How to Build Credibility as a Local Newsletter Publisher (Even If You’re New)
Want to be seen as a trusted voice in your community? Here’s how to build journalistic credibility and audience trust—even as a solo Substack publisher. Hey, it’s Reginaldo Osnildo again—here to talk about something every local newsletter creator asks themselves at some point: “How can I be taken seriously?” Especially when: You don’t have a journalism degree You’re working solo You’re still growing your audience You don’t have an editor reviewing your work Good news: you don’t need a newsroom badge to earn respect. What you do need is a combination of clarity, transparency, consistency, and care. So here’s how to build credibility and authority as a local publisher—step by step, without pretending to be anything you’re not. 1. Be Clear About Who You Are (And Who You’re Not) Credibility starts with honesty. Don’t pretend to be a full news organization if you’re a one-person newsletter. Instead, say something like: “This is a one-person newsletter dedicate...