Articles
Field notes on modern local media.
Strategies, playbooks, and honest takes for building and growing a local media brand, from someone running it across 20+ markets.
AIFree AI Workflows for Local Media OperatorsLocal media operators need narrow, tested AI workflows for sponsorships, media kits, events, newsletters, surveys, source briefs, and growth.
TJ Larkin3 min readSoftwareThe First Two Minutes After Signup Are Your Best Local Revenue MomentA new subscriber is paying more attention in the first minute or two after signup than they may ever pay again. Here's how a short survey or quiz turns that moment into useful data, qualified opportunities, and better partner revenue.TJ Larkin3 min readContentHow to Write a Local Newsletter (The Format That Gets 45% Open Rates)Most people who start a local newsletter copy Naptown Scoop and call it a day. That's not the worst instinct in the world. Ryan Sneddon basically wrote the playbook, and Kyra from the Chino Chew st...TJ Larkin8 min read
Getting StartedLocal Newsletter Business Plan: The Template I'd Use If Starting OverIf I were starting a local newsletter from scratch today, I wouldn't write a traditional business plan. I'd write something closer to a battle map. Who's in your market, what you're going to sell...TJ Larkin8 min readMore articles
MonetizationHow Much Money Can a Local Newsletter Make?Real numbers from someone running 20+ markets. What a local newsletter actually earns at 1K, 5K, and 10K subscribers, and the cost structure that makes it work.4 min
SoftwareBeehiiv vs Substack vs Ghost for Local Newsletters (From Someone Who's Tested All Three)I've run 20+ local newsletters on Beehiiv, tested Substack, and used Ghost. Here's the real comparison, not a feature list, an operator's opinion.3 minGetting StartedLocal Newsletter Name Ideas (And How to Pick One That Actually Works)The name doesn't have to be clever. It has to be clear. Here's the naming framework I've used across 20+ local newsletter brands.2 min
GrowthHow to Get Your First 1,000 Newsletter SubscribersThe first 1,000 is the hardest part. Here's what actually works for local newsletters, ranked by effectiveness, with real numbers.4 min
MonetizationHow to Sell Newsletter Sponsorships (The Local Media Playbook)Most operators wait too long to sell. I've closed sponsorships at 800 subscribers. Here's the full playbook, who to call, what to say, how to price it.3 min
Getting StartedHow to Start a Local Newsletter Business (The Complete Playbook)The complete playbook for starting a local newsletter business from someone running 20+ brands with 170K+ subscribers. Real costs, real numbers, step-by-step.13 min
StrategyThe Real Asset Isn't Ads. It's Local Trust.A clear case for treating your media brand as the town's platform. Learn why trust creates leverage, why options protect you, and how reputation compounds into an unbreakable moat.2 min
StrategyThe Value of a Local Media Brand Beyond AdsLocal media is more than ad revenue. See 20+ ways a local media brand creates income, influence, and opportunity in your community.4 min
Getting StartedWhat Is Local Media HQ? Not a Franchise. Build a Local Media Brand You OwnLocal Media HQ is not a franchise. You own 100 percent of your brand, audience, and content. Get proven systems and support with lower risk and full control.6 min
StrategyStroll Magazine Alternative: Own the Channel, Lower the RiskComparing Stroll magazine with digital options? Local Media HQ gives you full ownership, lower risk, and weekly reach in the inbox and social feeds.3 min
StrategyTowne Post Alternative: Own the Channel, Lower the RiskConsidering Towne Post? See how Local Media HQ's digital-only model gives you full ownership, lower risk, and weekly reach in inboxes and social feeds.3 min
StrategyThe Scout Guide Alternative: Digital Control You OwnLooking at The Scout Guide? See how a digital-only model with Local Media HQ gives you full ownership, lower risk, and real reach in inboxes and feeds.3 min