Out of desperation I'm contemplating stating as business without funding

Sparhawke

Sir_Pac wrote: »

Hello again Chameleon, I think I should explain my business model a little so you can better understand why I've chosen regular leaflet drops over placing an advert within parish magazines, and free-sheets etc

My business model in a nutshell:
I have created a digital magazine, it is community focused, and covers a wide range of subjects, health & fitness, food & drink, home & gardens, pets, hobbies & interests, money matters, business and marketing, to name but a few.

I did try to create a monthly magazine, but it proved too much for one man. Time was an issue, it would take me alone, one month to actually create the magazine, leaving no time for other matters, promoting the magazine, running the day-to-day business etc

So, I altered the business model, I re-created the magazine, so now it resembles the first few pages of what we think of as a magazine. it has a front cover (promoting the latest articles or stories), and multiple 'content' pages, each content page covers a particular subject, and contains links to 'external' articles (mini-pdf's).

By way of an example: Under the subject Health & Fitness, I've created a service called The Weight Loss Challenge (WLC). The readers/users following the WLC would open the content page for Health & Fitness, and see links to PDF's that contain that weeks fitness challenge, along with suggested meals (calorie counted recipes, cooking instruction and the like). The articles, link back to my social media sites, and therefore help create a community of like minded people.

So, I have a magazine (PDF) that promotes multiple subjects, each subject has its own content page, the content links (via URL) to relevant articles (mini-PDF), and the articles feed my social media sites.

Because the magazine itself doesn't need actual content (because the articles are stored elsewhere), I can 'fluff' the magazines pages with 'real' community events and stories. For instance ,local businesses, I'm thinking pubs and clubs, could promote their entertainment, charities could reach out to the community etc, event organisers could promote their events to the community in real time...all without too much time and effort on my part.

I also have products of my own to promote, such as the one I've just created, a Halogen Cook Book, and the one I'm playing with now 'wait for it', drum roll, Joke Bonsia Kit (hopefully ready for April 1st)

If I was to pay for an advert within another publication (A6, £35/mth), I would be limited to a few inches of advertising space, and would therefore be limited in what I could 'promote'.

With a leaflet drop (A5*5000, printed on both sides, £65 plus leg work) I could promote far more, and be more creative. I could promote the multiple subjects, and even sell a portion of the space to other new start-ups.

I don't know If I've missed out any information because I ramble, then I get bored :rotfl:

To be honest it sounds almost like a blog...you could do a few articles here and there on it, and have sort of an email subscription sign-up thingy for the PDF version?

It might cost you about £30 for the domain and hosting for the year and at least that way you can test if it works cheaply?

Once you have a few advertisers on board after getting local churches/community centers to promote you you will then be able to afford the leaflet drop

JimmyTheWig

Sparhawke wrote: »

To be honest it sounds almost like a blog...you could do a few articles here and there on it, and have sort of an email subscription sign-up thingy for the PDF version?

It might cost you about £30 for the domain and hosting for the year and at least that way you can test if it works cheaply?

Once you have a few advertisers on board after getting local churches/community centers to promote you you will then be able to afford the leaflet drop

But without the leaflet drop how will people in the OP's local area get to know about the website?

Kayalana99

Any luck Sir Paul? :-)

Edit - I just noticed you hadn't been online in 15 days given your over excitment before I wonder if you have gone 'down' again.

Just remember these things take time - don't expect to be a hit over night.

Keep building your content ...content content content...build and they will come as people say and don't give up just because of a few set backs.

Zooca

I think that Brockley Central and it's associated forums might be worth looking at. I think some of the things it does are really relevant to what you're trying to create, it's well used, reliable.

I think it's a great example of community news, information sharing/chat, practical functions - buying and selling, room renting, lost items, advertising local things, events, occasional special discounts for readers. All sorts.

ms_night_ryder

Paul how are you getting on with this?

Kayalana99

He's not been online since 22nd of Feb, I am doubting we will hear from him again...

mimilovell

What are you planning to do? And you can ask friends and family for a loan. You cn start a busines without much money, and just build on what you make?