How to Collaborate with Local Creators to Grow Your Newsletter

Want to grow your Substack newsletter and make a bigger impact locally? Here's how to collaborate with other creators, businesses, and orgs the smart way.

Hey, Reginaldo Osnildo here—sharing one of the most overlooked superpowers in local journalism:

Collaboration.

Because let’s be real—you don’t need to do this alone.
You shouldn’t do this alone.

Working with other local creators, organizations, businesses, or even civic leaders can:

  • Expand your audience

  • Add fresh perspectives

  • Increase your content variety

  • Strengthen your local credibility

  • Reduce your personal workload

And the best part? You can do it all without needing a huge team or budget.

Here’s how to collaborate strategically and sustainably—whether you’re just starting out or scaling up.

1. Decide What You Want to Get From Collaboration

Before you reach out to anyone, get clear on your goal.

Are you looking to:

  • Grow your email list?

  • Share reporting duties?

  • Reach a specific neighborhood or audience?

  • Add a new topic to your content mix?

  • Monetize through co-sponsored content?

Knowing your “why” helps you find the right fit—and pitch it with purpose.

2. Identify the Best Local Partners

Start by looking around your own backyard. Think:

  • Other newsletter creators or bloggers

  • Local podcasters

  • Community radio stations

  • Nonprofits with aligned missions

  • Schools, libraries, and universities

  • Small businesses and neighborhood groups

Ask yourself:

“Who is already serving my audience in a different way—and how can we support each other?”

3. Start With a Simple Content Swap

Here’s the easiest way to dip into collaboration:

  • You write a short guest post for their audience

  • They write one for yours

  • You both link to each other’s signup page or platform

It’s low-effort, high-trust, and helps both sides grow.

You can also cross-post older content that still adds value—no need to reinvent the wheel.

4. Co-Create a Local Resource or Guide

Work with a partner to publish something like:

  • “The Ultimate [City] Small Biz Gift Guide”

  • “Your Local Election Voting Checklist”

  • “The 2024 Summer in [City] Events Calendar”

Each of you shares it with your audience—and both brands grow together.

Add your logos, links, and CTAs, and make it downloadable for extra value.

5. Run a Joint Giveaway or Campaign

Team up with:

  • A local coffee shop

  • A bookstore

  • A nonprofit

  • A neighborhood organization

…and offer a prize (gift card, freebie, workshop entry) in exchange for email signups or shares.

This works especially well if both parties promote it to their networks.

6. Co-Host a Live or Virtual Event

Even a simple event builds community and buzz.

Ideas:

  • A virtual town hall

  • A Q&A with local leaders

  • A panel on a neighborhood issue

  • A “Meet the Journalist” or “Ask Me Anything” night

Record it. Publish highlights in your newsletter. Tag your partner in every post.

7. Shout Out Partners Regularly (And Ask Them to Do the Same)

A kind word goes a long way.

Include a short section in your newsletter like:

“Partner Spotlight: This week, check out [Local Creator]’s new post on [Topic]. It’s a must-read.”

Then gently ask if they’d be willing to return the favor.

Mutual signal boosting builds trust—and drives traffic.

8. Bundle Subscriptions or Offer Joint Paid Tiers

If you’re both monetizing your content, try this:

  • “Subscribe to both newsletters at 20% off”

  • “Support local journalism: get two voices, one subscription”

  • “Joint membership with bonus content and early access”

Get creative with how you combine value.

9. Build a Shared Local Network Directory

If you’re part of a growing ecosystem of indie creators in your city, make it easier for readers to explore all of them.

Create a page or post listing:

  • Local newsletters

  • Blogs and creators

  • Podcasts and public pages

  • Mutual social channels

You position yourself as a connector—and earn goodwill from everyone included.

10. Measure Results—And Stay in Touch

After each collab, look at:

  • New subscriber count

  • Engagement on shared content

  • Post reach and click rates

  • Replies or feedback

Then follow up with your partner:

“Thanks so much—want to try another idea next month?”

Collaboration isn’t a one-off tactic. It’s a growth mindset.

Want to Build a Newsletter That Grows With Collaboration—Not Just Hustle?

If you’re serious about expanding your Substack and building real community ties, this is the roadmap you need:

👉 Local Journalism on Substack: How to Create a Low-Cost, Monetizable News Site and Newsletter Network

Inside, you’ll get:

  • Collab outreach email templates

  • Partner pitch scripts

  • Co-creation campaign ideas

  • Monetization strategies with aligned brands

  • A full 30-day plan to grow with others, not just alone

Your community is full of potential allies.
Let’s build together.