TAPinto is a franchise-based digital news network that specializes in hyperlocal reporting and community-focused marketing services. The platform was created in 2008 in New Providence, New Jersey, by Michael Shapiro and his wife Lauryn, who set out to build a reliable local news source for communities that lacked consistent coverage from traditional media.

The business operates from its headquarters in New Providence, New Jersey, under the name TAP Into Local LLC.

The company moved into franchising in 2013, shifting from a licensing structure to a full franchise model. This transition allowed local entrepreneurs to run their own TAPinto sites within assigned territories, giving them the tools, branding, and support needed to publish community news and operate a sustainable local business.

What sets TAPinto apart is its blend of hyperlocal journalism with a unified franchise network. Each site is independently owned yet connected through shared technology, branding, and operational systems, creating a scalable model that traditional news outlets or isolated local websites typically cannot match.

Training

Tapinto provides its franchisees with a structured and ongoing training program as part of its franchise offering. Here's a breakdown of the training provided by the franchisor:

1. Initial Training Program
   Franchisees and one additional person must attend and satisfactorily complete the initial training program before opening the business and within three months of signing the franchise agreement. This training is provided online or via telephone and covers various operational areas. No separate fee is charged for this program unless additional sessions are requested.
2. Training Curriculum
   The initial training consists of 10 hours of online or telephone-based instruction:
   • Sales Training (2 hours)
   • Editorial Training (1 hour)
   • Site and Statistics Training (2 hours)
   • Social Media Training (2 hours)
   • Computer Training (3 hours)
3. Ongoing Weekly Training
   Franchisees are required to participate in a weekly phone call where additional ongoing training is delivered. This is part of the franchisor’s continuous support and failure to attend constitutes a breach of the agreement.

Territory Protection

Tapinto does not provide full territory protection to its franchisees. Although the franchise agreement may grant a Designated Territory, Tapinto reserves the right to compete within that same territory. This means that franchisees may not have exclusive rights, and the franchisor or other franchisees might operate nearby or within overlapping markets.

Furthermore, Tapinto outlines in its disclosure that the franchisor may change the business model or operating methods without the franchisee’s consent, which can impact how territory rights are exercised.

The agreement also allows for potential competitive activities by the franchisor even within assigned areas. As a result, franchisees should carefully assess the implications of limited territorial exclusivity before committing.