Media

 

Why partner with The Active Explorer?

Our editor, Erika Wiggins, is a freelance writer and blogger specializing in travel, food, and adventure sports.  Raised by nomadic parents, she sailed the South Pacific and Caribbean as a child.   She earned her pilot’s license before learning to drive, and now is a flight instructor with a degree in Aeronautical Science.

As an adult, she has hiked, backpacked, rappelled, and caved extensively across the US and abroad and loves to sample the beer and cuisine of each new destination.

She is a Forbes Travel Guide correspondent and her work has appeared in publications such as The Huffington Post,  Ski Utah, Solo Traveler Blog, and The Travel Bite. You can follow her on Twitter as @Active_Explorer, and on Facebook.

As the years passed, the blog grew, and so did our team. We now regularly welcome guest bloggers and  contributors, Laura Manina, Steve Seliger, and Brandon Aegerter.

 

Supporters and Partners

Sometimes you meet folks who you just “click” with and find you have common interests and values. That’s when magic happens. We would like to thank the following organizations and companies who have gone above and beyond in their support us by either providing access, gear, or other non-financial good-will and stoke.

• Columbia Sportswear – #OmniTen
• GoreTex and Gore Running Wear
• GoPro
• Rossignol
• Ski Utah
• Liftopia
• Sierra Trading Post

My Services

• Marketing Copy
• White Papers
• Web Content
• Inspiring Articles

Writing Services: Reaching the Active-Lifestyle Consumer

Physically Fit
Adventurous
Well Traveled
Outdoor Enthusiast
Environmentally Conscious
Healthy Diet
“Adrenaline Junky”
Educated
Interested in Self Improvement

Did I come close to describing your ideal customer? If so, keep reading. Are you confident your marketing resonates with their wants, needs, and motivations to do business with you? Often these buyers don’t sit at the top of the bell curve; they tend to be outliers who won’t respond to generic messaging. Marketing needs to speak their language or it will fall flat.

To be effective, you need to connect with your customers on their playground.

Nail messaging using a genuine enthusiast’s voice. This is what I do…exceptionally well. I know how your customers think…actually, there’s a chance I’m one of them. I live an active life filled with adventure sports, fitness, health, personal growth, and a passion for an environment. Anyone can research a product and write about it, but an enthusiast delivers a passion and excitement that customers will recognize, building confidence and sales.

I don’t write about everything. I’m a specialist. I write about running shoes, not high heels, if you follow my example. Depending on the project, my style ranges from the inspiring to the edgy, and is often emotionally driven.

So, if your typical customer lifts heavy stuff for fun, writes Santa Claus asking for a new daypack, or considers clean eating to be more than washing hands before dinner, then it’s time to leave generic sales-talk behind. Are you ready to connect with active and adventurous customers? Contact me now for a free consultation, simply use the form at the bottom of the page.

What people are saying:

“Erika Wiggins is a true adventurer and an excellent writer. Her photography captures the moments with movement and clarity that make you say, “wish I could shoot like that!” She’s a wonderful guest on media trips and fun to work with. I highly recommend her work.” Mary Huff, Sr. Media Relations Specialist, Pineapple Public Relations – May 29, 2012

“Erika is a motivated writer who is dedicated to improving her craft. She communicates easily with peers and editors, and is open to receiving and applying feedback. I recommend her for a writing project without reservation.” Julie Schwietert Collazo, Lead Faculty, Travel Writing Course, MatadorU –  May 12, 2012

 

Published Work and Recognitions

Travel

• Huffington Post – Five Breathtaking Hikes Near Salt Lake City
• Forbes Travel Guide – The Vineyard Grill – Startle
• Visit Salt Lake – Regular Contributor
• Examiner.com – Six Things Not to Miss in East Glacier National Park, Mont.
• eHow.com – Kid’s Activities Close to Mount Dora, Florida

Adventure Sports

• Ski Utah – Regular Contributor as The “Snow Travelista”
• Liftopia – Regular Contributor
• The Active Explorer – Muddy TAG Cavers Support Conservation
• The Active Explorer – 17 Gift Ideas for Adventurous Women: From ‘biners to Bags
• Solo Traveler Blog – Backpacking Alone: Hiking Solo Means Less Margin for Error
• The Active Explorer – From gym to trail: Adjust your workout for backpacking

Recognitions

• Columbia Sportswear OmniTen 2013/2014
• Hydration Summit – Featured Contributor
• Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX) – Featured Blog Post: Week of August 9, 2011
• Outdoor Blogger Network – Featured Blogger: Week of May 9, 2011
• Quoted on caving in the Miami Herald, Wichita Eagle and The Republic (Columbus, Indiana).

Education and Memberships

• Embry-Riddle University: B.S. in Aeronautical Science
• MatadorU New Media School: Travel Writing
• Crealde School of Art: Photography I, II, III and Photoshop

• Outdoor Blogger’s Network
• National Speleological Society
• Southeastern Cave Conservancy
• Emergency Medical Technician
• Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
• Certified Flight Instructor