Alternative revenue ideas for a local newspaper?

[azrob68]

Hi, guys... I publish a tiny local newspaper, so I'm basically able to advertise as much as I want for free. Selling ads can sometimes be a bitch, so I was looking for ways to generate revenue in other ways. I've already set up some affiliate-related ads of my own for general products like Dish Network and ADT Security, using unique toll-free numbers rather than affiliate URLs or redirects -- I figured few people would actually order such a thing online instead of just calling up and talking to a rep.

You guys are great at coming up with out-of-the-box ideas, so I thought I'd throw this one out there. What other affiliate deals would you target with offline advertising, or can you come up with something other than affiliate-related sales? I'm looking for automated systems that will take little or no extra time out of my day to jerk around with.

Thanks in advance...

 

[Mike90]

Hi, guys... I publish a tiny local newspaper, so I'm basically able to advertise as much as I want for free. Selling ads can sometimes be a bitch, so I was looking for ways to generate revenue in other ways. I've already set up some affiliate-related ads of my own for general products like Dish Network and ADT Security, using unique toll-free numbers rather than affiliate URLs or redirects -- I figured few people would actually order such a thing online instead of just calling up and talking to a rep.

You guys are great at coming up with out-of-the-box ideas, so I thought I'd throw this one out there. What other affiliate deals would you target with offline advertising, or can you come up with something other than affiliate-related sales? I'm looking for automated systems that will take little or no extra time out of my day to jerk around with.

Thanks in advance...

You should go national lol that's much better anyway it's so easy just get ppc and let the sales come in.

 

[glowleaf]

I was working at a local newspaper when I was 17. I had suggested that we create a column, about citizen journalism, where people search for, and write articles, and send them to us. Then the editor reviews the stories, picks out the best one and sends it for correction.

The article is printed in the next issue, at the special column, with a small "whoamI" of the writer and a picture.

It worked

The idea is to generate buzz, and get everyone in the community involved, because, if for example 10 amateur reporters show up, you will have at least 50 people checking out the next issue...

As soon as you generate buzz, you can start promoting "Journalism for dummies" books, and "Kodak lenses for the aspiring journalist".

Create demand first, then supply.