CCR Question #2 Draft

To learn about how to engage my audience, I researched 3 magazines (Motortrend, Road and Track, and Top Gear), all of which used similar tactics. All of the magazines had social media, specifically a YouTube channel to that helped in building a fanbase. The other social media platforms work to help promote the magazine by giving inside scoops on articles and exclusive behind the scenes content.

Consumers will be able to subscribe to my magazine either via the subscription card included in every issue, or simply by subscribing online. On the website, subscribers will have the opportunity to gain access to exclusive articles and special "behind-the-scenes" content. Subscribers that provide an email address when they sign up will receive monthly emails that inform them of any promotional or special events coming up (such as giveaways), while also letting them know about any changes in their subscription (such as upcoming payments or cancellations). I plan on reaching out to various companies that offer motoring products to sponsor my magazine, including aftermarket parts brands, automotive manufacturers, and motorist clothing and décor brands. Finally, I plan on using a variety of social media sites, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and YouTube to get people interested in the magazine. These will act as advertising platforms while also offering their own, distinctive content in order to boost interest in the "brand" of the magazine.

Magazines are distributed in a number of different ways. In an age so vastly dominated by technology, it's no surprise that many magazines offer digitized distribution services. Many magazines offer a digital copy available through either their website, an app, or through email. However, more traditionally, distribution involves getting a paper copy, or "hard copy", of the magazine to the subscriber. There are many ways of doing this. Magazines are sold by a number of purveyors, including big-box stores, bookstores, news stands, grocery stores, airports, smaller businesses, etc. But in these situations, a person is buying just one issue of a magazine. It is absolutely vital for a magazine to have a string subscriber base if it is to be successful. With "hard copies" of magazines, this means that each new issue of the magazine will be mailed to the subscriber's house. One way magazines build their number of subscribers is by including a mail-back card in each issue of their magazine. This lets readers choose if they want to subscribe to a magazine as they are reading it. Additionally, magazine companies often attend or sponsor events that relate to the topic that they cover, which builds publicity. They also often offer promotional issues or subscriptions to the attendees of these events. Libraries also subscribe to magazines and make the latest issue available for reading or sometimes even checkout. This lets people decide if they want to subscribe to a magazine without even having to buy an issue. 

The physical magazine will be distributed to both bookstores and big-box stores, as well as other chain stores that sell magazines such as supermarkets. Every hard copy of the magazine will contain a tear-out card that allows readers to obtain a subscription to the magazine. The digital magazine will be available via both the Drive Culture website and free app (available on both IOS and Android devices). Additionally, the magazine will be available on e-reader devices such as Amazon Kindle and the Nook. Additionally, I plan on having the magazine company attend motorsports events, major international car shows, car meets, etc. Coverage of these events will be available on both the app and website. At the events, the magazine will have a kiosk or stand where promotional copies of the magazine and free subscription will be offered in an attempt to reach a wider pool of subscribers.