Introduction
In today’s digital landscape, the opportunity to build a thriving local media business has never been greater. However, navigating this complex ecosystem requires more than just passion – it demands a strategic approach based on proven methodologies. This is where the Mike Cooch – Local Media Launch Accelerator 2017 program comes into play, offering entrepreneurs a comprehensive roadmap to building and scaling successful local media ventures. Drawing from years of hands-on experience building seven-figure businesses across technology services, agency services, publishing, and eCommerce, Mike Cooch has distilled his winning strategies into a powerful framework designed to accelerate your media business growth. Throughout this course, students discover not only how to create compelling content that resonates with local audiences but also how to monetize those audiences effectively through multiple revenue streams. The Local Media Launch Accelerator 2017 program goes beyond theoretical knowledge, providing actionable blueprints and real-world implementation strategies that have already helped countless entrepreneurs transform their media ventures into profitable businesses. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to scale an existing media operation, this accelerator delivers the knowledge, tools, and support needed to achieve sustainable success in the competitive local media landscape.
Course Description
The Mike Cooch – Local Media Launch Accelerator 2017 program is a comprehensive training course designed to guide entrepreneurs through the complete lifecycle of building a successful local media business. The course combines live training sessions, detailed implementation guides, templates, and practical exercises to ensure students can immediately apply what they learn. Mike Cooch, along with co-instructor Josh Clifford, delivers content through a strategic mix of instruction, case studies, and real-world examples from their own successful ventures. The program is structured to take students from foundational concepts through advanced growth strategies, with each module building upon the previous ones to create a complete knowledge framework. Unlike many courses that focus solely on theory, the Local Media Launch Accelerator emphasizes practical implementation, providing students with the specific tools and systems needed to execute strategies effectively.
What sets this program apart is the unique combination of Mike Cooch’s marketing and business development expertise with Josh Clifford’s proficiency in building distributed teams that leverage technology for rapid execution. The course covers everything from identifying profitable local niches and creating compelling content that resonates with local audiences to implementing monetization strategies that generate sustainable revenue. Students also learn how to scale their operations efficiently by implementing systems and processes that allow for growth without sacrificing quality or personal time. The 2017 version of the Local Media Launch Accelerator includes updated strategies reflecting the latest developments in digital media, local marketing trends, and audience engagement tactics, making it highly relevant for today’s media entrepreneurs.
Ideal Student
- Aspiring entrepreneurs who want to launch a local media business but need guidance on where to start and how to execute effectively
- Current media business owners struggling to monetize their audience or achieve sustainable growth
- Marketing professionals looking to transition into building their own media empire with local focus
- Small business owners wanting to create a media property to complement their existing services and generate additional revenue
- Digital marketers seeking specialized knowledge in local audience building and monetization strategies
Learning Outcomes
- Master the complete framework for launching and scaling a profitable local media business from the ground up
- Develop expertise in identifying high-potential local niches and creating compelling content strategies that resonate with target audiences
- Implement multiple monetization strategies that transform audience engagement into sustainable revenue streams
- Build and manage distributed teams that leverage technology for efficient content production and business growth
- Apply proven systems and processes that allow your media business to scale without requiring excessive personal time investment
Course Modules
The Mike Cooch – Local Media Launch Accelerator 2017 program is structured into comprehensive modules that guide students through every aspect of building a successful local media business. Each module is designed to provide deep insights into specific areas of media entrepreneurship while offering practical implementation strategies. Below, we explore each module in detail to give you a clear understanding of what you’ll learn throughout the program.
Module 1: Foundation and Market Research
This foundational module sets the stage for your entire local media journey by establishing the critical framework upon which your business will be built. Students learn how to identify profitable local niches through comprehensive market research that goes beyond surface-level analysis. The module covers proven methodologies for evaluating market demand, competition levels, and monetization potential in specific geographic areas and industry verticals. Key components include understanding audience demographics, behavior patterns, and content consumption habits in local markets. Students also discover how to position their media property uniquely to stand out from existing competitors. The module includes practical tools for conducting market analysis, templates for evaluating niche profitability, and frameworks for developing unique value propositions that resonate with local audiences. By the end of this module, students have a clear strategic direction for their media business and a documented plan for capturing market share in their chosen niche.
Module 2: Content Strategy Development
Content is the lifeblood of any successful media business, and this module provides a comprehensive blueprint for creating content strategies that consistently engage local audiences. Students learn how to develop content pillars aligned with their target audience’s interests and needs while establishing their authority in the local market. The module covers various content types including written articles, videos, podcasts, and social media content, helping students determine the optimal mix for their specific audience and resources. Key topics include content planning systems, editorial calendar creation, and establishing consistent publishing schedules that build audience habits. Students also discover techniques for repurposing content across multiple platforms to maximize reach without increasing production time. The module includes proven frameworks for creating compelling headlines, structuring engaging content, and incorporating local elements that make your media property truly relevant to community members. By implementing these strategies, students can develop content that not only attracts attention but builds a loyal, engaged following.
