Hubbard Radio's four stations utilize a centralized in-house agency, 2060 Digital, to sell primarily social media services. They now are leaders in this important niche. Here are key components of this model. more

The wedding franchise is a multi-million marketplace in most towns and cities - and in many cases up for grabs as new promoters, media and verticals get into the race for dollars. This 20 page report shows examples of the five core strategies local media need to win the category, and how to put them together. Included are the strategies from companies who have won their weddings and now operate six figure per market franchises. more

Which daily deals will sell in the five and six figures is not predictable. But the largest group deal site in Toronto, WagJag, part of Toronto Community News, has more than is share to explore for trends. In addition to a giant e-mail list and massive promotions, deal selection is part of the formula for creating monsters. Here are some of the biggest deals, plus and tips for getting them and handling them, from Regional Director of advertising, Tim Corcoran. more

The Chicago Tribune has started new businesses to replace classifieds revenues lost over the years. An in-house employment agency targeting a multi-million revenue stream is on track. The Tribune Company's LA Times also launched a pay-per-sale real estate initiative in June, 2012. Here are strategies, personnel required, pricing and initial results for both initiatives, from Eddie Tyner, Vice President of Classified Marketplaces at Tribune Company. more

One of the more lucrative categories in the local marketplace is healthcare: From large hospitals and clinics to plastic surgeons and chiropractors, the healthcare industry supplies a stable source of somewhat recession-proof local and regional advertising. One approach is compete for this category is to develop health-related niche sites and channels. How much money do these sites make and what are the advantages versus simply running a campaign or contest? Here are three examples, all of them profitable, in different markets using different strategies. more

Most media executives use LinkedIn to create professional one-to-one networks or research advertising prospects. However LinkedIn can also provide inbound leads for workshops, contest sponsorships, and new product launches. This report shows how to set up a program using sponsored updates, how to create a content schedule, and converting likes and follows into leads, and other practical tips. more

Impact Engine, developers of an ad platform that allows a typical production person to build a premium ad in minutes, now has hundreds of premium ads running at any given time.  This month … more

The Riverside Press-Enterprise has jumped into selling social media services with both feet. Their model, eMediaWaves.com, launched officially in June, 2010 and sells a DIY platform that allows small businesses to create a blog that automatically posts to other social media. Here's how they set up the new program. more

BCLocalBiz.com, a directory launched at Black Press in April 2010, is designed to compete directly with IYP’s in its local markets. Project manager Jason Naidu's team started with a database from Axiom, loaded into eDirectory software. The software mapping was enhanced to identify hyper-local neighborhoods and communities, allowing a user to refine their search. A home page widget also promotes featured listings, and with 115 sales in the first quarter. Here's an analysis of the site. more