Send & Grow by SparkLoop

How to build a local newsletter business — with Ryan Sneddon of Naptown Scoop

Apr 2, 2024

Ryan Sneddon, Founder of Naptown Scoop, shares insights on building a successful local newsletter business in Annapolis. Topics include overcoming growth challenges, monetization strategies, local influence, and future plans. Learn how he grew a small newsletter into a thriving media business.

46:06

Creator website

Episode guests

Ryan Sneddon

AI Summary

Highlights

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Local newsletters can generate substantial revenue through focused advertising to a targeted audience.

Establishing a genuine sense of community and local presence is crucial for building a successful local newsletter.

Deep dives

Monetization through Local Newsletter Advertising and Expansion Opportunities

The podcast discussion emphasizes the significant revenue potential of local newsletters, particularly through advertising. The host highlights that with a focused audience of around 18,000 subscribers, generating $350,000 per year is achievable. Additionally, the episode outlines the opportunity to expand local newsletters into full-fledged businesses beyond traditional advertising, leveraging the engaged audience to launch new ventures and unique events, ultimately driving substantial revenue growth and community impact.

Following Passion over Profession

01:39

Passionate Audience Equals Higher Impact and Revenue

01:35

Ideal Size for a Full-Time Local Newsletter

00:51

Building Anticipation Through Strategic Event Planning

01:24

Intro

2min

Origins and Growth of Naptown Scoop

21min

Challenges of Running a Local Newsletter Business

4min

Creating a Local Newsletter and Engaging with Events for Content

2min

Optimal Town Size and Daily Operations of a Local Newsletter Business

14min

Exploring Where to Find Nap Town Scoop Online

2min

Enjoying the podcast? Then you'll LOVE the Send & Grow newsletter where we share deep dives, tips, and news for smart newsletter operators like you.

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE >>

==================================

Welcome back to another episode of the Send & Grow podcast. This week, SparkLoop's Dylan Redekop chats with Ryan Sneddon of Naptown Scoop, a pioneering local newsletter dedicated to Annapolis, Maryland.

In less than four years, Ryan's grown Naptown Scoop to a full-fledged local media business with a small staff and a target annual revenue of $350k. He plans to grow to over $1M in revenue in the upcoming few years—all from a local newsletter with under 18k subscribers.

In this episode, Dylan & Ryan explore:

The Genesis of Naptown Scoop: How Ryan's dissatisfaction with traditional employment pathways led him to create a local newsletter that now connects thousands.
Overcoming Growth Challenges: Strategies and insights on expanding a local newsletter's reach and engagement, including the pivotal role of community involvement.
Monetization Pathways: From direct advertising to innovative community events, Ryan shares how Naptown Scoop has turned local attention into a thriving business model.
The Power of Local Influence: How owning a local newsletter opens unparalleled opportunities for business ventures, partnerships, and community impact.
Future Visions: Ryan's ambitious plans for Naptown Scoop and advice for aspiring newsletter creators looking to make a difference in their communities.
...and much more, including Ryan's candid thoughts on the balance between being a local 'celebrity' and a committed newsletter operator.

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED
Naptown Scoop newsletter
The Life of Scoop newsletter
Ryan on LinkedIn
Ryan on Twitter
Dylan on Twitter/X
SparkLoop's Paid Recommendations — the game-changing way to instantly monetize your newsletter.
SparkLoop Partner Programs — grow your newsletter at 10x speed.
SparkLoop Affiliate Contest — recommend other newsletters to SparkLoop for a chance to win a FREE trip to Cancun!

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Send & Grow by SparkLoop

How to build a local newsletter business — with Ryan Sneddon of Naptown Scoop

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Monetization through Local Newsletter Advertising and Expansion Opportunities

Building Local Community Engagement and Network Leveraging

Challenges and Daily Operations of Running a Local Newsletter

Long-term Commitment and Disciplined Approach for Local Newsletter Success

Following Passion over Profession

Passionate Audience Equals Higher Impact and Revenue

Ideal Size for a Full-Time Local Newsletter

Building Anticipation Through Strategic Event Planning

Get the Snipd
podcast app

AI-powered
podcast player

Discover
highlights

Save any
moment

Share
& Export

AI-powered
podcast player

Discover
highlights

Send & Grow by SparkLoop

How to build a local newsletter business — with Ryan Sneddon of Naptown Scoop

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Monetization through Local Newsletter Advertising and Expansion Opportunities

Building Local Community Engagement and Network Leveraging

Challenges and Daily Operations of Running a Local Newsletter

Long-term Commitment and Disciplined Approach for Local Newsletter Success

Following Passion over Profession

Passionate Audience Equals Higher Impact and Revenue

Ideal Size for a Full-Time Local Newsletter

Building Anticipation Through Strategic Event Planning

Get the Snipdpodcast app

AI-poweredpodcast player

Discoverhighlights

Save anymoment

Share& Export

AI-poweredpodcast player

Discoverhighlights

Get the Snipd
podcast app

AI-powered
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highlights

Save any
moment

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