Free printed community newspaper

Local businesses, tradespeople, estate agents and community groups buy adverts. Some readers or supporters may pay for subscriptions or sponsorship.

Mainly advertising sold by size and position, plus classified ads, advertorials, inserts and sponsored pages. Some papers add a cover price, subscriptions or reader donations.

• Writing and editing clearly
• Selling advertising to local businesses
• Basic page layout and design
• Organising deadlines and distribution

• Defamation and contempt of court risks, so consider a short media law course
• Public liability insurance, and check whether media liability cover is worth having
• Data protection duties, including whether you need to pay the ICO data protection fee
• Copyright and permission for photos and text you did not create
• Check what the legal deposit rules mean for printed publications
• Advertising income can be uneven, so don't rely on a few advertisers
• Check Advertising Standards Authority rules for the adverts you run

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £1,500 to £8,000, depending on printing, design and distribution arrangements. The size of each issue and how many homes you deliver to will shape your costs.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how much advertising you sell. The estimate assumes at least about 15 hours a week. Advertising income can be uneven, so avoid relying on a few advertisers.

Check defamation and contempt of court risks, whether you need to pay the ICO data protection fee, and copyright permission for photos and text. Also check legal deposit rules, Advertising Standards Authority rules for adverts, and public liability or media liability insurance.