# Journalism Meets Curation: The 518 Newsletter Story Part 1

These notes are based on the YouTube video by Local Newsletter Insider

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Introduction to The 518 Newsletter

The 518 newsletter is a local newsletter serving Albany, NY, founded by Phat Chiem, who has a background in journalism from the Chicago Tribune and Yahoo. The newsletter combines professional journalism with content curation, featuring original stories and local event listings.

Key Features and Differentiation

• The newsletter’s design and branding draw on Albany’s history, which improves engagement.
• Phat Chiem’s journalism background contributes to the high-quality content of the newsletter.
• The newsletter has grown its subscriber base through its unique approach and organic strategies.

Design and Branding

• The newsletter’s design is inspired by Albany’s history, with an archival look and a beaver mascot, which is the state animal of New York.
• The use of a consistent font, color scheme, and branding elements creates a professional and recognizable identity.
• The design is thoughtful and well-planned, making it easy for readers to navigate and understand the content.

Acquisition Strategy

• The newsletter has grown primarily through organic means, including Reddit and social media.
• Phat Chiem is active on Reddit, sharing events and engaging with the community, which has led to significant growth.
• The newsletter leverages social media platforms for promotion and community engagement.

Social Media and Marketing

• Social media is an important channel for the newsletter, with a focus on growing the Instagram following and creating engaging content.
• The newsletter’s social media presence is seen as crucial for attracting local businesses and advertisers.
• Phat Chiem aims to create high-quality, engaging content, such as reels, to attract and retain followers.

Advertising and Sponsorships

• The newsletter has secured two major advertising deals, including a lead sponsorship with a local alcohol brand and a concert promoter.
• These deals were the result of building relationships and proposing editorial collaborations, rather than simply selling ad space.
• The newsletter’s approach to advertising is focused on creating win-win situations, where both the advertiser and the audience benefit from the content.

Summary

The 518 newsletter’s success can be attributed to its unique blend of journalism and content curation, thoughtful design and branding, and organic growth strategies. By focusing on creating high-quality content and engaging with the local community, the newsletter has established a strong presence and secured significant advertising partnerships.