Local Newsletter Insider

Shane Brady reveals how he built a local newsletter capturing 25% of his town's adult population. Working full-time, Shane creates compelling content in just one hour using AI and automation to analyze subscriber data and curate more effectively.He shares his monetization strategy that achieved a 90% ad slot sell-out rate for six months, explaining why simple subscription models work better than complex CPM pricing in small markets. Shane discusses expanding to multiple locations through partnerships and transforming his workflow with automated systems.Connect with Shane Brady on LinkedIn or Twitter @hoodieandshorts. His newsletters are BOQ Today and YGK Today, serving Belleville and Kingston, Ontario.#LocalNewsletters#ContentCreation#EmailMarketing#LocalMedia#SmallTownBusiness#NewsletterMonetization#ContentAutomation#DigitalPublishing#LocalJournalism#AIContentTools

Scott Brodbeck shares his 15-year journey building Local News Now, a successful media company with multiple publications in the DC area. He explains the differences between newsletter-first and website-first approaches, revenue diversification strategies, and how automation has been critical to his success. Scott discusses his multi-faceted revenue approach including programmatic advertising, direct sales, self-serve options, and membership programs.For those considering the technical aspects of running a local media business, Scott breaks down his tech stack using WordPress, MailChimp, Airtable, and Zapier to create efficient workflows. He emphasizes quality local content while being strategic about operations to build a sustainable business that serves the community for years to come.Connect with Scott Brodbeck on Twitter @ScottBrodbeck or visit his company website at LNN.co. Check out his flagship site ARLnow.com to see his local news approach in action.#LocalNews#MediaBusiness#NewsletterStrategy#LocalJournalism#MediaMonetization#ContentAutomation#DigitalPublishing#LocalMedia#AudienceGrowth#RevenueModels

Scott Brodbeck shares his 15-year journey building Local News Now, a successful media company with multiple publications in the DC area. He explains the differences between newsletter-first and website-first approaches, revenue diversification strategies, and how automation has been critical to his success. Scott discusses his multi-faceted revenue approach including programmatic advertising, direct sales, self-serve options, and membership programs.For those considering the technical aspects of running a local media business, Scott breaks down his tech stack using WordPress, MailChimp, Airtable, and Zapier to create efficient workflows. He emphasizes quality local content while being strategic about operations to build a sustainable business that serves the community for years to come.Connect with Scott Brodbeck on Twitter @ScottBrodbeck or visit his company website at LNN.co. Check out his flagship site ARLnow.com to see his local news approach in action.#LocalNews#MediaBusiness#NewsletterStrategy#LocalJournalism#MediaMonetization#ContentAutomation#DigitalPublishing#LocalMedia#AudienceGrowth#RevenueModels

Entrepreneur Trenton Hughes shares how he grew Wilmi Weekly to 10,000 subscribers in Wilmington, North Carolina. In this conversation with TJ Larkin, Trenton reveals why local newsletters should be viewed as strategic community-building assets rather than quick revenue generators, focusing on creating long-term value.The discussion covers content creation, social media acquisition, and brand development. They examine monetization challenges and explore alternatives including events and partnerships. Both hosts address AI competition and explain why authentic local presence provides a sustainable advantage in the evolving media landscape.Trenton Hughes is a serial entrepreneur who currently focuses on community-building ventures in Wilmington, NC. Connect with Trenton on X at @TrentJHughes to learn more about his community-focused approach to business development through Wilmi Weekly and Tribe, his support community for entrepreneurs.#LocalNewsletter#CommunityBuilding#SmallBusiness#Entrepreneurship#EmailMarketing#LocalMedia#ContentCreation#DigitalMarketing#BusinessStrategy#CommunityEngagement

In this detailed walkthrough, TJ Larkin reviews Mike's first issue of the Green Bay Buzz newsletter before launch. They examine the newsletter layout, section organization, and design elements while discussing practical improvements. The video also covers Mike's Facebook ad setup, including how to properly configure conversion tracking and avoid common mistakes that waste ad spend. Perfect for anyone considering starting a local newsletter in their community.

