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.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Origin of Naptown Scoop
Ryan started Naptown Scoop because he saw someone else doing a local newsletter and believed he could do it better.
He launched it after moving to Annapolis, inspired to fill the local news gap with a positive tone.
insights INSIGHT
Why Local Newsletters Thrive
Local newsletters are popular because they are easy to start and have shown strong business outcomes.
The niche provides a clear, local audience and opportunity for entrepreneurs to engage with their community.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Know Your City Deeply
To succeed, a local newsletter operator must deeply know their city including its culture and events.
Immersing yourself locally helps create content that resonates and feels authentic to readers.
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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.
Send & Grow by SparkLoop 