Local Media HQ

In this episode, TJ Larkin sits down with Nick Pollock, who transformed a side hustle into a full-time local media business in just 18 months. Nick shares how he grew his two Canadian brands, the Oakville Digest and Burlington Digest, to a combined 28,000 newsletter subscribers and 30,000 Instagram followers. The conversation explores the transition from working in tech sales to managing a local media empire independently.Nick provides a deep dive into his unique monetization strategies, specifically the success he has found with "dinner clubs" that serve as high-leverage, low-effort revenue streams. He also discusses his approach to ad sales, moving away from aggressive outbound tactics to focusing on growth and inbound interest. Listeners will learn how Nick manages ad inventory, including his shift toward selling three- to six-month minimum packages instead of one-off ads.For aspiring media operators, Nick highlights the importance of becoming the most obvious news source in town to gain immediate trust with sponsors. He shares his "collaborator" strategy for Instagram ads, which allows him to partner with small businesses like local pickleball clubs and spas without compromising his brand’s organic feel. The episode concludes with actionable advice on scaling local brands through carousels and potential future expansions into high-ticket events.Guest Contact Information: You can connect with Nick Pollock on LinkedIn. To see his work in action, check out his newsletters at OakvilleDigest.com and BurlingtonDigest.com, or follow @OakvilleDigest and @BurlingtonDigest on Instagram.Build your own local media business:https://localmediahq.com/  https://lightbreak.aiSubscribe to the Weekly Newsletter:https://www.localmediahq.com/subscribe Join the Community (Discord):Connect with TJ, share ideas, ask questions, and be part of a growing creator & media community👉 Join here: https://discord.localmediahq.com/Follow My JourneyTwitter/X: https://x.com/TJLarkin23 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tj.larkin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjlarkin1 Website: https://tjlarkin.com/ Work With MeFor brand partnerships, sponsorships, and business inquiries:[email protected]  #LocalMedia #NewsletterStrategy #DigitalMarketing #OakvilleDigest #BurlingtonDigest #SideHustle #CommunityBuilding #InstagramGrowth #AdSales #Entrepreneurship

In this episode, Francis Zierer of Creator Spotlight reveals how he grew a YouTube channel from 16 to over 5,000 subscribers in just two years by reinvesting in high-quality video production and "slick intro clips". He and host TJ Larkin break down why local media remains one of the healthiest business models today, focusing on curated content rather than traditional crime or political reporting. They discuss the value of creating a "curated point of view" in a world saturated with commoditized information.Francis shares insights from his interviews with successful local newsletter owners, discussing how they leverage Meta ads and welcome surveys to package audience data for local advertisers. He highlights the story of Marissa from Boise, who more than doubled her revenue after recognizing she wasn't suited for sales and hiring a professional to handle that side of the business. The discussion also covers the "aura of seriousness" created by professional branding and why treating a newsletter like a newspaper can build trust.Actionable advice from the episode centers on leveraging the authority of an established brand while simultaneously building your own personal presence. Francis emphasizes the need to move past "navel-gazing" by studying successful strategies in adjacent industries rather than just watching direct competitors. He also provides a realistic look at the difficulties of finding the right partners and why being "invested in the problem" is a requirement for a successful creator partnership.Find Francis Zierer at:Website: www.creatorspotlight.comLinkedIn: Francis ZiererBuild your own local media business:https://localmediahq.com/  https://lightbreak.aiSubscribe to the Weekly Newsletter:https://www.localmediahq.com/subscribe Join the Community (Discord):Connect with TJ, share ideas, ask questions, and be part of a growing creator & media community👉 Join here: https://discord.localmediahq.com/Follow My JourneyTwitter/X: https://x.com/TJLarkin23 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tj.larkin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjlarkin1 Website: https://tjlarkin.com/ Work With MeFor brand partnerships, sponsorships, and business inquiries:[email protected]  #NewsletterStrategy #LocalMedia #SparkLoop #NewsletterMonetization #EmailMarketing #LouisNicholls #TJLarkin #DigitalMedia #MediaEntrepreneur #SubscriberGrowth

In this episode, TJ Larkin interviews Louis Nicholls, the founder of Spark Loop, about a massive untapped opportunity in the newsletter industry: the thank you page. While most local media operators view the moment after a subscription as a dead end, Nicholls explains how this is actually when a subscriber is most engaged and ready for their next step. The core of the discussion centers on transforming this space into a revenue-generating asset that can help newsletter owners immediately recoup their customer acquisition costs.Louis shares a specific three-step framework for post-subscription flows: newsletter recommendations, a welcome survey, and brand offers. He provides examples of how local newsletters can use these steps to recommend "insider" lists for partners or earn through paid recommendations via Spark Loop. By reframing the welcome experience as "completing a profile" rather than "taking a survey," operators can double their completion rates and gather critical data for future sponsor deals.Viewers will walk away with actionable advice on how to use AI enrichment to identify high-value subscribers, such as business owners, without asking dozens of tedious questions. Louis details how these automated systems integrate directly with platforms like Beehive or Kit to segment audiences and trigger personalized follow-ups. This episode is a masterclass in making the first 90 seconds of a subscriber's journey both profitable and engaging.Guest Information: Louis Nicholls is the founder of Spark Loop and host of the Letterland newsletter. You can find more about Spark Loop at sparkloop.app and sign up for his newsletter masterclasses at selffundednewsletters.com.Build your own local media business:https://localmediahq.com/  https://lightbreak.aiSubscribe to the Weekly Newsletter:https://www.localmediahq.com/subscribe Join the Community (Discord):Connect with TJ, share ideas, ask questions, and be part of a growing creator & media community👉 Join here: https://discord.localmediahq.com/Follow My JourneyTwitter/X: https://x.com/TJLarkin23 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tj.larkin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjlarkin1 Website: https://tjlarkin.com/ Work With MeFor brand partnerships, sponsorships, and business inquiries:[email protected]  #Newsletters #LocalMedia #MediaBrands #DylanRedekop #GrowthCurrency #ContentStrategy #CommunityBuilding #EmailMarketing #CreatorEconomy #NicheMarketing

In this episode, TJ Larkin sits down with newsletter expert Dylan Redekop to discuss the evolving landscape of media brands. They explore why major companies like OpenAI and HubSpot are investing millions into established media properties and what this means for independent creators. The conversation centers on the idea that "attention" is the new currency and why building a loyal, engaged audience is more valuable than ever in an AI-driven world.Dylan explains the "Barnacle Strategy," a method for positioning your newsletter or media brand to be an attractive acquisition target for larger SaaS companies. They discuss real-world examples of creators who built niche audiences over several years and successfully exited for millions. Whether you are operating at a national level or focusing on a specific local niche, this episode provides a roadmap for understanding the long-term equity you are building in your audience.The discussion also dives into the unique advantages of local media, where competition is lower and the value per subscriber can often be much higher than in broad national niches. You’ll learn how small-town newsletter operators are leveraging their local influence to acquire and promote adjacent businesses, from high-end rentals to local shops. Dylan and TJ share insights on how to stay relevant by focusing on hyper-local content that people truly care about.Dylan Redekop is the creator of the Growth Currency newsletter and works with Growth in Reverse. You can find his newsletter at growthcurrency.net and connect with him on LinkedIn by searching for his full name, Dylan Redekop.Build your own local media business:https://localmediahq.com/  https://lightbreak.aiSubscribe to the Weekly Newsletter:https://www.localmediahq.com/subscribe Join the Community (Discord):Connect with TJ, share ideas, ask questions, and be part of a growing creator & media community👉 Join here: https://discord.localmediahq.com/Follow My JourneyTwitter/X: https://x.com/TJLarkin23 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tj.larkin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjlarkin1 Website: https://tjlarkin.com/ Work With MeFor brand partnerships, sponsorships, and business inquiries:[email protected]  #Newsletters #LocalMedia #MediaBrands #DylanRedekop #GrowthCurrency #ContentStrategy #CommunityBuilding #EmailMarketing #CreatorEconomy #NicheMarketing

