local community magazine

[collettejoanne]

Hi,
I would really appreciate your opinions/thoughts.

I am currently looking at producing a local community magazine. I've looked at lots of franchises available in order to follow a proven system in getting the magazine to print, but of course the selling of advertising space, printing costs and distribution would be down to me.

In my area we do have a booklet distributed free to households in the town, which I assume is very successful due to the number of advertisers. However I was hoping to produce a magazine with a more local feel, with local news, a what's on guide, competitions and resteraunt reviews.

I suppose my questions are, if local businesses would advertise in such a publication if the costs were right? Maybe 1st month free if sign up to 3 months?

Do you feel it would be worth paying a franchise fee of £3900 for a system and examples of magazines in other areas to show advertisers? Or should I go it alone?

The mag would be A5 and glossy. Delivered through the doors of (3000 to start with) homes and businesses.

Sorry for the long post and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

Collette

 

[Alex@Iansprint]

Hi Collette,

I print a number of church magazines, and in the past have quoted/printed a number of the type of magazine you are discussing.

The ones predominantly aimed at advertising don't go so well. If you think you can engage readers by not over-saturating them with adverts then you may be on to a winner.

Possibly a few pointers with you:

• Try and keep intersting articles etc to a majority over advertisements.
• Integrate adverts into articles possibly, get featured businesses etc to write for you.
• Begin with more news etc, when you have a selection of reader you may be able to up the advert count.
• Try not to tie people in with a £500 a year contract, do the leg work and charge £30 for a month maybe?

If you want help with the printing costs, I am sure I will be able to give you an idea of how much it would cost.

As for the franchise, what does this entail?

Best wishes and good luck,

Alex @ Iansprint

 

[Alex@Iansprint]

Furthermore, if you charge local business £30 for a 1/4 of a page, and you have 16 pages of advertisers, you could generate £1920 by adverts alone.
As I said, don't hesitate to reap the knowledge of those on here.

Alex

 

[dottelads]

hi - may I ask which town/area you're looking to focus on?

I'm attempting something similar in a town in the south east of England and would be happy to compare notes. slight difference in our strategy is that we're primarily trying to focus around a website and then print secondary.

 

[Paul Norman]

We have one of these little mags here in the Derwent Valley, and I quite like to receive it!

I do, however, know of some people who run these. Some make money, some don't. As a general rule, however, I think almost £4k is too much to pay for the franchise to do this, if you have the ability to go it alone. If you know how to, then do it. And you are nearly £4k up in month one!

 

[collettejoanne]

Hi Alex,

Many thanks for your reply. I think it would be a great idea to firstly attract readers and then build up advertisers, which I suppose would be more financially viable if I went alone rather than going with a franchise. The franchise I was looking at is My Mag.

It would be great if you could give me an idea of printing costs, based on a glossy A5 mag, full colour, 30 ish pages of 1000 copies, 2000 copies and 3000 copies.

Also as I'm new to this and probably going to do it alone now, what format/software should I use that would be compatible with a printing companies requirements?

Thanks again for your help.

Collette

 

[collettejoanne]

Hi dottelads,

thanks for your reply.

I'm based in a small market town in North Yorkshire. I looked at setting up a website first, but we already have a good one in the area, so I thought it best to do a print copy first and then a website where businesses in my magazine could advertise for free.

I would love to compare notes with you, particularly around sales.

Thanks again,

Collette

 

[collettejoanne]

Hi Paul,

thanks for your reply and advice, I'm also thinking that £4k is too much too.

Collette

 

[Paul Norman]

oh....a small market town in North Yorkshire would not be too far from here!

 

[kate1]

I know of a friend who did this, but she had worked for the local paper for years, and therefore the support from the local businesses - as she knew everyone, was very good.

Ive sold space for 13 years, its getting harder and harder in print, especially for new start ups.

Is there any other competition, like local papers etc?

Im not saying its not doable, but I think you would have to price the adverts correctly and at an affordable price.

Hoipe that helps

 

[TestAPlug]

I already do this (with a twist) for seven differerent areas. If you would like some dedicated info please email me. Thanks KEV

 

[Alex@Iansprint]

Many thanks for your reply. I think it would be a great idea to firstly attract readers and then build up advertisers, which I suppose would be more financially viable if I went alone rather than going with a franchise. The franchise I was looking at is My Mag.

Firstly, the franchise doesn't look to be worth the £4000 that they require, unless you receive subsidised printing costs or similar, which I doubt you will. If you have the drive to do it yourself, then go for it!

