Matt Saxton
Digital Content Manager
Marketing | Journalism | Technical Writing | Media Relations | PR
By the Numbers
25+
Years of Content Development Experience
20%
Increase in
e-newsletter subscriptions
15%
More qualified inbound leads from subscribers
$45K
Saved per year in editorial management fees
Building My Foundation
Some careers start early, like mine did. When I was just 7 years old, I created, printed, and distributed my own newspaper around my neighborhood in Western Pennsylvania. The Skylark Drive Journal-Report had only two issues, but they lit a spark in me for journalism and the printed word.
It was 15 years later when I walked into Pittsburgh magazine (May 1999-December 1999) and settled at my desk as an editorial intern. A part-time news clerk position followed at the Observer-Reporter, and then my breakthrough came: a regular freelance job as a reporter for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (October 2000-May 2011). I rose the ranks from reporter to news editor at a few mid-sized daily newspapers, yet I continued to freelance for the PG until I became the managing editor of the Effingham Daily News.
These early days laid my foundation, but I have significantly broadened my skills in content development during the past 25 years.
From Hard News to Creative Muse
After spending most of 15 years working primarily for newspapers and publishing companies, I changed direction in my career and became a Content Manager for American Injury Attorney Group (November 2014-May 2015). I briefly had a taste of marketing while working for two agencies earlier in my career, but it was here where I learned how to write in a way that engages potential leads.
At AIAG, I created blog posts and landing pages that were designed to drive business into a civil litigation law firm. Using Google tools to search for keywords to optimize SEO, I nearly doubled blog readership. I also wrote press releases, managed a pool of external content writers, and tracked performance with Google Analytics.
From there, I joined Technology Publishing Company (June 2015-February 2016) as an Associate Editor. I managed two daily e-newsletters and ran social media accounts for publications in the protective coatings industry. My work focused on curating content, reworking stories, and collaborating with media representatives to keep our readers informed. Paid subscriptions increased by 5% while I was there.
Taking Time to Rebuild
I stopped working for 18 months in 2016 while I helped my father close his law office. When I was ready to return to work, I accepted an offer at The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register, also known as Wheeling Newspapers (April 2018-January 2019). In Wheeling, I stepped back into the newsroom as the City Editor. I managed a team of 10 reporters across three daily newspapers and led coverage on high-profile stories. I also managed the Facebook pages for three daily newspapers.
One of my accomplishments was running the names of Catholic clergy from two dioceses who were accused of sexual misconduct. Wheeling also had visits from then-U.S. President Donald Trump and his Vice President, Mike Pence, so I worked with the White House to obtain media clearances. On the night of Trump’s rally, I was in the newroom proving real-time updates from reporters inside Wesbanco Arena through Facebook and the websites. I also wrote an award-winning story about a complicated Ohio law for license plate fees that Belmont County commissioners were using to increase the price for plates.
Although I briefly enjoyed the rush of the newsroom, I decided that my days of working for a newspaper were in my past. It was time to move on.
At IAITAM, I was able to blend my love for writing with my interest in technology for the first time. Starting in 2019, I returned to a marketing role that included instructional writing as a Content Developer with (March 2019-February 2020). I developed new content workflows and rewrote seven manuals for IT Asset Management certifications. The manuals, which averaged about 150 pages each, taught students how to manage IT assets in hardware, software, security, mobile, and through disposal/disposition. I also created exam questions and produced webinars to engage members.
Balancing Technology and Creativity
Next, I took my skills in marketing and technology to Axcient (March 2020-September 2020). I was a Technical Marketing Writer. Axcient develops Data Recovery as a Service (DRaaS) and business continuity software for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in the IT Channel.
At Axcient, I wrote marketing collateral, user documentation, and support articles. I also worked closely with internal SMEs to develop thought leadership content around cybersecurity and business continuity. This experience deepened my understanding of the tech industry and reinforced my skills in technical writing. I also became fascinated with data, which led me to my next job.
Starting in 2021, I became the Marketing Content Writer and Editor at TrendMiner (November 2021-September 2024). TrendMiner develops industrial analytics software for the process manufacturing industry. There, I wrote marketing content, thought leadership articles, and instructional materials for engineers. I also served as the company’s media contact.
TrendMiner had been paying $45,000 to have an external agency place its articles in trade magazines, distribute its press releases, and write award submissions. In 2022, I took over the agency’s duties and matched the contract for placements. I also sent out more press releases and wrote award submissions that resulted in TrendMiner winning more targeted awards.
Furthermore, I increased the number of subscribers for a monthly e-newsletter by more than 20% between 2022-2023. Inbound leads from the newsletter also saw an uptick of 15%. Yet, my proudest accomplishment was the White Paper released in early 2024 titled Industrializing AI into Operations. It is a comprehensive, 30-page guide to help manufacturers understand how manufacturing processes improve with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
My Journey Ahead
Today, I’m back in my native Pittsburgh where it all began. Although my journey as a content manager has taken me across many industries and business verticals, I’ve always found my way home. Now, I’m ready to use my 25 years of experience to help the next organization get more qualified leads and navigate the sea of AI tools that aid in content development and generate it at scale.
Ready to see what Matt can do for you?