Ever-growing Numbers of Readers Reflect Growth of Area
A surge in readership and community reach is being celebrated as a reflection of the growing awareness and trust of LakeWalesNews.net among residents of the Ridge area. The expansion of readership and advertising is powering an expansion of news coverage as well as the News increases coverage of events in Frostproof, Babson Park, Indian Lake, and surrounding communities through the hiring of new staff and correspondents.
In addition to a substantial base of readers who receive regular "news mail" through their email subscriptions and the thousands who find stories through links on social media, additional thousands of new readers are finding the Lake Wales News through search engines such as Google, Bing, Yahoo, Ask, and Ecosia.
"We are not focused on "shock-value" news," said Robert Connors of publisher New Day Market Research. "We intend to communicate the stories that have impact on residents in their real life. Their workplaces, where they shop, the roads they drive on, the schools their kids attend." Connors currently serves as managing editor of the publication.
Analytics provided by Google indicate that LakeWalesNews.net is the top result for area news and information, drawing thousands of clicks monthly from those seeking area information. Among the most popular sections are News, Schools, Business, and Ridge Life.
"We're extremely pleased with the growth of the publication," Connors said. "We took on the challenge knowing that this growing community needed a news outlet, and that most people now receive their news through personal digital devices. We aim directly at that market, so many of our stories receive multiple thousands of views."
The Community Events Calendar, a feature added after the acquisition by New Day, has been viewed more than 39,000 times, and the listing of church and religious services more than 46,000 times.
Connors, a long-time resident of Lake Wales, led the purchase of LakeWalesNews.net 19 months ago. 'We've seen a steady growth in readership and advertising support, and we are assured that we are providing by far the most effective and affordable media for small businesses and large alike."
Connors previously worked in the news business for former print outlets, including the Lake Wales Daily Highlander and The Haines City Herald. He is also the author of several books, including the recently released historic novel, "The Florida Saga."
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