This is the story of Greatist, one of the fastest growing, highest quality, and most fun health and fitness websites out there.
http://www.greatist.com
2. Once upon a time (or two years ago), Derek
was trying to get healthy.
He tried everything, read everything, and no
matter where he turned, he felt like no one was
on his side.
How could it be that no one had built a brand that
people could trust and get the information they
need to improve their health?
Let us explain...
3. Six pack abs
in six weeks…
riiiiight.
Slideshows Of
Unrealistic Goals
Here’s what was (and is) out there:
You want me to
drink how much
muscle milk?
In-your-face
ads.
Oh right, organotin
compounds. Duh.
Confusing
Scientific
Studies
Why does every site
think I have so much
belly fat? Do I?
Intimidating
Body-Building
Forums.
...yeesh!
4. Many websites focus on perfection instead
of what’s healthy and realistic for you.
The result? Readers feel guilty about their
failures and get down on themselves for
their “imperfect” bodies — despite endless
tummy tucking/butt firming/muscle defining
tips and tricks.
and here’s why it doesn’t work:
5. So Derek decided to build something different:
(hi Derek!)
www.greatist.com
DEREK
FLANZRAICH
ceo & founder of Greatist.
living the life we champion.
fan of theme parks & theme bars.
7. Greatist is honest and open when
it comes to health and fitness. We are:
We talk to our
community as a
trusted, healthy
pal.
We use nitty gritty
scientific studies,
but in a tone that is fun
and easy to understand.
We realize being
healthy isn’t about
being perfect.
It’s about finding
what works for you.
Legit Friendly Fun
8. But don’t just take our
word for it... see for yourself!
Relate-
able
Fun
Legit
9. Check out that growth! #bowchickawow
And it looks like we’re doing something right
10. Early successes aside, Derek was
still frustrated that readers flocked
to content claiming “six tips” could
lead to “six pack abs” in “six weeks.”
The worst part: readers seemed to
believe these six pack abs led to
happiness.
11. So he decided to see for himself....
Today is Day 1 of my so-called
#absperiment.
The plan is to accomplish six-pack abs in
six weeks without any tricks, torture, or
Twizzlers.
[...]to find out what, if any, sacrifices there
are and if they're worth it.
“
“
13. People got it. They understood
that if you want six-pack abs, you can get
them.
And that getting there will suck. And
that once you have them, nothing changes.
And that in the end, being happy isn’t
looking in the mirror and seeing a six
pack — it’s about feeling better about
yourself.”
“
“
LESSON
LEARNED
14. It wasn’t about the six-pack.
So what is it about?
Turning health into a lifestyle.
One choice at a time.
So you can find your happy.
15. We’ve built both the place and
the community for people to
find their journey to healthy.
1,000s 3 million 350K+
articles followersmonthly readers
16. What it means to be a #greatist
TWEETS AND QUOTES
Can we just marry
@greatist for sharing
this line up? THANK YOU! 17
guilt-free #nutella #recipes
(Oh yes they did)
Feng Shui for your desk?
Who knew. Going
to try this today.
@greatist
@jwblvins
@HackneyPlastic
I realized there’s
a whole other
I never fully grasped.
aspect [to health] that
You guys are great
people & great
educators.
I can’t wait to wear my
Greatist t-shirt and tell
people about how
I found [the site]
I admire your core values
& mission to help-
ing others live a
more healthy, happy,
and active life.
Greatist is
just what I
needed!
and this is what they’re saying:
17. sasdfAasdfasdsfad
So here we are, two years later
...and this is just the beginning
1 Webby Award
(Runner up to WebMD for Best Health Website)
20 people in New York City HQ
10+ syndication partners
(Huffington Post, Washington Post, USA Today!)
(We have the same cleaning lady as Refinery29!)