2021 Print + Digital Media Kit
Blue Ridge Outdoors is the voice of the mountains, dedicated to covering outdoor recreation and culture in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Distributed 11 times a year from Pennsylvania through Georgia, our publication fosters a loyal readership that trusts the magazine as an authoritative guide to adventure pursuits, scenic destinations, the latest gear trends, and outdoor news, events, and personalities within our footprint. First published more than two and a half decades ago, Blue Ridge Outdoors continues to encourage readers to explore the undiscovered through authentic storytelling and reporting that both informs and inspires. -Jedd Ferris, Editor-
Blue Ridge Outdoors is a proud member of the Outdoor Adventure Media (OAM) network of regional outdoor sports and adventure travel magazines—collectively reaching over a million active monthly readers across the country. OAM offers marketing professionals the flexibility to develop customized marketing plans to support specific regional markets. Learn more at: O U T D O O R A DV E N T U R E M E D I A . C O M
The largest free outdoor lifestyle magazine in the country!
Our Audience DEMOGRAPHICS
500,000+ READERS PER MONTH
54% MALE / 46% FEMALE
W H AT O U R A DV E R T I S E R S S AY
“FloydFest is all about outdoor adventure and celebrating the Blue Ridge Mountains that we call home, thus we wouldn’t be where we are without the support and partnership of the definitive outdoor-guide juggernaut, Blue Ridge Outdoors. The exposure, support, and customer service that Blue Ridge Outdoors provides to our company, festival, and mission checks all of the boxes that we look for in a regional partnership. With more than two decades under its belt, Blue Ridge Outdoors shows no signs of slowing down, energizing a growth and interest in regional outdoor adventure, and serving as torchbearers of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic’s outdoor culture.”
AGES 25-54 / MEDIAN AGE 38 64% MARRIED 52% PARENTS T R AV E L E R S AVERAGE 4.5 ADVENTURE TRIPS PER YEAR 85% USE BRO TO PLAN TRAVEL 90% PLAN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES WHILE TRAVELING 81% TRAVEL 4+ HOURS TO
Sam Calhoun, COO,Across-the-Way Productions, Inc./FloydFest
DESTINATIONS 65% STAY IN HOTELS / B&BS
“Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge has developed a great partnership with Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine. As a premier mountain vacation destination, we know that Blue Ridge Outdoors is a great brandbuilding vehicle. It offers superior value and great access to outdoor enthusiasts. We would thoroughly recommend Blue Ridge Outdoors as a channel to get your message out there!”
80% TRAVEL WITH SPOUSE OR PARTNER 43% TRAVEL WITH CHILDREN 90% REGULARLY TAKE WEEKEND GETAWAYS 55% PLAN WEEK LONG
Debora Wright, Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge
(OR LONGER) TRIPS 75% OF OUR READERS DESCRIBE THEMSELVES AS "WEEKEND EXPLORERS" LIFESTYLE
COVER PHOTO BY KYLE LAFERRIERE
97% ATTEND OUTDOOR FESTIVALS 72% OWN PETS 58% USE BRO TO BUY OUTDOOR GEAR E D U C AT I O N + E M P LOY M E N T 9 5 % C O L L E G E E D U C AT E D 6 4 % H O M E OW N E R S AV E R AG E H O U S E H O L D INCOME: $96,000
W H AT O U R R E A D E R S S AY
Blue Ridge Outdoors Readers Are Active and Outdoorsy 53% Like to Fish
76% Go Camping
67% Enjoy a Drink
by the Fire
51% Compete in Races
91% Take Regular
61% Ride Bikes
Hikes with Friends
52% Participate in
Snowsports
61% Enjoy Running
57% Go Paddling 90% Spend Over
$100 a Year on Outdoor Gear
“Blue Ridge Outdoors is still an awesome resource even after so many years of publication. While other national magazines have shifted more toward advertising the "latest and greatest," BRO has consistently stayed relevant to the Mid-Atlantic adventuring spirit. Kudos for your hard work and dedication to such a quality publication.” “Every time I read your magazine it rekindles a passion for the outdoors and makes me want to take a trip or go on an adventure. The passion of your writers is evident in every issue!”
