Monetize Media

In this episode, Kyle Scott discusses the current state of newsletters, responding to Sam Parr's claims that the medium is dead and saturated. He argues that while some areas may be competitive, there are still ample opportunities in niche markets and local newsletters. He compares the newsletter space to blogging and podcasting and how those platforms took decades to reach normal people. He concludes by encouraging listeners to think about newsletters as owned audience, and not just a single format, comparing Beehiiv to Shopify. Sam's posts: https://x.com/thesamparr/status/1866565501012545597 https://x.com/thesamparr/status/1761433621447979122 Chapters 00:00 The State of Newsletters: Are They Really Dead? 02:27 Understanding Market Saturation in Newsletters 13:41 Opportunities in Niche Newsletters 22:14 The Future of Newsletters and Owned Audiences Subscribe to the Monetize Media newsletter Follow Kyle on X (@KyleScottL) Kyle's brands AccessGMT.com WalkingTheBoards.com Tip.News OnPattison.com

In this episode, Kyle Scott talks to Geoff Sharpe, founder of Lookout Media, who brings a refreshing approach to local journalism by focusing on in-depth civics news rather than the typical lifestyle content that dominates many local newsletters. With publications in Ottawa and Vancouver, Sharp emphasizes the importance of quality journalism, which has allowed him to command premium subscriptions, with over 75% of his revenue coming from dedicated members. This conversation delves into the challenges of monetizing local media, the significance of building trust through consistent and insightful reporting, and the potential for niche local newsletters to thrive. Sharp also shares insights on audience engagement and the balance between hard news and lighter content, stressing that a well-rounded approach can create a strong community connection. As the media landscape evolves, his strategies offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to build a sustainable local news brand. Chapters 00:00 Intro 04:16 Challenges and Strategies in Local News Monetization 06:45 Local News Dynamics 12:13 Marketing Strategies for Local News 18:02 The Role of Opinion in Local Journalism 23:47 Business Model Insights and Revenue Streams 33:21 Challenges in Local Business Marketing 38:42 Niche Opportunities in Local Newsletters 44:22 Building Community Through Local Newsletters 50:08 Tools and Strategies for Success Links Lookout Media Ottawa Lookout Follow Geoff on X (@Geoff_Sharpe) Subscribe to the Monetize Media newsletter Follow Kyle on X (@KyleScottL) Kyle's brands AccessGMT.com WalkingTheBoards.com Tip.News OnPattison.com

In this episode, Kyle Scott discusses 7 digital media trends expected to dominate in 2025. He highlights the resurgence of local media, the importance of AI search optimization, the rise of online communities, the growth of live and social shopping, the emergence of prediction markets, the potential of Beehiiv as a content platform, and the trend of businesses acquiring audiences. Takeaways Local media is experiencing a resurgence due to underserved markets. AI search optimization will become crucial for visibility. Online communities will provide a sense of belonging and engagement. Live shopping will transform how brands sell products. Prediction markets will offer new ways to gauge public sentiment. Beehiiv is set to revolutionize content creation and distribution. Businesses will increasingly seek to acquire and engage their audiences. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Digital Media Trends 01:11 Resurgence of Local Media 08:08 AI Search Optimization 11:13 Communities 13:18 Live and Social Shopping 17:02 Prediction Markets 18:52 Beehive: The Shopify of Content 21:43 Businesses Acquire Audiences Subscribe to the Monetize Media newsletter Follow Kyle on X (@KyleScottL) Kyle's brands AccessGMT.com WalkingTheBoards.com Tip.News OnPattison.com

Kyle Scott discusses the evolving landscape of SEO in the context of AI advancements. He outlines the essential strategies for creators and marketers to adapt, including the use of structured data, intent-based phrases, and tagging across various content types. He also highlights the importance of optimizing for both digital and physical searches as AI technology continues to develop. Takeaways AI is transforming SEO, not eliminating it. Structured data helps AI understand content better. Natural language processing is key for future searches. Tagging content improves visibility across platforms. Implementing LLMS.txt can enhance AI crawling. Physical search optimization is becoming crucial. Links referenced in this episode: schema.orgmintlify.comfirecrawl.com Companies mentioned in this episode:

In this conversation, Michael Kauffman, founder of Catskill Crew, shares insights on building a successful local newsletter, focusing on community engagement, monetization strategies, and the importance of authenticity in content creation. He discusses the growth of his newsletter, the role of polling and feedback in shaping content and product, and the various revenue streams he has developed, including events and partnerships with local businesses. Kauffman emphasizes the significance of building a trusted brand and the potential for local newsletters to fill gaps left by traditional media. 00:00 Introduction to Michael Kauffman and Catskill Crew 03:05 The Media Landscape in the Catskills 09:04 Growth Strategies and Content Creation 15:05 Targeting the Right Audience 21:18 Building Trust and Relationships with Advertisers 29:54 Building Community Through Events 36:39 Brand Development and Merchandising 42:18 Exploring Real Estate Opportunities 52:07 The Value of Local Newsletters and Community Engagement 58:16 The Future of Catskill Crew and Community Growth Links Visit Catskill Crew Follow Michael on X (@MikeyPesto) Start your own local newsletter on Beehiiv Subscribe to the Monetize Media newsletter Follow Kyle on X (@KyleScottL) Kyle's brands AccessGMT.com WalkingTheBoards.com Tip.News OnPattison.com

Kyle Scott discusses the current landscape of local newsletters, particularly focusing on the platform Beehiiv. He highlights the mistakes many operators make and the significant opportunities available in the local newsletter space. It is exceedingly difficult to earn substantial local advertising revenue. The solution for this is scale. But that's only half measure. The real way to succeed with local newsletters is by partnering with high-value services, particularly in real estate. Or, better yet, launching a local newsletter for your local business. Here's how to do. it. Takeaways 00:00 Introduction to Local Newsletters 12:06 The Rise of Local Newsletters 17:34 Challenges in Monetizing Local Newsletters 26:14 Strategies for Success in Local Newsletters

On today’s episode we speak with Joe Pulizzi, the “godfather” of Content Monetization, who literally wrote the book, “Content Inc.” Joe is an accomplished digital media expert who is a best selling author, podcaster, speaker, and so much more. Joe is one of the world’s top content marketing authorities. He’s founded three companies, including the Content Marketing Institute, launched dozens of events, and is the recipient of the 2014 John Caldwell lifetime achievement award for content...