In this episode, TJ Larkin interviews Mike Richardson, the founder of Kid Friendly Seattle, a niche local newsletter that has quickly become a go-to resource for families. Mike shares his transition from professional burnout to building a successful media company centered on his life as a father. The discussion covers how he identified a gap in the Seattle market and chose to focus on a hyper-local family niche rather than general news.Mike details specific growth tactics, including "borrowing other people’s audiences" (BOPA) through Instagram collaborations and overcoming a major setback when his Meta ads account was hacked. He explains how he pivotally focused on organic weekend event listings and Instagram content to rebuild his subscriber base to over 4,600 users. Viewers will learn about his unique approach to community engagement and how he balances content creation with parenting.Key takeaways include how to validate a local market by looking at existing advertising spend and the importance of diversification across platforms. Mike also discusses his expansion into "Kid Friendly East Side" to double his potential reach among the region's 600,000 families. This interview provides a practical roadmap for anyone looking to turn a personal passion into a sustainable local media business.Guest Contact Information:You can find Mike Richardson at kidfriendlyseattle.com or follow the community on Instagram @kidfriendlyseattle. Mike is active on LinkedIn for professional inquiries and personally replies to messages and subscriber notes.Build your own local media business:https://localmediahq.com/  https://lightbreak.aiSubscribe to the Weekly Newsletter:https://www.localmediahq.com/subscribe Join the Community (Discord):Connect with TJ, share ideas, ask questions, and be part of a growing creator & media community👉 Join here: https://discord.localmediahq.com/Follow My JourneyTwitter/X: https://x.com/TJLarkin23 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tj.larkin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjlarkin1 Website: https://tjlarkin.com/ Work With MeFor brand partnerships, sponsorships, and business inquiries:[email protected]  #KidFriendlySeattle #LocalMedia #NewsletterGrowth #Entrepreneurship #SeattleFamilies #AIsales #NicheMarketing #CommunityBuilding #PassiveIncome #MikeRichardson

In this episode, TJ Larkin sits down with Kyra Adams, the founder of Chino Chew, a thriving local newsletter serving the Inland Empire in the suburban part of Los Angeles. Kyra shares her journey of growing a local media brand from just six family members to over 10,000 email subscribers and 10,000 Instagram followers in less than a year. She details her aggressive growth strategies, including how she used Meta Ads to acquire subscribers for as low as 18 cents each to maintain a consistent five-digit audience.Kyra Adams dives into the technical systems that allow her to run Chino Chew sustainably while working a demanding full-time job as a scientist. She explains how she leverages Claude and Make.com to automate time-intensive tasks like scraping local event data from multiple sources and generating organized, formatted content. Kyra even shares a unique "hack" for creating Instagram carousels directly from newsletter bullets using AI, enabling her to stay present on social media with minimal manual effort.The conversation also highlights Kyra’s success in monetizing her community through curated, high-end events such as luxury charcuterie tastings and wine nights. She discusses the strategy of going "up-market" to increase profitability and shares a brilliant "at-the-door" upselling tactic that significantly raised her average ticket price. Viewers will gain actionable insights on building efficient systems, professionalizing a side hustle early on, and using segmentation to achieve open rates as high as 57%.Guest Contact Information: Kyra Adams can be reached fastest on Instagram @thechinochew. You can also find her on Twitter or subscribe to her newsletter at Chino Chew.Build your own local media business:https://localmediahq.com/  https://lightbreak.ai/Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter:https://www.localmediahq.com/subscribe Join the Community (Discord):Connect with TJ, share ideas, ask questions, and be part of a growing creator & media community👉 Join here: https://discord.localmediahq.com/Follow My JourneyTwitter/X: https://x.com/TJLarkin23 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tj.larkin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjlarkin1 Website: https://tjlarkin.com/ Work With MeFor brand partnerships, sponsorships, and business inquiries:[email protected]  #LocalMedia #NewsletterGrowth #ChinoChu #AIAutomation #EmailMarketing #EventMonetization #InlandEmpire #SideHustle #CommunityBuilding #MetaAds

In this episode, TJ Larkin and Shane dive deep into the rapidly evolving world of AI workflows specifically tailored for local media brands. They explore the power of Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers, which allow users to connect AI models like Claude directly to software like Beehive and Canva. The discussion centers on how these integrations allow non-technical users to manage complex data and automate repetitive tasks using simple natural language commands.Shane demonstrates how a custom-built Beehive MCP server can outperform official releases by providing both read and write access to newsletter data. You’ll see a live demonstration of Claude generating an interactive subscriber dashboard and automatically segmenting business owners from a mailing list. This episode highlights how "lazy" AI can be pushed to solve high-level business problems, such as identifying sales leads or creating custom landing pages.The conversation concludes with a look at the massive shifts in the AI landscape over just a few short weeks, including the expansion of Claude’s context window and the integration of Canva for automated design. TJ and Shane emphasize that the barrier to entry for these tools is lower than ever, urging local media creators to experiment and "ask the AI" to handle the grunt work.Guest Information: TJ Larkin is the host of the Local Media HQ show and manages multiple local publications including the Leander Scoop. Shane is an AI workflow expert and former newsletter publisher who now builds custom MCP tools and shares insights on his channel, AI Off Leash. You can find more of their work at Local Media HQ and follow Shane’s technical deep dives on the AI Off Leash YouTube channelBuild your own local media business:https://localmediahq.com/  https://lightbreak.ai/Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter:https://www.localmediahq.com/subscribe Join the Community (Discord):Connect with TJ, share ideas, ask questions, and be part of a growing creator & media community👉 Join here: https://discord.localmediahq.com/Follow My JourneyTwitter/X: https://x.com/TJLarkin23 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tj.larkin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjlarkin1 Website: https://tjlarkin.com/ Work With MeFor brand partnerships, sponsorships, and business inquiries:[email protected]  #LocalMedia #AIWorkflows #ClaudeAI #Beehive #MCP #NewsletterGrowth #Automation #LocalNews #Canva #AIOffLeash

TJ Larkin welcomes Rae Lambert, founder of DNNR, to discuss the rapid growth of her social dining platform. The episode explores how local creators and newsletter owners are using DNNR to facilitate six-person "hostless" dinners that help strangers become friends while generating significant monthly revenue. Rae shares how the platform has scaled to 70 active communities, providing creators with a hands-off way to build local GDP and strengthen their personal brands without the exhaustion of traditional event planning.The conversation dives into the mechanics of the "white-labeled" engine, where creators set the dates and select neighborhoods while the platform handles matching, reservations, and follow-ups. Rae highlights success stories like Troy Farkas of Seacoast Stories, who integrates sponsors into his DNNR clubs and utilizes after-party bars to converge multiple tables for a larger social experience. They also discuss the surprising effectiveness of using Meta ads for DNNR clubs as a high-ROI alternative to traditional subscriber growth campaigns.Viewers will gain insights into the "personal brand moat," learning why authentic, unpolished content often outperforms glossy, faceless media brands. Rae also details her use of "OpenClaw" and AI bots to automate financial analysis, content drafting, and creator reminders, effectively acting as mid-level analysts for her team. The episode concludes with a look at why being a "big fish in a small pond" in tier-two cities offers more sustainable business value than chasing a global, faceless audience.Guest Contact Information:Website: dnnr.io Twitter/X: @rae_lambert Instagram: @rae_lambert LinkedIn: Rae LambertBuild your own local media business:https://localmediahq.com/  https://lightbreak.ai/Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter:https://www.localmediahq.com/subscribe Join the Community (Discord):Connect with TJ, share ideas, ask questions, and be part of a growing creator & media community👉 Join here: https://discord.localmediahq.com/Follow My JourneyTwitter/X: https://x.com/TJLarkin23 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tj.larkin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjlarkin1 Website: https://tjlarkin.com/ Work With MeFor brand partnerships, sponsorships, and business inquiries:[email protected]  #LocalMedia #CreatorEconomy #SocialDining #CommunityBuilding #NewsletterGrowth #PersonalBranding #AIAutomation #DigitalMarketing #InPersonEvents #Entrepreneurship