It would be great if you could give me an idea of printing costs, based on a glossy A5 mag, full colour, 30 ish pages of 1000 copies, 2000 copies and 3000 copies

As for printing costs, I dislike quoting completely blind, but to give you an idea then I would imagine it to be as follows:

A5 32pp booklet
Printed full colour throughout
130gsm gloss art
Folded and stitched with a trim
VAT exempt
Delivered to one UK address
1000 - £750
2000 - £1075
5000 - £1550

Also as I'm new to this and probably going to do it alone now, what format/software should I use that would be compatible with a printing companies requirements?

Any good printer will except any good format. I like to believe this, but many will reject formats such as Publisher due to the difficulties in preparing them for print. It is generally accepted that a high quality PDF is perfect for printing purposes, and this can be established from most software packages with the use of programs such as Bullzip PDF printer or similar.

I would be more than willing to help you through this, and be a part of the production of the product. I am sure we would benefit from your desire to make a success of the magazine, and I am also sure you would benefit from our experience in the field.

If you require anymore information, or wish to visit our site at www.iansprint.co.uk, I will be willing to further discuss anything.

Best wishes and good luck,

Alex @ Iansprint

 

[collettejoanne]

Hi Alex,

Thankyou, you have been really helpful. The printing costs sound reasonable and do able. I need to do some more research and then hopefully I can put together the mag. I'll keep your details and possibly contact you in the future.

Thanks again,

Collette

 

[WJP]

What do you get for £4000? I cannot see any obvious benefits...

 

[Doodle-Noodle]

If it's any help, most newspapers I've worked on use Quark Express which is great for producing editorial copy and layout as it's easy to resize text etc to fit pages exactly. Personally, I can't see any advantage in paying a franchise fee to anybody when you're looking at producing your own editorial content, sourcing and funding your own print run and finding your own advertisers - what (if anything) would you get for your money apart from a big bill?

 

[Wicksy]

A5 mags are too small and instantly throwable in most cases - to give your publication more impact publishers should take a look at switching to a Quarterfold product which can be produced on newspaper presses for, in most cases, much less than what you are paying for A5 size.

You can see some of the pricing for 90gsm Royal Gloss quarterfold products on our website listed below

 

[ThePublisher]

A5 mags are too small and instantly throwable in most cases - to give your publication more impact publishers should take a look at switching to a Quarterfold product which can be produced on newspaper presses for, in most cases, much less than what you are paying for A5 size.

You can see some of the pricing for 90gsm Royal Gloss quarterfold products on our website listed below

My 'instantly throwable' magazines tend to get kept until the next one gets put through residents' doors. Unlike larger newspapers which people view as clut and bin as soon as they've read them.

Still, to each their own view.

OP there are miles better systems than My Mag out there. I bought a MM pack for £3K five years ago and it got me started, but would buy www.mags2riches.co.uk now - it didn't exist when I got going (M2R was started by an ex MM person - not me!).

 

[G. Lasagne]

Its a good idea, how about a one aimed at home owners which mainly has trades, each trade coul have 2 pages, one page with there advert and another for a useful tip/advice based on there trade that the reader would find useful, i.e you could have a heating engineer and every month he publishes an article about the dangers of co poisoning or energy saving tips a gardner could have tips on maintaing your garden etc etc, this would be good as the advertsiers would also write the content for you, just an idea "off the cuff" but im sure you could tweak it.

p.s i definately think a5 is better than a4

 

[Wicksy]

My 'instantly throwable' magazines tend to get kept until the next one gets put through residents' doors. Unlike larger newspapers which people view as clut and bin as soon as they've read them.

Still, to each their own view.

OP there are miles better systems than My Mag out there. I bought a MM pack for £3K five years ago and it got me started, but would buy www.mags2riches.co.uk now - it didn't exist when I got going (M2R was started by an ex MM person - not me!).

Please don't take offence, if you read my post correctly you will see that i said "in most cases" that doesn't particularly mean yours.

I'm not advocating a "newspaper" either but an A4 size glossy magazine type product. In my opinion this size of mag "in most cases" would be more appealing, but as you say, each to their own

 

[Wicksy]

Its a good idea, how about a one aimed at home owners which mainly has trades, each trade coul have 2 pages, one page with there advert and another for a useful tip/advice based on there trade that the reader would find useful, i.e you could have a heating engineer and every month he publishes an article about the dangers of co poisoning or energy saving tips a gardner could have tips on maintaing your garden etc etc, this would be good as the advertsiers would also write the content for you, just an idea "off the cuff" but im sure you could tweak it.

p.s i definately think a5 is better than a4

If you were offered a full page ad in an A5 for £100 and the same price was quoted for A4 size - which would you choose?

