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# 5 Online Tools for Finding Local Story Ideas
- URL: https://interhacktives.mymagic.page/5-online-tools-for-finding-local-story-ideas/
- Published: 2021-11-16T15:41:08.000Z
- Updated: 2021-11-16T15:41:08.000Z
- Author: Gemma Farrell
- Tags: How-To, News, Tips, journalism, Local journalism, news, online, reporting, #Migrated-1793717950415, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-11-03 14:59

**You don't need to be always walking the beat to find local stories.**

Here are five useful tools for any journalist looking to find news from the comfort of a phone or laptop.

### 1\. 'Next Door'

![The NextDoor app and feed on iPhone](https://www.interhacktives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/20211110_121423361_iOS.jpg)

Screenshots from NextDoor for iPhone

'[Next Door'](https://nextdoor.co.uk/?ref=interhacktives.mymagic.page) is the online equivalent of a community noticeboard - only better.

People don't just advertise things on 'Next Door', they post about things they see in their local area that they love and, more importantly, loath.

It's a great way to find story ideas by interacting with the community through 'liking' and commenting on posts. You can also privately message people who might have your next scoop.

### 2\. Online council resources

![The crime stats and data page on the Metropolitan Police website](https://www.interhacktives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/20211110_121925811_iOS.jpg)

Screenshots from Met.Police.uk on iPhone

There are numerous sites online which provide up-to-date information on localities.

[Police](https://www.police.uk/?ref=interhacktives.mymagic.page) in the UK provide crime statistics online which are updated monthly. You can specify specific boroughs and localities to get information specific to your area.

Local council websites also provide information on recent planning permission applications, local amenities and initiatives. Find yours [here](https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council?ref=interhacktives.mymagic.page).

### 3\. Searching via location on Instagram

![Searching for a location on Instagram for iPhone and the Top/Recent posts results page with an interactive map](https://www.interhacktives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/20211110_122144419_iOS-e1636548757171.jpg)

Screenshots from Instagram for iPhone

On [Instagram](https://about.instagram.com/features/search-and-explore?ref=interhacktives.mymagic.page), you can type any location into the 'search bar'. If you select *'Places*', you can find posts that have been linked to specific areas.

Through this, you can see the *'Top*' posts in your local area, as well as the most recent. You never know what posts might inspire your next story.

### 4\. Twitter Lists

![The 'Create your List' page on Twitter for iPhone and the search bar for finding accounts to add to Twitter lists](https://www.interhacktives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/20211110_123354508_iOS.jpg)

Screenshots from Twitter for iPhone

Keep track of all local Twitter accounts using Twitter [Lists](https://help.twitter.com/en/using-twitter/twitter-lists?ref=interhacktives.mymagic.page).

Any accounts added to your list will appear in a separate timeline so you don't miss a post!

### 5\. Facebook Online Communities

![Two examples of Facebook groups on iPhone - 'North London Buy & Sell & Swap' and 'North London Community and Businesses' ](https://www.interhacktives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/20211110_122514486_iOS.jpg)

Screenshots from Facebook for iPhone

[Facebook groups](https://www.facebook.com/groups/feed/) can be host to a huge number of locals. Not just neighbourhood groups, but buying & selling, residents and local faith groups, can all be opportunities to investigate your locality.