Franchise Deep Dive: TAPinto Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

LAST UPDATED: September 11, 2023
FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://marketing.tapinto.net/start-tapinto
NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 90+
REPORTED COST TO GET IN: See Below
REPORTED ROI (Item 19): N/A

TAPinto is a network of franchised hyperlocal news websites and digital marketing platforms that focus on delivering news and information at the community level, and enable local businesses to directly communicate and reach the residents of their town. TAPinto was founded in New Providence, New Jersey in 2008 by Mike Shapiro. TAPinto was initially established as The Alternative Press but was renamed in 2013 when Shapiro decided to franchise.  

According to Shapiro, TAPinto exists to help fill the void in local news by “applying proprietary technology paired with a franchise business model to the local news space.” As a result of its services, TAPinto has reached more than 20 million unique readers over the last 12 months.

How Many TAPinto Locations Are There?

As of September 2023, there are more than 90 franchised TAPinto local news and digital marketing platforms spread across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Florida. Shapiro wants TAPinto to grow into upwards of 250 sites in the next three years and 500-plus sites within the next decade.

What Is TAPinto’s Business Model?

At its core, TAPinto’s hyperlocal news websites act as platforms for businesses to connect with their community’s residents to provide valuable local news and information. TAPinto sites generate revenue through local advertising, sponsored and branded content, email marketing, social media marketing, and community sponsorships.

Its owners and publishers include salespeople, businesspeople, hardcopy newspaper publishers, public relations professionals, journalists, nonprofits and universities. TAPinto provides its owners with the choice to either lead sales, content, both or neither.

TAPinto is also one of the only sustainable, scalable news models in the U.S., with a model that can work in basically any community across the country.

For prospective franchisees, the franchise provides new owners with training, tech development and support, graphic design, billing and credit card processing, customer relationship management (CRM), ongoing continuing education programs, full-time customer service support, and assistance with the business and editorial sides of their operation. Interested candidates are also encouraged to attend an online webinar where they can learn more about the TAPinto franchise opportunity.

How Much Can TAPinto Franchise Owners Make?

TAPinto does not have a publicly available Item 19. However, according to the brand’s consumer-facing website, many franchisees recoup their investment by the end of the first year. The brand also claims its current franchisees have seen an average of more than 22% growth in advertising revenue during the last two years. To learn more, contact the team about reading the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), which will state the total earnings of any company or franchise-owned unit as a reference.

How Much Does It Cost to Open a TAPinto Franchise?

TAPinto does not make its initial investment information known to the public. However, Entrepreneur magazine lists TAPinto’s initial investment between $6,175 and $10,025, while Franchise Business Review notes that it ranges from $7,475 to $11,025. Contact the brand directly for the most up-to-date cost information.

Additionally, although TAPinto does not list its updated initial investment figures, it does list the following investment information on its website:

• Initial Franchise Fee: $5,000
• Monthly Franchise Fee: $500 to $600, depending on the size of the territory
• Media Liability Insurance: Approximately $350 per year
• Continuing Licensing Fee: 10% of all revenue

Who’s On TAPinto’s Leadership Team?

• Michael Shapiro — Founder and CEO

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More About TAPinto?

• Entrepreneurs buying into TAPinto franchise business model
• Inside TAPinto’s franchise model for local news
• Two Minutes with TAPinto
•  Benefits of Owning and Operating a TAPinto Local News & Digital Marketing Platform in Your Community
• TAPinto Named a 2023 Top Low-Cost Franchise by Franchise Business Review
• How Mike Shapiro has grown his franchise model TAPinto to nearly 80 websites

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