The Challenge
As an independent local publisher, revenue depended entirely on:

• Self-sourced advertisers

• Community relevance

• Ongoing engagement

There was no built-in sales infrastructure.

The Strategy
I created a systematic, relationship-driven revenue model:

• Recurring sponsorships

• Auto-pay advertising contracts

• Experiential campaigns tied to in-person events

Execution

• Built long-term advertiser relationships

• Designed custom campaigns tailored to each business

• Hosted free community playdates in sponsor locations

• Created graphics, content, and promotional materials

• Expanded publication to five local editions

• Managed a team of writers

• Secured travel writing, barter partnerships, and influencer-style collaborations before influencer marketing was mainstream

Results & Impact

• Sustained publication for 5+ years

• Generated recurring revenue through sponsorships

• Delivered consistent exposure and foot traffic for advertisers

• Led to ongoing freelance work for clients beyond the publication

Why This Matters
This work demonstrates:

• Sales + marketing integration

• Community-first growth strategy

• Long-term relationship management

• Monetization without sacrificing trust