Become a Local Network Partner

Build your business. Support local businesses. Connect communities.

Build your own local digital advertising business using The Local Directory’s platform, network and communities.

The Local Partner Network is designed for people and businesses who want to help local businesses improve their online presence, connect with relevant communities and get discovered by more potential customers.

As an Authorised Local Network Partner, you operate independently, build your own client base and decide which services you want to provide.

The Local Directory provides the platform, network, resources and Partner infrastructure to help you build your business.

No upfront Partner Membership Fee. Applications are subject to approval.

What is a Local Network Partner?

A Local Network Partner is an independent person or business that helps businesses make better use of The Local Directory and the communities connected with it.

Depending on your own skills and the services you choose to offer, you could help businesses with:

Local Directory listing setup and management
Local community connections
Facebook and social-media promotion
Content creation
Photography and video
Website and digital-marketing services
Local business promotion
Community sponsorship and engagement

You decide which services you provide and how you work with your clients.

Build your own business

The Local Partner Network is not a traditional employment opportunity.

As a Local Network Partner, you are building and operating your own independent business.

You can find your own clients, develop your own services and build packages around what local businesses actually need.

For example, you might provide a Local Directory listing alongside social-media management, photography, content creation, Facebook promotion or website services.

You manage your own client relationships and decide what you charge for the additional services you provide.

Your business. Your clients. Your services.

What does The Local Directory provide?

We provide the infrastructure that connects your business with the wider Local Directory network.

Approved Local Network Partners can receive:

Authorised Local Network Partner status

Your own permanent LNP identification number

A personalised Authorised Local Network Partner badge

Your own Partner profile within The Local Partner Network

Access to Partner membership rates and individual Partner codes

The ability to help create and manage Local Directory listings for your clients

Access to relevant local communities and network opportunities

Partner resources, guidance and promotional material

The ability to request relevant Categories and Service Connections for clients

The opportunity to build your reputation through your Partner profile and genuine client reviews

We provide the network. You build the business around it.

Your Authorised Partner identity

Every approved Local Network Partner receives their own permanent Partner identification number.

For example:

LNP0001

Your LNP number identifies you as an individual member of The Local Partner Network and can be displayed alongside your Authorised Local Network Partner badge.

Your Partner profile can also show the services you provide, the areas you cover, communities you work with, examples of your work and reviews from your clients.

This gives potential customers somewhere to learn more about you and the services you provide.

Your Partner profile becomes part of the reputation you build.

Who can become a Local Network Partner?

You don’t need to fit one particular job description.

The Local Partner Network may be suitable for people already involved in:

Social-media management
Facebook groups and community management
Local business promotion
Digital marketing
Photography or video
Content creation
Website services
Business networking
Local magazines or community publications
Local business and community organisations

You may already run a business providing some of these services, or you may want to develop a new local digital advertising business.

We are particularly interested in people who understand their local area, enjoy working with businesses and have experience building or supporting genuine online communities.

Experience and community involvement are more important to us than simply having a large number of followers.

Already run a Facebook group or community?

If you own or manage an established Facebook group, local business network or genuine online community, tell us about it when you apply.

Approved Local Network Partners may also be eligible for a dedicated community category connected with an established Facebook group, community or network they manage.

This can provide another way of connecting businesses with the community you’ve already built.

Community categories are subject to approval and are created where there is a genuine established connection and benefit to the network.

Work locally — or further afield

Local Network Partners do not operate exclusive territories.

You might concentrate on your own town, postcode district or county, work across several areas, or provide services to businesses further afield.

More than one Partner may operate in the same area.

Businesses are free to choose the Partner whose experience, services and approach best suit their needs.

Build your reputation

Every Local Network Partner can have their own profile within The Local Partner Network.

As you begin helping businesses, clients can leave genuine reviews about their experience working with you.

Over time, your profile can demonstrate your services, community involvement, examples of your work and the reputation you have built with your clients.

We encourage Partners to invite genuine clients to leave honest reviews about the service they received.

Start without an upfront Partner Membership Fee

We want new Partners to have the opportunity to start building their business before paying an annual Partner Membership Fee.

That is why there is:

£0 upfront Partner Membership Fee

for your initial 12-month Partner period.

This gives you time to understand the network, begin working with businesses and establish whether The Local Partner Network is right for you.

Continued membership after the introductory period will be subject to the applicable annual Partner Membership Fee and Partner terms at that time.

How does it work?

1. Apply

Tell us about yourself, your experience, the areas you would like to work in and any Facebook groups or communities you currently manage.

2. We review your application

Membership isn’t automatic. We review applications to make sure The Local Partner Network is suitable for both you and the wider network.

3. Become an Authorised Local Network Partner

Once approved and onboarded, you’ll receive your individual LNP identification number and Authorised Partner identity.

4. Get to know the network

We’ll help you understand Local Directory memberships, Categories, Service Connections, communities and the Partner resources available to you.

5. Find your first client

Start with one business you genuinely believe you can help.

Understand what they need and decide which combination of Local Directory and your own services would be most useful to them.

6. Build from there

Help your clients, build your reputation, collect genuine reviews and develop your Partner business at a pace that works for you.

Independent, but connected

Every Local Network Partner operates independently.

You are responsible for the services you provide, your own customers, your own business activities and the prices you charge for your independent services.

Being an Authorised Local Network Partner means you have been accepted into The Local Partner Network and have access to the relevant Local Directory Partner infrastructure and resources.

It does not make you an employee, agent or franchisee of The Local Directory.

Apply to become a Local Network Partner

If you work with local businesses, manage an established community, provide digital or social-media services — or believe you could build a business helping businesses get discovered locally — we’d like to hear from you.

There is no upfront Partner Membership Fee, and submitting an application does not commit you to joining.