Mitko from Cincy Scoop joins the show to discuss the rapid growth of his local media brand, which has amassed 75,000 Instagram followers and 12,000 newsletter subscribers since launching in 2023. The conversation explores the transition from traditional publication styles to a "new age" media format that focuses on high-quality visual content and community engagement. Mitko explains how he and his wife Sarah combined their backgrounds in remote work newsletters and Instagram marketing to build a dominant local presence in Cincinnati.The episode dives deep into their unique monetization strategy, moving away from low-cost "mom and pop" ad sales in favor of high-level partnerships with national brands like IKEA and Red Bull. Mitko shares the details of their "Cincy Battles" product, a monthly pass that uses a dedicated app to drive foot traffic to local restaurants while providing businesses with valuable customer data. They also discuss the "Venture Studio" approach, where the audience acts as a launchpad for new services, events, and physical activations.Viewers will learn actionable strategies for growing an Instagram account, including the importance of "Quantity Breeds Quality" and the use of ManyChat lead magnets to convert followers into newsletter subscribers. Mitko emphasizes the value of local collaboration over competition and why building trust is the ultimate currency for any local figure. Whether you are a creator or a local business owner, this episode provides a roadmap for building a modern media engine that adds genuine value to a community.Guest Contact Information:Website: cincyscoop.com Instagram: @cincy_scoop Personal Instagram: @mitkokaBuild your own local media business:https://localmediahq.com/  https://lightbreak.ai/Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter:https://www.localmediahq.com/subscribe Join the Community (Discord):Connect with TJ, share ideas, ask questions, and be part of a growing creator & media community👉 Join here: https://discord.localmediahq.com/Follow My JourneyTwitter/X: https://x.com/TJLarkin23 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tj.larkin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjlarkin1 Website: https://tjlarkin.com/ Work With MeFor brand partnerships, sponsorships, and business inquiries:[email protected]  #LocalMedia #Cincinnati #InstagramGrowth #NewsletterStrategy #CommunityBuilding #CincyScoop #DigitalMarketing #Hyperlocal #Entrepreneurship #ContentCreator

Landon from Wichita Life returns to the show to share how he has significantly scaled his local media brand over the last several months. The conversation covers his impressive growth to nearly 38,000 email subscribers and how he leverages tools like ManyChat and Facebook ads to maintain steady momentum. Landon breaks down the business model behind his highly successful monthly dinner clubs, which regularly attract over 100 attendees seeking genuine community connection in Wichita.The episode delves into the diversification of Wichita Life through physical products, specifically the creation of a custom Wichita-themed puzzle that has sold hundreds of units. Landon shares insights on hiring a social media manager to tap into younger trends and how he uses creative memes to drive massive engagement on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. He also discusses his approach to ad sales, emphasizing the importance of keeping a full pipeline even when inventory is sold out.Viewers will gain actionable advice on applying the principles of "Unreasonable Hospitality" to digital products by focusing on the "moments between the moments," such as a well-crafted welcome email sequence. Landon also explores the potential of recurring revenue through paid programs and future events like lectures on tap. This episode is a masterclass for anyone looking to turn a local passion project into a thriving, multi-faceted media business.Guest Contact Information:Social Media: Wichita Life (on all platforms)Email Newsletter: Wichita Life UpdateTwitter/X: Landon Heuslig (@LandonHeuslig)Build your own local media business:https://localmediahq.com/  https://lightbreak.ai/Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter:https://www.localmediahq.com/subscribe Join the Community (Discord):Connect with TJ, share ideas, ask questions, and be part of a growing creator & media community👉 Join here: https://discord.localmediahq.com/Follow My JourneyTwitter/X: https://x.com/TJLarkin23 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tj.larkin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjlarkin1 Website: https://tjlarkin.com/ Work With MeFor brand partnerships, sponsorships, and business inquiries:[email protected]  #WichitaLife #LocalMedia #NewsletterGrowth #CommunityBuilding #Entrepreneurship #SocialMediaStrategy #WichitaKansas #DigitalMarketing #EventPlanning #SmallBusinessTips

Uriah Kaiser has been covering Northern Virginia through Potomac Local News since 2010 — longer than most people in this space have been paying attention to it. In this episode, he and TJ Larkin dig into what it takes to build a sustainable, multi-revenue local media business over the long haul.From paywall strategy to AI adoption to YouTube growth, Uriah pulls back the curtain on what's actually working right now. Key takeaways include: start with free content to build brand before adding a paywall; use email capture walls strategically to grow your list fast; feed AI accurate inputs (like meeting transcripts) to get high-quality content out; build your YouTube channel around consistent topics so the algorithm can place your content; and get physically present in your community if you want to close ad deals. Uriah's model blends hard journalism with community content, and it's a useful roadmap for anyone building a local newsletter or media brand today.Connect with Uriah Kaiser: Website: PotomacLocal.com X: @PotomacLocal | @UriahKaiserBuild your own local media business:https://localmediahq.com/  https://lightbreak.ai/Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter:https://www.localmediahq.com/subscribe Join the Community (Discord):Connect with TJ, share ideas, ask questions, and be part of a growing creator & media community👉 Join here: https://discord.localmediahq.com/Follow My JourneyTwitter/X: https://x.com/TJLarkin23 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tj.larkin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjlarkin1 Website: https://tjlarkin.com/ Work With MeFor brand partnerships, sponsorships, and business inquiries:[email protected]  #LocalNewsletter #LocalJournalism #NewsletterBusiness #CreatorEconomy #LocalMedia #NewsletterGrowth #AIForCreators #HyperlocalNews #ContentCreatorTips #NewsletterMonetization

Justin Gordon quit his job at a venture firm to start a newsletter. Nine months later, he crossed $100K in revenue.In this episode, Justin breaks down exactly how he built the LA Grind and SF Grind into real businesses. Not just newsletters. Businesses with events, sponsorships, and a paid membership that grows every single month.We get into the specifics: how he closes $5K event sponsors like JustWorks and Citizens Private Bank, how he hosted a 250-person event with a 280-person waitlist, and the exact funnel that turns free newsletter subscribers into paying members at $59/month.Justin also talks about selling his previous newsletter (Just Go Grind) through Acquire.com and why he went all-in on local over national.If you're building a newsletter, running events, or trying to figure out how to actually make money in local media, this one is packed.What we cover:Crossing $100K revenue in 9 months with the LA GrindLaunching a second newsletter (SF Grind) and hitting 2,000 subscribers fastHow to get enterprise sponsors for local eventsBuilding a paid membership alongside a free newsletterSelling a newsletter and why focus mattersThe content expansion plan: deal flow, founder profiles, and startup newsWhy local beats national for newsletter monetizationConnect with Justin:The LA Grind: https://thelagrind.com/The SF Grind: https://thesfgrind.com/Build your own local media business:https://localmediahq.com/  https://lightbreak.ai/Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter:https://www.localmediahq.com/subscribe Join the Community (Discord):Connect with TJ, share ideas, ask questions, and be part of a growing creator & media community👉 Join here: https://discord.localmediahq.com/Follow My JourneyTwitter/X: https://x.com/TJLarkin23 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tj.larkin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjlarkin1 Website: https://tjlarkin.com/ Work With MeFor brand partnerships, sponsorships, and business inquiries:[email protected]  #LocalNewsletter #NewsletterBusiness #StartupCommunity #EventSponsorship #NewsletterMonetization #CommunityBuilding #LocalMedia #FounderEvents #NewsletterGrowth #PaidMembership

