How to Get an Intern to Run Your Newsletter’s Instagram

If you’re running a newsletter and thinking, “I should be doing more on Instagram,” but then immediately not doing more on Instagram…

You're not alone.

Social media is one of the biggest untapped growth levers for local newsletter brands. But let’s be real — it’s time-consuming, creatively draining, and easy to ignore when you’re already drowning in other tasks.

That’s why John Apolinar did the smartest thing possible: he hired an intern.

Here’s how (and why) that move might be your next best play.

Where He Found His Intern

John used a free platform called Handshake, which connects employers with college students looking for jobs and internships.

He posted the gig, targeted ASU students (he’s an alum), and got more than 50 applicants. He filtered for energy and enthusiasm — one applicant DM’d him, emailed him, and followed up again.

That was the winner.

The gig? About $100 a week to post a few times and build up the Scottsdale Scoop’s Instagram presence.

Why Interns Are Perfect for This

Most college students live on Instagram. They know the trends. They know what looks good. And unlike most of us, they have the time to actually go create the content.

Here’s what they can help with:

• Posting local event roundups

• Re-sharing community news

• Creating reels or stories

• Tagging businesses to get shares

• Building a follower base that makes your brand look more legit

Plus, if a business clicks on your profile and sees 5,000+ followers and slick local content? They’re much more likely to respond to your ad pitch.

Social Isn’t About ROI — It’s About Credibility

Let’s be honest: Instagram probably won’t directly drive huge newsletter subscriber growth. And that’s okay.

Its real value is in making you look like a real player. When sponsors vet your brand, they’ll check your site and your socials. And if your last post was from 2022, that’s not a good look.

John’s goal isn’t to go viral. It’s to show businesses, “Hey, we’re serious, we’re consistent, and we care about this community.”

That credibility boosts his response rate — especially when he’s DMing businesses to try and book ad meetings.

Final Thoughts

If you’re struggling to stay consistent on Instagram, don’t beat yourself up — just hire help.

Interns are hungry for experience, easy to find (hello, Handshake), and super affordable. And they can turn your social media presence from crickets to credibility in a matter of weeks.

You don’t need to be everywhere. But having someone keep your Instagram alive and well is a game-changer.

How I Can Help You Succeed

Before we dive into this week's insights, I want to make sure you know about all the resources available to support your local newsletter journey:

🎙️ The Podcast - Deep-dive conversations with successful newsletter operators sharing their playbooks and lessons learned | Link

📧 This Weekly Newsletter - Quick, actionable tips delivered straight to your inbox every week | Link

🧠 1:1 Consulting - Personalized guidance tailored to your specific newsletter challenges Link

🚀 Launch Accelerator - A structured program to help you go from idea to profitable newsletter in record time | Link

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