Local Media HQ

Discover how local content creators can harness the 'MrBeast' style for viral success. A roofer's video racked up 700,000 views, showing the transformative power of engaging local media. Dive into the world of memes and their role in rapid cultural communication. A Stranger Things meme from Kansas City demonstrates how humor can drive local engagement. Plus, insights on creating a local media presence and tools to help businesses thrive in the digital age.

Nick Hageman, operator of KC Daily, transitioned from medical sales to running a thriving local newsletter in Kansas City. He shares how he adapted strategies from NWA Daily to fit his market, the challenges of solo operation, and using Instagram for growth. Nick discusses creating viral content, measuring engagement, and cultivating PR relationships to monetize effectively. He emphasizes the importance of a local face amidst rising AI usage, proving that genuine connections still matter in local media.

Nate Spangle, Founder of Get Indiana, transformed a struggling tech podcast into a thriving statewide media company. He discusses the impactful pivot to focus on "Hoosiers doing inspiring things," driving audience growth through engaging local campaigns like the Indy 500 tailgate and quirky videos. Nate shares revenue strategies, from landing small sponsors to securing year-long deals with larger brands, emphasizing the power of local creators in building community connections. His candid insights focus on creativity, engagement, and the evolving landscape of local media.

How do you turn a local newsletter into the default media brand in your city? In this conversation, Jas walks TJ through exactly how he did it, shrinking his team from several part-time VAs to one highly leveraged full-timer, tightening his processes, and freeing up his own time by cutting newsletter production from 12 hours a week down to about four.They unpack Beehive’s big feature announcements and what actually matters for local operators. Jas explains where the product tools fall short for more complex offers like multi-city restaurant guides, why he thinks most link-in-bio setups are a mistake for local brands, and why dynamic content is the most exciting upgrade so far, especially for splitting ads by geography or audience segments.From there, they go deep on advertiser strategy: growing big enough to become the obvious choice, using giveaways to create demand, and framing ad spend around lifetime value so local owners see the upside, not just the cost. Jas shares how he was willing to invest heavily up front, then used that growth to land annual deals and structure offers that feel like “put in $2,000, get back $10,000.”Reach Jas on X/Twitter at creatingjas for questions, collaborations, or follow-ups. You can also connect with him inside the Newsletter Club, where he’s active in the community and continues to share what’s working in his local media business.#LocalNewsletter#NewsletterBusiness#EmailMonetization#LocalMedia#AudienceGrowth#Beehiiv#SmallBusinessAdvertising#CreatorBusiness#DigitalPublishing#NewsletterClub

Michael Kauffman, founder of Catskill Crew and The Newsletter Club, explores innovative monetization strategies for local newsletters. He discusses the resurgence of print media and the importance of diverse revenue streams beyond ads. Michael shares his plans for a premium, wax-sealed mailer filled with exclusive content and discusses the 'local holdco' model, including products and events. He emphasizes the value of polling for validation and offers practical ad sales tactics to ensure success for sponsors and creators alike.

Jimmy Farrell, a 31-year commercial real estate veteran and local media publisher, shares insights on transforming CHS Happenings into a vibrant newsletter with over 10,000 subscribers. He highlights the importance of a personality-driven brand and why Instagram is key for local discovery. Jimmy discusses the challenges of monetization, including strategies for sponsorship revenue to support growth. He also emphasizes the value of 'scoop' reporting in building trust, automating outreach, and using ManyChat for DMs to convert followers into subscribers.

Tance Hughes, a local publisher and marketing director at Growletter, shares his journey of launching The Miss Lou Brew in small towns Vidalia and Natchez. He discusses how 'ugly' ad creatives surprisingly outperform polished versions and emphasizes the importance of creative rotation to combat audience fatigue. Tance also reveals the power of sending shorter, frequent newsletters to boost engagement and brand presence. Plus, he dives into utilizing Meta ads for subscriber acquisition and why prioritizing email over social channels has been a game-changer for his local businesses.

Nick Roberts, the mastermind behind the NoHoNick newsletter in North Hollywood, shares his insights on building a local media brand. He delves into organic audience growth and the benefits of focusing on community-first curation. The conversation covers the advantages of TikTok over Instagram for local reach, how to effectively repurpose content for multiple posts, and the importance of engaging with followers through video replies. Nick also discusses monetization strategies, including co-branded events and leveraging listings for real estate agents.

Rae Lambert, founder of DNNR, shares insights on turning audiences into dinner clubs with zero planning stress. She details how personality quizzes and AI matching create engaging dinner experiences. Rae reveals the success of colocating diverse groups for lively post-dinner meetups, and discusses practical strategies for local newsletter creators to build community without the usual burdens of event hosting. Discover how authentic monetization and local connections can thrive, especially in an AI-driven world.

Justin Gordon, founder of LA Grind, shares insights on building a vibrant local newsletter community focused on founders and investors. He discusses how he gained over 5,200 subscribers quickly through smart advertising and event strategies. Justin reveals his successful monetization tactics, including $29/month memberships offering curated events and leveraging sponsor partnerships. He emphasizes low-lift event formats, like hikes and mixers, to foster connections. Plus, he explores future expansion plans and innovative revenue opportunities through job postings and deeper local engagement.