Print vs Online Magazines A Useful Comparison Between the Two Media Platforms An online magazine becomes a different product altogether from a printed magazine and different approaches and strategies must be considered.
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
Whilst it is more expensive to produce, 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. The online format is more convenient and cost-saving for readers. •
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
It’s cheaper to produce but there is no cover price so it relies on ad sales but these, at the moment, are also less than for print versions. In print vs online magazines, both platforms are complementary to one another since each has different functions and purposes. However, technology is constantly changing so publishers will need to keep up-to-date and modify old strategies and tactics.