Michelle Rueda shares how she grew What's Weird ATX to nearly 5,000 subscribers without spending a single dollar on advertising. As an engineer with over 16 years of experience, she built Social Radar, an iOS app that notifies her whenever someone on Reddit asks questions relevant to her Austin events newsletter. Instead of spending hours searching Reddit manually, the tool alerts her to opportunities where she can authentically engage and provide value. Her approach has generated as much as 1,000 subscribers from a single comment.The key to Michelle's success is maintaining authentic, human responses rather than using AI-generated content. She emphasizes the importance of genuinely answering specific questions and building trust through real engagement. By focusing on providing value first and mentioning her newsletter naturally when relevant, she's built strong brand recognition in the Austin community. Michelle also discusses the importance of building Reddit karma before actively promoting, ensuring your account has credibility within the community before engaging in promotional activities.In this conversation, Michelle and TJ explore the future of local newsletters, the role of AI-assisted creator brands, and how maintaining human authenticity while leveraging technology creates sustainable growth. Michelle is currently working on expanding Social Radar into a managed service and developing an events tool for major metro areas, helping other newsletter operators grow their audiences organically.Michelle Rueda runs What's Weird ATX newsletter at whatsgoodatx.beehiiv.com. Learn more about Social Radar at trysocialradar.com. If you're interested in the events tool for major metro areas, reach out through the Social Radar website.Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter:https://www.localmediahq.com/subscribe Join the Community (Discord):Connect with TJ, share ideas, ask questions, and be part of a growing creator & media community👉 Join here: https://discord.localmediahq.com/Follow My JourneyTwitter/X: https://x.com/TJLarkin23 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tj.larkin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjlarkin1 Website: https://tjlarkin.com/ Work With MeFor brand partnerships, sponsorships, and business inquiries:[email protected]  #NewsletterGrowth #RedditMarketing #LocalNewsletter #OrganicGrowth #ContentMarketing #CommunityBuilding #AustinTech #NewsletterStrategy #SocialRadar #MediaBusiness

Tad Moore runs NWA Daily, a 41,500-subscriber local newsletter in Northwest Arkansas with a 54% open rate and 7% click-through. What started as a content writing gig in 2020 evolved into Director of Operations and eventually Strategic Advisor as they expanded beyond the newsletter into real estate and consulting. Most growth came organically through social media, collaborations, and giveaways rather than Meta ads. They're part of Around Town Media, operating newsletters across multiple cities including Kansas City.The conversation reveals their creative referral strategy: donating $1 to local nonprofits for every referred subscriber instead of traditional discounts. Tad explains how they maintain healthy relationships with "competing" newsletters in the same region, sharing ideas freely because local focus eliminates real competition. They've since launched Skipstone, a real estate brokerage, and Skipstone Group, which helps others start local newsletters. The episode dives into the challenges of building custom newsletter platforms versus using established providers, with honest takes on AI tools and email deliverability.Check out NWA Daily at nwadaily.com, Skipstone Group at skipstonegroup.com, or connect with Tad Moore on LinkedIn.Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter:https://www.localmediahq.com/subscribe Join the Community (Discord):Connect with TJ, share ideas, ask questions, and be part of a growing creator & media community👉 Join here: https://discord.localmediahq.com/Follow My JourneyTwitter/X: https://x.com/TJLarkin23 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tj.larkin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjlarkin1 Website: https://tjlarkin.com/ Work With MeFor brand partnerships, sponsorships, and business inquiries:[email protected]  #LocalNewsletter #NewsletterBusiness #NWADaily #EmailMarketing #ContentCreation #BeehiveNewsletter #LocalMedia #CommunityJournalism #NewsletterGrowth #AroundTownMedia

Book a demo at lightbreak.ai to see our newsletter software in action!Shane Brady joins TJ Larkin to discuss the current state of local newsletters and media businesses. Shane operates multiple newsletters with approximately 32,000 total subscribers, with his largest newsletter reaching 12,000 subscribers. They cover the surprising interest from legacy media companies looking to acquire newsletter businesses, including Shane's recent conversations with an established local media company exploring potential acquisition. The discussion reveals how traditional publishers are becoming aware of the creator-led newsletter movement and the strategies being used to grow subscriber bases through Meta advertising.The conversation dives into practical growth strategies, including Meta ad acquisition costs, three-times-weekly publishing schedules, and monetization through local business advertising. Shane and TJ discuss why legacy media companies have mastered monetization but struggle with modern growth tactics, while independent newsletter operators have figured out subscriber acquisition but often face monetization challenges. They explore the hesitation legacy media has toward using Meta ads, both because they view Meta as a competitor for local advertising dollars and due to philosophical resistance to paying for audience growth.Key insights include the importance of time management for newsletter operators, focusing on efficiency over perfection, and understanding your core business goals, whether that's direct revenue, building a personal brand for political aspirations, or leveraging newsletter expertise to launch a digital marketing agency. Shane and TJ also introduce their new partnership on lightbreak, newsletter software designed for local publishers, and announce their upcoming podcast "Media Creates Leverage" focused on how media brands create business opportunities beyond advertising.Shane Brady Contact: Lightbreak.ai for newsletter software demos and partnerships. Follow Shane's work with local newsletters and connect regarding Media Creates Leverage podcast through TJ Larkin's channels.Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter:https://www.localmediahq.com/subscribe Join the Community (Discord):Connect with TJ, share ideas, ask questions, and be part of a growing creator & media community👉 Join here: https://discord.localmediahq.com/Follow My JourneyTwitter/X: https://x.com/TJLarkin23 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tj.larkin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjlarkin1 Website: https://tjlarkin.com/ Work With MeFor brand partnerships, sponsorships, and business inquiries:[email protected]  #LocalNewsletters #NewsletterBusiness #MetaAds #LocalMedia #NewsletterMonetization #CreatorEconomy #MediaBusiness #DigitalPublishing #NewsletterGrowth #EntrepreneurPodcast

Keith Pepper, owner of Rough Draft Atlanta, shares how he acquired a legacy print media company during the height of the pandemic and transformed it into a profitable, digital-first local media brand. The conversation explores the realities of owning and operating a modern community news business.Keith explains why print still represents more than 70 percent of Rough Draft’s revenue, how saturation mail distribution changes advertiser value, and why weekly and monthly print products can still thrive. He also breaks down the role newsletters play as the “new morning paper” for local audiences.The episode dives into ad sales strategy, sponsored content, newsletter monetization, and why focusing on high-value advertisers is critical. Keith also discusses scaling cautiously, acquiring complementary publications, and building sustainable local journalism without venture capital pressure.Guest contact information:Website: https://roughdraft.news/LinkedIn: Keith PepperSubscribe to the Weekly Newsletter:https://www.localmediahq.com/subscribe Join the Community (Discord):Connect with TJ, share ideas, ask questions, and be part of a growing creator & media community👉 Join here: https://discord.localmediahq.com/Follow My JourneyTwitter/X: https://x.com/TJLarkin23 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tj.larkin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjlarkin1 Website: https://tjlarkin.com/ Work With MeFor brand partnerships, sponsorships, and business inquiries:[email protected]  #LocalMedia#Newsletters#MediaBusiness#DigitalPublishing#PrintMedia#CommunityNews#AdSales#MediaEntrepreneur#LocalJournalism#RoughDraftAtlanta

Social media has become the fastest and most effective way to build a local media brand, and Jacob Espinoza is proving it. In this episode, TJ Larkin and Jacob walk through how creators are replacing newspapers and local TV by delivering timely, trusted information directly on Instagram.Jacob shares lessons from growing What’s Happening Salem to tens of thousands of followers, including the content formats that perform best, how to stay consistent without burning out, and why social proof matters when working with local businesses. They also explore monetization strategies, from sponsored posts to content creation for partners.The episode wraps with a forward-looking discussion on AI, trust, and why being visibly local is becoming more valuable, not less. If you’re early in local media or considering launching a city-focused brand, this conversation provides a realistic roadmap.Guest Contact Information:Jacob EspinozaCommunity: The Local Social ClubWebsite: https://school.com/thelocalsocialclubInstagram: @whatshappeningsalemSubscribe to the Weekly Newsletter:https://www.localmediahq.com/subscribe Join the Community (Discord):Connect with TJ, share ideas, ask questions, and be part of a growing creator & media community👉 Join here: https://discord.localmediahq.com/Follow My JourneyTwitter/X: https://x.com/TJLarkin23 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tj.larkin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjlarkin1 Website: https://tjlarkin.com/ Work With MeFor brand partnerships, sponsorships, and business inquiries:[email protected]  #LocalMedia#SocialMediaStrategy#LocalNews#InstagramGrowth#CommunityBuilding#ContentCreators#DigitalMedia#LocalBusinessMarketing#CreatorEconomy#LocalSocialClub