Module 3: Audience Acquisition Systems
Building a quality audience is essential for media business success, and this module provides battle-tested strategies for rapid audience growth. Students discover how to implement multi-channel acquisition strategies that leverage both organic and paid approaches to build their audience efficiently. The module covers social media marketing tactics specifically designed for local audience building, search engine optimization strategies that drive local traffic, and community engagement techniques that convert casual visitors into loyal followers. Key topics include establishing strategic partnerships with other local businesses, implementing referral systems that leverage existing audiences, and creating viral content mechanisms that accelerate growth through sharing. Students also learn how to build and leverage email lists as owned audience channels that provide sustainable reach regardless of algorithm changes. The module includes detailed implementation guides for setting up tracking systems that measure audience growth and identify which acquisition channels deliver the highest quality followers. By mastering these audience acquisition systems, students can build substantial local audiences that form the foundation for all monetization efforts.
Module 4: Monetization Fundamentals
This module introduces the core monetization strategies that transform audience engagement into revenue, providing multiple income streams that create business sustainability. Students learn how to implement advertising strategies that are attractive to local businesses while maintaining audience trust and experience quality. The module covers sponsorship opportunities, display advertising, and native advertising approaches that work effectively in local markets. Key components include developing rate cards, creating media kits that showcase your value to advertisers, and establishing sales processes that convert prospects into paying customers. Students also discover how to implement affiliate marketing strategies relevant to their local audience, creating additional revenue without product creation or inventory management. The module provides frameworks for testing different monetization approaches, measuring their effectiveness, and optimizing based on performance data. By understanding these monetization fundamentals, students can create diversified revenue streams that reduce dependency on any single income source while maximizing the overall profitability of their media business.
Module 5: Product Creation and Sales
Beyond traditional advertising, successful media businesses often create their own products that solve specific problems for their audience. This module guides students through identifying product opportunities, developing solutions, and implementing sales systems that generate significant revenue. Students learn how to conduct effective audience research to identify the most pressing needs and pain points that represent product opportunities. The module covers various product types including digital products, courses, membership programs, and events that can be created with minimal investment. Key topics include validating product ideas before investing significant resources, creating minimum viable products that generate initial revenue, and developing product roadmaps that evolve based on customer feedback. Students also discover sales funnel strategies that convert audience members into customers at optimal rates while maintaining audience trust. The module includes templates for product launches, pricing strategies that maximize profitability, and systems for collecting testimonials that drive future sales. By mastering product creation and sales, students can dramatically increase their revenue potential while building deeper relationships with their audience.
Module 6: Technology Stack Optimization
In today’s digital media landscape, leveraging the right technology can provide a significant competitive advantage while dramatically improving operational efficiency. This module helps students identify, implement, and optimize the technology stack that supports their entire media operation. Students learn how to select and configure content management systems that provide the foundation for their media property while supporting growth. The module covers email marketing platforms that enable effective audience communication and automation, social media management tools that streamline content distribution, and analytics systems that provide actionable insights into performance. Key components include implementing customer relationship management systems that track audience interactions, establishing project management workflows that coordinate content production, and creating automation that reduces manual tasks without sacrificing quality. Students also discover how to integrate various tools to create cohesive systems that eliminate data silos and improve overall efficiency. By optimizing their technology stack, students can accomplish more with less effort while improving the quality and consistency of their media operations.
Module 7: Team Building and Management
Scaling a media business beyond individual capacity requires building an effective team, and this module provides the framework for assembling and managing a high-performing distributed team. Students learn how to identify the roles they need to fill based on their business model and growth objectives, starting with the most critical positions that provide the highest return on investment. The module covers strategies for finding talented individuals regardless of geographic location, creating compelling opportunities that attract top talent, and establishing systems that ensure remote team members work effectively together. Key topics include developing clear role descriptions, implementing onboarding processes that set team members up for success, and establishing communication protocols that maintain alignment without creating meeting fatigue. Students also discover how to build culture in distributed teams, create accountability systems that ensure quality work, and implement performance management approaches that drive continuous improvement. By mastering team building and management, students can scale their operations without becoming bottlenecks, ultimately creating businesses that can grow independently of their personal time investment.
