I’ve been running our local email newsletter for 12 years now.
It’s been one of the best business decisions I’ve ever made.
Not just for the money (though that’s nice too).
But for everything else it’s brought into my life.
If you’re thinking about starting a local newsletter, here’s why you should consider it.
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!
You’ll Become Known in Your City
This might sound weird at first.
But when you consistently show up in people’s inboxes with valuable local content, something magical happens.
People start recognizing you around town.
For example, just this week I had a lady walk up to me and say, “You’re the Mobile Rundown!” 😂
You become THE person people think of when local news happens.
Business owners will reach out directly when they have announcements.
Event organizers will invite you to cover their events.
You’re not just another face in the crowd anymore.
You’re the local authority.
You’ll Build Real Business Relationships
Here’s where it gets really good.
Local business owners will start reaching out to YOU.
Not the other way around.
They want to be featured in your newsletter.
They want your audience’s attention.
This creates instant relationships with people you might never have met otherwise.
Restaurant owners.
Shop owners.
Service providers.
These relationships compound over time.
(Everything builds upon itself, remember?)
You’ll Score Amazing In-Kind Trades
This is one of my favorite parts.
When you’re featuring local businesses, you can negotiate trades instead of cash payments.
Free meals at restaurants.
Free services from local providers.
Products from local shops.
I’ve gotten thousands of dollars worth of value through trades.
Trades = Cash.
If you were going to spend money on the product or service anyway, it’s as good as the same.
You’re Filling a Massive Gap
Local newspapers are dying.
Print is disappearing.
People are hungry for hyperlocal content.
And nobody’s filling this gap.
Your neighbors want to know what’s happening in THEIR community.
Not just national news.
Not just the big city paper.
They want micro-local content.
Hyperlocal stories.
Community events.
Local business spotlights.
You can be the person who gives them exactly what they’re craving.
You Can Promote Your Own Ventures
This is where the compound effect really kicks in.
Your newsletter becomes a marketing channel for anything else you’re doing.
I run a silent disco headphone rental business.
Guess how I get my bookings?
Through the newsletter.
Just last month, I booked a $2,000 event because someone saw it promoted in our local newsletter.
I’m also a real estate agent.
When I have listings, I can showcase them to my local audience.
People who actually live in the area.
People who might know someone looking to buy.
Your newsletter can become your personal marketing machine.
The Money Will Follow
You can’t make money right away from your newsletter.
But it will come.
But first, you need to build a brand large enough to provide value.
Local businesses need to reach local customers.
Your newsletter gives them exactly that.
Sponsorships.
Advertising.
Paid features.
The revenue opportunities stack up over time.
But even if you never made a dime, the other benefits make it worth it.
Everything Builds Upon Itself
After 12 years, I can tell you this:
Everything compounds.
Your reputation in the community.
Your business relationships.
Your networking opportunities.
Your revenue streams.
It all builds upon itself.
Month after month.
Year after year.
You become more valuable to your community.
And your community becomes more valuable to you.
Start Now, Thank Yourself Later
Most people overthink this.
They worry about the tech.
They worry about content.
They worry about subscribers.
Don’t.
The best time to start was 12 years ago.
The second best time is now.
Your city needs someone to tell its stories.
Your community needs someone to connect the dots.
That someone could be you.
Trust me on this one.
Start your local newsletter.
Everything else will build upon itself from there.