COVER CONTEST
(Left, photo by Jared Kreiss, winer of our our 2020 Cover Photo Contest. 2021 Contest coming this summer!)
Circulation 105,000 TOTAL CIRCULATION PER ISSUE — THE LARGEST OUTOOR LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE IN THE COUNTRY!
Readership: 341,250
Average 3.25 readers per issue.
METRO DC, MARYLAND, PENNSYLVANIA REGION
Geotargeting 1 5 , 0 0 0 C I R C U L AT I O N P E R REGIONAL EDITION
Target our full circulation, or your choice of focused regional editions, featured on 8 unique pages in each issue.
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA, EASTERN TENNESSEE, UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA REGION
DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS
Outdoor Specialty Retailers 20% Visitor / Community Centers 19% Restaurants, Breweries, and Cafes 18% Health Clubs and Gyms 18% Grocery, Health Food, and Organic Markets 15% University Campuses 6% Orthopedic and Sports Medical Clinics 2% Races and Events 2%
LO U I S V I L L E L E X I N G TO N
B A LT I M O R E
M O R G A N TO W N
C H A R L E S TO N
FAY E T T E V I L L E
C H A R LOT T E S V I L L E RICHMOND
R OA N O K E
B R I S TO L
NASHVILLE
ASHEVILLE
HUNTSVILLE
C H A R LOT T E W I L M I N G TO N
GREENVILLE AT H E N S
BIRMINGHAM
AT L A N TA AU G U S TA
V I R G I N I A B E AC H
GREENSBORO RALEIGH
K N OX V I L L E
C H AT TA N O O G A
C O LU M B I A C H A R L E S TO N
RICHMOND, TIDEWATER VIRGINIA REGION PIEDMONT, CENTRAL + EASTERN CAROLINAS REGION
Subscriptions 2%
Market Concentration Circulation is concentrated in the population centers of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. Distribution points are selected to ensure availability in locations rich with active adults ages 25 to 54.
CUMBERLAND
WA S H I N G TO N , D C
In All the Right Places BRO is distributed free of charge in over 1,700 locations that are hand-picked to maximize exposure to active, affluent adults. Our distribution manager coordinates the logistics of magazine delivery, and stops are audited monthly to ensure accuracy.
PITTSBURGH
WESTERN VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, KENTUCKY REGION
*Geotargeting Regional Editions Available: GEORGIA, ALABAMA, CHATTANOOGA REGION
Metro DC / MD / PA Richmond / Tidewater VA Central VA Western VA / WV / KY Western NC / Eastern TN / Upstate SC Piedmont / Central + Eastern Carolinas Georgia / Alabama / Chattanooga
Print Ad Rates, Deadlines, and Specifications Full Circulation
Geotarget Regional Editions
P R E M I U M P L AC E M E N T S ( P E R I S S U E ) B AC K C OV E R
$ 9, 9 0 0
I N S I D E F R O N T C OV E R
$ 9, 2 5 0
P G 3 / I N S I D E B AC K C O V E R
$8,900
CENTER SPREAD
$15,850
PRICES ARE PER ISSUE, PER REGIONAL EDITION. 10% DISCOUNT FOR A DV E R T I S I N G I N M O R E T H A N O N E R E G I O N A L E D I T I O N P E R M O N T H .
+ ASK YOUR AD REP F O R F R E Q U E N CY DISCOUNTS ON PREMIUM P L AC E M E N T S
4 Z O N E PAC K AG E ( P E R I S S U E )
OPEN 3X
6X
11X*
FULL
$ 4 ,7 5 0
$4,600
$4,475
$4,250
1/2
$2,925
$ 2 ,7 5 0
$2,675
$2,550
1/4
$ 1 ,7 5 0
$1,650
$1,595
$1,450
S TA N DA R D P L AC E M E N T S
OPEN 3X
2 - PAG E S P R E A D
$14,400 $13,900 $13,500 $12,950
PER ZONE (PER ISSUE)
OPEN 3X
6X
11X*
JUNIOR SPREAD
$ 8 , 8 0 0 $ 8 , 5 5 0 $ 8 , 2 5 0 $ 7, 9 5 0
FULL
$1,650
$1,600
$1,550
$1,495
FULL
$8,000
$ 7, 8 0 0
$ 7, 5 0 0
$ 7, 2 0 0
1/2
$975
$925
$850
$795
1/2
$4,800 $4,650
$4,500
$4,300
1/4
$595
$575
$550
$495
1/4
$2,900
$ 2 ,7 0 0
$2,600
$2,800
6X
11X*
* I N C LU D E S O N E D O U B L E I S S U E
2021 Ad Deadlines FEBRUARY 2021 SPACE RESERVATION: 1/7/21 ADS DUE: 1/8/21 STREET: 2/5/21
APRIL 2021 SPACE RESERVATION: 3/1/21 ADS DUE: 3/3/21 STREET: 4/2/21
JUNE 2021 SPACE RESERVATION: 5/3/21 ADS DUE: 5/5/21 STREET: 6/4/21
AUGUST 2021 SPACE RESERVATION: 7/12/21 ADS DUE: 7/14/21 STREET: 8/12/21
OCTOBER 2021 SPACE RESERVATION: 9/13/21 ADS DUE: 9/15/21 STREET: 10/14/21
MARCH 2021 SPACE RESERVATION: 2/1/21 ADS DUE: 2/3/21 STREET: 3/5/21
MAY 2021 SPACE RESERVATION: 4/5/21 ADS DUE: 4/7/21 STREET: 5/7/21
JULY 2021 SPACE RESERVATION: 6/2/21 ADS DUE: 6/4/21 STREET: 7/2/21
SEPTEMBER 2021 SPACE RESERVATION: 8/16/21 ADS DUE: 8/18/21 STREET: 9/16/21
NOVEMBER 2021 SPACE RESERVATION: 10/11/21 ADS DUE: 10/13/21 STREET: 11/11/21
DECEMBER 2021/ JANUARY 2022 SPACE RESERVATION: 11/15/21 ADS DUE: 11/17/21 STREET: 12/2/21
Ad Specs 1/4
1/4 2 - PAG E S P R E A D
FULL
1/2 JUNIOR SPREAD
2 - PAG E S P R E A D : TRIM SIZE: 20” W X 11” H B L E E D : 2 0. 3 7 5 ” W X 1 1 . 3 7 5 ” H L I V E A R E A : 1 9. 2 ” W X 1 0. 2 ” H
FULL: TRIM SIZE: 10” W X 11” H B L E E D : 1 0. 3 7 5 ” W X 1 1 . 3 7 5 ” H L I V E A R E A : 9. 2 ” W X 1 0. 2 ” H
JUNIOR SPREAD: TRIM: 20” W X 5.375” H B L E E D : 2 0. 3 7 5 ” W X 5 . 5 6 2 5 ” H L I V E A R E A : 1 9. 2 ” W X 4 . 9 7 5 ” H
1/2 H A L F H O R I Z O N TA L : 9. 2 ” W X 4 . 9 7 5 ” H
HALF VERTICAL: 4 . 5 3 7 5 ” W X 1 0. 2 ” H Q UA R T E R H O R I Z O N TA L : 4.5375” W X 4.975” H
Digital Advertising
BlueRidgeOutdoors.com
Our site is the go-to platform for the engaged outdoor enthusiast and adventure traveler. Updated daily with fresh, original, and timely content spanning the region, it serves as the ultimate resource for those seeking to immerse themselves in inspirational and informative content and beautiful imagery. By engaging our readers across multiple touchpoints and digital platforms, we consistently attract readers to our digital properties as their #1 trusted outdoor resource. Our site is fully responsive across tablet and mobile media.
