NorthIowaToday.com celebrates the completion of its first year in operation today, October 1st, 2011.
Publisher and founder Matt Marquardt said “I want to take this opportunity to thank all the people who take time everyday to read NorthIowaToday.com, leave story comments, offer feedback, news tips and generally leave lots of messages of support. Without your participation, NorthIowaToday.com would not be the success that it has grown into.”
NorthIowaToday.com was launched to be a counter-balance to other local media and offer a different view on local news and events. “A ‘new perspective’ has become the catch-phrase,” Marquardt said. “We offer unique content, the blunt truth as some would say, and that’s hard for a select few to accept. Some of these people even find this shocking. They like the news told for their benefit, at all times, even if its is misleading. The general public in North Iowa has made it clear that they enjoy reading our stories. Their expectations are growing.”
NorthIowaToday.com launched to little fanfare but has grown in every way since. The site has topped 20,000 unique visitors in one month for the first time, this September. NorthIowaToday.com’s Facebook page has amassed over 2,200 followers in its first year. New and exciting Tribune Media content was recently added to give the site depth.
“I also want to thank our growing list of advertisers for thinking out of the box and recognizing the great product we are offering at NorthIowaToday.com,” said Marquardt. He said he expects revenue to continue to grow rapidly. “The momentum is there now. This is a business of patience and consistency. You get up and go to work 7 days a week, then good things happen.”
“Lastly, and just as importantly, I’d like to thank my team for working hard and standing behind me and this endeavor. Joe, Jody, Kelly, Dave, Carl, Bridgett, Gary, Larrey, Greg, Steve, and a few others, you recognized how much fun this project is and wanted to be a part of something special. Your help has been greatly appreciated.”
Marquardt said the future of NorthIowaToday.com is bright. “Look for expansion, soon, in new and surprising ways.”
