Pre-Writing Analysis
1. What most Nashville businesses get wrong: The assumption that media coverage happens to other businesses, not them. Nashville businesses don’t pursue media links because they don’t think they’re “newsworthy.” But media covers more than hard news: expert commentary, local business profiles, seasonal topics, and community stories. Every Nashville business has potential angles.
2. The underlying mechanism: Nashville media links are among the most valuable local links available. The Tennessean (DA 90+), Nashville Business Journal (DA 90+), and Nashville Scene (DA 70+) pass significant authority. One link from these sources is worth dozens of directory links. The challenge is earning coverage, not the value of the link once earned.
3. The differentiating Nashville angle: Nashville’s media landscape is robust and accessible compared to larger markets. Local journalists cover local stories. Neighborhood publications need content. Business Journal profiles local companies regularly. The barrier to Nashville media coverage is lower than most business owners assume.
Nashville media links require earning coverage, not buying it. The strategy is positioning your business as a source worth covering: newsworthy developments, expert commentary, community involvement, and unique stories. Links come as byproduct of genuine media relationships.
Nashville Scene Link Acquisition
Working with Nashville Scene:
About Nashville Scene:
- Weekly alternative newspaper
- Strong online presence
- DA 70+
- Covers arts, culture, food, politics, local issues
- “Best of Nashville” annual feature
Link opportunities:
- Best of Nashville
Annual readers’ poll in dozens of categories.
Winners and nominees listed with links.
Campaign to encourage customer votes.
Winning = significant coverage and link.
- Business features
Local business profiles.
New openings coverage.
Anniversary/milestone stories.
Unique business angle stories.
- Expert commentary
Opinion pieces and letters.
Expert quotes in news stories.
Industry perspective articles.
- Event listings
Free event submissions.
Links to event host websites.
Community calendar inclusion.
Pitching Nashville Scene:
Find appropriate editor/writer:
- Check bylines on relevant articles
- LinkedIn for Nashville Scene staff
- Twitter/social media presence
Pitch angles that fit Scene’s voice:
- Progressive/alternative perspective
- Arts and culture connection
- Community impact
- Unique or quirky angle
- Visual potential (photo-worthy)
What doesn’t work:
- Straight promotional pitches
- Corporate speak
- Generic business announcements
- Anything covered extensively elsewhere
Building Scene relationships:
- Comment thoughtfully on Scene articles
- Share Scene content on social media
- Attend Scene-sponsored events
- Be available and responsive when contacted
Tennessean Link Building
Working with The Tennessean:
About The Tennessean:
- Nashville’s major daily newspaper
- Gannett/USA Today network
- DA 90+
- Broadest local reach
- Most authoritative Nashville source
Link opportunities:
- Business section coverage
- New business openings
- Expansions and hiring
- Acquisition news
- Business awards and recognition
- Expert sources
- Commentary on industry news
- Local angle on national stories
- Consumer advice articles
- Economic impact stories
- Community coverage
- Event coverage (as sponsor or organizer)
- Community involvement stories
- Charitable activities
- Human interest angles
- Special sections
- Home and garden features
- Health and wellness sections
- Money/finance features
- Seasonal buying guides
Pitching The Tennessean:
Identifying contacts:
- Business reporter for business news
- Feature writers for lifestyle content
- Digital team for online-first content
- Check masthead and bylines
What Tennessean covers:
- Hard business news (hirings, openings, closings)
- Economic trends
- Consumer protection angles
- Community impact stories
- Nashville growth stories
Pitch requirements:
- Newsworthy hook
- Timeliness
- Broader relevance beyond your business
- Available for interview
- Photo/visual opportunities
Press release distribution:
Tennessean receives many press releases.
Stand out by:
- Strong local angle in headline
- News hook (not promotional)
- Complete information
- Contact who responds quickly
- High-quality images available
Nashville Business Journal
Working with Nashville Business Journal:
About Nashville Business Journal:
- American City Business Journals property
- Business-focused weekly
- DA 90+ (bizjournals.com domain)
- B2B audience
- Lists and rankings
Link opportunities:
- People on the Move
Staff promotions, new hires.
Submit through online form.
Includes company link.
Regular feature, relatively easy placement.
- Book of Lists
Annual rankings in dozens of categories.
Submit company data to be considered.
Listed companies include website links.
Major visibility within Nashville business community.