Module 8: Sales and Business Development
Revenue growth is essential for media business sustainability, and this module provides proven strategies for accelerating both direct sales and strategic partnerships. Students learn how to develop sales approaches that feel authentic rather than pushy, creating consultative processes that uncover needs and position their media property as the ideal solution. The module covers B2B sales strategies specifically designed for selling advertising and sponsorships to local businesses, including prospecting methods, outreach techniques, and closing strategies. Key components include developing compelling proposals that clearly communicate value, establishing pricing models that maximize profitability while remaining competitive, and creating follow-up systems that convert prospects into customers. Students also discover how to identify and pursue strategic partnership opportunities that can accelerate audience growth, expand content offerings, or create new monetization channels. The module includes scripts for common sales scenarios, templates for effective proposals, and frameworks for building long-term business relationships that provide ongoing value. By mastering sales and business development, students can significantly increase revenue while building a sustainable foundation for continued growth.
Module 9: Operational Systems and Processes
Creating efficient operational systems is essential for scaling a media business without sacrificing quality or personal sanity, and this module provides the framework for developing repeatable processes that support growth. Students learn how to document key processes in a way that makes them delegable while maintaining quality standards. The module covers systems for content planning, production, quality assurance, and distribution that create consistent workflow regardless of who is executing the tasks. Key components include establishing standard operating procedures for all critical functions, creating quality control systems that maintain brand standards, and implementing project management approaches that ensure deadlines are met consistently. Students also discover how to build checklists for recurring tasks, develop templates that streamline content creation, and establish review processes that catch issues before they impact audience experience. The module includes methods for identifying process bottlenecks, measuring operational efficiency, and continuously improving systems based on performance data. By developing robust operational systems and processes, students can create businesses that run smoothly and predictably even as they scale beyond individual capacity.
Module 10: Scaling Strategies and Growth Optimization
The final module focuses on strategies for scaling the media business beyond initial success, creating pathways for exponential growth while maintaining profitability and audience trust. Students learn how to identify expansion opportunities that leverage their existing assets, including geographic expansion into new markets, vertical expansion into related niches, and platform expansion to emerging media channels. The module covers approaches for acquiring other media properties to accelerate growth, licensing successful models to other entrepreneurs, and creating franchise opportunities that generate revenue while expanding brand reach. Key components include developing growth plans that balance opportunity with risk, establishing metrics that indicate readiness for scaling, and creating funding strategies that support expansion without overextending resources. Students also discover how to prepare their business for potential acquisition by identifying value drivers that make media properties attractive to buyers. The module includes frameworks for evaluating growth opportunities, conducting due diligence on potential acquisitions, and creating exit strategies that maximize personal wealth. By mastering these scaling strategies, students can transform their local media business from a successful venture into a significant media enterprise.
Real-World Applications and Success Stories
The strategies taught in the Mike Cooch – Local Media Launch Accelerator 2017 program have been successfully applied across numerous markets and niche verticals, demonstrating their versatility and effectiveness. One notable application involved a student who launched a hyperlocal food and dining guide for a mid-sized city, implementing the content strategy and audience acquisition systems taught in the course to grow from zero to 50,000 monthly visitors within eight months. By applying the monetization fundamentals, this entrepreneur generated multiple revenue streams including restaurant advertising, sponsored content, and a VIP dining membership program that created recurring revenue. The operational systems enabled a single person to manage the entire operation while maintaining quality, demonstrating how the frameworks taught in the course can be implemented even by solopreneurs with limited resources.
Another success story involves a professional who transformed a struggling industry blog into a thriving local media property targeting the healthcare sector in a major metropolitan area. By applying the audience acquisition and team building strategies, the business grew from 5,000 to over 100,000 monthly visitors while building a team of five remote contributors. The product creation module enabled the development of online courses and certification programs for healthcare professionals, which now generate more revenue than advertising. This business was recently acquired for a seven-figure sum, validating the scaling strategies taught in the course. These examples illustrate how the principles in the Local Media Launch Accelerator can be adapted to various markets and business models, providing a roadmap for success regardless of specific niche or geographic focus.
Pricing
The Mike Cooch – Local Media Launch Accelerator 2017 program offers a one-time payment option that provides complete access to all course materials, templates, and implementation guides. This pricing model reflects the comprehensive nature of the program and the value it delivers to entrepreneurs seeking to build substantial media businesses.
- One-Time Payment: $1,497 provides lifetime access to all course modules, implementation guides, templates, and any future updates to the core curriculum. This investment includes access to the complete training library as well as supplementary materials designed to support implementation of the strategies taught throughout the program.
