1. Map the landscapeDon’t duplicate. Define the unique value you’ll deliver to your audience.

“Figure out whose problem you are solving.”--Mike Orren, Pegasus News

 2. Test-drive your idea Seek feedback from your networkWould readers visit your site? Would advertisers buy an ad on it? Would investors see a business

model? Will anyone offer to help you?

3. “Wireframe” the projectWhat topics will you “own?”Who would build the website?  Who would do the reporting? The editing? How often will you update?  Will you have staff or interns? How will you generate buzz?

4. Pick a business structure.  Nonprofit? For Profit? University Affiliate?

Do you want to:Sell ads?Seek grants?Woo members?Syndicate content?Produce events? 

5. Develop a Business PlanHow will it be funded to start? What’s your initial budget? How will in grow in a year - and beyond? 

How will people find out about your project?

Who are your consumers? Your customers? Know your demographics:  Household

income, education, broadband connectivity. Name it (do trademark research first)

6. Craft an Elevator PitchNail what you’re doing, for whom and why people want it < 1 minute

What’s your “ask?” Do you want:Advice?An introduction?A meeting?Participation as a volunteer?”Money?

7. Build a WebsiteSimple – WordPress - to start? Launch it quicklyRefine and scale up down the road.

8. Gather ContentWrite stories. Commission stories. Recruit guest columnists. Gather photos. Assemble lists, data and resources. Firm up partners, links and content

swaps.  Sell, barter your first ads or sponsorships.

9. Launch with FanfareWill you have a launch party? Develop a Facebook page? Have a

social media campaign? Sponsor a table at a community

event?Buy pizza boxes?

10. Tell your StoryBegin counting and don’t stop:No. of stories published? Contributors? Donors? Members?Unique visitors?Impact w/ stories or ads?

Testimonials?Events? Revenue? Grants?