10 Tips

1. Map the landscape
Don’t duplicate.
Define the unique value you’ll deliver to your audience.
“Figure out whose problem you are solving.”--Mike Orren, Pegasus News

2. Test-drive your idea
Seek feedback from your network
Would readers visit your site?
Would advertisers buy an ad on it?
Would investors see a business model?
Will anyone offer to help you?

3. “Wireframe” the project
What topics will you “own?”
Who would build the website?
Who would do the reporting? The editing?
How often will you update?
Will you have staff or interns?
How will you generate buzz?

4. Pick a business structure.
Nonprofit? For Profit? University Affiliate?
Do you want to:
Sell ads?
Seek grants?
Woo members?
Syndicate content?
Produce events?

5. Develop a Business Plan
How will it be funded to start?
What’s your initial budget?
How will in grow in a year - and beyond? How will people find out about your project?
Who are your consumers? Your customers?
Know your demographics: Household income, education, broadband connectivity.
Name it (do trademark research first)

6. Craft an Elevator Pitch
Nail what you’re doing, for whom
and why people want it < 1 minute
What’s your “ask?” Do you want:
Advice?
An introduction?
A meeting?
Participation as a volunteer?”
Money?

7. Build a Website
Simple – WordPress - to start?
Launch it quickly
Refine and scale up down the road.

8. Gather Content
Write stories. Commission stories.
Recruit guest columnists.
Gather photos.
Assemble lists, data and resources.
Firm up partners, links and content swaps. Sell, barter your first ads or sponsorships.

9. Launch with Fanfare
Will you have a launch party?
Develop a Facebook page? Have a social media campaign?
Sponsor a table at a community event?
Buy pizza boxes?

10. Tell your Story
Begin counting and don’t stop:
No. of stories published?
Contributors? Donors? Members?
Unique visitors?
Impact w/ stories or ads? Testimonials?
Events? Revenue? Grants?

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10 Tips

by J-Lab on Aug 05, 2011

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10 Tips — Presentation Transcript