Local community newspaper (print)

Local businesses, real estate agents, tradies, clubs and community groups buying ad space, plus some readers if you sell subscriptions or copies.

Mainly advertising: price per ad size or per issue, with discounts for regular bookings. Some papers add paid classifieds, public notices, subscriptions or a small cover price.

• Writing and editing
• Selling ad space to local businesses
• Basic layout and design
• Knowing your local community

• Defamation risk, so check how to fact-check stories and get media or professional indemnity insurance
• Copyright for photos and text, so only use content you own or have permission to use
• Political or election ads may need authorisation statements, so check the AEC and your state rules
• Check whether legal deposit rules apply to your publication (National Library and state libraries)
• Printing and distribution costs come before ad income, so avoid over-ordering early on
• Check council rules if you run the business from home or put up distribution stands

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on print run, design and distribution. Printing and distribution costs come before ad income, so avoid over-ordering early on. Treat these as estimates only.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how much ad space you sell and any subscriptions. Expect around 20 hours a week or more. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Check defamation risk and media or professional indemnity insurance, copyright for photos and text, and election ad authorisation rules with the AEC and your state. Also check whether legal deposit rules apply and any council rules on home businesses or distribution stands.