Tell us a little about yourself. What’s your background? How did you start with this business?
I started this business to gather my community together. To share news in the area. The followers grew and grew. Its a news blog but can easily be transformed into anything with the followers if done properly. I’m a writer at heart and this began as a passion project, but eventually grew above and beyond what I’m interested in managing.
How critical is it for the new owner to be based in the greater Montreal area? Do you think it could be managed remotely?
This can be managed remotely for certain. Especially if the person chooses to invest in Canadian press. This little business could be quite big with some help. I’m happy to remain on board as a contributor and we always have a good selection of local writers to create the content itself. While it might be beneficial for management to be local, there is no reason this can’t be run from anywhere in the world if in the right hands.
How have you marketed the website and where are your customers originating from?
I haven’t marketing this site at all! Our customers are simply local individuals who are looking for upbeat, positive news stories from the region.
How much time does it take to run the business, who else is needed on the team, what, if anything, is automated, and who from the current team will be staying on board post acquisition?
I would be happy to stay on and work, guide etc if the price is right. If the blog stays as is – I have one or two reporters on site. I rarely need to go in the field. Only if i desire to. I could do that for the person- I have contacts that would report if the business expands. This blog could go Montreal wide or remain local.
Can you list a few opportunities for a potential new owner to continue growing the business?
Essentially all marketing opportunities are on the table as this is not my strong suit. Google adwords, ads, sponsored posts, videos, affiliate marketing… the list goes on – I simply sell a few ads to keep going. I don’t have a sales force but if we did it could be huge. The readers love it answer could easily expand with financing.