Targeted Local Email Newsletter

The concept is simple -- pick a topic that generates a lot of interest in your area then create a free emailed newsletter that focuses on that topic.

One topic you might consider is the Restaurant Sanitation Inspection Reports. Don't laugh -- when presented in a tabloid journalist style these things can be really interesting and controversial. People have both a morbid curiosity and a genuine interest in knowing what kind of things were found in the food at their favorite restaurants.

Restaurant Sanitation Inspection Reports are public record and should be freely available in your area.

Restaurants would probably not be your best advertisers. :-)

Another topic you might focus on is Yard Sales. Currently the only place people having yard sales can advertise in is the newspaper or shoppers. Create a free weekly emailed newsletter that lists all the area yard sales and provides more information than a small classified ad in the newspaper.

At first you'll have to get your listings from the newspapers but as you grow you can begin charging people to list with you.