Your Web Site: What Print Publishers Should Know

Many publishers know that they want a web site. They know that it's a way to stay on the "cutting-edge" of technology, a way to boost revenue, to increase Magazine sales and another portal in which to advertise. However the question still remains what a web page should be, and what it should include. Your web site should be an extension of the print publication, and retain the same look and feel that your print publication has. It should be informative, but at the same time fun, as well as easy to use. A web site should also be thought of by the publisher as an advertisement, making people want to buy the magazine. Your website can have just about anything one would want, but these are just a few basic ideas.

First as we said before, a publisher's web page should be an extension of the print publication. The logo should be out on the site as well as the same colors and feel as the print publication. If the look and feel is similar to that of the print publication then customers feel more comfortable with the web site and will use it more. Also, by retaining the same look and feel of your publication you are advertising a site that is familiar to publishers and will be remembered. A web site should not only be looked at as an extension for the reader but an advertiser as well. If your site has articles that interest people and they like the look and feel of it, they will buy your publication, which in fact increases your revenue.

Second, another way to increase your revenue is to put ads on your web page. In the past few year's advertisers have found the web to be a very effective way to promote and broadcast products. An example of this is selling space for banner ads on your web site and being able to increase your revenue even more. With the popularity of ASP (Application Service Providers) on the rise, publishers can now rent software to have advertisers post their ads online on your website OR even collect PRINT ads too. The Advertisers can even pay online with secure credit card authorization. Just think, no more hand keying credit card numbers. Some publishers are posting classifieds on the web using browser based software that allows advertisers to enter ads online as an extension of the web site. AdZeus Classified is an application over the Internet, which rents software with all of these functions. No matter what combination of ads you use, a web site can still bring in more revenue from advertisements.

Third, there is the question of content. Publishers want all of the above but don't know what content to put on the site. Your website can feature articles from the publication, and some which are especially written for the web. A publisher can post back issues, links to other sites, information about the publication, and talk about people who work for the publication. "Goodies" on the site such as games and downloads can make the web page fun. There could be a download section with pictures or desktop wallpapers for window users.

To make your site easy to use, "frames" can be put on the page, which allows a side navigation bar to make browsing your page easy. In the end, the content you put on will determine whom, and how many people visit your web site.

A website for the publisher can have so many possibilities, because each publication is different. The above are some good examples on how to start, but it is your publication, which will determine the final outcome. For example, a computer gaming magazine would probably feature a lot of hints and cheat codes as the content for their site. A local newspaper may focus on classified ads as well as up to date news. The possibilities are endless, and the World Wide Web, as well as your readers are waiting for your place on the internet.

For a no-obligation consultation, call ZeusLogic, Inc. at 1-800-546-7227.

OTHER ARTICLES FOR THE PUBLISHING INDUSTRY
Below are articles to help you and your publishing company to succeed. Have a topic that you would like to see an article on? Email us!

• Creating or Increasing Print Ad Revenue from Your Website
• Integrating Your Web Site into Your Business Plan
• Moneymaking Ideas, The Internet, and You: the Publisher
• Promoting Your Classified Ads: Use the Internet
• Status and Image: A print publisher with a website
• Web and Print Advertising: Why not use both?
• Your Web Site: What Print Publishers Should Know
• Email Renewal Reminders: A New Frontier for Pick-Up & Recurring Revenue