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

The local media sales force of the future will be comprised of digitally savvy experts able to tailor suite of products and services to deliver measureable results for clients. Legacy media will be an important but smaller portion of total revenues. But only a few, companies, are moving at sufficient pace to accomplish this transformation in time to replace diminishing legacy dollars. Among them, Hearst Newspapers' Chron.com stands out. Typically the beta site for new product launches, the site's sales force is the number one in sales in the Yahoo Consortium. VP of Digital Sales, Stephen Weis, shared his strategies in transforming Chron.com sales culture with us. Here are ten key take-aways from that interview: more

Customized shopping sites developed by the Evening Post Publishing Company include elements of business directories, coupon sites and dining guides. Each is a standalone site, but relies heavily on newspaper site promotions. Together four sites generate $400,000 a year, and growing. Here's a close look at ShopBrazos. 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

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

Gannet-owned Shreveportimes.com has three or four local online initiatives a year. These have to be chosen carefully and tested for interest from the marketplace. After talking to potential advertisers, a recipe-based food channel launched with $36,000 in pre-sold sponsorships. Here's how they did it. more

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

The (Pittsburgh) PostGazette.com's PG+, launched in September 2009. The unique membership package includes extra local coverage, access to writers and a discount club. Sports chat threads can run 400 to 500 comments long. 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

Mobile marketing has had some glitches, how to tell if a coupon has already been "redeemed" for one. Mobile loyalty marketer Tetherball has a complicated answer. Here's how it works. In-store … more