to market some of my own info products deeper into the long tail. Thanks!
Hey Shaun;
Thanks for dropping by. I plan to get back over to IBMA this month. Been a little busy….
Appreciate the comments.
Mark
Awesome video Mark,
I just downloaded PHPBay lite yesterday to start trying it out on some niche sites and this video inspired me a little more.
So has the site had some results? Love to hear success stories. Keep up the great work. I use MNF on some of my personal sites. Have been very happy with it.
Well, the site has 2 problems — I have not promoted it and I used BMW in the domain name. It was late and I was sleepy. Using BMW in the domain name is a violation of eBays TOS (3rd slash rule), so I am going to convert the site into an AdSense site and find another domain name for the BMW parts.
However, I have definately made money with phpBay. Want to see a killer example (not my site). Look at this sweet WordPress ebay store running phpBay: http://bestcamerabargains.com/
Again, not my site — but awesome.
Regards,
Mark
That Camera site is cool. They might even get a sale out of me.
cd :O)
Mason,
The video was great! It kind of working hand in hand between MNF and you phpBay plugins. I would like to think that I’m doing that in this near future..
Regards,
Haron.
Mark,
I’m sold on the ebayphp, now just gotta set up some sites and give it a go.
The best camera site is most excellent and I would visit again many times just to see the Yaoti but evidently the animated avatar only shows up on the first visit. Too bad, that is way cool!
I went to Yaoti to check their prices, but way too rich for my blood.
If they dropped these to about 27 bucks they would sell billions of them.
Rich Hill
hey mark, i just wanted to ask since i’m a beginner in this business, when you create your site do you simply put content and the ebay feeds and keep updating it regularly? do you ping your content? and, what kind of marketing do you do? i only stick to article marketing by submitting to directories. I currently have one site that i outsourced. It’s only 2 weeks old but i’m only getting around 15-20 visits per day! It was created using BANS not Phpbay so i don’t know if that has any bad implications. I’ve created a few articles and have posted them on some directories recently other than that, i’m just pressing the ping button on my articles. Can you help me? i researched the keywords well on Micro Niche Finder but i’m still not seeing success.
thanks,
gabe