Reginaldo Osnildo
Want easy newsletter content ideas? Learn how to cover local events in your city and turn them into engaging Substack posts that readers love.
Hey, it’s Reginaldo Osnildo here!
If you’re ever stuck wondering what to write next for your local newsletter, here’s one of my go-to answers:
Go to something happening in your town—and write about it.
It doesn’t have to be a big festival or political event. It could be:
- A library workshop
- A community cleanup
- A town hall meeting
- A high school art show
- A coffee shop open mic
- A food truck rally
When you show up and capture what’s happening around you, you do three things at once:
- Build your content bank
- Show your face in the community
- Strengthen your position as a go-to local voice
Let’s talk about how to turn local events into engaging newsletter content—even if you’re working solo and on a tight schedule.
1. Pick the Right Events for Your Audience
You don’t have to attend everything—just be strategic.
Ask:
- Would this interest the people reading my newsletter?
- Does this event align with my theme (community, arts, politics, schools, etc.)?
- Could this lead to a story, photo essay, interview, or highlight?
Even a small event can become a great piece if it connects with your mission.
2. Show Up With a Creator’s Mindset
Bring your:
- Phone (for notes, photos, and audio if needed)
- Curiosity
- Eye for moments others might miss
Look for:
- Interesting quotes
- Powerful images
- Surprising interactions
- Community members doing something noteworthy
You’re not just documenting—you’re story spotting.
3. Take Quick Notes You Can Use Later
While at the event, jot down:
- The vibe (“intimate and friendly,” “lively and packed,” etc.)
- Names of people you talk to (ask permission to quote if needed)
- Key moments or observations
- Any follow-up ideas
You don’t need full quotes or transcripts—just enough to paint a picture later.
4. Snap a Few Good Photos
A single, well-lit photo makes a newsletter feel real.
Ideas:
- A wide shot of the crowd
- A close-up of a speaker, artist, or performer
- Candid moments: kids dancing, neighbors chatting, volunteers in action
- Visual details: handmade signs, food trays, decorations
You don’t need a fancy camera—your phone works just fine.
5. Turn It Into One of These Newsletter Formats
Here are a few easy ways to write about an event:
A. Event Recap
“What Happened at [Event Name] This Weekend in [City]”
Include:
- What it was
- Who showed up
- What stood out
- What’s coming next
B. Quote & Photo Feature
“Voices From [Event Name]”
Share 2–4 short quotes from attendees, paired with photos or captions.
C. First-Person Reflection
“Here’s What I Saw at [Event]”
More personal, narrative-style—great if you’re still finding your voice.
D. Thematic Tie-In
“What [Event] Says About [Larger Issue] in Our Community”
Use the event as a jumping-off point for a deeper topic.
6. Invite Readers to Future Events
At the end of your post, list a few upcoming events:
- From the same organization
- Around the same theme
- That you might cover next
This shows you're plugged in—and readers will start sending you tips too.
7. Tag and Share With People Involved
After you publish:
- Send the link to the organizers
- Tag featured people or groups on social media
- Add it to local Facebook groups or community forums
Many of them will reshare your post, bringing in new readers naturally.
8. Create a Local Events Corner in Every Newsletter
Even if you don’t attend, just listing 3–5 notable events happening this week adds value.
It builds trust and keeps your newsletter top-of-mind.
You could even crowdsource these from your readers!
9. Repurpose Into Social or Web Content
Break your event coverage into:
- A Twitter/X thread
- An Instagram photo recap
- A quick Reel or TikTok with text overlays
- A blog post on your site or Medium
This expands your reach without needing extra writing time.
10. Build Relationships as You Go
The more you attend and cover events:
- The more people will recognize and trust you
- The more tips you’ll receive
- The more your newsletter becomes part of the community
- The easier it is to collaborate with local groups and leaders
Your presence matters. Show up, and your audience will grow.
Want the Full Blueprint to Build and Grow a Local Newsletter That Lasts?
If you want to turn simple coverage like this into a full-fledged local media platform—without the stress or high costs—grab my complete e-book:
👉 Local Journalism on Substack: How to Create a Low-Cost, Monetizable News Site and Newsletter Network
Inside, you’ll get:
- Content templates for event recaps, profiles, and guides
- Tools for engagement, monetization, and consistency
- Tips for scaling from one newsletter to a citywide (or regional!) network
- A 30-day roadmap to turn your passion into a community-changing platform
You don’t need press credentials. You just need to show up, pay attention, and publish.
Your town has stories. Let’s help you tell them.