Photographer, designer, writer, and publicist. Do we really have to be all these things to be a successful journalist today? I would have to say “yes.”
After completing Exodus magazine this semester, I have learned that it is incredibly important to be well-versed in all of these areas. Before we could start designing, writing or taking pictures, we had to sell ads. Bottom line is this: you don’t sell ads, you can’t publish a magazine. So first you have to be a business person, ready to go out and sell your product before it’s even created. Then when your ads are sold you have to start the writing and photographing process. Once that’s done, you have to start designing and possibly re-write or re-photograph. And then, once your amazing creation goes to print, you have to figure out how you’re going to get your publication into the hands of your target audience. See, you really do have to be all of these things.
But what about this last position, publicist. How do you successfully promote your magazine? Here’s what our launch party coordinators say on the subject:
As a team, we came up with 5 easy steps on how to accomplish this:
1) Delegate tasks. There are a lot of things you need to do so make sure you give specific jobs to your teammates. Put someone in charge of food, decorations, getting the magazine to the event, and even clean-up.
2) Set up in a “traffic” area. You want to be in a place where everyone can see you and where a lot of people pass by. Play music so they are attracted to your table
3) Eye time. Promote your event through posters, Facebook events, campus-wide or business-wide emails, and announcements.
4) Have FREE things. Advertise that you will have free food (like pizza, donuts, coffee or catered food) and possibly pass out teachers.
5) Online presence. Make sure your advertise your magazine’s website. This way people have two ways to view your publication. They also will remember to check out the website