 

[ThePublisher]

I visited my printer a couple of months ago with a relative who needed to study a manufacturing company as part of some coursework. My printers print over 200 different magazine titles every month of the type the OP is investigating. Overwhelmingly these are A5 publications, with the odd B5 thrown in for good measure and a very small number of A4s. Market research suggests that A5 does the job very well.

A4 magazines invariably tend to be the 'glossy' coffee table publications, most definitely not suited to be printed on 90gsm.

 

[Wicksy]

I visited my printer a couple of months ago with a relative who needed to study a manufacturing company as part of some coursework. My printers print over 200 different magazine titles every month of the type the OP is investigating. Overwhelmingly these are A5 publications, with the odd B5 thrown in for good measure and a very small number of A4s. Market research suggests that A5 does the job very well.

A4 magazines invariably tend to be the 'glossy' coffee table publications, most definitely not suited to be printed on 90gsm.

A5 is obviously popular because you will find that it is more expensive than A4. They are fine for listings etc. but if you want to produce a mag with features etc. then it is a no brainer.

Our 90gsm Royal Gloss Quarterfold which is more than likely cheaper than the 130gsm A5 publications still gives the glossy look and feel needed - I think you would be surprised if you saw a sample

 

[ThePublisher]

I think we will have to agree to disagree. My magazines are not just 'listings' they are full of features.

OP I have seen many successful A5 publications over the last 5 years. It's no skin off my nose what you choose to do, I have nothing to sell you.

 

[Wicksy]

I think we will have to agree to disagree. My magazines are not just 'listings' they are full of features.

OP I have seen many successful A5 publications over the last 5 years. It's no skin off my nose what you choose to do, I have nothing to sell you.

Ok Publisher, I'm afraid you take things much too personally -yet again I wasn't aiming any of my comments at your particular magazine. If you think A5 does a better job than A4 that's fine.

My comments are based around 37 years in the printing industry (the last 12 as a Pre Press Manager) - not because I am wanting to get a sale or direct anyone to any particular website for one reason or another

 

[ThePublisher]

I'm not taking it at all personally.

I'm just saying that at this moment in time, there is a very good bouyant market in the A5 magazine trade with small publications aimed at very localised areas, which is what the OP is considering. I know over a hundred other successful publishers across the country. Only one of them prints an A4 publication, and when she started a second publication, it was A5. I've never known any of them migrate from A5 to A4.

I live and breathe my business on a daily basis, I know what my market is happy with. I've never had a customer say to me why don't you change to A4. I've never had a resident I've delivered a magazine to say why isn't this A4?

Anyway, that's all I've got to say on this matter, I must go and sell some advertising.

 

[collettejoanne]

Hi,

thanks for all your replies, they have been helpful and interesting.

The Publisher,

Please could you let me know why you like rags2riches compared to MM? If you started out now would you still buy a franchise or business opportunity like mags2riches or do it yourself? I haven't any publishing experience and don't know what templates to use or graphics and artwork for the mag, do you think I would be able to get most of the info through books and advice forums such as this one?

Sorry for all the questions. I hope you don't mind answering some of them.

Thanks.

Collette

 

[ThePublisher]

I will send you a PM

 

[GB Energy]

We advertise in jam publications dot co dot uk
The guy who runs it is called John - might be worth picking his brains!
Also, why not offer customers a deal for writing community-useful info? Eg, I write an energy saving tips for this mag. You could have a restaurant advertiser doing a recipe column etc.. might give you more time to concentrate on generating ad leads . Good luck! jane

 

[G. Lasagne]

We advertise in jam publications dot co dot uk
The guy who runs it is called John - might be worth picking his brains!
Also, why not offer customers a deal for writing community-useful info? Eg, I write an energy saving tips for this mag. You could have a restaurant advertiser doing a recipe column etc.. might give you more time to concentrate on generating ad leads . Good luck! jane

Great site BTW jane, i like the grant info request form, something i thought about doing a while ago

 

[dame]

Hi Collette,

I think this is a great idea and something you should just go for, the potential is really high as companies are constantly looking at how to advertise there companies to more and more customers each day. Good luck with the magazine and email me anytime if you need any advice as I have worked on quite a few magazines, since I am a magazine designer [email protected]

Hope to hear from you shortly.

