How to Market Your Magazine Without Spending a Dime

Magazines rarely make a profit on subscriptions; it’s the advertisements that really pay the bills. However, while your publication cannot grow without constantly being in the public eye, publicity can be expensive. Follow these five steps to market your magazine for free.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Send out regular press releases. Whether you have just brought on a new employee, a new advertiser or a new column, mail and fax press releases to news outlets every time you have an announcement. They may not find your notices newsworthy, but if you catch them on a slow day you may get a plug on television, radio or in print.
2. Hold a contest. Ask an advertiser to donate their products or services for a give-away and have your readers submit their contact information for a drawing. If the prize is large enough, or the community gets excited, area news outlets may be willing to cover the story.
3. Suggest a trade. See if the development manager at the radio and television stations in your community would be willing to cross-promote your services. They may offer you free airtime in exchange for your giving them free advertisements in your magazine.
4. Partner with non-profit organizations. Small staffs are always in need of volunteers, especially when they are hosting a special event. You may be able to get listed as an official sponsor of an organization or event in exchange for your time and talents.
5. Publish a house ad. If you have empty space to fill in an upcoming issue, create an in-house ad to promote yourself, encourage readers to consider advertising or preview the features coming up in the next issue.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your friends to pass out free copies of your magazine at work, church or other events.
• When asking a news outlet to do an article on your publication, come up with a special angle to make it appealing. Don't just suggest a general feature on the publication; it will come across as asking for free advertising.

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