Marquee Magazine's partnership with Spingo's mobile first events platform turned a cost center into a revenue stream. Spingo has signed several large prestige accounts: KSL.com, part of Deseret Digital Media, and the San Diego Union-Tribune. Find out how the platform works, results, and our take on this entry into the events space. more

Belo Interactive Group's partnership with Datasphere includes a local events platform and telesales of neighborhood businesses. Results are tracking an estimated $500,000 plus in annual revenues. While traditionally partnered with broadcast sites like Belo, The Gannett-owned Arizona Republic is also testing the partnership in 17 neighborhood. Here's how Belo's program works, including price points, sales organization, platform and metrics. more

Most local media struggle to monetize mobile platforms, blaming screen size, burgeoning inventory and low network rates. So why is it that, according to Borrell & Associates, a few media companies stand out from the pack and earn in the range of $40 to $50 million from mobile? This case study outlines the basic formula of one of the companies that is most successful at mobile sales, Belo Interactive. The case study includes choice of apps to develop, which apps succeed and fail, go-to market sales strategies, key categories responsible for most mobile sales, with examples, results and lessons learned. more

This case study shows a successful native advertising strategy that WSPD-TV, in Paducah, Kentucky, used to capture big dollars from health care companies: A turn key health site with some localized programming serves the community and attracts major sponsorship dollars. Included is an overview of both of their successful healthcare marketing programs with estimated sales of more than $250,000, and how they work together.. Find out how sponsorships are sold and what sponsorships including, with examples of promotions and lessons learned. more

Sales of managed social media services are red hot. Businesses need help and local media are uniquely positioned to provide it by leveraging their own competencies. Here's a solid initiative from Federated Interactive, a digital company that works with Federated Media radio group. Included in the case study: staffing, vendors used, pricing, and sales and promotional materials. more

A Federated Media-owned radio station group in Lake County, Indiana has created a daily video newscast powered by radio promotions but distributed largely via Facebook and by text to mobile phones. The popular newscast landed a mid-to-high five figure sponsorship from a local auto dealer. Here's how the newscast was put together, including equipment, staffing, promotions, format and results. more

Since Google's algorithms changed, customized SEO services are back in demand. OPUBCO's new SEO division, SEOSalesPro, caters to the high end of the SEO market, delivering sophisticated content and link-building strategies to large companies based in the area, and partnering to provide back-end services to agencies and other media. more

From San Diego to New York City, every large market has a resturant week promotion. However many small markets are also launching this event which is relatively easy to produce and ideal for a small staff. Unlike a "Taste of" event in a conference center, Restaurant Week leverages the community. The promoters do not have to pay for and staff a venue and restaurants are happy to have the foot traffic inside their own establishments. Civic organizations will also help sell and co-promote what is perceived as a community service. There are also side benefits: The media builds good will with the restaurant community, shows restaurants the power of the media's advertising, and develops a "foot in the door" for longer term marketing relationships. Below are two case studies of small newspapers whose first restaurant week was well worth the effort; how they created the week on a shoe string, and how it fits into their longer term strategy. Included is a check list for launching an restaurant week in your market. more

Here's another way to monetize a category that has been traditionally strong for local print media: By providing back end services to funeral homes, essentially making them partners in selling obituary announcements and daily text alerts for obituary notices, the Houston Herald built a solid new revenue stream and anchored the franchise as an important community service. Here's the full case study: more

Wedding contests collect highly valuable and hard-to-find names of current brides and are especially valuable  to expo producers and local merchants.  Contests also can provide content for … more