Newstex publishers' stories: Mark M. Willaman of Newsworthy.ai

The basics 

What made you become a content creator?

Mark M. Willaman of Newsworthy.ai: I’ve always been passionate about innovation and finding new ways to solve problems–particularly, to democratize news distribution and help businesses get their messages out more effectively. That led my business partner David McInnis to create PRWeb, and more recently, together we created Newsworthy.ai and NewsRamp.com where we could combine our interests in technology, AI, content creation and news distribution to help other businesses distribute and promote their "newsworthy" content.

What are some of the challenges you face as a content creator?

Mark M. Willaman: One of the biggest challenges is staying ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing digital landscape–especially with AI and changes to search algorithms that are negatively impacting content visibility and website traffic. Content creation isn’t just about writing or producing media; it’s about understanding distribution channels, optimizing for search engines, and continuously engaging with an audience. Balancing innovation with the day-to-day demands of running a business is always a challenge.

What are some digital publications that you follow?

Mark M. Willaman: I follow a wide variety of publications, email newsletters, and podcasts that focus on media, marketing and AI. It's important not to get comfortable with a defined set of sources so I'm constantly on the search for new voices and opinions. To do this, I rely on search news alerts for specific keywords that I am interested in and I make it a part of my daily routine to visit LinkedIn, X, and Reddit for content related to topics that interest me. 

Choosing syndication 

Why did you decide to syndicate your content with Newstex?

Mark M. Willaman: Newstex offered a unique way to reach a broader audience. By syndicating content through Newstex, it allowed Newsworthy.ai to extend its reach and get press releases in front of more eyes. It was about maximizing visibility and ensuring that our content was accessible to as many people as possible.

What do you think are the benefits of syndicating your content through Newstex?

Mark M. Willaman: Syndication through Newstex provided Newsworthy.ai with a unique distribution channel, reaching audiences we might not have been able to connect with otherwise. It also added credibility.

Pros and cons

What do you like most about creating digital content?

Mark M. Willaman: The most exciting part of creating digital content is the ability to reach a global audience instantly. It’s rewarding to see how content can influence, educate, and inspire people all over the world.

What do you dislike most about creating digital content?

Mark M. Willaman: The actual process of creating content! It's arduous. The constant need to adapt to new algorithms and platform changes can be frustrating. The digital world moves quickly, and it’s a challenge to keep up with the latest best practices while staying true to your core message.

What inspires you to keep writing?

Mark M. Willaman: The possibility of making a positive impact and of course, seeing how the content creation supports the visibility and growth of a business. Whether it’s helping a small business gain visibility or sharing insights that spark innovation, the potential to influence and contribute to the growth of others is what drives us.

What are the top 3 tips you can give to others wanting to develop successful digital publications?

Mark M. Willaman: Focus on your audience–understand who they are and what they need, then tailor your content to provide value. Consistency is key–regularly produce high-quality content to build trust and maintain engagement. Leverage distribution channels–use platforms like syndication services, social media, and SEO to maximize your reach.

Where do you see your publication in 5 years?

Mark M. Willaman: I see continued growth, with our platforms becoming the go-to sources for businesses looking to distribute and optimize their content. We’re also focusing on expanding our technology offerings to enhance how news is created, distributed, and consumed.

What has been your proudest achievement as a content creator?

Mark M. Willaman: Seeing our content and our customers’ content organically online.  It means people are publishing, liking, and engaging with the content. I'm equally passionate and proud of our latest achievements with Newsworthy.ai and NewsRamp.com. Both platforms will help content creators reach a broader audience.

Mark M. Willaman has decades of experience in B2B marketing and has founded numerous companies in the fields of marketing, PR, data analytics, social media and advocacy. Some of these companies include Advos.io (formally HRmarketer), SocialEars, Fisher Vista, and most recently Newsworthy.ai and NewsRamp.com. Before starting his entrepreneurial career, Mark worked in marketing for the Ortho Biotech subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson and was the CMO at LifeCare, an employee benefits technology firm. Mark earned his BSBA in Marketing from the University of Denver and his MBA from Pennsylvania State University. Mark is also a published author and speaker on various marketing topics.

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