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Magazine Business Plan

Running a magazine business enables you to share your thoughts with a larger audience that shares your interests in a particular topic. Also, it keeps you in the company of creative people.

Do you want everything perfect for your magazine business, then why not write a business plan first?

Need help writing a business plan for your magazine business? You’re at the right place. Our magazine business plan template will help you get started.

Free Business Plan Template

Download our free magazine business plan template now and pave the way to success. Let’s turn your vision into an actionable strategy!

• Fill in the blanks – Outline
• Financial Tables

How to Write A Magazine Business Plan?

Writing a magazine business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the entire business plan is ready and summarizes each section of your plan.

Here are a few key components to include in your executive summary:

• Introduce your Business: Start your executive summary by briefly introducing your business to your readers.This section may include the name of your magazine business, its location, when it was founded, the type of magazine business (E.g., trade magazine business plan, local magazine, lifestyle magazine), etc.
• Market Opportunity: Summarize your market research, including market size, growth potential, and marketing trends. Highlight the opportunities in the market and how your business will fit in to fill the gap.
• Products and Services: Highlight the magazine services you offer your clients. The USPs and differentiators you offer are always a plus.For instance, you may include print magazines or digital magazines as products and mention the exclusive content of the magazine as your USP.
• Marketing & Sales Strategies: Outline your sales and marketing strategies—what marketing platforms you use, how you plan on acquiring customers, etc.
• Financial Highlights: Briefly summarize your financial projections for the initial years of business operations. Include any capital or investment requirements, associated startup costs, projected revenues, and profit forecasts.
• Call to Action: Summarize your executive summary section with a clear CTA, for example, inviting angel investors to discuss the potential business investment.

Ensure your executive summary is clear, concise, easy to understand, and jargon-free.

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2. Business Overview

The business overview section of your business plan offers detailed information about your company. The details you add will depend on how important they are to your business. Yet, business name, location, business history, and future goals are some of the foundational elements you must consider adding to this section:

• Online magazine business
• Print magazine business
• Lifestyle magazine business
• Fashion magazine business
• Business and Finance magazine
• Travel magazine business
• Sports magazine business
• Health and wellness magazine business
• Technology magazine business
• Describe the legal structure of your magazine business, whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or others.Explain where your business is located and why you selected the place.
• Owners: List the names of your magazine business’s founders or owners. Describe what shares they own and their responsibilities for efficiently managing the business.
• Mission Statement: Summarize your business’ objective, core principles, and values in your mission statement. This statement needs to be memorable, clear, and brief.
• Business History: If you’re an established magazine service provider, briefly describe your business history, like—when it was founded, how it evolved over time, etc.Additionally, If you have received any awards or recognition for excellent work, describe them.
• Future Goals: It’s crucial to convey your aspirations and vision. Mention your short-term and long-term goals; they can be specific targets for revenue, market share, or expanding your services.

This section should provide a thorough understanding of your business, its history, and its future plans. Keep this section engaging, precise, and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis section of your business plan should offer a thorough understanding of the industry with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. You should include the following components in this section.

• Competitive Analysis: Identify and analyze your direct and indirect competitors. Identify their strengths and weaknesses, and describe what differentiates your magazine from them. Point out how you have a competitive edge in the market.

Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your magazine business plan:

• Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data.
• Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible.
• Illustrate your points with charts and graphs.
• Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

• Opinion pieces
• Other formats of content
• Any interactive features: Describe any multimedia components or interactive features your magazine includes, such as interactive infographics, quizzes, audio content, or videos. Describe how these aspects make reading more enjoyable and create an immersive & engaging experience.
• Frequency & distribution: Indicate the publication schedule (monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, etc.) and describe the distribution strategy for your magazine. Talk about the various print and digital distribution methods, such as websites, mobile apps, and subscriptions.
• Additional Services: Mention these as part of your product and service offerings if your magazine business offers extra services or products beyond the primary journal, such as events, online forums, webinars, or merchandise. Describe how your audience will benefit from these extra services.

In short, this section of your magazine plan must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

• Marketing Strategies: Discuss your marketing strategies to market your services. You may include some of these marketing strategies in your business plan—social media marketing, Google ads, email marketing, content marketing, etc.
• Sales Strategies: Outline the strategies you’ll implement to maximize your sales. Your sales strategies may include direct sales calls, subscription offers and promotions, affiliate marketing, offering referral programs, etc.
• Customer Retention: Describe your customer retention strategies and how you plan to execute them. For instance, introducing renewal discounts, early subscriptions, personalized service, etc.

Overall, this section of your magazine publisher business plan should focus on customer acquisition and retention.

