How to Start a Weekly Newspaper

Do business locally to promote your weekly newspaper.

A small weekly newspaper is a labor of love: it requires long hours, total dedication and stubborn determination. Providing your community with a local news outlet that it didn't have before, however, can be satisfying. Your publication can to provide an alternative to existing newspapers or give a voice to an overlooked or underserved segment of your community.

Instructions

1. Begin by conducting market research in your area. Assess whether you'll have competition, and if so, how much and of what kind, according to How to Start a Business. For example, your area may already have all the general newspapers the market will support, but maybe an opening exists for a Spanish-language newspaper or one focusing on business news. Aim to fill a need that isn't currently being met and that can provide adequate ad revenue for the paper. Approach local businesses with a connection to your niche to determine their willingness to advertise in your proposed newspaper.

2. Line up a printer. The Newspaper Info website notes that web presses are the most economical, and can be rented from existing newspapers or from industrial printers. The site calls the newspaper publisher the better deal because it understands deadlines and offers better rates. The website, however, advises going to the next town over to avoid dealing with a paper that is, or may become, a competitor.

3. Identify potential vendors for supplies such as paper, and needed office equipment such as computers, layout software and photography equipment. The Newspaper Info website advises that an existing newspaper often offers the best rates on newsprint paper stock. Office supply stores often give businesses a discount for large or repeat orders of office software or equipment.

4. Talk to your postmaster to determine which mailing arrangements make the most sense for your weekly newspaper schedule. The Newspaper Info website suggests saturation standard class mailings at first. It also recommends placing your newspaper in local stores and businesses.

5. Hire staff. Even if you plan to do most of the editing and layout yourself, you'll need writers, photographers and ideally, at least one ad salesman. If money is tight at first, work with freelancers on a part-time basis.

6. Develop the format, tone and voice of your newspaper. Target who your readers will be, what they like to read and what they buy. The better you serve them, the better your chances of success.

7. Obtain all the necessary business permits and permissions from your state and county, and apply for a tax identification number from the IRS.

8. Establish a website to capture readers who are more likely to look for their news on the Internet. Include the proper keywords to attract surfers looking for local news. Create a Facebook and Twitter presence to help your paper gain exposure and make your site interactive; include a form for reader feedback after each story to encourage your readers to become involved with your publication.

References

• How to Start a Business: How to Start a Small Newspaper Business
• Newspaper Info: What Steps Do I Take to get Started?
• Newspaper Info: 12 Ways to Get a Newspaper or Local Magazine Going Strong