In an era where local journalism is undergoing unprecedented transformation, TAPinto stands at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. 

Founded with a mission to enhance community engagement through accessible news and empower local advertisers to effectively reach customers, TAPinto has grown into a robust network of local news sites spanning multiple states.  Now, TAPinto has formed the Hyperlocal News Network, a license solution that provides back office resources and support to publishers including help in technology, sales, content strategy, and back office management.   

With its unique franchise and license models, TAPinto and the Hyperlocal News Network not only support local journalism financially but also foster a collaborative environment for publishers and advertisers alike. 

Mike Shapiro, founder and CEO of TAPinto and the Hyperlocal News Network, shares insights into the company’s current dynamics, advertising model, content-sharing strategies, and the promising future of this pioneering news network.

What does the company look like today?

Today, TAPinto is a vibrant network with 98 franchised sites predominantly in New Jersey but also expanding into states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida. We have recently introduced a licensing model, the Hyperlocal News Network, that provides the robust backend, back office support, and training that TAPinto is known for, while allowing publishers to maintain their branding. This model supports the goal of enhancing local journalism with a sustainable financial model through innovative technology and collaborative networks.

Tell us about your advertising model.

Our advertising model is fundamentally built on fostering accessibility and sustainability without the need for paywalls or membership fees. TAPinto sites are supported 100% by advertising, allowing us to deliver quality journalism free of charge to our readers. Our model includes a variety of advertising and marketing solutions, such as a Do It Yourself (DIY) marketing platform, video advertising, sponsored content, and dedicated email blasts, which are designed to be both effective for advertisers and non-intrusive for readers.

How is content and advertising shared?

Content and advertising across the Hyperlocal News Network can be shared seamlessly thanks to our sophisticated platform. Publishers in our network can easily share stories and sell advertising across the network with just a click, benefiting from a wider reach and increasing revenue potential. This system not only supports the publishers’ ability to generate local news but also enhances their ability to serve advertisers looking to reach broader audiences both locally and in neighboring areas.

Tell us about your license program.

The TAPinto license program, the Hyperlocal News Network, is designed for publishers who wish to utilize our robust platform while retaining 100% of their own branding. Licensees benefit from all the technological advancements and back-office support that TAPinto offers, including media liability insurance, a CRM system, contract software, graphic design, a state-of-the-art content management system, and the flexibility of our DIY marketing platform, among other features. This allows them to operate independently while enjoying the collaborative and supportive benefits of being part of the network.

What does the future hold for TAPinto?

The future of TAPinto is focused on continued growth and innovation in the local journalism landscape. We aim to expand our network through both franchising and licensing, bringing TAPinto’s proven business model and supportive infrastructure to new markets and creating the largest network of publishers seamlessly collaborating on both content and revenue. We are constantly enhancing our technology to keep pace with the digital evolution, ensuring our publishers and their communities benefit from the most effective and engaging local news experience.

How can people learn more and get involved?

Individuals interested in becoming part of the TAPinto network, either through franchising or the licensing model, can schedule a meeting with CEO Mike Shapiro by using his calendar.  We can share detailed information about our business models, support systems, and the unique benefits of working with TAPinto. Potential publishers can also contact us directly through our site to discuss how the Hyperlocal News Network can help them achieve their revenue goals in local journalism and community engagement.

By maintaining this approach, we keep the spirit of innovation and community support at the forefront of what we do, inviting more people to join us in making local news accessible, informative, and financially sustainable.