You don’t need 47 different tools to start a local newsletter.
Trust me, I’ve tried.
I’ve been running local media for over a decade with The Mobile Rundown [both a blog and newsletter].
And here’s what I’ve learned:
Simple wins.
Every time.
So let me show you the exact tech stack I use to run a profitable local newsletter.
No fluff. No overcomplicated systems.
Just what actually works.
Quick note: I find a lot of value in communities, so I started an online community of local newsletter operators who share strategy and ideas. I’d love for you to look into joining us!
The Newsletter Foundation: Your Core 4 Tools
1. beehiiv (Your Email Platform)
This is where the magic happens.
I use beehiiv for our email newsletter.
[here’s a discount if you want to test it out].
Here’s a cool feature.
beehiiv has its own advertiser network.
You can start making money from their advertisers before you ever land your first local sponsor.
Pretty cool, right?
Plus, every newsletter you send becomes a live URL on their platform.
So beehiiv isn’t just an email tool.
It’s basically a full website.
Two tools in one.
If I had found beehiiv before launching our blog, I’m not sure I’d still have 2 different web properties.
2. WordPress (Your Content Hub)
I still use WordPress for my main blog site.
Even though beehiiv handles a lot of the web stuff.
WordPress gives me more control for longer content and SEO.
It’s where I house articles like this one.
You’ll need to get web hosting (I currently use WPX and am very happy with them).
WordPress is still a great option, but…
There are other great options out there as technology advances.
WordPress needs to continue to evolve to keep me on its platform.
Here’s my guide to starting a blog if you go this route…
3. Canva + AI Tools (Your Design Stack)
Canva for the basics – I use it daily.
But I’m using AI tools like Nano Banana more often now.
Why?
Because it can make adjustments to images just by typing out what you want.
And it will continue to evolve and get better.
As a note, Canva is continuing to evolve, also!
4. Google Analytics (Your Analytics… Sort Of)
Of course, I use Google Analytics.
But let’s be honest.
It’s pretty horrific for what I actually need to know.
That’s why I’m building my own tool to display the data more easily!
Sometimes you gotta solve your own problems.
But you 100% need some sort of analytics tool so that you are aware of traffic sources and trends.
The Social Media Revenue Machine
Here’s where it gets interesting.
I’m on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
My advice is to pick no more than 2 platforms and perfect those before expanding.
But Facebook is special.
Our Facebook page actually drives revenue directly from Facebook’s monetization program.
Yep, Facebook pays me to create content for our local community.
Most local media professionals are unaware of this.
But it’s real money.
And it compounds over time.
The Local Business Tools
CitySpark for Events
I use CitySpark for our events calendar now.
Used to use the calendar plugin from Modern Tribe.
But I’m actually looking to build my own AI-powered calendar.
Why?
Because local events are a huge traffic driver.
And most calendar tools aren’t built for local media.
There’s an opportunity here.
The Rest of the Stack
The beauty of starting simple?
You can add tools as you grow.
You don’t need everything on day one.
Start with the core 4.
Get your first 1,000 subscribers.
Then expand.
Beyond the Newsletter: The Full Local Media Play
Once your newsletter is humming, you can expand.
We expanded into print with a publication that highlights non-profits in our region.
We run events (like silent disco parties that book through our newsletter).
We even have video content that feeds back into the newsletter.
Everything builds upon itself.
The compound effect in action.
Start Simple, Then Stack
Look, you could research tools for months.
Or you could start with these 4 and launch next week.
I vote for launching.
Because everything in business builds upon itself over time.
But you gotta swing that bat!
Your first newsletter won’t be perfect.
Your design skills will improve.
Your local connections will grow.
But none of that happens until you start.
So pick your tools.
Set up your beehiiv account.
Write your first newsletter.
Send it to 10 friends.
And get the compound effect working for you.
