Local Tech Wire, responding to readers’ feedback, is making its content free, effective today.
LTW, which was launched in January of 2002 as an on-line subscription-based site, remains committed to providing business and technology leaders with the most comprehensive tech and biotech news across the Southeast, according to chairman Andy Agrawal. The most effective way to deliver on that mission is to make the process easier for readers to access and use the content, he says.
LTW’s reading audience has grown tremendously in its first year and reaches thousands of unique readers daily, especially in North Carolina and Georgia. Last month, the site generated more than 500,000 hits. In just over a year, LTW has published more than 3,500 stories.
“By popular demand and in recognition of the widespread acclaim Local Tech Wire has received for its content, no registration is required and now the content will be provided at no charge,” Agrawal says. “The changes to the site, no doubt, make it easier to read and learn from our stories.
“Additionally, we’re sensitive to these challenging economic times and we’re focused on two goals: broaden our reach and supply unmatched content and value.”
An opt-in registration is required to receive LTW’s daily “First Edition” – an 8 AM wrap up of headlines and summaries delivered to the desktop each business day.
LTW also is unveiling a new tagline, ‘Real Reporting in Real Time’ which reflects its commitment to breaking news. LTW focuses on producing original content, not simply rewritten press releases.
Expanded coverage and site benefits
LTW’s remodeled web site includes new features such as easier navigation tools, reorganized archives for searching of stories, a Job Board, plus convenient printable and e-mail tools.
To simplify navigation for readers, the home page has five pull-down menus at the top for the quick searching of categories. And, so readers can easily share content, when a story is opened, the e-mail and print tools appear and produce either an ad-free version of the story for printing or a personalization tool to e-mail the article to friends and colleagues.
LTW also will be expanding its coverage this year to include the Triad and western North Carolina. Under the Features menu, readers will find a story category called “Regional Beats,” it is there readers will find special news of interest for specific areas: Research Triangle Park, Charlotte, Atlanta, the Triad and Mountains.
Matching jobs, job seekers
In addition to easy-to-use content, Local Tech Wire announces the launch of a new Job Board that is free to all job seekers. It’s also designed to give employers seeking to tap in the local tech and biotech demographic areas with a low-cost niche that no other provider can offer in the Southeast. LTW is partnered with Top Echelon, one of the largest recruiting networks in the U.S. Employers will not only reach LTW’s niche audience in the SE, but will also tap into a national audience of more than 63,785 active and searchable candidates.
Management team expanded
Additionally, Cindy Stranad, a marketing professional in RTP, has joined LTW’s management team responsible for marketing and sponsorship programs. Stranad has represented a wide variety of clients in North Carolina and is a free-lance writer for several regional publications, including LTW.
The addition of Stranad to LTW already is producing benefits, Agrawal said. “She has helped us align several new supporters and partners within the technology community and various associations.”
“We expect to roll out premium services in the upcoming months as well as additional programs that will add value for our readership,” Stranad said. “We are grateful for all of the support we have received in our first year.”
LTW sponsors include Alphanumeric, r+m Creative, Peak 10, Clear Image PR, 919 Marketing, and BP Studios. Current partners include the Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED), the North Carolina Electronics and Information Technologies Association (NCIETA) and Charlotte Chamber’s Information Technologies Council (ITC).
For LTW’s free First Edition, visit:
