Ryan Sneddon, creator of Naptown Scoop in Annapolis, shares the playbook for building a local business empire. Topics include real estate, YouTube, local newsletters, growing a subscription base, and exploring business opportunities. The podcast discusses the democratization of media through YouTube, extreme luxury real estate walkthroughs, and the rise of high-quality content on the platform.
Building a local email newsletter can serve as a valuable resource for residents, covering city updates and events.
YouTube enables individuals to create TV shows independently, showcasing opportunities in niche-focused content creation.
Creating high-quality YouTube shows beyond lifestyle vlogs allows indie filmmakers to explore scripted formats and engage with audiences effectively.
Deep dives
Master Plan for Local Newsletters
Building a local email newsletter as a main priority for a local media company, covering city updates, events, and more, offering a valuable resource for residents. Expansion into a 10-mile radius around the city with a subscriber base of 18,300 revealing challenges in acquiring new subscribers like referrals. The concept of replicating the model in different locations and teaching others to run similar operations or partnering/licensing the model is a potential path for growth.
The Power of Audience Building
Discussions on democratization through platforms like YouTube, enabling individuals to create TV shows without the need for traditional networks, highlighting the meritocracy in content creation and audience engagement. Exploration of niche-focused content creation, like airline and luxury train review videos, showcasing opportunities in building highly engaging shows for targeted audiences.
YouTube Show Ideas and Opportunities
Investigation into the rising trend of high-quality YouTube shows, beyond lifestyle vlogs, emphasizing the potential for indie filmmakers to explore scripted show formats, leveraging YouTube's reach and shareability. Insights on creating TV-like productions while capitalizing on the accessibility and audience involvement unique to online platforms.
Potential for Unique YouTube Show Formats
Examination of successful YouTube creators like Mr. Beast, Inez Yomazer, and Dude Perfect, who deliver engaging content tailored to family-friendly, niche interests, such as house walkthroughs, super yacht exploration, and interactive segments, showcasing the versatility and impact of creating TV-style shows on digital platforms. Discussion on leveraging audience trust and creative formats to drive viewership and pave the way for new content experiences.
Democratization of Content Creation
Reflections on the transformative impact of the internet and social media in democratizing access to content creation and audience engagement, fostering a greater meritocracy in entrepreneurship and creative endeavors. Highlights on the unprecedented reach and opportunities presented by online platforms like YouTube, opening doors for individuals to pursue diverse careers and build communities around shared interests.
I had a conversation with Ryan Sneddon, who has built a successful local email newsletter in Annapolis, Maryland. We discussed the playbook for building a local business empire, and we both pitched different business ideas in real estate and YouTube.
Guest
Ryan Sneddon runs Naptown Scoop, a local newsletter serving Annapolis, Maryland. He's built an audience of over 18,000 (nearly half the town's population) and is building a local empire.
00:00 Intro
01:31 Local Newsletters
09:53 Local Business Empire
22:58 Real Estate Newsletter
40:10 YouTube
51:32 Internet
Podcast
After working in tech startups, I'm now exploring what's next. The Karnjanaprakorn Show (TKS) follows my journey as I explore ideas related to life, business, and technology.
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