How to Write and Earn with Local Content on Blogs

How does a blogger successfully deliver and earn from local content on blogs when they are not locally focused? Get these tips on targeting, promoting, earning with local content.

Recently, a blogger asked our mastermind group about pitching and publishing local opportunities to her national and international audience.

She was concerned about alienating a portion of her audience. No one wants to risk undoing their very hard work to build a following and fan base! At the same time, there are those of us who want to earn money blogging!

Here are few tips to make you don’t turn off your primary audience if you’re considering adding local content on blogs which aren’t locally focused.

Long-Term Planning: Local Content on Blogs

1. Get feedback from local businesses as to what is missing in their promotion strategies (like the visitor videos mentioned above). Fill that need.
2. When you’re participating in local Facebook groups, ask people what they want to see from their local businesses. Bring those ideas to the businesses as pitches. This can have unbelievable value to small, local businesses.
3. Consider creating or compiling a local product, using those businesses you work with to help promote.

Preparation

1. Seek out and join local Facebook groups.
2. Hunt down any local hashtags (even those used for and by major local businesses or event promoters). Be sure you aren’t giving away your photos or content by using the hashtags.
3. Meet with local businesses and offer help with marketing. For example, do they need more user videos on social media? If so, build a campaign proposal around that.
4. Pitch local businesses and get paid to have local fun and content! If you need help with pitching, I have 14 pitch letter templates in Pitching Perfection.

Target

1. Create a tag or subscriber list for local events.
2. Mention within your generic posts and newsletters that you offer a local list.
3. Offer deals or ‘breaking news’ on local events. Build a subset of your following and offer a unique hashtag.

Content

1. Create a local post for immediate publication and a duplicate, more generic post (for future content).
2. If you do not want to create two posts, create a single post highlighting the local aspect. You can add a non-local printable or resource (ex: a local zoo promotion with a generic zoo trip printable).
3. Timing is crucial. Don’t give yourself one or two days to write and promote local content. Be sure to pitch and promote giving consideration to your audience and their need for planning. Promotion could even include a “local or regional reader get-together” at the business.

Promotion

1. Set up a local-only mailing list (or tag/segment).
2. Create a local board on Pinterest and share with the above newsletter subscribers and with locally-based social media groups. You can even get contributors to share their best finds (a group board for readers).
3. Promote local posts only on locally-based Facebook groups and on other social media with local hashtags (get permission, of course, usually by offering help, a freebie, or a solution).
4. Tell your local news (lifestyle segment) about your on-site content and partnerships with local businesses or events.

Get the How to Add Local Content on Blogs Tip Sheet (no optin)

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Summary

When building a content plan, learning how to add local content on blogs can be a successful partnership for bloggers and local businesses. It’s also a pretty nice way to earn money with your blog!