Amy Vartenuk joins the podcast to share how she’s building Clevelandish, a modern local newsletter focused on connection, positivity, and personality. Funded by a local business owner but operated independently, Clevelandish offers a unique hybrid model for local media entrepreneurs.Amy explains how polling readers, encouraging replies, and leaning into her own perspective helped differentiate Clevelandish from traditional media outlets. She also discusses how being creator-led makes the brand more resilient in an era of AI-generated content.Listeners will hear real-world insights on paid subscriber growth, advertiser outreach through Instagram DMs, and why not every advertiser is the right fit. Amy emphasizes sustainability, creative freedom, and designing a media business that supports long-term growth rather than burnout.Guest Info:Clevelandish Website: https://clevelandish.comSocials: @clevelandish_oh (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook)Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter:https://www.localmediahq.com/subscribe Join the Community (Discord):Connect with TJ, share ideas, ask questions, and be part of a growing creator & media community👉 Join here: https://discord.localmediahq.com/Follow My JourneyTwitter/X: https://x.com/TJLarkin23 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tj.larkin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjlarkin1 Website: https://tjlarkin.com/ Work With MeFor brand partnerships, sponsorships, and business inquiries:[email protected]  #LocalNewsletter#LocalMedia#CreatorEconomy#EmailMarketing#NewsletterGrowth#MediaBusiness#CommunityBuilding#Cleveland#DigitalMedia#Entrepreneurship

Why do legacy media companies earn more ad revenue even when local newsletters often have higher engagement? In this conversation, Justin Moore explains the disconnect and outlines how modern local media operators can position themselves as high-value partners to advertisers.Topics include how to pitch sponsorships without racing to the bottom on price, why Instagram and video content carry outsized value for local businesses, and how custom, goal-based proposals outperform generic ad packages. Justin also shares tactical advice on outbound pitching, video proposals, and identifying the right advertisers to target.This episode is designed for local publishers who want to move beyond low-dollar ads and build a real sponsorship business.Guest: Justin MooreWebsite & Book: https://sponsormagnet.com/Podcast: Sponsor Magnet PodcastLive Event: https://sponsorgames.com/Use code “TJ500” for $500 offSubscribe to the Weekly Newsletter:https://www.localmediahq.com/subscribe Join the Community (Discord):Connect with TJ, share ideas, ask questions, and be part of a growing creator & media community👉 Join here: https://discord.localmediahq.com/Follow My JourneyTwitter/X: https://x.com/TJLarkin23 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tj.larkin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjlarkin1 Website: https://tjlarkin.com/ Work With MeFor brand partnerships, sponsorships, and business inquiries:[email protected]  #LocalMedia #NewsletterBusiness #Sponsorships #MediaMonetization #CreatorEconomy #LocalAdvertising #JustinMoore #SponsorMagnet #DigitalPublishing #MediaStrategy

Dan Oshinsky joins TJ Larkin to unpack what it really takes to build a sustainable newsletter business in 2025 and beyond. With over a decade of experience leading newsletter strategy at major media companies, Dan explains why newsletters are still early and where the biggest opportunities exist today.The discussion covers niche selection, local newsletters, audience trust, and how creators can combine newsletters with social media, events, and community building. Dan shares real examples of newsletter operators who turned small audiences into six-figure businesses by focusing on value, consistency, and relationships.If you’re struggling with ad sales or unsure how to monetize your newsletter, this episode offers practical advice on building partnerships, following up with advertisers, and creating long-term revenue instead of chasing quick wins.Guest: Dan OshinskyWebsite & Newsletter: https://inboxcollective.com/Newsletter Advertising Playbook: https://inboxcollective.com/buy-the-playbookSubscribe to the Weekly Newsletter:https://www.localmediahq.com/subscribe Join the Community (Discord):Connect with TJ, share ideas, ask questions, and be part of a growing creator & media community👉 Join here: https://discord.localmediahq.com/Follow My JourneyTwitter/X: https://x.com/TJLarkin23 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tj.larkin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjlarkin1 Website: https://tjlarkin.com/ Work With MeFor brand partnerships, sponsorships, and business inquiries:[email protected]  #Newsletters#LocalMedia#CreatorEconomy#AudienceBuilding#EmailMarketing#NewsletterBusiness#MediaEntrepreneur#DigitalPublishing#AdSales#InboxCollective

Matt Moody breaks down how he built Salina 311 into a “community intelligence platform,” reaching over 30,000 members in a town of about 60,000, and generating north of $500,000 in annual revenue. Instead of treating it as “just a newsletter,” Matt explains how multiple distribution channels (email, web, Facebook, SMS) and heavy automation shaped the growth engine, plus why he focuses on objective community data to earn trust. They also dig into monetization: paid memberships, limited ad inventory with rising rates, sponsored coverage for teams/events, and a self-serve ad approach that increasingly drives inbound demand. Guest info: Matt MoodyFractals Network: fractalsnetwork.comSalina 311: salina311Events platform: events.salina311.comWilmington community example: communitydashboard.orgSubscribe to the Weekly Newsletter:https://www.localmediahq.com/subscribe Join the Community (Discord):Connect with TJ, share ideas, ask questions, and be part of a growing creator & media community👉 Join here: https://discord.localmediahq.com/Follow My JourneyTwitter/X: https://x.com/TJLarkin23 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tj.larkin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjlarkin1 Website: https://tjlarkin.com/ Work With MeFor brand partnerships, sponsorships, and business inquiries:[email protected]  #LocalNews #NewsletterGrowth #CommunityBuilding #MediaBusiness #MembershipModel #LocalAdvertising #CivicTech #Automation #SMSMarketing #EventsMarketing

discord.localmediahq.comlocalnewsletteros.com⁠https://signup.memelord.com/tj⁠In this episode I wanted to open up my notebook and share a few things I am seeing across local newsletters, high ticket service businesses and software. No script. Just ideas that feel early but important. The first one is the “local MrBeast” concept. My First Million mentioned it this week. I had just written about it. So I figured it was a good time to spell out why I think this could be a huge edge for local operators who are willing to do something slightly harder than the average newsletter.We start with a live example. Cole, a roofer in South Carolina, has been documenting his work and his community on video. One of those videos blew up. Around 700,000 views in about two weeks. It travelled through business Twitter and YouTube. That is not a small bump. That is the type of spike that can reset an entire business. I break down why his approach worked, why doing it as a media company instead of a single business could be even more powerful, and how this fits with the idea of being “creator led” at the local level instead of just being another newsletter that recaps headlines.From there I talk through the second big theme. Local memes. Memes are how entire subcultures talk to each other. Crypto. Business. Tech. They are fast to consume and fun to share, which makes them perfect for local. I share a few specific plays. A Stranger Things themed Kansas City graphic that exploded with engagement. A comet joke that tapped into long running frustration with slow road construction and then got cloned into other markets. I also mention a tool called memelord.com that surfaces the raw templates for whatever is trending, so you can bolt your local twist on top instead of spending hours trying to be a graphic designer.Midway through the episode I flip the screen on and walk through my software. Local Newsletter OS pulls in local news with RSS, rewrites it with your own AI prompts, collects articles from your readers through a simple form, and lets you manage ads and partners in the same place. The events module scrapes events, helps you clean them up, and sends them straight into your next issue. The Zillow integration lets you search for homes in your city, pick one, and drop a fully formatted real estate card into your newsletter in seconds. That feature alone used to eat up real time every single week.I close with some thoughts on statewide and even countrywide newsletters. I talk about Nate Spangle’s Indiana project, why a state audience unlocks different types of advertisers, and how marketing budgets work inside larger organizations. A single town newsletter might never see a dollar from a statewide insurance marketing team. A strong state brand can. Bigger reach, bigger budgets, and a different kind of leverage. If you want to try any of this, I invite you to jump into the free Discord, get on the Local Newsletter OS waitlist, or reach out through localmediahq.com if you want help with Meta ads, backend ops or a deeper partnership.Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter:https://www.localmediahq.com/subscribe Join the Community (Discord):Connect with TJ, share ideas, ask questions, and be part of a growing creator & media community👉 Join here: https://discord.localmediahq.com/Follow My JourneyTwitter/X: https://x.com/TJLarkin23 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tj.larkin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjlarkin1 Website: https://tjlarkin.com/ Work With MeFor brand partnerships, sponsorships, and business inquiries:[email protected] 