Exclusive Sponsorships These annual flagship contests are extremely popular with our readers and deliver high traffic and page views, resulting in concentrated focus on your brand as our exclusive partner. Top Adventure Schools Top Adventure Towns Best of the Blue Ridge Cover Photo Contest
Traffic / Social Followers T R A F F I C Source: Google Analytics, Jan 2020 - November 2020 AV E R AG E U N I Q U E V I S I TO R S / M O N T H : 1 1 4 K AV E R AG E PAG E V I E W S / M O N T H : 2 2 5 K S O C I A L F O L LOW E R S as of November 2020 TOTA L F O L LOW E R S : 1 5 9 K+ FAC E B O O K
/ B LU E R I D G E O U T D O O R S
5 9 K+
I N S TAG R A M
/ B LU E R I D G E O U T D O O R S
6 7 K+
/BROPINTEREST
2 4 K+
/ G O O U TA N D P L AY
7 K+
HIGHEST TRAFFIC
North Carolina | Tennessee | Virginia | Georgia South Carolina | Florida | California | Pennsylvania District of Columbia | New York | West Virginia
Digital Rates, Specifications, and Custom Content Digital Display Ads S TA N DA R D L E A D E R B OA R D 728x90*
Email Newsletters SUPER L E A D E R B OA R D 970x90*
*All leaderboard placements require additional mobile-friendly version (320x50)
WIDE S KYS C R A P E R 300x600
A bi-weekly e-newsletter sent to 45,000+ subscribers showcasing original BRO content, weekend adventures, events, online contests and promos, and advertising and current news.
MEDIUM R E C TA N G L E 300x250
E-NEWSLETTER LARGE R E C TA N G L E 600x350
D I G I TA L F L I G H T S
Contact your account rep for a custom digital flight that is perfect for your marketing objectives and your budget.
E-NEWSLETTER ADS $ 3 0 0 E AC H O R $ 4 5 0 / W E E K F O R B OT H E - N E W S L E T T E R S I F R U N N I N G IN THE SAME WEEK
YO U R C H O I C E O F D I G I TA L D I S P L AY A D : $ 4 9 5 / M O N T H
Sponsored Content + Boosted Facebook Share C U S TO M A DV E R TO R I A L P O S T S W I T H P H OTO S + V I D E O
Homepage feature and run-of-site sidebar for one week. Tell your story on our trusted platform with native content that engages our readers while providing them with valuable information about your brand. 700-900 WORD A DV E R TO R I A L + 9 P H OTO S + C L I C K-T H R U LO G O + VIDEO
Custom E-Blasts Tailor-made for your content. C O N TAC T YO U R R E P F O R D E TA I L S $ 9 9 5 / E AC H
Instagram Story Feature Take advantage of the organic reach and engagement of Blue Ridge Outdoors' Instagram story content. Campaign includes (3) tiles, each averaging 1,000 impressions. 1 0 8 0 x 1 9 2 0 + LO G O + T E X T + TAG S / L I N K S $ 5 0 0 / S TO R Y F E AT U R E
SPONSORED CONTENT + FB SHARE: $895 / WEEK SPONSORED CONTENT O N LY: $ 6 9 5 / W E E K
Digital Content Marketing Package Take your brand’s story to the next level by engaging with our loyal digital audience. The package integrates display, social, and native advertising. You can showcase your message and tell your story to readers who turn to us daily online for their dose of inspiration and information on all things related to travel, gear, recreation, and the active outdoor lifestyle. Package includes: — — — —
CHOICE OF WEB AD S P O N S O R E D P O S T + B O O S T E D FAC E B O O K S H A R E ( 2 ) I N S TAG R A M S TO R Y T I L E C A M PA I G N S (1) E-NEWSLETTER AD Ask your sales rep about the Gear of t h e We e k c o n t e n t m a r k e t i n g p a c k a g e ! $ 1 , 9 9 5 / PAC K AG E
2021 Editorial Calendar + Special Advertising Offers February
May
August
November
BEST OF THE BLUE RIDGE AWARDS: Blue Ridge Outdoors readers select the top destinations, businesses, and adventurers in the region.
