magazine marketing ideas

The magazine industry has some of the toughest competition on the market. Anybody can create a magazine these days using a home computer and a printer. If you want your magazine to stand out among the crowd, you will have to put in a lot of time, effort and possibly money to get your magazine noticed by the masses. However, you have many different options available for how to market your magazine.
Advertise


People see advertising every day. Ads come in newspapers, brochures, buses, mailboxes, commercials, even on banners pulled by airplanes. If you want your magazine to become more than simply a word-of-mouth hit, you will have to pay for advertising space. Make sure you advertise in a way that your target audience will see you. For example, if your magazine appeals to children, make a commercial that will run with Saturday morning cartoons. Whether you advertise by having your magazine plastered on billboards or simply tape fliers to telephone poles, get your name and your image out there for people to see.
Website


Many people have access to the Internet these days, and oftentimes when they find out about an interesting product, they look for more information on the web. Having a website that is tied to your magazine will provide potential new customers with that info. Your website can include anything from what's in your current issue, teasers about featured articles, past issues or subscription information. Even games that have nothing to do with your magazine can appeal to some, prompting them to remember how much fun they had at your website the next time they see your magazine on the store shelf.
Meet Your Readers


Getting to know your customers will give you insight into what they like; and don't like, about your magazine. Make sure you listen to your customers' opinions. They ultimately make the choice to pay for and read your magazine, so you should do them the courtesy of hearing them out. If your magazine starts to struggle and you cannot figure out how to right the ship, an "expert" opinion from your clientele can help solve the problem for you.
Social Networking


Social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook have become popular places to promote anything and everything. When you have a Facebook group or readers following you on Twitter, quick messages will give your readers updates about your new issue and what readers can expect to find inside. If you have a video camera, making videos and posting them on YouTube can also help market your magazine. The best part about social networking, it will not cost you a dime.