The Ultimate Guide to Picking Your Perfect LOCAL 10:

Introduction

Greetings, esteemed local brand aficionados of Hastings, Minnesota! So, you've snagged that shiny 2025 $249 Press Pass from HastingsNow.com/shop—congrats! You've registered your brand, stretched your fingers, and you're ready to dive into the glorious sea of 800 local stories. But wait! How do you pick just ten without going mad or resorting to eeny, meeny, miny, moe? Sit back, relax, and let us guide you through this labyrinth, sprinkled with a dash of humor and a whole lot of Hastings charm.

Step 1: Embrace All 16 Categories—Yes, All of Them

"Do I really need to look at all 18 categories?"

Well, that's like asking if you should sample all 18 flavors at the local ice cream shop. The answer is a resounding yes!

• Why Explore Every Category?

  • Uncover Hidden Gems: That local alpaca farm's social media post might just be the feel-good story of the year.

  • Diversify Your Selection: Show your audience you're not a one-trick pony—or alpaca.

• Pro Tip:

  • Spend a few minutes per category. It's like speed dating but with stories—less awkward pauses, more valuable connections.

Step 2: Resist the Siren Call of Self-Promotion

"Is it wise to pick all ten stories about my brand?"

Sure, if your goal is to make readers roll their eyes so hard they see their brain.

• Why Balance Matters:

  • Avoid Overkill: Even chocolate lovers don't eat an entire cake by themselves (well, most don't).

  • Community Engagement: Featuring others boosts goodwill faster than a free coffee on a Monday morning.

• Self-Promotion Strategy:

  • Include 2-3 stories about your brand.

Step 3: Time Management—Don't Get Lost in the Scroll

"How much time should I set aside?"

Time flies when you're having fun—or when you're lost in a sea of cat videos.

• Optimal Time Investment:

  • Set Aside 1-2 Hours: Enough to be thorough without missing your kid's soccer game.

  • Stay Focused: This isn't the time to fall down a rabbit hole of DIY home improvement stories.

• Efficiency Tips:

  • Use the RSS bundles like a boss. They're your shortcut to the best content.

  • Make a shortlist as you go. Trust us; your memory isn't as good as you think after that third cup of coffee.

Step 4: Know Your Audience—It's Not All About You

"Who should I be picking these stories for?"

Hint: Not just for your mom and her bridge club.

• Audience Awareness:

  • Think Broadly: Your customers, potential customers, and that guy who always comments first on posts.

  • What Do They Care About?: Community events, local heroes, maybe even that annual cheese festival.

• Connect with Them:

  • Choose stories that spark interest, joy, or at least a chuckle. No one needs more snooze-worthy content.

Step 5: Ask Yourself the Big Questions

Before finalizing your LOCAL 10, ponder these:

• "Am I showcasing a variety of stories?"

  • Diversity is key. Unless you're curating the Top 10 Best Donut Shops (not a bad idea), mix it up.

• "Will these stories engage my audience?"

  • If it doesn't make you smile, laugh, or think, swipe left.

• "Am I supporting the community?"

  • Featuring local stories boosts everyone. It's the digital equivalent of buying lemonade from a kid's stand.

Step 6: Final Selection—Curate Like a Pro

Now that you've done the legwork, it's time to pick the ten stories that will make you look like the benevolent local brand you aspire to be.

• Quality Over Quantity:

  • Ten great stories beat fifty meh ones. Don't be that person who forwards every chain email.

• Double-Check Relevance:

  • Make sure each story aligns with your brand values and audience interests. Grandma's knitting circle update? Only if your customers are into extreme crocheting.

Closing Thoughts

By now, you should be ready to conquer the LOCAL 10 selection like a seasoned pro—or at least fake it till you make it.

• Remember:

  • Community First: A thriving Hastings is good for everyone—yes, even your bottom line.

  • Have Fun: If you're not enjoying the process, you're doing it wrong. Or you need another cup of coffee.

• Final Pro Tip:

  • Avoid including stories that could be controversial or divisive. Unless your brand thrives on drama—in which case, carry on, you maverick!

Frequently Asked (But Totally Made Up) Questions

Q: "Can I pick stories that subtly throw shade at my competitors?"

A: Only if you enjoy passive-aggressive comment wars and awkward encounters at the local grocery store.

Q: "What if I can't find ten stories I like?"

A: Expand your horizons! Remember those 16 categories? Dive back in; there's gold in them hills.

Q: "Should I include that hilarious meme about 2020?"

A: Unless it's local and still relevant (bless your optimistic heart), maybe let that one go.

Parting Words

Congratulations! You're now equipped to select the perfect LOCAL 10 without breaking a sweat—or the internet. Go forth and be the curator Hastings never knew it needed but always wanted.

Disclaimer: No brands were harmed in the making of this guide. Any resemblance to actual egocentric entities is purely coincidental—and a gentle nudge to diversify your content.

P.S. If all else fails, remember: when in doubt, include a story about puppies. Everyone loves puppies.