Local Newsletter Insider

This episode dives into how local newsrooms can turn written stories into habit-forming podcasts. Paul Gewuerz of LocalPod explains his “news blast” format—8–12 minute shows that package top stories, quick ad breaks, and local happenings—plus how AI text-to-speech streamlines production without sacrificing editorial quality. We also unpack why newsletters and podcasts overlap so strongly and why upgrading away from clunky PDF “e-papers” is table stakes in 2025.Paul details a surprisingly effective growth channel: geo-targeted audio ads. Using platforms like AudioGo, publishers can place 30-second promos inside podcasts and music apps in specific ZIP codes—reaching people who are already audio-first. We discuss where legacy outlets are adapting well, where they’re still stuck, and how digital-first independents (including LION Publishers members) are carving out sustainable businesses.Key takeaways: start with a short, consistent show; repurpose your best stories; promote through your newsletter; test geo-targeted audio ads; sell creative placements that drive foot traffic; and remember that local trust becomes more valuable as AI floods the broader web. We also touch on franchise and network models (e.g., TapInto) and creative cross-subsidiaries that can fund journalism in smaller markets.Get in touch with Paul Gewuerz🌐 Website — localpod.co📧 Email — paul@localpod.co🎙️ Podcast — Small Press Big Ideas📰 Newsletter — Local News Industry Pulse (on Beehiiv)💼 LinkedIn — Paul Gewuerz#LocalMedia #Podcasting #AIinMedia #TextToSpeech #Newsletters #AudioAds #GeoTargeting #MediaMonetization #LocalNews #SmallPressBigIdeas

Agency operator Nathan May joins to unpack what actually scales newsletters in 2025: disciplined paid acquisition on Meta, creative that calls out real problems, and a monetization ladder that doesn’t stop at ad slots. We contrast broad B2C with small-but-mighty B2B niches—and show why “local + [professional audience]” can 10x sponsor value.We get tactical: swipeable internal workflows for AI-assisted curation, using post-signup forms to optimize for the right readers, and specific ad concepts sourced from Reddit (e.g., solving loneliness with events content). We also break down selling in the early days—DMs to high-LTV categories, showing up in person, and smart bundles across newsletter, site, and reels.Key takeaways: execution beats incumbents, qualify your funnel, build offer packages not one-offs, and add local video to protect against “AI slop.” Plus, why big platforms may automate more of targeting/creative—but strategy and signals still win. Guest Contact Information: Nathan MayAgency: The Feed MediaNewsletter: Newsletter Growth Memo Podcast: Personal IPO with Beehive#LocalNewsletters #NewsletterGrowth #MediaMullet #LocalMedia #MetaAds #Beehive #B2BMarketing #AIforWriters #CreatorEconomy #AdSales

In this conversation, entrepreneur and creator Tim Stoddart explains why authenticity and consistency outperform overproduction—and how those same principles power high-margin local service businesses. We dig into his journey from documenting sobriety to building media assets, agencies, and newsletters, and why local SEO remains a durable path for independents. Tim shares a clear model: start with a simple, repeatable service (local SEO), add media to build authority, and layer in directories for compounding leverage. We break down “winner-take-most” local packs, realistic pricing, and why delayed gratification is the core SEO skill. He also tackles packaging: how to combine newsletter ads, listings, podcast features, and basic SEO into offers that businesses actually buy. You’ll learn how to pick higher-ticket local niches, sell without undercutting yourself, and structure processes that ship every week. We also zoom out on AI’s impact: why local intent is a protective moat and why community, offline touchpoints, and real-world presence are only getting more valuable. Get in touch with Tim:Website & personal newsletter — TimStodz.com YouTube — Tim Stoddz wordofmouthconversations.comCopyblogger — Copyblogger.com Social:Twitter / X — @TimStodzLinkedIn — Tim Stoddart Instagram — @TimStodz TikTok — @TimStodz #LocalSEO #Directories #NewsletterGrowth #CreatorEconomy #SmallBusinessMarketing #PersonalBranding #ContentStrategy #AgencyLife #Hyperlocal #Entrepreneurship