Given the comprehensive nature of the program and the potential revenue impact of implementing these strategies, the Local Media Launch Accelerator offers significant return on investment for committed entrepreneurs. Many students recoup their investment within months of applying the monetization strategies taught in the course, making it a sound business decision for those serious about building profitable media ventures.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comprehensive curriculum covering all aspects of building a local media business, from concept to scaling
- Instructors with proven track records of building successful media businesses across multiple industries
- Practical implementation focus with templates, checklists, and frameworks that accelerate execution
- Strategies specifically designed for local markets rather than generic media business advice
- Emphasis on building sustainable systems that support long-term growth rather than quick tactics
- Detailed approach to team building that enables scaling beyond individual capacity
Cons
- Significant investment required upfront, which may be challenging for entrepreneurs with limited capital
- Content from 2017, which may not reflect the most recent developments in social media and digital marketing
- Requires substantial time commitment to implement all strategies effectively while running a business
- Some modules may be more advanced than necessary for beginners just starting their media journey
- Generic frameworks may require customization for specific local markets or niche verticals
- Less focus on content creation skills, assuming students already have or can develop strong content capabilities
FAQs
What makes the Local Media Launch Accelerator different from other media business courses?
The Local Media Launch Accelerator stands apart by focusing specifically on local media markets rather than generic online publishing strategies. Mike Cooch brings proven experience building seven-figure businesses across multiple industries, while Josh Clifford contributes expertise in building distributed teams that execute efficiently. The combination of strategic guidance with practical implementation tools, templates, and systems creates a comprehensive program that addresses both the strategic and operational challenges of building a media business.
Is this course suitable for beginners with no prior media business experience?
Yes, the Local Media Launch Accelerator is designed to accommodate entrepreneurs at various experience levels. The course begins with foundational concepts and progressively builds to more advanced strategies, providing a complete roadmap for those starting from scratch. However, beginners should be prepared for a steep learning curve and should allocate sufficient time for implementation, as the comprehensive nature of the program covers numerous topics that must be integrated into a cohesive business strategy.
How long does it typically take to complete the course and see results?
The course contains extensive content that typically requires 8-12 weeks to complete if working through materials systematically. However, implementation will extend beyond this timeframe, with most students beginning to see meaningful audience growth within 2-3 months of consistent application of the strategies. Revenue generation typically begins to accelerate 3-6 months into implementation, though this timeline varies significantly based on factors such as niche selection, market characteristics, and consistency of execution.
What ongoing support is available after completing the course?
The program includes lifetime access to all course materials, allowing students to reference content as needed during implementation. While specific community access details should be verified with the current offering, the comprehensive nature of the materials means that most implementation questions are addressed within the training content itself. The detailed templates and checklists provide ongoing reference points for executing strategies, even after completing the initial study of the materials.
Can the strategies be applied to markets outside the United States?
Absolutely. While some examples in the course may reference U.S. markets, the fundamental principles of local media business building taught in the program are universally applicable. The frameworks for audience building, content strategy, and monetization can be adapted to any geographic market or cultural context. Some students have successfully applied these methodologies to international markets, particularly in English-speaking countries, though localization of specific tactics may be necessary for optimal results.
What if I’m not technical? Can I still succeed with this program?
The Local Media Launch Accelerator is designed for entrepreneurs rather than technical specialists. While some technical implementation is required, the program focuses on strategic concepts and provides implementation guidance that doesn’t require advanced technical skills. The technology stack module specifically recommends user-friendly tools that don’t demand coding expertise, and the operational systems help streamline technical tasks. For those with minimal technical comfort, additional support resources may be beneficial, but the core business principles and strategies are accessible regardless of technical background.
Final Verdict
The Mike Cooch – Local Media Launch Accelerator 2017 represents a comprehensive, strategic approach to building local media businesses that goes beyond superficial tactics to address fundamental business building principles. The program’s greatest strength lies in its systematic approach to media entrepreneurship, guiding students through every aspect of business development from initial concept to scaling strategies. For committed entrepreneurs willing to invest both financially and in implementation time, this accelerator provides a valuable roadmap that can dramatically shorten the learning curve and accelerate business growth. The combination of strategic guidance from experienced practitioners with practical implementation tools creates a powerful learning environment that supports both understanding and execution. While the investment of $1,497 is significant, the comprehensive nature of the program and the potential revenue impact of implementing these strategies suggest strong return potential for dedicated students. The course is particularly well-suited for entrepreneurs who recognize that building a sustainable media business requires more than content creation skills—it demands a strategic approach to audience building, monetization, operations, and team management. For this audience, the Local Media Launch Accelerator delivers exceptional value by providing a complete framework that addresses all these critical elements. However, those seeking quick fixes or minimal commitment approaches may find the comprehensive nature of the program overwhelming. Ultimately, for serious entrepreneurs committed to building substantial local media businesses, this accelerator offers a proven roadmap supported by experienced instructors who have successfully implemented these strategies across multiple ventures.