Stop thinking of yourself as a newsletter creator. Start building a local media company.In this episode, I break down why the most successful local content creators are going beyond their newsletters to build complete media ecosystems:-Why your newsletter makes you invisible to 90% of your community-How to build a professional website that drives subscriptions (not kills them)-Getting your content into Google News for exponential reach-Using Instagram as your "public number" that attracts advertisers-The local podcast strategy that turns interviews into advertising deals-Community events that transform digital connections into real relationships-Building business directories and job boards for additional revenueReady to stop hiding in inboxes and start building something bigger?#LocalNewsletter #MediaCompany #ContentStrategy #NewsletterMonetization

Learn how to capture valuable reader data with post-subscription surveys for your local newsletter. In this video, I break down why surveys are crucial for your business, the most effective implementation methods, and how we achieve an astounding 87% completion rate. Perfect for local newsletter publishers looking to attract advertisers with solid demographic data and tailor content to reader preferences.This step-by-step guide covers:-Why reader demographics are gold for advertisers-Three implementation methods (and which one gets 8X better results)-The 11 most important questions to ask your readers-Technical setup tips using Beehive-How to use this data to grow your newsletter businessWhether you're just starting your local newsletter or looking to improve your existing one, implementing these survey strategies will help you understand your audience better and provide more value to potential advertisers.#LocalNewsletter #EmailMarketing #NewsletterGrowth #LocalPublishing #EmailSurveys #NewsletterMonetization #LocalBusiness

In this episode, we dive deep with Michael Kauffman, the visionary behind Catskill Crew and founder of Newsletter Ventures. Michael shares his unique approach to local newsletter monetization, revealing how he's built a thriving media business through authenticity, community engagement, and creative revenue streams beyond traditional advertising. From sold-out local events to custom Monopoly boards that flew off shelves, Michael demonstrates how thinking outside the box has allowed him to create a brand that subscribers genuinely connect with.The conversation explores the power of thoughtful design, the importance of playing the long game, and why competition in the local newsletter space can actually benefit everyone. Michael also discusses his newest venture helping newsletter operators across all niches maximize their revenue potential through creative business development. Whether you're running a local newsletter or any type of media business, this episode offers invaluable insights on building authentic brands that stand out in an AI-driven world.Sign up for Beehiiv here and get a 30 day free trial and 20% off for 3 months: https://www.beehiiv.com/?via=LeanderScoop1

In this episode, we dive deep with Michael Kauffman, the visionary behind Catskill Crew and founder of Newsletter Ventures. Michael shares his unique approach to local newsletter monetization, revealing how he's built a thriving media business through authenticity, community engagement, and creative revenue streams beyond traditional advertising. From sold-out local events to custom Monopoly boards that flew off shelves, Michael demonstrates how thinking outside the box has allowed him to create a brand that subscribers genuinely connect with.The conversation explores the power of thoughtful design, the importance of playing the long game, and why competition in the local newsletter space can actually benefit everyone. Michael also discusses his newest venture helping newsletter operators across all niches maximize their revenue potential through creative business development. Whether you're running a local newsletter or any type of media business, this episode offers invaluable insights on building authentic brands that stand out in an AI-driven world.Sign up for Beehiiv here and get a 30 day free trial and 20% off for 3 months: https://www.beehiiv.com/?via=LeanderScoop1

Want to grow and monetize a local newsletter? In this episode, TJ Larkin sits down with Alex from Mount Juliet Buzz to talk about scaling hyperlocal media, the power of video marketing, and the best way to monetize without chasing small ad dollars.  Sign up for Beehiiv here and get a 30 day free trial and 20% off for 3 months: https://www.beehiiv.com/?via=LeanderScoop1