Become a Here in SWFL
Contributor
Local Stories. Local Experiences. Local Voices.
Here in SWFL is building a network of local people who know Southwest Florida, experience it, and have something worth sharing. You don't have to be a professional writer or content creator — we're looking for real local knowledge, firsthand experiences, useful information, interesting stories and people who can help our community discover more of Southwest Florida.
"We're looking for people who have something to say about Southwest Florida — not simply people who make content.
Our contributors bring firsthand knowledge, experiences, expertise, stories and discoveries. Photos and video can help tell those stories, but the story, experience or knowledge comes first.
Who We're Looking For
Nine Ways to Contribute
We're curating a network of local voices across the topics that make Southwest Florida special. Select all that fit you.
Food & Dining
Restaurant reviewers, foodies, chefs and dining experts who actually visit local spots, try the food, discover new places and share real experiences, recommendations and stories from the Southwest Florida dining scene.
Fishing & Outdoors
Charter captains, fishing guides, anglers, paddlers, hikers, boaters and outdoor enthusiasts who can share firsthand knowledge, tips, guides and experiences from our waters, parks and trails.
Music & Entertainment
Musicians, venue professionals, entertainment creators and people who know the local live music, comedy, arts, festival and entertainment scene.
Kids & Family
Parents, family-focused creators, educators, activity professionals and others who experience local attractions, activities, camps, events and family resources and can share useful firsthand information.
Things to Do & Local Life
People who explore Southwest Florida and can uncover attractions, hidden gems, beaches, neighborhoods, date ideas, festivals, events and unique local experiences.
Travel & Getaways
Travel professionals and experienced travelers who can create useful guides, resources, itineraries and firsthand information for visitors and locals exploring Southwest Florida and surrounding areas.
History & Culture
Longtime locals, historians, preservation advocates and storytellers with real knowledge of the people, places, events and history that shaped Southwest Florida.
Real Estate & Relocation
Established local professionals and area experts who can provide useful educational information and firsthand insight for people considering a move to Southwest Florida. Education and local knowledge over sales pitches.
Photography & Visual Storytelling
Photographers and videographers who can document Southwest Florida stories, businesses, people, events and experiences through high-quality visual storytelling — supporting the story rather than dominating the program.
What Makes a Good Contributor
It's About Knowledge, Not Headlines
Some of the people with the best local knowledge don't consider themselves writers. Here in SWFL can work with knowledgeable local people to help turn their experiences, expertise and ideas into useful stories and resources.
What We're Not Looking For
A few friendly guardrails to keep the program genuine.
Businesses and local professionals are welcome to become contributors when sharing genuine expertise, education, experiences or useful local information. The distinction: help the community first — promotion should not be the entire purpose of the content.
Ways to Contribute
Many Ways to Share Southwest Florida
You don't need to do all of these — even one done well matters.
What Contributors May Receive
Potential Opportunities
Dedicated Contributor Profile
A profile on Here in SWFL that collects your published stories and guides, with a byline and credit for your work.
Exposure to Our Community
Reach our growing Southwest Florida community of residents and visitors looking for local knowledge and experiences.
Highlight Your Expertise
Opportunities to showcase your local knowledge and connect your contributor profile to an existing Here in SWFL business profile when appropriate.
Cross-Promotion Potential
Selected contributors may be featured through Here in SWFL social channels, with links to your business, website or social presence when appropriate.
We use words like "may," "when appropriate," "selected contributors" and "potential opportunities" intentionally. We do not promise guaranteed publication, traffic, leads, revenue, social promotion, assignments or compensation.
How It Works
Tell Us About Yourself
Complete the short Contributor Interest form below.
We'll Take a Look
We'll review your interests, experience, local knowledge and any examples you provide.
Let's Talk
If it looks like there may be a good fit, we'll reach out and discuss possible ways to contribute.
Submitting the form does not automatically create a contributor account or guarantee publication.
Interested in Contributing?
Tell Us About Yourself
Tell us a little about yourself and what you could bring to Here in SWFL. We're currently putting together our initial group of local contributors and would like to learn more about you.