It's thrilling to launch a digital magazine, but the choice of platform can be the difference between a successful, impactful magazine and a flop. The right digital magazine platform molds all things: how content looks, how readers experience it, how easy it is to grow. This write-up will take you through what you should expect to see and give you all the information you need to make an educated and informed decision.
How to determine the "right" digital magazine platform?
It's a good idea to first have an understanding of what you want before you start reading about features and pricing. Is your magazine a niche hobby magazine or a professional trade magazine? Would you like readers to experience your site on their phone, tablet or desktop? Do you make money with subscriptions, ads or both?
Each of your responses to these questions will help inform all decision-making that follows. What works well for a large media company may not be suitable for an indie just breaking into the market. Don't overlook the details of what is important for you.
When selecting a digital magazine platform, there are several key factors to consider. There are a number of important things to keep in mind when choosing a digital magazine platform.
Is it a good reader?
Readers are expecting a lot from you. Whether they're on a mobile phone, tablet or laptop, they expect smooth page turns, crisp graphics, and fast-loading content. Check for sites that provide:
Responsive design: Your magazine should be looking great straight out of the box on a mobile device, tablet and desktop.
The interactive possibilities: Videos can be integrated into the publication, links can be activated and animated elements can make a flat publication into an immersive experience.
Offline access: Some readers are able to download issues and read them offline—this is a tremendous benefit for readers on the move.
Your readers will feel the same way if your reading experience is clunky during your trial period.
Is it easy to make your designs and publish your content?
It is not necessary to be a programmer to publish a beautiful magazine! The top platforms feature user-friendly tools, drag-and-drop editors, and templates to make it easy (and fun) to design a layout. Ask yourself:
· Do you want to create new layouts from scratch or import PDF files?
· Do you have enough templates that are in line with your brand aesthetic?
· What is the learning curve of a team member who is not tech savvy?
Easy to use platforms such as PageTurnPro digital magazine platform is popular due to their user-friendly interfaces. Others, such as Adobe InDesign and a digital publishing suite, give more control, but with a higher learning curve.
Which monetization options the platform has?
If you're looking to make money with your site, which for most publishers is the case, your platform should enable you to do so. Look for:
· Subscription management: Is it easy for readers to subscribe for monthly or yearly newsletters?
· Some audiences like to purchase single issues instead of subscribing to the magazine.
· Ad integration: If you are looking to sell advertising space, look for a platform with embedded ads or sponsored content.
· Paywalls: flexible paywall options allow you to provide a mix of free and paid content, a strategy that has been proven to help grow your subscriber base.
What is the strength of the analytics and audience insights?
In the magazine business, you need good data to grow a magazine, and that means understanding your readers. The platform should provide you with details of which articles are receiving the highest engagement, the average amount of time that visitors spend on every page, where they drop off and where your traffic is coming from.
These are priceless pieces of information. They'll let you know what's working, what's in need of some attention, and where to put your next oar. If you're going ahead with a platform, check what type of analytics information it provides and not just page views.
For how much does it cost, and what is the benefit of that cost?
The pricing structure of digital magazines is highly diversified. Some charge a monthly fee, some a percentage of the subscription income, and some have a free version with limited functionality. Consider factors beyond the price tag when you're comparing costs:
Are there hosting fees included in the plan, or does it require additional payment?
• Are there limits on the number of issues you can publish?
• What will happen if you cease subscription?
But it's a good idea to conduct a proper cost benefit analysis. You may be able to save money over using different, cheaper tools by using a slightly more expensive platform to handle distribution, monetization and analytics all in the same place.
What is the distribution of the platform?
Creating great content is just half the story; getting it back to the readers is the other half. Certain platforms have integrated distribution networks or app marketplaces which may reach more readers for your magazine. Some allow you to insert your magazine into your site, or email it.
Consider asking the following questions about the platform:
· Direct to reader e-mail delivery supported
· Integrates with social media for easy sharing
· Provides mobile app with a brand name for both iOS and Android
This is where capabilities to deliver content can be a game-changer, particularly for those seeking to expand the reach of their audience from ground zero.
Conclusion
Deciding on a digital magazine platform doesn't need to be daunting! First, compile a list of the 2 or 3 platforms that meet your criteria, then use the free trials. Print a test issue, test the design features and play through the entire reader experience from start to finish.
Focus on what it feels like to use and not on its features. The platform you choose should be the one that your team loves to work on, your readers enjoy engaging with, and grows as your audience increases.
Be patient, ask the questions right and believe that the right person is there for you. Your digital magazine should stand out!
No comments:
Post a Comment