What does it take to run a daily local newsletter in a big metro, completely solo? In this conversation, Nick Hageman of KC Daily walks through his journey from side project in between orthopedic surgery cases to full-time operator of a daily newsletter reaching tens of thousands of Kansas Citians. He talks openly about starting with someone else’s blueprint from NWA Daily, adapting it to Kansas City, and learning the hard way that different markets respond very differently to things like Reddit, Facebook groups, and local events coverage.Nick and TJ dive into how KC Daily leverages Instagram as a discovery channel, including the “local viral” posts and simple video ideas that brought in thousands of followers, like a snow-shoveling “Super Bowl” reel and a Stranger Things–style skyline image. They discuss why those followers don’t always translate to engagement, how Nick measures success with Beehive segments and tracking links, and how tools like ManyChat help convert slow but cheap subscribers from social. You’ll also hear his thoughts on AI, why he deliberately uses very little of it, and how having a real local face still matters as trust in national media and automated content erodes.If you’re trying to monetize local media, you’ll get a clear look at KC Daily’s business model: recurring newsletter advertisers with real marketing budgets, PR-firm relationships that turn into multi-client deals, a local dining discount card, and a small “fan club” for reader support. Nick shares how he gets on press release lists, how he follows up with performance metrics, and why simply showing up at media events has led to some of his biggest deals. To connect, find Nick Hageman on LinkedIn, subscribe to KC Daily at kcdaily.com, and follow @kcdaily on Instagram for daily Kansas City stories and experiments.Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter:https://www.localmediahq.com/subscribe Join the Community (Discord):Connect with TJ, share ideas, ask questions, and be part of a growing creator & media community👉 Join here: https://discord.localmediahq.com/Follow My JourneyTwitter/X: https://x.com/TJLarkin23 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tj.larkin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjlarkin1 Website: https://tjlarkin.com/ Work With MeFor brand partnerships, sponsorships, and business inquiries:[email protected]  #LocalNewsletters#KCDaily#KansasCity#LocalMedia#NewsletterGrowth#InstagramMarketing#SmallBusinessMarketing#PRStrategy#CreatorEconomy#DigitalPublishing

Local media operators love to talk about “diversified revenue,” but in this conversation, Nate Spangle shows exactly what that looks like in practice. TJ and Nate unpack how Get Indiana evolved from a struggling tech-company podcast into a growing Indiana-focused media company with a statewide podcast, multiple newsletters, and a strong social presence. Nate explains why he reoriented the show toward “Hoosiers doing inspiring things,” and how that identity became the anchor for everything else he built.Nate shares specific campaigns that drove growth, from the all-Indiana Indy 500 tailgate to memorizing every high school mascot in the state and doing “plumber for a day” videos with sponsors. He talks about why his content leans heavily on energy, creativity, and simple iPhone production instead of high-end cinematic gear, and how bringing on local creators, a Purdue student editor, a Fishers-based mom and writer, and others, has turned Get Indiana into more than just “the Nate show.”For anyone building local media, Nate dives into the details: how to land your first big sponsors by starting with small wins (like a local insurance agent), then stair-stepping up to statewide marketing teams; why you should target brands with big budgets and low engagement; and how bundling video, newsletters, and podcast inventory into year-long deals creates predictable, scalable revenue. He’s also candid about what hasn’t worked yet, including early experiments with paid newsletters and merch drops.Follow Nate Spangle (@natespangle) on Instagram to watch these campaigns unfold in real time, and follow @getindiana for statewide stories, features, and updates. To get the newsletters Nate mentions in this episode, subscribe to Get Indiana, Get South Bend, and Get Fishers via the signup links on their social profiles.Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter:https://www.localmediahq.com/subscribe Join the Community (Discord):Connect with TJ, share ideas, ask questions, and be part of a growing creator & media community👉 Join here: https://discord.gg/zWfExN6SSZ Follow My JourneyTwitter/X: https://x.com/TJLarkin23 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tj.larkin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjlarkin1 Website: https://tjlarkin.com/ Work With MeFor brand partnerships, sponsorships, and business inquiries:[email protected]  #LocalMedia#LocalNewsletters#GetIndiana#Hoosier#NewsletterBusiness#CreatorEconomy#MediaMonetization#SmallBusinessMarketing#LocalPodcast#IndianaBusiness

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

This episode dives deep into building a durable local media business with Michael Kauffman of Catskill Crew and The Newsletter Club. We unpack why communities crave print again, how to monetize beyond banner ads, and what it takes to turn a newsletter into a multi-revenue platform. You’ll hear how Discord-powered peer learning accelerates growth and why “quality over quantity” in ads is non-negotiable.Michael shares his upcoming premium, quarterly, wax-sealed mailer, a seasonal “mini almanac” with members-only extras, and the simple validation steps he used before committing. We also cover his “local holdco” approach: products (Catskillopoly games, puzzles, merch), events, and even commercial real estate partnerships that create a flywheel of awareness, distribution, and revenue.You’ll learn practical ad-sales tactics (educate, de-risk, package, and measure), why one-offs underperform, and how to reverse-engineer campaigns to a sponsor’s success metric (like a 2% CTR). Plus, we talk events that actually work, low-lift dinners, walks, and concerts, priced with flat fees to keep incentives aligned, and the power of polling to validate before you build.Guest links and contacts: The Newsletter Club: thenewsletter.club. Catskill Crew: search “Catskill Crew” to find the official site and socials.#NewsletterClub#LocalMedia#CatskillCrew#NewsletterGrowth#Monetization#DirectMail#LocalEvents#AdSales#HoldCo#SmallBusinessMarketing

This episode digs into how Jimmy Farrell grew CHS Happenings—a Charleston, SC local newsletter—from 0 to 10,000+ subscribers with a deliberate, community-first approach. We cover why he chose a personality-led brand, how he thinks about weekly cadence, and why Instagram—not LinkedIn—is his main growth channel for local audiences. We also talk through the real tradeoffs of pausing paid growth to focus on monetization.Jimmy breaks down his progression from residential real estate content to a full newsletter, what he learned from Meta ads (and why costs/targeting matter), and how consistent “scoop” reporting (like pegging the location of Charleston’s second Trader Joe’s) builds trust. He shares how he’s now producing short local business interviews, using ManyChat for IG DMs, and summarizing paywalled articles to restore click-through behavior.Key takeaways: lead with a real human, publish reliably (weekly can be enough), push discovery on Instagram, and build a focused prospect list of high-lifetime-value categories (banks, dentists, med spas, premium real estate). Automate first-touches, then go 1:1 once people engage. Use sponsorship revenue to fund sustainable paid growth rather than chasing vanity list numbers.Guest contact information: Instagram: @chs.happenings; LinkedIn: Jimmy Farrell (DMs open). Newsletter: CHS Happenings (Charleston, SC).#Charleston#CHSHappenings#LocalNewsletter#NewsletterGrowth#NewsletterMonetization#InstagramMarketing#MetaAds#LocalBusiness#CommunityNews#RealEstateMarketing

