What is the purpose of Point of View articles in the Belocal Publication?

According to Belocal's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Point of View articles in the Belocal publication typically feature information about individuals or groups that live in the surrounding area. Belocal requires franchisees to include specific types of articles in each publication issue. These include five Staple articles, two Explore Guides, two Points of View articles, one History article, one Hidden Gem article, and twenty Local Tips articles. Staple articles are geared towards newcomers, Explore Guides highlight top city offerings, History articles focus on local landmarks, and Hidden Gem articles feature under-the-radar spots. Local Tips articles include resident testimonials.

For a prospective Belocal franchisee, this means that each issue of the publication must contain content that reflects the local community through the Point of View articles. This requirement ensures that the publication remains relevant and engaging to its target audience. By including articles about local individuals and groups, Belocal aims to foster a sense of community and connection within the publication.

Belocal mandates a specific number of articles per issue, and failure to meet these requirements can lead to a business improvement plan and potential termination of the franchise agreement. This underscores the importance of adhering to Belocal's content guidelines and maintaining a consistent standard for each publication. Franchisees should be prepared to source and curate content that aligns with the specified article types, including Point of View articles, to meet Belocal's standards and maintain compliance with the franchise agreement.