An online magazine can be a great business all by itself, or it can be a solid way to promote your related business ideas, services and products. Most online magazines are free; you make your money through advertising and affiliate programs, or through the business generated by your magazine.
Instructions
1. Decide on the basics: title, topics and approximate length. Brainstorm ideas for as many articles, tips, features and columns as you can, and pick out the ones that sound fresh and interesting--the ones you would want to read in someone else's online magazine. Get set on your title and tagline, and decide how many pieces you want to have in each "issue" of your magazine.
2. Decide on the type of online presentation you want to have. Many online magazines are in simple website format. They have a large site with different pages for each section of the magazine, and each section's articles are posted on the appropriate page. Slate magazine is a good example of this (see resource below). Alternately, the new "flip technology" allows online readers to get more of the magazine-feel when reading your publication. See the resource box below for examples of magazines using the flip viewing option.
3. Set up your website to fit your desired presentation choice. The simple format is, of course, the easiest. You can use a free blog site such as Wordpress.com while you're getting started and avoid any cost. You would just use the Page option to create static pages for each section or column of your magazine, and post your articles in corresponding categories. If you want something more complex, you'll need to have your own website server space, and you'll need to purchase the software to create the "flip" type magazine layout.
4. Get your first issue's contents going by deciding on the particular topics and pieces. Will you have one feature-length story, several shorter articles, a few columns and some tips? Or will you have several longer pieces? Will each issue have a theme, or will you let it be a conglomeration of ideas that fit within your magazine's designated sections?
5. Decide on a time line for your magazine. Will you produce monthly, weekly, quarterly? Will you produce all the material for each issue all at once, or will you spread out each issue's content over the space of a week or month? You have more options with online magazines than you do with print. There are benefits (and drawbacks) to both methods.
6. Once you have an idea of the content, start writing or find someone to write for you. There are many places online to find freelance writers. Give clear instructions about the type of article you want, how long it should be, what kind of research it should include, when you need it and how much you will pay. Then follow up. If you're pleased with the work of a particular freelance writer, try to establish an ongoing work relationship so you don't have to shop for new writers every time you produce an issue.
7. Get the content into your online presentation format. If you're using something simple, it's merely a matter of putting the text and any corresponding graphics into your site editor and publishing. Be sure that any graphics you use are your own (original), or that you have specific permission to use them, or that they are designated under Creative Commons Commercial copyright.
8. Finally, check and recheck before you publish! Edit the text, make sure the links are correct and active, and check that the graphics are an appropriate size. Add some quick tips or other fillers. Give author and image credits where appropriate. Then get out there and start promoting!
Tags: your magazine, each issue, each section, online magazines, into your, issue content, online magazine