According to a report released in April 2009 by The Nielsen Company, “Becoming a mother is a dramatic inflection point and drives women to the Web in search of advice and a desire to connect with others in their shoes.”

Does this mean a social networking site for mothers is the way to go?

I’d urge you to think even more focused. “Mothers” isn’t a niche. Sure being a mother has its challenges, but look for more specific shared challenges.

A great example of a niche within the broader category of “mothers?”

NavyforMoms.com a site developed by the US Navy for mothers who have kids serving in the Navy.

Does this fit my definition of a niche social network?

A group of people passionate about a shared experience, situation, goal, or pastime, but who don’t have an existing venue to easily connect with one another.

Here’s the answer in a post by one happy member that pretty much says the same thing:

“I have been on this site for over a year now. The support and love here is something I can’t get in my personal life. Other then my own family most people just don’t understand what it is like to have children (young men and women) in the Navy or any branch of the military… That’s why I wanted to thank every mom, dad, girlfriend and grandmother on this site. It is such a blessing to have someone to talk to that is going though the same feelings and problems that you are.”

With nearly 33,000 members, the site has found a solid niche where members are facing a shared experience, one that is no doubt filled with confusion, fear, and a real need to connect with others going through the same situation.