- Business news coverage
- Funding announcements
- Major contracts
- Expansion news
- Acquisition/merger news
- Executive profiles
“40 Under 40” and similar features.
Nominate owners/executives.
Award winners profiled with links.
- Industry features
Expert quotes in industry roundups.
Contributed content (harder to get).
Event coverage.
NBJ “Fast 50” and growth lists:
Nashville’s fastest-growing companies.
Submit financial data for consideration.
High visibility, strong link value.
Requires revenue disclosure.
NBJ events:
- Power Breakfast series
- Award ceremonies
- Industry summits
Sponsorship includes event coverage and links.
Speaking opportunities for thought leadership.
Local TV Station Links
Nashville TV station link opportunities:
Nashville TV stations:
- WSMV (Channel 4)
- WTVF (NewsChannel 5)
- WKRN (News 2)
- WZTV (Fox 17)
- WNPT (Nashville Public Television)
Link opportunities:
- Consumer segments
TV stations feature consumer advice.
Expert segments on home, finance, health.
“Call 4 Action” and similar features.
Website writeups often include links.
- Community calendar
Event submission to community calendars.
Charitable events, open houses, community activities.
Links to event/organization websites.
- Local business features
Small business spotlights.
“Made in Tennessee” features.
Holiday shopping guides.
Anniversary celebrations.
- Breaking news sources
Storm damage (roofing, restoration)
Consumer alerts
Economic news
Industry-specific developments
TV pitching:
Assignment desk:
For breaking/immediate news.
Very time-sensitive.
Feature producers:
For planned segments.
Pitch 2-4 weeks in advance.
Consumer reporters:
For expert commentary.
Build relationship over time.
TV link verification:
TV websites vary in link quality.
Some use nofollow liberally.
Check actual link value before prioritizing.
Video content often shared across platforms.
Nashville Podcast Links
Nashville podcast link opportunities:
Nashville podcasts:
Business podcasts:
- Nashville Business Journal podcast
- Local business interview shows
- Industry-specific Nashville pods
Lifestyle podcasts:
- Nashville food and dining
- Nashville music and entertainment
- Nashville lifestyle and living
Neighborhood podcasts:
- East Nashville focused
- Specific community shows
- Hyperlocal content
Podcast link value:
Direct links:
- Show notes on podcast website
- Guest bio pages
- Episode descriptions
Indirect value:
- Brand exposure
- Relationship building
- Content for your site (“As featured on…”)
- Social media sharing
Getting on Nashville podcasts:
- Research podcasts in your industry/area
- Listen to understand format and audience
- Identify episode angle that fits show
- Pitch host with specific topic idea
- Provide value, not promotion
- Follow up for show notes link
Podcast guest optimization:
- Prepare talking points with memorable quotes
- Mention website naturally during conversation
- Provide host with correct URL and spelling
- Request link in show notes
- Promote episode on your channels
Local Blog Outreach
Nashville blogger link opportunities:
Nashville blog categories:
Lifestyle and living:
- Nashville lifestyle bloggers
- Nashville mommy bloggers
- Nashville food bloggers
- Nashville home and design bloggers
Neighborhood blogs:
- East Nashville blogs
- Germantown and downtown blogs
- Williamson County blogs
- Murfreesboro area blogs
Industry blogs:
- Nashville real estate blogs
- Nashville healthcare blogs
- Nashville music industry blogs
- Nashville tech and startup blogs
Blog outreach approach:
Research and personalization:
- Read recent posts
- Understand blogger’s voice and interests
- Find genuine connection to your business
- Don’t mass email generic pitches
Outreach angles:
- Guest post opportunity
- Expert interview or quote
- Product/service review
- Collaboration or partnership
- Event co-promotion
What bloggers want:
- Content for their audience (not your promotion)
- Exclusive information or access
- Quality visuals
- Easy to work with sources
- Genuine relationship, not transaction
Blogger relationship building:
- Comment meaningfully on their posts
- Share their content (with credit)
- Invite to events without ask
- Provide value before requesting coverage
- Maintain relationship after coverage
Blog link quality:
Nashville blogs vary widely in authority.
Prioritize:
- Active, regularly updated blogs
- Established following
- Domain authority 20+
- Relevant to your industry
- Genuine local audience
Low-quality blog links provide little value and may look spammy if pursued in volume.