Publisher Checklist

Do you have an idea for a free magazine?
· Have you identified a need for this type free magazine?
· Who will use it?
· Who will advertise in it?
· Are similar free magazines currently available?
· Where can the user pick up a copy?

Do your homework…
· Study other free magazines, not just those in your category.
· Talk to and listen to other publishers.
· Talk to and listen to potential advertisers.
· Gauge the interest and response to this type free magazine.
· Can you "build a better mousetrap" with your idea?

Visit with the consultants at Dominion Distribution to avoid common mistakes and unnecessary expense…
· How often do you plan to publish? Weekly? Monthly?
· What format and finished size free magazine will best serve your advertisers?
· Is the binding/folding of a free magazine an important consideration?
· Can color in your free magazine improve the response for your advertisers?
· Does the weight and quality of paper you choose affect the results of your advertisers?
· How many copies should you print to consistently produce results for your advertisers?

Dominion Distribution will answer these and many other questions, and Dominion Distribution can also refer you to qualified commercial printers who are familiar with the free publications business in your market!

· Which free publications are your primary competitors for advertising dollars?
· Where are they currently being distributed?
· How do you plan to differentiate your free publication distribution from that of your competitors?
· Are marketing reports and distribution maps available?
· Can a professional distribution strategy impact advertising sales?

Dominion Distribution will answer these and many other questions, and Dominion Distribution can also design an effective and affordable distribution strategy to help your free publication consistently exceed the expectations of your advertisers. Dominion Distribution will consider geographic areas, market demographics, and a broad portfolio of available retail and public locations to determine the right distribution solution for your free publication!

Prepare a formatted layout of your free publication…
· A finished layout will help communicate your idea as you begin selling ads.
· A finished layout will be necessary as you work to develop a distribution strategy.

Create a budget…
· Establish the value for a page of advertising in this type free publication.
· Project your revenue from the value of a page of advertising times the number of pages you anticipate you can sell.
· Determine your investment in distribution and the cost to print your free publication.
· Project your expenses.

You are now ready to begin selling ads…
· Again, which free publications are your primary competitors for advertising dollars?
· Who is actively buying advertising space in those free publications?
· Of those businesses actively buying advertising space, who are their primary competitors?
· How do you plan to differentiate your free publication from your competition? Design? Quality? Distribution?

Congratulations!

You have just created a great looking free publication filled with anxious and excited advertisers!
· Contact Dominion Distribution to finalize distribution locations and delivery schedule.
· Deliver the production proofs for your free publication to your printer.
· When the printer has finished, deliver your free publication to Dominion Distribution.
· Call your advertisers!