In this episode, TJ sits down again with Jas from Winnipeg Digest to talk about the latest experiments and strategies in local newsletter publishing. They discuss the upcoming Business of Local conference in Salt Lake City, the pros and cons of cash giveaways, and the importance of building trust with your audience instead of chasing vanity metrics.Jas shares updates on his community-building efforts, from coffee parties to launching Digest Lights, a holiday lights installation business born out of his newsletter audience. He explains how a giveaway generated hundreds of qualified leads, his sales process for closing $2,500+ projects, and why retention in seasonal services is so valuable.The conversation also dives into social media strategy, comparing reels and carousels, outbound ad sales systems, and welcome email sequences that actually drive engagement. Whether you’re running a newsletter or exploring new business ideas, this episode is packed with practical lessons from the trenches.Connect with Jas on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jas #LocalNewsletters #NewsletterGrowth #CommunityBuilding #WinnipegDigest #DigitalMedia #SmallBusinessGrowth #EmailMarketing #LocalMedia #Entrepreneurship #ContentStrategy

Baltimore creator Matt Diehl explains how a spontaneous “cash-drop” video, just $80 taped to a harbor post, skyrocketed to 1.5 million views across Facebook, TikTok and Instagram. The 10-second clip added 10 K followers and 500 new email subscribers to his Eating Baltimore newsletter. He breaks down the tactics that made it pop: filming with zero polish, posting natively on each platform, and even embracing critics who wondered how you peel bills off duct tape. Matt also shares the numbers behind platform performance (Facebook shocked everyone), and why contrarian “mistakes” can actually juice engagement.Key takeaways: keep production frictionless, post natively, and drop a templated subscribe link early. Leverage comments, positive and negative, to feed the algorithm. Then convert the buzz by funneling viewers into newsletters and sponsorship deals.Connect with Matt Diehl:• Facebook: Eating Baltimore• Instagram: @eating.baltimore• TikTok: @eatingbaltimore#CashDrop#LocalNewsletter#BaltimoreEats#SocialMediaMarketing#EmailGrowth#RestaurantMarketing#GiveawayStrategy#ContentMonetization#SmallBusinessTips#MattDiehl

I’m going solo in this episode to share eight key strategies and lessons I’ve picked up over the past month. I walk through a high-performing apartment locator ad campaign, what I’ve learned from cold DMs on Instagram, and why I believe custom home builders are perfect targets for newsletter advertisers. I even show how I used ChatGPT to craft outreach messages that are already turning into real deals.I also dive into email engagement tactics—like why simply asking subscribers to reply “Yes” can dramatically boost response rates—and how I’m using tools like SparkLoop to help monetize at scale. I break down performance across several city-based newsletters and why I’m now seeing that slower growth often leads to better open rates and higher list quality.In the final segment, I share an idea I’m really excited about: turning newsletters into multi-channel local media brands using small, ad-heavy print magazines. I’m rethinking the economics of print and exploring how even lightweight physical media can strengthen brand visibility and bring in real revenue.Want to get in touch?Email: TJ@localnewsletterinsider.comWebsite: https://localnewsletterinsider.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/tjlarkin#LocalNewsletters#EmailMarketing#NewsletterGrowth#DigitalAdvertising#InstagramOutreach#MediaMonetization#NewsletterTips#SparkLoop#PrintMarketing#NewsletterStrategy

