Grow with your neighbors — honestly
The Neighbor Times is a hyperlocal news platform for the DMV area, serving readers in 15 languages. We accept only informational ads that add value for readers.
We're honest about where we are: advertising is in its pilot stage — a small number of participating businesses so far, and our business directory is being rebuilt. Early partners help shape the program and lock in pilot terms.
3 Principles We Never Compromise
Required by FTC, demanded by readers. Every ad is visually distinct from editorial content: yellow border, "🌟 SPONSORED" label in every placement.
"Sale, new opening, local event" = acceptable. "We're great, come visit us" = rejected. If it doesn't inform a reader, it doesn't run.
Newspaper front-page rule: maximum 1 ad per scroll-height of content. We turn away revenue before we turn away readers.
Start with a free listing
Our business directory is being rebuilt from public records, with owners managing their own listings — free listings come first, and they stay free. Paid placement tiers will follow once the pilot proves what actually helps businesses.
- ✓Business name & address
- ✓Phone number & hours
- ✓Listed in Business Directory
- ✓"Owner-managed" provenance shown honestly
Photos, menus, review responses, and placement options are being tested with pilot businesses now. We won't publish a rate card until we can stand behind the value. Want in early? Talk to us.
Ask about the pilotSponsored Content & Media Packages
These formats and their reader-protection rules are set. Rates are not — pricing is finalized after the pilot, per format. Contact us to discuss a pilot placement.
📰 Sponsored Content
Your announcement appears in the news feed — clearly labeled "Sponsored" with a yellow border. Events, new openings, and seasonal promotions only. No "we're the best" copy.
⏰ Deadline Sponsor Slot
"3 Things You Must Know Today" countdown cards. Your service appears as a solution beneath a deadline card — e.g., "FCPS enrollment D-20 → Sponsored: free document translation".
✉️ Newsletter Ad
Reach subscribers directly in their inbox. Three placements per issue: Top Banner, Mid-content Native, and Bottom Listing. Open rate and click data provided for your own sends.
🤝 Series Sponsorship
Exclusive sponsor of a content series (3–6 months). "Brought to you by [Brand]" appears on every episode. Ideal for banks, law firms, and insurance companies seeking community trust.
See Exactly What You Get
Live previews of each ad type, rendered at actual size. What you see below is what readers see.
Kindergarten registration closes May 15. Birth cert, immunizations, proof of address required.
What We Don't Run
These are firm rejections — not negotiable, not case-by-case. Published here so you know before you apply.
Choose Your Advertising Category
Your ad appears in the right section — next to the topics your customers already read.
Ready to grow with us?
Start with a free directory listing, or contact us about pilot placements for Sponsored Content and Tier 3–5 packages. We respond within 1 business day.
The Neighbor Times · DMV area · Editorial Independence Policy v1.0 · 2026