Introducing a new housing development takes more than construction. It also requires a story that resonates with the community and the right platform to bring it to life. That's exactly the case with Somerville Cottages, an innovative neighborhood bringing a new approach to homeownership near downtown Chattanooga.
Designed to address Chattanooga's "missing middle" housing gap, Somerville Cottages offers thoughtfully designed homes centered around shared green spaces, creating an attainable path to homeownership while fostering a true sense of community. As the first for-sale cottage court development in Chattanooga, Somerville presented a unique story with broad community impact.
Q Strategies partnered with Somerville to help introduce the development through strategic media outreach. By developing messaging and securing earned media coverage, our team helped position Somerville as more than just another housing development. We helped tell the story of a community designed to expand homeownership opportunities in Chattanooga.
The campaign generated coverage from several local media outlets, including WUTC's Scenic Roots, NOOGAtoday, and the Chattanooga Times Free Press. Each story highlighted Somerville's mission, innovative neighborhood design and commitment to providing attainable housing options for Chattanooga residents.
The results extended well beyond media impressions.
Following the NOOGAtoday feature, traffic to Somerville's website increased by more than 300%, bringing more than 700 unique visitors to the newly launched website within just a few hours. After the Chattanooga Times Free Press story was published, the sales team placed two homes under contract within 24 hours. Both buyers shared that the article prompted them to visit the development immediately.
Those early successes demonstrate the power of earned media when paired with a compelling story. By connecting Somerville's mission with trusted local news outlets, the campaign generated meaningful awareness, increased website traffic and contributed directly to home sales during the development's first phase.
As Somerville continues to grow, we look forward to supporting the development with ongoing media relations and sharing future milestones with the Chattanooga community.
Earned Media
WUTC Scenic Roots — Somerville Cottages: Homes for the Missing Middle
NOOGAtoday — New Neighbors Incoming
Chattanooga Times Free Press — New Development Pushes for Increased Homeownership in South Chattanooga