Local online news and newsletter

Local businesses buying sponsorship or ads, plus readers who pay for memberships or donations.

Newsletter sponsorships, classified or banner ads, paid memberships and occasional sponsored content, clearly labelled as such.

• Writing clearly and to deadline
• Finding and checking stories
• Selling sponsorship to local businesses

• Defamation law applies to publishers, so check your facts and consider media liability insurance
• Copyright for photos and quotes, only use material you have permission for
• Label sponsored content clearly. Advertising must not be misleading under the Australian Consumer Law, so check ACCC guidance on misleading conduct and the AANA Code of Ethics
• Check ABN and GST registration requirements, and ask your council whether any home-based business rules apply
• Email newsletters must comply with the Spam Act 2003, so get consent and include an unsubscribe option
• Income can take months to build, as audience growth is slow

Startup costs are typically around $200 to $2,000, depending on your website and newsletter tools, any equipment you need, and whether you add media liability insurance. Much of the early work is your own time.

Monthly revenue is typically around $0 to $3,000, depending on your audience, local sponsorship and any memberships or donations. The estimate assumes at least about 10 hours a week, and income can take months to build.

Check defamation law and consider media liability insurance. Also check copyright for photos and quotes, clear labelling of sponsored content under the Australian Consumer Law, Spam Act 2003 consent and unsubscribe rules, ABN and GST, and any council home business rules.