{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The LetterStack Podcast","title":"Building Thriving Local Newsletters with TJ Larkin | Episode 6 | The LetterStack Podcast","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/87b9db5b\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2232,"description":"What does it really take to build a profitable local newsletter network? In this episode of The LetterStack Podcast, Renga sits down with TJ Larkin, founder of multiple community-focused newsletters across the U.S., to uncover the secrets behind starting, scaling, and monetizing local newsletters.\nTJ shares how he grew from 2 neighborhood newsletters to 13+ across the country, serving tens of thousands of engaged readers, and what makes local newsletters a powerful business model in 2025.\nYou’ll learn:\nHow TJ got started in Austin suburbs and expanded nationwide\nWhy local events, restaurants, and new business coverage drive the most engagement\nThe content framework that keeps readers hooked\nBest subscriber acquisition tactics (Meta ads, growth hacks, giveaways)\nSmart monetization strategies for local newsletters (ads, sponsorships, directories)\nHow to partner with local businesses and even launch spin-off ventures\nWhy directories, family events, and community engagement are the next frontier\nWhether you’re planning to start your own hyperlocal media business or just curious about the future of newsletters, this episode is packed with actionable insights.\n⏱️ Timestamps\n00:00 – Intro: Why local newsletters matter\n01:10 – Meet TJ Larkin & his journey into local newsletters\n03:22 – Starting with Austin suburbs & early lessons\n04:42 – Expanding via partnerships & scaling up\n05:20 – How the Scoop newsletters curate content\n07:20 – Why suburbs are underserved & full of opportunity\n09:00 – Events, restaurants, and positive news as content pillars\n12:17 – What’s the best time to send local newsletters?\n14:08 – Subscriber acquisition: Meta ads, giveaways & growth hacks\n18:34 – Monetization beyond ads: agencies, packages & cross-selling\n22:00 – Local directories & why they’re an untapped opportunity\n24:35 – Sales hacks: free listings & podcasts as entry points\n25:42 – How big is the Scoop network today? (13+ newsletters, 60K subs)\n27:20 – Behind the scenes: operations,...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/jJgbvEOzTCqF3aN-k3ufoe3ijCR5gllLGY1Ww874Xt8/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS83NDg2/MjgxYTk4NWExMTNi/NTMxM2M1OWYwN2E1/MWY5Yi5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}