Local Newsletter Insider

Jacob Espinoza, a local media operator behind What's Happening Salem, shares insights on growing city-focused podcasts and social media presence. He reveals the challenges of monetization and highlights the power of networking through interviews. Jacob discusses inventive strategies like repurposing content for newsletters and utilizing evening sends for higher engagement. He also explains how to balance sponsored content with value-driven posts and the significance of engaging storytelling in local media, providing practical tips for budding creators.

In this engaging discussion, Paul Gewuerz, founder of LocalPod and expert in transforming written stories into captivating audio, shares innovative strategies to elevate local journalism. He introduces the 'news blast' format, combining short 8–12 minute podcasts with quick ad breaks. Paul emphasizes the power of AI-driven production and geo-targeted audio ads, which can effectively reach local audiences. With insights on adapting legacy media and the importance of modernizing newsletters, he offers a roadmap for thriving in the evolving local media landscape.

Nathan May, founder of The Feed Media and author of the Newsletter Growth Memo, dives into the art of scaling newsletters in 2025. He emphasizes the importance of disciplined paid acquisition on Meta and creative strategies that address real reader problems. The conversation highlights the value of niche targeting, local business engagement, and innovative ad concepts sourced from community feedback. Nathan also tackles the role of AI in content curation and the crucial need for video to stand out in an AI-driven landscape.

Tim Stoddart, a savvy entrepreneur known for his expertise in local SEO and directories, shares his journey from sobriety blogging to building successful media assets. He emphasizes the power of authenticity and consistency in creating high-margin local businesses. Tim breaks down the synergy between local newsletters and agencies, simplifying how to package services effectively. He also discusses why local intent remains a strong defense against AI disruption and the increasing value of community engagement in today’s digital world.

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

Discover eight powerful strategies for local media growth. Learn how to run cost-effective ad campaigns that yield quick results. Explore the effectiveness of cold DMs crafted with AI, specifically targeting custom home builders. Uncover engagement tactics like simple polls that encourage sharing and asking subscribers to reply 'Yes.' Hear insights on how slower subscriber growth can lead to better engagement metrics. Finally, find out about turning newsletters into multi-channel media brands with innovative print solutions.

Brian Skinner, the founder of the Marin Buzz local newsletter, shares his journey from inspiration to creation. He reveals how weekend events and quirky segments like 'Pet of the Week' helped build a loyal audience. The conversation dives into leveraging Instagram for sales, using AI tools like YapOver for content creation, and the importance of community engagement. Brian discusses effective outreach strategies via DMs and offers actionable tips on running local events to foster relationships and drive monetization.

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

Louis Nicholls, co-founder of SparkLoop and a newsletter monetization expert, shares impactful strategies to monetize subscribers quickly. He discusses 'zero-day payback' tactics, blending paid recommendations and trip-wire offers to turn new subscribers into profits almost instantly. Louis emphasizes creating irresistible offers and utilizing Facebook leads effectively. He also reveals how sending two welcome emails on the first day can enhance engagement and improve subscriber quality. This conversation is packed with practical insights for local newsletter operators!