the greatist story
DESCRIPTION
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.comTRANSCRIPT
THE GREATISTSTORY
Once upon a time (or two years ago), Derek was trying to get healthy.
He tried everything, read everything, and nomatter 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 theyneed to improve their health?
Let us explain...
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?
IntimidatingBody-Building
Forums.
...yeesh!
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:
So Derek decided to build something different:
(hi Derek!)
www.greatist.com
DEREK FLANZRAICHceo & founder of Greatist. living the life we champion. fan of theme parks & theme bars.
And that thing was Greatist:
Greatist is honest and open whenit 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
But don’t just take our word for it... see for yourself!
Relate-able
Fun
Legit
Check out that growth! #bowchickawow
And it looks like we’re doing something right
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.
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.
““
SO HE DECIDED
SCREEN SHOT
...and he got ‘em.
(count ‘em!)
People got it. They understoodthat if you want six-pack abs, you can getthem.
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.”
““
LESSONLEARNED
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.
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
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’sa 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 howI 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:
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 (Hu!ngton Post, Washington Post, USA Today!)
(We have the same cleaning lady as Refinery29!)
THE END(for now)