Local Media HQ $29 Memberships + Paid Events = Success
Sep 26, 2025
Justin Gordon, founder of LA Grind, shares insights on building a vibrant local newsletter community focused on founders and investors. He discusses how he gained over 5,200 subscribers quickly through smart advertising and event strategies. Justin reveals his successful monetization tactics, including $29/month memberships offering curated events and leveraging sponsor partnerships. He emphasizes low-lift event formats, like hikes and mixers, to foster connections. Plus, he explores future expansion plans and innovative revenue opportunities through job postings and deeper local engagement.
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CAC Is Worth It When LTV Is High
- Justin pays roughly $1–$1.50 per subscriber and treats that as acceptable given subscriber lifetime value and event attendance.
- He prioritizes long-term value over obsessing with CAC optimization early on.
Ship A Simple Membership MVP
- Launch a low-friction membership product to create predictable revenue and include event access and discounts.
- Keep the price simple (Justin started at $29/month) and promise clear, repeatable value like 2+ curated events monthly.
Run Low-Lift Events As Funnels
- Keep events low-lift: use Luma pages, tentative locations, bar minimums, and ask for RSVPs before finalizing logistics.
- Mix free casual meetups (hikes, coffee) with ticketed mixers to build funnels and sponsor interest.