Brian Skinner joins TJ Larkin to break down the growth strategy behind Marin Buzz, his successful local newsletter. The two discuss how local content can open doors in business, community involvement, and influence, even without a clear long-term plan. Brian credits a single podcast for sparking his idea, and within weeks he launched a brand that's now a growing asset in his local ecosystem.They explore how Brian structured his early content around weekend events and slowly added segments like "Pet of the Week," “Marin History,” and “Zillow of the Week.” The discussion reveals how Brian focused on sustainability and community engagement over perfection and how this strategy paid off with inbound advertisers and high open rates.For those interested in local media, Brian offers actionable advice on using Instagram as both a growth and sales channel. He shares his outreach method using Instagram DMs and AI-assisted tools to identify and contact potential advertisers. His products, YapOver and TwistAI, are designed to reduce friction in content creation and monetization.Check out Brian’s work:Newsletter: https://www.marinbuzz.com/Instagram Tool: https://www.yapover.com/AI Tools & Services: https://www.twistai.com/#LocalNewsletter#CommunityMedia#EmailMarketing#SmallBusinessTips#ContentStrategy#InstagramGrowth#AIForCreators#DigitalMonetization#StartupStories#LocalMarketing

Jas from Winnipeg Digest returns to talk growth, revenue, and diversification. In just three months, he's scaled up recurring events, coffee parties, and brought in steady advertising revenue—without burning out. He shares tactical insights into acquiring subscribers at under $1 through Facebook ads and optimizing creatives to keep costs low.Jas also previews his next business move: launching a Christmas lights installation company, built off the trust and reach of his audience. He explains how audience alignment and a seasonal services model open up new monetization paths without needing more advertisers.You’ll hear tips on maintaining creative freshness in paid ads, handling advertiser churn, and why content quality and trust remain the core of everything Jas builds.Contact Info:Jas – Winnipeg DigestInstagram: @winnipegdigestEmail: jas@winnipegdigest.com#LocalNewsletters#NewsletterGrowth#WinnipegDigest#CommunityEvents#EmailMarketing#FacebookAdsTips#MonetizationStrategy#CoffeeParties#SmallBusinessMarketing#CreativeTesting

Want to grow a local newsletter without waiting months to recoup ad spend? Louis Nicholls, co-founder of SparkLoop, breaks down “zero-day payback” tactics—mixing paid recommendations, trip-wire offers, and high-value local lead-gen deals—to help operators turn every 50-cent subscriber into immediate profit.Louis shares real-world tests (including his own) that combine three monetization layers on the thank-you page and in the first 24 hours, plus tips for negotiating $10-$100 per lead with home-service pros, gyms, and even med-spas. He also explains why sending two welcome emails the first day actually boosts engagement and weeds out the wrong readers. Key takeaways: focus on arbitrage cheap Facebook leads, create irresistible “free money” offers, and don’t fear higher send frequency.Connect with Louis: growmynewsletter.com (newsletter, YouTube & resources) • Twitter/X @louisnicholls • Explore SparkLoop at sparkloop.app#Newsletters #EmailMarketing #LocalMedia #SparkLoop #LeadGeneration #Monetization #LouisNicholls #MediaBusiness #SubscriberGrowth #DigitalPublishing

In this episode, TJ Larkin sits down with Jacob Espinoza from What’s Happening Salem to unpack how Jacob built a thriving local media presence using Instagram, newsletters, and a podcast. Jacob breaks down his process of launching a local brand from scratch just over a year ago and how he's since scaled to 35k+ Instagram followers and 10k newsletter subscribers.Jacob shares specific tactics that helped him succeed—such as green screen announcements, short-form video strategies, and hyperlocal memes—and emphasizes the importance of blending education with entertainment. He also explains how he differentiates Instagram content from newsletters to reach distinct audiences, and why a visible social presence gives you instant credibility with advertisers.The conversation moves into monetization and Jacob’s innovative approach to ads, like showcasing businesses through engaging content rather than traditional promos. He also details how he hosts local events and highlights the power of face-to-face branding. Whether you're looking to grow a local audience or monetize effectively, Jacob delivers clear, replicable tactics.📍Learn more about Jacob at https://jacobespinoza.com/📱Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrJacobSB#LocalMedia#InstagramMarketing#NewsletterGrowth#ContentCreatorTips#ShortFormVideo#CommunityNews#SmallBusinessMarketing#LocalInfluencer#SocialMediaStrategy#JacobEspinoza