Damion.

 

[westonalan]

Hi Collette,
In my local area we have two very successful magazines that are used alot by local businesses. One of the main income streams for the magazines is the fact they fill some of their last pages with alot of small business card sized adverts. The magazines are published every 3 month and they charge £50 per ad, every 3 month. Discounted if you have 4 ads over the year.
The magazines are called "Active 8" and "Dronfield Eye" published by Heron Publications.

I would go for it!!! But don't pay too much for a franchise, look at the possibility of starting your own magazine. Do some research and get some feedback from local businesses and how much they would be willing to spend on advertising.

 

[SophieLeroy]

Hi Collette,

We're just in the process of setting up a local community magazine and use a design agency called Wonderfuel. They don't charge an overall fee like the franchises but do look after design, print, etc... You still end up selling the advertising space and providing the content (the reason I'm setting up the magazine!!) but everything else is taken care of and it works out much cheaper!!!

When I originally sketched out how the magazine would pay for itself I couldn't be sure of covering the higher costs charged by these franchises with local advertising but if you keep the original costs low there's much less pressure, and it's much easier to make some money...

My contact at Wonderfuel is Emma - 020 7515 3409 might be worth giving them a call if you're still looking to get your magazine off the ground?

Good luck with the magazine, Sophie

 

[Rita7uk]

Does anyone know if you need a license to publish a local magazine?

Are there any other cost involved, such as business rates or taxes.

Reply from someone currently publishing a local magazine would help.

Thanks!

 

[SimonProsider]

I know I'm a little late with this, but i may have an interesting opportunity for you.
I run a successful community magazine in West Yorkshire, established 7 years. I am looking to franchise the model to other areas, so to help us get this going I am offering a Franchise for FREE to help develop the franchise system.
The magazine is a high quality full colour glossy, perfect bound like any other magazine in the newsagent. Full of local content and very well received in the community.
I can promise that you will receive all the support you need in return for help us develop how the franchise is to work in the future.

If anybody would like to talk to me about this opportunity, just let me know.

Regards

Simon

 

[ThePublisher]

I know I'm a little late with this, but i may have an interesting opportunity for you.
I run a successful community magazine in West Yorkshire, established 7 years. I am looking to franchise the model to other areas, so to help us get this going I am offering a Franchise for FREE to help develop the franchise system.
The magazine is a high quality full colour glossy, perfect bound like any other magazine in the newsagent. Full of local content and very well received in the community.
I can promise that you will receive all the support you need in return for help us develop how the franchise is to work in the future.

If anybody would like to talk to me about this opportunity, just let me know.

Regards

Simon

Is it this one you've been running since November?

http://www.bingley.towntalk.co.uk/news/d/16405/Bingleys-Favourite-Community-Magazine/

 

[Wicksy]

Is it this one you've been running since November?

http://www.bingley.towntalk.co.uk/news/d/16405/Bingleys-Favourite-Community-Magazine/

Yes, that's the one Simon is running - very professional it looks too

 

[SimonProsider]

That is my magazine yes. We formed our new company in October of last year when we bought the remainder of the shares, although I was involved in the magazine long before that.

It was originally started in 2004 by 2 school boys as a 6th form project, they did a great job in building the brand and it is now my intention to take it to new areas.

I run a design and marketing company alongside the magazine and have over 20 years experience creating effective advertising and marketing campaigns.

 

[holmewoodorg]

I have seen a lot of good ideas here. The A5 magazine IS a winner that is not 25 years in the print industry but me as a consumer and my partners advice along with family. I have an A5 mag that was delivered last year I have kept. I run a community website 20k hits a month and looking to expand on this into publications.

It was interesting to speak to Guardian Journalist John Baron today as they are closing down Guardian local in Leeds and look for a new business model. I cannot say more at this time.

One thing best of community locals et al franchises that cost 3k to 6k Do not do it. One thing we all have is time. As long as you can talk to people then design a website or create a publication yourself. Bite point is 40 pound for a qtr page a5 for turnover and volume with good editorial content. Im not here to sell as run a number of businesses but just to offer advice to the franchisee in the original post.

 

[holmewoodorg]

A5 mags are too small and instantly throwable in most cases - to give your publication more impact publishers should take a look at switching to a Quarterfold product which can be produced on newspaper presses for, in most cases, much less than what you are paying for A5 size.

You can see some of the pricing for 90gsm Royal Gloss quarterfold products on our website listed below

We need to discuss prices I need samples for a project I am working on have emailed.