What is the process for a City Publications franchisee to get approval for internet marketing?
City_Publications Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
randing and other arrangements, as well as social media and any digital marketing platform, Franchisor retains the sole right to approve any linking or other use of the CITY PUBLICATIONS website. Franchisee may not establish a presence
on, or market using, the Internet, including social media, in connection with the Franchised Business unless Franchisee has obtained Franchisor's express prior written consent and subject to Franchisor's specifications in connection with the same. With regard to any social media accounts maintained by Franchisee or its principal owners, such accounts shall identify Franchisee and its principal owner(s) as franchisees of Franchisor herein, Upon the termination or expiration of this Franchise Agreement, all social media activities of Franchisee relating to City Publications, whether on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram , LinkedIn, NextDoor or otherwise, shall immediately cease. In the event that Franchisee fails to do so, Franchisee shall be fined $1000 per month until resolved. In the event Franchisor approves an independent Franchisee website, Franchisor may require that such site shall be accessed only through Franchisor's home page.
D. Internet Communications
Franchisee shall not use any domain name or other identification except the domain name provided by the Franchisor for e-mail and other electronic communications for the franchise. All materials provided by the franchisee to the advertisers and prospects must meet the criteria set by the Franchisor. Any advertising via e-mail must be approved by the Franchisor. It is further agreed that from time to time, Franchisee may receive email addresses of residents within Franchisee's Exclusive Territory. It is agreed that any such list of those email addresses belongs to Franchisor, and Franchisee may not make any use of such list or addresses without the express approval of Franchisor. Franchisor has the right to require
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 39–129)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to City Publications' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must obtain express prior written consent from City Publications for any internet marketing activities related to their franchised business, and these activities are subject to City Publications' specifications. This includes marketing on the internet and social media. Franchisees must identify themselves as franchisees of City Publications on any social media accounts they maintain. Upon termination or expiration of the franchise agreement, all social media activities related to City Publications must cease immediately, or the franchisee will be fined $1000 per month until resolved.
City Publications retains the sole right to market on the Internet, including all use of websites, domain names, URLs, linking, meta-tags, marketing, auction sites, e-commerce, and co-branding arrangements. Franchisees may be asked to provide content for City Publications' internet marketing and must follow City Publications' intranet and internet usage rules, policies, and requirements.
For email communications, franchisees must use the domain name provided by City Publications. All materials provided to advertisers and prospects must meet the criteria set by City Publications, and any advertising via email must be approved by City Publications. Email addresses of residents within the franchisee's exclusive territory belong to City Publications, and the franchisee cannot use such lists without express approval. City Publications has the right to handle any email communication to those persons on behalf of the franchisee, with the franchisee compensating City Publications for these services according to their fee arrangements.
If City Publications approves an independent franchisee website, it may require that the site be accessed only through City Publications' home page. This level of control allows City Publications to maintain brand consistency and manage its online presence effectively, but it also means franchisees have limited autonomy over their internet marketing strategies and must adhere strictly to the franchisor's guidelines and obtain prior approval for their online activities.