In this episode, Tance Hughes shares how he launched and grew The Miss Lou Brew across two small river towns (Vidalia, LA and Natchez, MS) with a combined population around 20,000. We cover realistic upsides and downsides of operating in a tiny market, why list size isn’t everything, and how he ties the newsletter to his other local businesses. We also dig into acquisition strategy, where Meta ads—not fancy plans—did the heavy lifting.Tance explains why “ugly” video-background ads with text outperform polished creatives, the importance of rotating assets to manage frequency burn in small geos, and why shorter, more frequent sends boost engagement and ad inventory. He also opens up about brand awareness vs. direct response for brick-and-mortar, the growing role of events, and his early experiments generating advertiser leads with paid campaigns.You’ll learn practical takeaways: keep creatives fresh, prioritize speed-to-test over perfection, send more often (but shorter), and lean into reader pain points in your copy. We wrap with thoughts on using simple automations to follow up with inbound leads so they don’t go cold.Guest links and info: Tance Hughes — active on LinkedIn; publisher of The Miss Lou Brew (local newsletter) and The Ruralpreneur (for entrepreneurs in small towns); marketing director at Growletter; owner of PJ’s Coffee (title sponsor in his market) and a local self-storage facility.#LocalNewsletter #SmallTownMarketing #EmailGrowth #MetaAds #CreatorEconomy #NewsletterMonetization #B2BNewsletters #EventMarketing #DigitalMarketingTips #RuralEntrepreneur

Nick “NoHo Nick” Roberts joins TJ to share the operating system behind his San Fernando Valley newsletter: organic growth, consistent social video, and community-first curation. He compares TikTok vs. Instagram, explains why he edits inside TikTok for speed, and shows how he slices one newsletter into multiple neighborhood-specific posts to find what the algorithm favors.You’ll hear how collaborator posts expand reach, why reposting your “who I am and why subscribe” message actually works, and how replying to great comments with short videos creates a built-in testimonial engine. They also cover list quality vs. scale, why manual posting still makes sense, and how print’s “hold it in your hand” effect shapes local buyer psychology.Finally, Nick and TJ dig into revenue: hitting break-even, setting rates when buyers don’t ask for CTR, and practical plays like co-branded tours, pop-up headshot days, and premium real-estate features. Actionable, specific, and tailor-made for local operators.Guest contact info: Nick RobertsWebsite: nohonick.comEmail: [email protected]: @nohonick (TikTok, Instagram, etc.).#LocalNewsletter #AudienceGrowth #TikTokMarketing #InstagramCollab #EmailMarketing #LocalMedia #ContentRepurposing #Bootstrapped #RealEstateMarketing #SanFernandoValley

Creators and local newsletter operators want in-person connection without the headache of planning events. In this episode, Rae Lambert shares how DNNR (pronounced “dinner”) turns audiences into white-labeled dinner clubs with zero heavy lifting. Listeners learn how personality quizzes, AI matching, and day-of restaurant reveals create table groups of six and a post-dinner meetup that brings multiple tables together.Rae explains pricing (commonly a $16 seat, food not included), how DNNR handles reservations and communications, and why this model beats traditional pop-up dinners or host-centric meetups. She walks through real examples—from a small New England podcast filling seven tables on launch to multi-city founder networks segmenting investors, founders, and service providers—plus smart ways to group parents, business owners, and more without fragmenting your funnel.Key takeaways: keep top-of-funnel broad, let matching do the segmenting, aim for three or more tables to power a lively after-party, and lead with value to keep service-provider “pitchiness” from derailing community quality. We also cover why local IRL connection is rising in the AI era and how this becomes both a monetization and growth engine.Guest contact & links: Rae Lambert • DNNR https://dnnr.io#CommunityBuilding #LocalNewsletters #CreatorEconomy #DinnerClub #AudienceMonetization #IRLEvents #AIMatching #LocalBusiness #Meetups #DNNR

Justin Gordon returns to share the LA Grind playbook: a local newsletter for founders, operators, and investors in Los Angeles that blends curated events, deal flow, jobs, and “living in LA” picks. In just four months, he’s crossed ~5,200 subscribers (as of Sept 25) and turned the list into a thriving in-person community.We dig into the growth stack (Meta ads + LinkedIn + event flywheels + Luma), why paying $1–$1.50 per subscriber can still be a steal, and how welcome surveys/polls power better sponsors and programming. Justin also shares his low-lift event philosophy—hikes, mixers, breakfasts, coffee meetups, even poker—that keeps logistics simple while relationships compound.You’ll hear concrete monetization tactics: recurring $29/month memberships with 2+ curated events, ticketed mixers with sponsors, and how he uses survey data to line up bigger vertical partners (like real estate) and explore recruiting/job board revenue. We also cover expansion thinking (SF/NY), intimate retreats vs. larger summits, and how to decide what to launch next.Guest contacts: Justin GordonWebsite: thelagrind.com#LAStartups#LAtech#LocalNewsletter#NewsletterGrowth#CommunityBuilding#EventMarketing#CreatorEconomy#StartupEvents#MembershipModel#JustinGordon

Ashlyn of Cypress Digest breaks down how she grew a Houston-area local newsletter to ~3,300 subscribers with a ~53.6% open rate and ~11% CTR, then flipped the switch on revenue. The headline tactic: a simple Facebook Lead Ad campaign that brought in ~75 advertiser leads for about $60—sub-$1 per lead—by pitching “partnerships” to local businesses instead of generic ads. She compares this inbound flow to slower, time-intensive methods like cold email, scraping, and chasing gatekeepers.She also explains using Apollo as an affordable CRM/data source to bypass catch-all inboxes, how she warms prospects (DM → email open → call), and where cold calling fits for higher-LTV categories. Beyond ads, Ashlyn shares a scalable directory play built on a V0 (vZero) subdomain, plus how “Local Falcon” informs which businesses to list and later upsell. We also dig into competing with big-box local media and why speed, focus, and pricing help a solo publisher win.Takeaways include: test fast and kill what doesn’t work; pitch outcomes, not placements; use demographics and creative samples to close; create low-ticket on-ramps (directory listings) for small operators; and blend front-end ads with back-end local SEO services for durable value. If you’re building a local media business, this is a concrete blueprint.Guest Contacts: Ashlyn Brooks Cypress DigestWebsite: cypressdigest.comDirectory: directory.cypressdigest.comEmail: [email protected] #LocalNewsletter #LeadGen #FacebookAds #LocalSEO #Beehiiv #SmallBusinessMarketing #DirectoryListings #ColdEmail #ApolloIO #CommunityMedia

This episode dives into how a local newsletter can punch above its weight by pairing digital reach with in-person events. John Apolinar of Scottsdale Scoop shares the playbook behind his first paid happy hour—securing a sponsor, choosing a venue (the W in Old Town), and using raffle incentives to boost registrations. We dig into why IRL touchpoints build trust and open doors for bigger partnerships down the line.John breaks down his early results (37+ paid signups, ~$500 in tickets), the sponsor economics (venue and first drink covered), and seed-stage interest from brands—including Rivian—eager to host future gatherings. We also cover content that pops on Instagram (short green-screen updates, new openings/closures, and carousels), plus how a student intern from Handshake can produce dependable carousel posts each week.You’ll hear a candid look at monetization: using SmartLead for cold outreach (with burner domains/inboxes), why high-ticket local categories convert better, packaging two newsletter ads with an event, and the next frontier—turning the welcome flow into consistent CPL revenue so paid acquisition can scale. Key takeaways: keep the first event simple, sell packages not one-offs, track what performs on IG, and experiment with segmented onboarding offers.Get in touch with John Apolinar🐦 Twitter / X: it’s “John Apolinar” (DMs open)Get started with Smartlead: https://www.smartlead.ai/?via=92189#LocalNewsletters #Scottsdale #EventMarketing #CommunityBuilding #NewsletterGrowth #Sponsorships #InstagramMarketing #ColdEmail #LocalMedia #Beehiiv

