Webzines can be a great way to promote your business, but you have to do them right. Here are some tips for how to publish a successful 'zine:
1. Focus on the content. It's great to have cool graphics, but it's more important to have information that's useful and interesting. Concentrate on providing tips, news and articles to draw the audience you want (Hint: think about what you enjoy reading, and develop that type of material). And make sure you add new information regularly. Sites that stay the same week after week don't encourage people to keep coming back.
2. Know the dos and don'ts. Just because an article, graphic or photo is on the Web doesn't mean it's free for you to copy and use. Copyright laws protect original material, whether it's in a book, on TV or on the Internet -- and violations can land you in federal court. If you find material you'd like to use, get the creator's permission first ... and credit him or her when you use it. News or wire services are great sources of copy, but they will cost you. If you can't pay for information, be prepared to write it yourself.
3. Be easy to reach. You want people to e-mail you, call you, fax you or write you for more information, a catalog or a product or service. So include an e-mail link on every page. And always provide contact information -- company name, address, phone number and contact person. Visitors want to know you exist outside of cyberspace.
4. Ask for the sale. A great webzine alone won't make you money. You need to encourage your readers to support your webzine by buying from you ... and make it easy to buy with a secure shopping cart and other ordering methods: phone, fax and mail. Remember, not everyone is comfortable yet buying online. Don't turn your webzine into a giant billboard but be sure to include a simple ad, new product update or link to your catalog from every page. Offer special discounts or freebies to entice your visitors to make purchases.
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