Joe Wells_3.jpg

Hi, I’m Joe.

I write about systems to solve societal issues. Check out my start here page to get to know me better!

#36 - Ryan Sneddon: Building a Local Newsletter Empire

#36 - Ryan Sneddon: Building a Local Newsletter Empire

Listen Here: Apple | Spotify

My guest today is Ryan Sneddon. Ryan is the founder of Naptown Scoop, a local newsletter covering the goings on in Annapolis, Maryland. Ryan started the newsletter about a year ago and has grown it to over 6,000 subscribers. While Annapolis is Ryan's current focus, he has big plans. His vision is to own hundreds of local newsletters covering the important events in cities all across the United States.

In this episode, Ryan and I discussed the problems with most journalism. Ryan explained how to start a local newsletter. He shared everything from strategy to mechanics to money. We also talked self improvement, including the power of consistency, making friends on Twitter, and the unique strategy Ryan uses to appreciate important moments.

Selected links from the show:

Show notes:

01:30 - Why local newsletters are interesting

02:30 - What is The Naptown Scoop?

07:15 - What is the benefit of running a local newsletter

08:45 - Why journalism is broken

13:30 - How to add personality to your writing

16:35 - Ryan's relationship with local news publications

24:05 - How much journalism is involved with a local newsletter?

24:50 - How to start a local newsletter

27:25 - Determining what news is important

32:45 - Getting involved in local government

34:45 - Why you should publish even if you think your work isn't great

35:30 - Consistency is the key to improvement

39:10 - Can you start a local newsletter as a side hustle?

43:45 - Ryan's vision for building a local newsletter empire

48:40 - Are local newsletters a good business?

50:25 - The most fun part of publishing a local newsletter

53:25 - Why you should make friends on Twitter

57:51 - Ryan's advice to a recent college grad

58:02 - Ryan's favorite mental model

59:22 - Ryan's favorite Twitter follow

59:49 - Ryan's current read    

1:01:24 - The kindest thing anyone has done for Ryan

1:04:30 - Where you can connect with Ryan

#35 - Grant Nissly: Writing, Curating, and a Better Alternative to an MBA

#35 - Grant Nissly: Writing, Curating, and a Better Alternative to an MBA