While the erecting of a paywall is surely a serious business consideration for local newspapers, NetNewsCheck reports that newspapers are coming up with other innovative ways to boost their digital revenues. At the Suburban Newspapers of America’s publishers’ and advertising directors’ conference in Phoenix this week, news organizations presented case studies on the following digital experiments:

• The Augusta Chroniclerecently launched a Web reputation monitoring service for small to medium-sized businesses.
• TheArizona Daily Star has had success in scoring exclusive sponsors for its mobile apps while they’re in development. The newspaper is also making a serious push on QR codes.
• Lake of the Ozarkshas turned a faltering auction site into an online source for classifieds and charity auctions.

These local digital initiatives can provide inspiration for new revenue streams for any news or subscription site.