Michael Shapiro is the founder and CEO of TAPinto, a network of more than 95 franchised online local news and digital marketing platforms operating in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida. He is also the founder and CEO of Hyperlocal News Network, a company that provides technology and back office services for existing publishers. He graduated from Rutgers College, Rutgers University, and Stanford Law School.
Could you describe your initiative/startup’s purpose and vision and how it benefits its target audience?
TAPinto’s purpose is to provide original local news reporting in communities throughout the country that lack local news and information. It benefits every community we serve by informing and educating residents about local news and issues, supporting local businesses, and bringing all residents of the town together to rebuild community.
As far as entrepreneurship is concerned, your journey is quite inspiring. What are some of your most significant accomplishments and how did you achieve them?
TAPinto is one of the only sustainable local journalism models in the country that provides local news reporting for our readers for free and also is 100% advertising supported. Significant achievements include having our DIY marketing platform win first place for Innovation by the Local Media Association in their 2024 national competition; winning numerous journalism awards; and winning many franchise awards from Franchise Business Review for franchisee satisfaction.
Being an entrepreneur, what kind of response have you received from your users/consumers?
Our readers depend on us to provide them with original local news reporting every day and our local businesses need TAPinto to enable them to not only survive but thrive in a digital economy. At this point, more than 1.5M people read TAPinto every month and we have more than 1,000 businesses marketing their goods and services on TAPinto. As noted above, we have won many awards including for our journalism, our technology, and our business model.
In what ways has your life changed since you began your entrepreneurial journey?
Since I began my entrepreneurial journey 16 years ago, I have been able to actively participate in the lives of my children while making a significant difference in the communities we serve. My quality of life has also improved since I work from home and no longer have to commute hours to my former job and am able to be home for my wife and children.
Share your Website and Social Media Handles.
Website: tapinto.net