In this episode, TJ digs in with creator and local media operator Jacob Espinoza on what really works for a city-focused podcast and Instagram presence. They cover why local podcasts are hard to grow, the outsized networking value of interviews, and how to keep production simple enough to sustain week after week. You’ll hear how Jacob repurposes interviews across newsletters and short-form video to multiply reach.Jacob breaks down his toolkit (Riverside, repurposing flows, and Beehiv-style newsletter ops), his “green screen” explainer format for rapid local updates, and the difference between teaser-style clips and value-first reels that spark comments. They also discuss timing newsletters (evening sends), testing subject lines with AI, and packaging multi-platform inventory sponsors actually want.You’ll learn how to price and pace sponsored reels, balance ads with organic value, and use social proof from Instagram to close deals—even if your podcast listens are modest. Jacob shares practical tactics for finding early guests, posting imperfect clips to learn faster, and making “make-goods” when a sponsored post underperforms.Get in touch with Jacob Espinoza📸 Instagram: What’s Happening Salem 🎥 TikTok: What’s Happening Salem 🐦 Twitter/X: @MrJacobSB 📸 Instagram (personal): @MrJacobSB#LocalMedia #Podcasting #InstagramReels #ShortFormVideo #GreenScreen #NewsletterMarketing #Sponsorships #ContentStrategy #RiversideFM #Beehiiv

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 — [email protected]🎙️ 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: [email protected]: 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: [email protected]#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

What’s the real opportunity behind building online directories? In this insightful interview, Frey Chu outlines how he built multiple passive income streams from niche directories using SEO and strategic content design. TJ and Frey also unpack how these learnings can be applied to local media—especially newsletters.Frey explains how local directory builders can shortcut growth by scraping data, optimizing for Google, and testing monetization strategies like sponsored listings, lead generation, and ad bundling. He also shares how directories become even more powerful when paired with newsletters or social audiences, as a way to open conversations with advertisers and deliver proven ROI.This episode is packed with practical insights for anyone interested in local business, media, SEO, or building “boring but beautiful” internet assets that compound over time.📍 Connect with Frey Chu:Website: Ship Your DirectoryYouTube: Frey ChuX (Twitter): @freychu#OnlineDirectories#LocalMedia#SEO#LeadGeneration#PassiveIncome#DigitalMarketing#NewsletterBusiness#FreyChu#DirectoryBusiness#ShipYourDirectory

Geoff Matthews of North Shore Now joins TJ Larkin to unpack the real story behind launching a successful newsletter in a small geographic niche. Geoff candidly shares the challenges of selling local ads, testing paid subscriber models, and staying motivated despite uncertain ROI. With refreshing honesty, he outlines what worked, what flopped, and why feedback from his community keeps him going.From curating events across 100+ websites to running giveaways and launching merchandise, Geoff’s grassroots approach to content and engagement offers tons of lessons for creators in any market. He also breaks down his ad strategy evolution, from failed cold emails to drastically improving performance with expert help.Whether you're building your first audience or thinking about monetizing a niche project, this conversation is loaded with valuable insight. Want to connect with Geoff? Head to https://snowballclub.com/ to learn more about his private founder community.#NewsletterBusiness#LocalMarketing#EmailMarketingTips#ContentStrategy#DigitalEntrepreneur#NorthShoreNow#CommunityBuilding#MetaAds#MonetizingContent#VancouverBusiness

In this episode, TJ Larkin interviews Justin Gordon, the creator of two high-impact newsletters: Just Go Grind and LA Grind. Justin shares how his journey began with a podcast back in 2018, eventually transitioning into newsletters focused on startup founders, investors, and the LA tech scene. He walks us through how he built up an audience of over 20,000 for Just Go Grind and used his unique positioning and risk tolerance to go full-time as a creator.We dive into the strategy behind LA Grind, a hybrid local newsletter tailored to LA’s startup and VC community. Justin reveals how segmentation, events, and a deep understanding of his audience drive growth and monetization. He also touches on paid ads, social media, and how he maintains high open rates while cleaning his list regularly.Key takeaways include how to test newsletter concepts efficiently, monetize through sponsorships, and use events as an in-person moat against AI disruption. If you're building a newsletter or local media business, this episode is packed with actionable insights.👉 Connect with Justin at https://justgogrind.com and https://thelagrind.com. For serendipity calls and event access, check the top of each newsletter edition.#NewsletterMarketing#StartupCommunity#JustinGordon#JustGoGrind#LAGrind#FounderEvents#B2BMarketing#NewsletterGrowth#LocalNewsletters#VCandStartups

In this episode, TJ Larkin chats with Matt Deal, the creator of Eating Baltimore, a growing local newsletter focused on food, events, and community in the Baltimore area. With a background in financial newsletters and wine club marketing, Matt shares how he transitioned into building a hyperlocal media product from scratch.Matt dives deep into his strategies for acquiring subscribers—like using Facebook ads, giveaways, and leveraging Beehive. He explains how he built a restaurant directory using Replit for only $6, sourced thousands of listings with Outscraper, and is now using SEO and backlink campaigns to drive traffic and monetization.Listeners will gain actionable insights into building in public, testing content strategies, using local sentiment to drive engagement, and creatively pursuing revenue with limited resources. Matt’s transparency about subscriber growth, ad performance, and experimentation provides inspiration for anyone looking to build a local media brand.Guest Info: Website: https://eatingbaltimore.com Twitter: https://x.com/realMattDiehl#LocalNewsletters#NewsletterGrowth#EatingBaltimore#IndieMedia#NewsletterMarketing#Replit#DigitalMonetization#BuildInPublic#LocalSEO#BootstrapStartup

TJ welcomes Alec Kremins, Beehive's Partnership Manager and founder of the JLM Scoop, a local Jerusalem newsletter with nearly 6,000 subscribers. Alec shares his journey of starting the newsletter while onboarding at Beehive, how he validated the idea in a new city, and why local newsletters can open doors—even beyond revenue. From sponsor negotiations to delegation and audience building, this episode is packed with real-world tactics.Alec offers deep insight into his monetization strategy, explaining how he secures sponsors like a real estate firm, manages a lean operation with freelance help, and focuses on sustainable growth. He also reflects on the limits of local newsletter revenue when treated as a side hustle and explains why ownership and strategic partnerships are crucial.Tune in for ideas on expanding into lead gen, launching agency services, testing audience segmentation for monetization, and even using newsletters to support local matchmaking and events.Reach Alec at:🔗 Website: beehive.com/partners💬 LinkedIn: Alec Kremins🐦 Twitter/X: @AlecKrem#LocalNewsletter#NewsletterGrowth#BeehiveNewsletters#MonetizeYourNewsletter#EmailMarketing#JerusalemStartups#SideHustleSuccess#ContentMarketing#NewsletterTips#DigitalEntrepreneur

Feeling stagnant with newsletter revenue? TJ Larkin explains a new path: charge $300 for a half-day, face-to-face crash course on ChatGPT basics, marketed straight to the subscribers who already trust him.The episode breaks down his market-validation call with another publisher, the city-government referral loop, and why timing finally favors beginner AI education. You’ll also hear a mini-tutorial on prompting ChatGPT to design your curriculum and v0 to spin up a sleek site that converts.Takeaways: start small, iterate fast, and let each workshop seed future ad or consulting deals. Reach TJ directly via X/Twitter @TJLarkin23 to learn more or partner on local events.#AI101 #LocalBusinessGrowth #NewsletterMonetization #FacebookAdsTips #NoCodeWebsites #SmallBusinessAI #DigitalMarketingStrategy #CreatorEconomy #WorkshopRevenue #TJLarkinPodcast