In the discussions of print vs online magazines, the latter platform seems to have the upper hand because of its convenience and cost-saving benefits that readers enjoy. Although some vow that print will be around long enough not to worry, it’s still a must for a print magazine to have an online presence. That being said, there are a few key facts to keep in mind when handling e-publications.
An online magazine becomes a different product altogether and different approaches and strategies must be considered. For instance, one can’t just tack on the same article that was written for the print version, and the site can’t just have static content with only a contact list, about page and media kit.
The Way Print Magazines Operate
- Audience
Print magazines have consistent followers who relate to the content every time the issue comes out. Readers either subscribe or pick up the physical product if it catches their eyes. This also means they have less control over what they see since the information is presented right in front of them through cover lines and cover photos.
- Frequency
There is a longer time gap between issues. Articles and content don't get updated until the next issue comes out. Instead of supplying daily content, print magazines produce weekly, monthly or bi-monthly.
- Font and Design
There is more liberty with design and creativity since the product functions more like an artwork with an emphasis on visual appeal. Photos can be large and can be spread across both pages.
- Function
A print magazine is considered a luxury item and consumers like to read it slowly for leisure. The light and tangible factor make it easier to transport. An article read in a print magazine also causes less strain on the eyes as opposed to a Web article.
- Cost
The physical aspect makes it more expensive to produce because of ink, paper, binding, mailing and distribution costs.
- Revenue
Print is more expensive to produce, but it also rakes in the most revenue since each ad space is worth more than Web space (with the possibility of that changing in the future).
The Way Online Magazines Operate
- Audience
Online magazines have more erratic followers. Many readers arrive at the e-publication by typing specific keywords on the search engine, which lands them to the related article (making it important to write search engine optimized articles). This also means that online magazines automatically have a larger reach and content should be made to cater to them as well. Since the Web is worldwide, people from all over the globe can come to the site.
- Frequency
Weekly and monthly updates are too much of a time gap on the Web. To gain more traffic and popularity, it’s important to update the content daily so that readers have a reason to visit. Hourly or minute updates are even better, if possible.
- Font and Design
The online platform has less flexibility with design and font choices. It’s not wise to make complex designs with flash or any other software. The more wow factors there are, the more cautious one should be. Over-designing distracts readers and can cause pages to upload slowly, leading viewers to leave the page in frustration. Even two seconds can be too long.
- Function
The Web is wired so that people can find information as quickly as possible—a main difference from print magazines. Thus, an online magazine should be practical, convenient and interactive for the user. It should include elements like videos, discussion forums, resources and useful links.
- Cost
An online magazine is much cheaper to produce and maintain since there are no printing costs.
- Revenue
Since it is also cheaper to produce, a Web-based magazine does not generate revenue as high as its print counterpart. Since it is still a new territory, industry leaders are still waiting for the perfect business model that can sustain e-publications without a print version.
In print vs online magazines, both platforms are complementary to one another since each has different functions and purposes. Just remember to always stay apprised of the constantly changing technology that may require publishers to modify old strategies and tactics.
Further Reading:
Tips on Effective Print Magazine Design
Basics of Publishing a Magazine
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