Knoxnews.com created one of the first efforts by local newspaper companies to sell social media services. Led by Jay Horton, Director of Advertising, the initiative was profitable within six months, with 16 new clients spending an average of $1000 per month. All advertisers upgraded or are buying premium media. Here is a break down of how the new division works. more

With media companies looking at reselling social media, there is a great tool that is not getting enough attention: Marchex will partner to provide an inexpensive dashboard that let's SMB's monitor social media mentions across platforms. Here's a look at the new tools: more

the330, a branded entertainment site, is the brainchild of the Akron Beacon Journal's marketing, sales and online team, led by Amanda Carroll, Marketing Director. After launching on a WordPress template, the new site, owned by Black Press, increased entertainment traffic by almost 50% in the first 30 days and acquired 16 new advertisers, including the art museum. It uses a novel approach to spotlight restaurant advertisers, more

To get the best thinking from the field on pricing methodology, we interviewed 15 sales managers of sites with at least 10% of advertising revenue from digital product and 60% sell-through rates for digital ad impressions. Here is their practical advice on pricing models that work: more

In digital campaigns advertisers are more willing to “buy the customer” with a great offer in exchange for information. But there is an art to the outrageous offer. David Fowler of AdsUP is expert in designing ads with high-power conversion rates. Here are ten guidelines to creating outrageous offers that out-perform. more

There are a variety of weather maps available for small media sites. In response to a reader question, we did a quick comparison of the options, looking at major functions, price, ability to place ads and keep a local brand. A couple of winners emerge. more

Local television station WJBF-TV in Augusta, Georgia had a unique challenge, a local Ferguson Kitchens volunteered to do an Extreme Kitchen MakeOver, but had no funds to pay for advertising. more

Dallas-based Rev up launched its first Local Proud discount site in partnership with WKBW television in Buffalo and is actively seeking media partners in Dallas. The program uses a green "couponless coupon" theme and ties in with the shop local movement. National brands are not targeted. more

Long Island Radio Group shifted its business model to build a standalone coupon site, yourli.com. Here's their formula and lessons learned from this transformational initiative, winner of a Borrell Associates 2010 Innovation Award. more

Local television station WJBF-TV in Augusta, Georgia had a unique challenge. Ferguson Kitchens, a supplier of kitchen products with a retail location, approached the station with an idea for donating services for an Extreme Kitchen Make-over contest, but had no advertising budget. Here's how they did it. more