Frequently Asked Questions

"I’ve never run a newsletter. Can I do this if I'm a total beginner?"

Yes! We’ll show you exactly how to start, grow, and monetize—even if your current newsletter experience equals exactly one unread Substack subscription.

"Do I need a journalism, writing or marketing background?"

Nope! If you’ve got curiosity, hustle, and something to say about your hometown, you’re already halfway to newsletter royalty.

"How quickly can I realistically start earning money?"

You can realistically snag your first sponsors within weeks after launch. If you follow the program and do the work, you'll see results fast.

"I live in a super small town—is this still viable? How big does my town need to be?"

Hell yes! Small towns crave connection. You’ll probably see even quicker traction since competition is lower and locals are eager to support a community voice.

"What tech skills or tools do I need?"

If you can send an email, you’ve got enough tech skills to start. We’ll walk you through easy, affordable tools to make you look like a pro from day one.

"Is the newsletter market oversaturated? There are so many newsletters."

Oh heck no! Hyper local newsletters are about to blow it UP. We’ll help you stake your claim and become your community’s go-to resource.

"How much ongoing support will I get? What do I do if I get stuck? "

You've got 10 whole weeks of access to support in the Q&A forum, the chatroom, and via daily 15-minute hot seats with Ash! Following the program, invitations will be issued to join Lick Pro, a year-round local newsletter support & growth membership.

"Am I guaranteed feedback from Ash?"

This is a group coaching program, so 1:1 consulting is not possible. However, if you submit your work regularly, you've got a pretty good shot at getting selected for one of the daily hot seats for feedback! Ash believes in sharing generously & being as helpful as possible to all who have given their time to show up.

"Why should I do this with Lick?"

Lick is led by newsletter veteran Ash Ambirge, who's run a successful portfolio of internet newsletters for 16+ years, earning millions of dollars in revenue. Because this is a beta program and you'll be experimenting alongside of Ash in the local newsletter market—her first foray!—the cost is super easy & affordable during this first round.

"How does it work? What's the schedule like?"

The Lick Local Newsletter Publisher Program runs for 10 weeks. Orientation begins as early as April 23rd, with formal classes beginning April 30th, 2025. The program runs for 10 weeks through July 2nd, 2025. 

It is a 100% async program, which means all lessons will be pre-recorded and available to view on-demand at any time. One new module per week will become live on Wednesdays at 12pm ET. You will get an email notification when each weekly module goes live. From there, you may come join the chat, ask questions in the Q&A forum, or submit your work for possible inclusion in one of Ash's daily 15-minute hot seats! Those happen on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays at noon, and are streamed live in our classroom. You may choose to attend live or you can watch the stream later. The point is to give you instant feedback on what you're working on so we can make steady progress and end our 10 weeks with a solid newsletter product ready for launch!

"How much will I need to spend on tech?"

Local newsletters are among one of the leanest businesses out there! 💪 All you need is an email marketing provider—we will be using Kit for this course because of several factors that make them a powerhouse tool for local newsletters; however, you may elect to use whichever email software you wish! Kit costs $59/month for the functionality we need.

Beehiiv is also an excellent alternative and is $49/month - $109/month. You can easily adapt the contents to fit your software preferences, though you won't be able to auto-import automations or templates.

Some publishers may also wish for extra website functionality; for example, if you want to publish extra content online like local sports schedules, or if you want to have a job board, or you want to maintain a community directory. Ghost is awesome for this and costs $31/month (optional). We will also cover how to integrate this into your tech stack.

"Why should I do this with Lick?"

Lick is led by newsletter veteran Ash Ambirge, who's run a successful portfolio of internet newsletters for 16+ years, earning millions of dollars in revenue. Because this is a beta program and you'll be experimenting alongside of Ash in the local newsletter market—her first foray!—the cost is super easy & affordable during this first round.

"What happens when I purchase?"

Upon purchase, you will receive a payment receipt and a welcome email right away! There's a special surprise in there. ;) Then, on April 23rd, 2025 at 12pm ET, you will receive your invite into orientation. You may choose to participate as little or as much as you'd like.

"Can I use this to promote my local business?"

This is an AWESOME way to sell your local services or products! In fact, it may be the most powerful, underutilized strategy there is. If you have a separate business and you're considering starting a local newsletter to help promote it, all you would need to do is make yourself the main sponsor of your local newsletter, so therefore you get all of the prime real estate. Sinister AND legendary, right? But it sure as heck beats trying to get people to buy your hiking tours by sending out coupons. :)