Changes are coming to teknovation.biz, shaped by reader feedback
Starting Monday, June 2, we will be moving the newsletter to send three days per week (M, W, F) to increase content quality, relevance, and video efforts.
Back in late 2011, Tom Ballard had a vision to shine a light on the innovation and entrepreneurial energy in East Tennessee that often flew under the radar with local newsrooms. As a result, PYA decided to create teknovation.biz, and the first edition launched January 23, 2012.
It has been over a decade, and PYA remains the exclusive publisher, despite inquiries from various organizations to sponsor the publication. PYA is a nationally recognized professional services firm specializing in accounting and advisory services. Teknovation.biz is proud to be 100 percent independently supported by PYA.
What started as a small email distribution back in 2012 grew into a unique media publication with thousands of weekly readers and subscribers from all 50 states. It supports a network of entrepreneurs, ecosystem partners, investors, and community members who are building the regional business economy.
Teknovation.biz has grown a lot – to date, having published more than 16,000 stories about the people and partnerships driving our region forward.
With the growth of the publication and the community, we are at a turning point.
In December of 2024, our teknovation.biz team asked for reader feedback on our content. We wanted to know – What are we doing well? Where can we improve? How can we grow with our growing entrepreneurial community?
With help from Jian Huang, the Founder of locally owned Survature (Mapprio), we collected in-depth responses from our teknovation.biz audience about demographics, content, mediums, and newsletter frequency. Thank you to the hundreds of you who responded and provided your input. We sincerely appreciate your time and support.
Here’s what we’re changing, starting Monday, June 2:
More video, your way
While most of our survey respondents still regularly read articles, about 65 percent said they would prefer more short-form video content.
You may have already noticed more quick video content on our social media channels. The intention behind this objective is to meet people where they’re at, expand awareness of the businesses in the eastern half of Tennessee, and engage with our loyal audience in new ways.
We will also be launching a new bi-weekly series called “Founder Friday.” It will begin on June 6 and feature East Tennessee entrepreneurs sharing their journey in their own words.
A new rhythm for your inbox
We heard from about 75 percent of our survey respondents that they wanted fewer than six emails per week. Important stories were getting lost in the daily shuffle. We get it.
So, starting Monday, June 2, we’re moving to a three-day-a-week newsletter — every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6 a.m. You’ll still get the same quality stories, just in a more focused, impactful format. And as always, new content will be available daily on our website and social channels.
Plus, the newsletter will have a new look and feel. We’re giving teknovation.biz a branding refresh. Click here to subscribe to the newsletter.
Stories that matter most to you
You told us what you want to hear more about, and we’re listening. Going forward, you’ll see even more content focused specifically on:
- East Tennessee Startup Spotlights
- Local Investment News
- New Technology
- Founder Features
- Local Small Business Stories
What’s next?
PYA’s commitment to teknovation.biz remains unwavering. As we look toward the next year, we’re planning a website refresh to make it easier to navigate stories, watch videos, and connect with our region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
From all of us at teknovation.biz and PYA, thank you for being such an easy community to celebrate. It is because of your efforts and support that we have such a plethora of content to share.
Learn more about the history of teknovation.biz.
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