So, how do you even start printing without relying on a publishing company? Fortunately, independent magazines don’t need the financial means of a large-scale organization to launch their first number, thanks to developments in digital printing which don’t hold high barriers to entry the industry. Along with that, their social media presence also plays a huge role in expanding their visibility on the market. Social media has made the world much smaller, allowing independent magazines to reach a broader platform, recruiting new readers and possible collaborators.
There are several ways for independent magazines to make profit once they’ve reached a certain level of exposure like using branded content or organizing events, which makes people buy into the brand even more as they feel part of it. Magazines can be powerful tools for other businesses too. A number of magazines, including Double, Inventory and Tank, have founded creative agencies, while Dazed founded its own publishing group.
One of their strongest advantages is that they focus on a specific interest group rather than competing in a sea of similar publications, so the following created usually feels more connected and familiar with the magazine, therefore forming a stronger bond.
In fact, these very magazines are owned and crafted by the same people they try to attract: founders, editors and art directors that share the same interest and a similar creative vision.
However, no matter what publication the readers choose to spend their time on, the real attractions are the highly editorial attitude and design values these publications hold.