On today's episode, we speak with Drew Smith, founder, and editor of the Liberty Line of Philly Sports Block. In just a few short years, Drew has built an audience of tens of thousands by creating a media brand off of his t-shirt sales. He has deep experience in how creators monetize their audience through the sale of merchandise. Listen now as Drew walks us through the process of building his site, creating and selling third-party unlicensed sports t-shirts, and how the Eagles winning the...

On today’s episode, we’ve got Doug Gollan. He’s the founder and editor of privatejetcardcomparisons.com, a consumer buying guide to private aviation services. Doug’s story is a fantastic example of how to monetize media in a niche field. If you’ve ever thought something was too niche, let Doug’s example show that if you can contribute meaningfully and have the right audience, particularly an audience with resources, you can be successful pursuing a niche. This episode is going to be a...

On today’s episode, we speak with Bobby Trosset, a former NFL pregame radio host who is striking out on his own with a podcast and Youtube channel. Bobby is making the difficult switch from mainstream media to the creator world, with content focused on the Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore sports, and beyond. He has multiple podcasts, two Youtube channels, and is thinking about ways to grow his audience to other mediums. In just under nine months, he’s amassed thousands of subscribers and tens of...

On today's episode, we speak with John Miller, founder of Scribewise, a content marketing firm. John is an expert when it comes to leveraging content to grow your business and close sales. He works with clients across a range of verticals to help them craft their content strategy to get their brand in front of the right audience. While not our typical guest, John understands how content can serve as a top of funnel tactic to generate business opportunities, something any creator can learn...

On today’s episode we speak with Miles Becker of MilesBeckler.com. Miles is a thought leader in the online marketing space, having built a lifestyle brand with his wife and a following of hundreds of thousands on YouTube. He gives away deeply tactical advice on everything from SEO and affiliate marketing. A must have resource if you want to monetize your audience. I personally used Miles’ videos when I was learning my own SEO strategy in 2018. Miles has an unbelievable world view and...

On today’s episode we talk with Jessica Williams, founder of Pet Talk Media and YouDidWhatWithYourWeiner.com. Jessica has become the world's foremost expert in outdoor excursions with your Dachshund. We explore with Jessica how to own a super specific niche, and how that can be both a good thing and a bad thing when it comes to growing an online business. Still, the site is profitable and it has allowed Jessica to run her own lifestyle business. Listen now as Jessica talks about the...

On today's episode, we speak with Ross Pomerantz, the man behind the widely successful business humor social media account, Corporate Bro. Ross has become the avatar for corporate sales bros across the country, particularly in silicon valley. He’s amassed a massive audience with workplace humor, which is a trend we’ve identified in content. He monetizes through advertising, apparel sales, advisory opportunities, speaking engagements, and his new investment arm, Corp Capital, a very...

Welcome back to part two of our ten actionable insights from our first ten interviews. If you have not listened to part one, you can pause this and go back and listen to our last show which was the first five actionable items we had. Or, in all honestly, the order doesn’t really matter so if you like this, you can go back. These are part two of our takeaways from our first ten episodes, trying to identify trends and themes that we’ve seen early on that apply to if not all of the creators...

10 Actionable Insights From Our First 10 Episodes (Part 1) Today we are doing something a little different. Instead of having an interview, it’s the middle of summer, a number of potential guests are on vacation as are we off and on the last couple of wheels, so we thought it would be a good time to ten actionable insights from our first ten interviews. A little bit of a midway checkpoint to see some of the themes that you can take with you and implement into your business. We’ve called...

On today’s episode, we speak with Adam Vazquez, founder of Heard Media, a podcast production agency and host of the Content Is For Closers podcast. Adam’s company helps professionals and creators produce and distribute their podcasts. Adam has a unique background in marketing. From writing an award-winning commercial at Vaynermedia to interviewing leading creators, Adam has a unique understanding of using content to effectively market products and services. He uses his podcast to raise his...

On this show I interview my business partner and co-host of this show, Kyle Scott. Kyle knew at a very young age that he wanted to be involved with covering sports and giving his slant on a story. From joining a physically mailed newsletter group at the age of four, to living in his parents basement in his mid-twenties, Kyle has fought to make his dream a reality. As the co-founder of CrossingBroad.com, Kyle has provided a unique and at times irreverent stance on Philadelphia sports. Since...

On today’s episode we speak with Alexis Grant, founder and CEO of They Got Acquired, a digital media company focused on small and medium-sized acquisitions. Alexis is building a massive resource for entrepreneurs and professionals in the M and A space that will help all stakeholders understand the value of their business and learn from other acquisitions. Prior to founding They Got Acquired, Alexis built and sold a content agency, served as EVP of content for the Penny Hoarder, and sold...

On today’s episode, Kyle interviews his partner and co-host of this show, Jason Ziernicki. Jason started from building a small local SEO shop to becoming the largest daily fantasy sports affiliate in America before building a sports media business with Kyle, which was eventually sold for $25 million. He talks about his process from leaving his job with a baby on the way in 2008, to starting a local digital marketing agency, to becoming an SEO powerhouse in one of the most competitive fields...