BLUE RIDGE MUSIC ISSUE: A look at festivals returning and the thriving sounds of the mountains.
PARKS: Exploring the best of public lands in the Southeast and MidAtlantic.
TOP ADVENTURE TOWNS: Our readers name the best outdoor hubs in the region.
CAMPING GUIDE: Top spots to pitch a tent in the South.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION: Top schools to learn skills to thrive in the wild.
+ Special Offer for Festivals & Venues + “Camp the Southeast” Advertorial Guide
+ Fall Race and Event Guide + Parks and Non-Profit Special Rates + “Back to School” Special Rates for Schools
CRAFT BEVERAGES: Exploring the region’s range of handmade spirits— beer, cider, wine, and more.
RACE AHEAD: As races return, we look at some of our favorite rides and runs. + Best of the Blue Ridge Nominee & Winner Rates + 2021 Race and Event Guide + Winter Warm Up Special SPACE RESERVE: 1/7/21 ADS DUE: 1/8/21
March FLY-FISHING ISSUE: Experienced anglers reveal their favorite casting spots in the waters of the Blue Ridge. UNIQUE LODGES: Mountain escapes featuring adventures and amenities. +“Fish the Southeast” Advertorial Guide + “Cabin Fever” Real Estate and Lodging Special SPACE RESERVE: 2/1/21 ADS DUE: 2/3/21
April
SPACE RESERVE: 3/29/21 ADS DUE: 3/31/21
June PADDLING ISSUE: We explore the best in Southern boating, from the mountains to the sea; plus gear to get you on the water.
SPACE RESERVE: 7/12/21 ADS DUE: 7/14/21
September BIKING ISSUE: Best spots to spin your wheels on road and trail; plus expert-approved biking essentials.
SWIMMING HOLES: As summer heats up we reveal the best backcountry spots to take a dip.
COLORFUL GETAWAYS: The most vibrant autumn retreats in the region.
+ “Paddle the Southeast” Advertorial Guide + “Cabin Fever” Real Estate and Lodging Special
+ “Bike the Southeast” Advertorial Guide + “Cabin Fever” Real Estate and Lodging Special
SPACE RESERVE: 4/26/21 ADS DUE: 4/28/21
SPACE RESERVE: 8/16/21 ADS DUE: 8/18/21
July
October HIKING ISSUE: Lace up your boots and join us on the trails of the Blue Ridge; plus our favorite packs and trail shoes.
OUTDOOR FAMILY ISSUE: Adventure itineraries for all ages, including the best trails and gear for kids.
ROAD TRIPS: We’re packed and ready to detail miles of highwayheavy adventures across the Blue Ridge.
SPRING BACKPACKING: Hit the trails of the Blue Ridge during the season of bloom.
COASTAL ADVENTURES: Beach and coastal town recreation in the South.
FALL FISHING: Top cold-season casting spots from around the region.
+ “Go Outside and Play Guide” 24- and 48-Hour Adventure Itineraries + Special Rates for Schools and Programs for Outdoor Kids
+“Destination Adventure” Road Trips Guide
+ “Hike the Southeast” Advertorial Guide
SPACE RESERVE: 6/2/21 ADS DUE: 6/4/21
SPACE RESERVE: 9/13/21 ADS DUE: 9/15/21
SPACE RESERVE: 3/1/21 ADS DUE: 3/3/21
+ “Go Outside and Play Guide” 24- and 48-Hour Adventure Itineraries + Winter Warm Up Special SPACE RESERVE: 10/11/21 ADS DUE: 10/13/21
December/January ('21-'22) WINTER ADVENTURES: From the slopes to the trails, we’ll cover the best places to play in the mountains this winter. GEAR FOR THE NEW YEAR: Our favorite fresh products to start a new year in the mountains. + “Winter Adventures in the Southeast” Advertorial Guide + Winter Ski Resort Digital Guide and Special Rates + “Cabin Fever” Real Estate and Lodging Special + Winter Warm Up Special SPACE RESERVE: 11/15/21 ADS DUE: 11/17/21
+: Special Advertising Opportunity