Have a specific, realistic, and data-driven approach while planning sales and marketing strategies for your magazine business, and be prepared to adapt or make strategic changes in your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan section of your business plan should outline the processes and procedures involved in your business operations, such as staffing requirements and operational processes. Here are a few components to add to your operations plan:

• Staffing & Training: Mention your business’s staffing requirements, including the number of employees or writers & editors needed. Include their qualifications, the training required, and the duties they will perform.
• Operational Process: Outline the processes and procedures you will use to run your magazine business. Your operational processes may include content creation, printing, distribution, marketing & promotion, etc.
• Equipment & Software: Include the list of equipment and software required for the magazine business, such as computers, print production equipment, videography equipment & software, online publishing & digital equipment, etc.Explain how these technologies help you maintain quality standards and improve the efficiency of your business operations.

Adding these components to your operations plan will help you lay out your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your business effectively..

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of your magazine business’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

• Founders/CEO: Mention the founders and CEO of your magazine business, and describe their roles and responsibilities in successfully running the business.
• Key managers: Introduce your management and key members of your team, and explain their roles and responsibilities.It should include, key executives(e.g. COO, CMO.), senior management, and other department managers (e.g. operations manager, managing editor, digital content manager, customer services manager.) involved in the magazine business operations, including their education, professional background, and any relevant experience in the industry.
• Organizational structure: Explain the organizational structure of your management team. Include the reporting line and decision-making hierarchy.
• Compensation Plan: Describe your compensation plan for the management and staff. Include their salaries, incentives, and other benefits.
• Advisors/Consultants: Mentioning advisors or consultants in your business plans adds credibility to your business idea.So, if you have any advisors or consultants, include them with their names and brief information consisting of roles and years of experience.

This section should describe the key personnel for your magazine business, highlighting how you have the perfect team to succeed.

8. Financial Plan

Your financial plan section should provide a summary of your business’s financial projections for the first few years. Here are some key elements to include in your financial plan:

• Profit & loss statement: Describe details such as projected revenue, operational costs, and service costs in your projected profit and loss statement . Make sure to include your business’s expected net profit or loss.
• Cash flow statement: The cash flow for the first few years of your operation should be estimated and described in this section. This may include billing invoices, payment receipts, loan payments, and any other cash flow statements.
• Balance Sheet: Create a projected balance sheet documenting your magazine business’s assets, liabilities, and equity.

Be realistic with your financial projections, and make sure you offer relevant information and evidence to support your estimates.

9. Appendix

The appendix section of your plan should include any additional information supporting your business plan’s main content, such as market research, legal documentation, financial statements, and other relevant information.

• Add a table of contents for the appendix section to help readers easily find specific information or sections.
• In addition to your financial statements, provide additional financial documents like tax returns, a list of assets within the business, credit history, and more. These statements must be the latest and offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations
• Provide data derived from market research, including stats about the industry, user demographics, and industry trends.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Include any additional documentation related to your business plan, such as product brochures, marketing materials, operational procedures, etc.

Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.

Remember, the appendix section of your magazine business plan should only include relevant and important information supporting your plan’s main content.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

This sample magazine business plan will provide an idea for writing a successful magazine plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, download our magazine business plan pdf .

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you need a magazine business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful magazine business. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your magazine business.

How to get funding for your magazine business?

There are several ways to get funding for your magazine business, but self-funding is one of the most efficient and speedy funding options. Other options for funding are:

• Bank loan – You may apply for a loan in government or private banks.
• Small Business Administration (SBA) loan – SBA loans and schemes are available at affordable interest rates, so check the eligibility criteria before applying for it.
• Crowdfunding – The process of supporting a project or business by getting a lot of people to invest in your business, usually online.
• Angel investors – Getting funds from angel investors is one of the most sought startup options.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your magazine business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your magazine business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your magazine business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any magazine business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software .

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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Magazine Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Magazine Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Magazine business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Magazine businesses.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Magazine business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Happy Trails Magazine is a startup magazine company located in New York City, New York. The company is founded by Lawrence MacGuire, who has experience in traveling and offering podcasts from around the world. Now, with the expertise of knowledge and business acumen, he has determined he can confidently start and effectively grow a successful magazine company. He believes his experience of strategic planning, marketing skills, financial capabilities, and wide and deep knowledge of traveling practices will provide everything needed for long-term growth and profitability.

Happy Trails Magazine will provide a comprehensive array of articles of interest for a wide variety of travel-loving customers. The Happy Trails Magazine will be the premiere travel magazine, providing services and products to each customer, while supporting the strategic goals of the company. Happy Trails Magazine will be the ultimate choice in tourist travel for customers to ensure that every need and desire of all travelers is fully and completely met.

Product Offering

The following are the services and products that Happy Trails Magazine will provide:

• Unique and exclusive content creation
• Experienced writers who provide superior journalism and reporting
• Photography from around the world
• Art and illustrations that support the travel articles
• Special offers of travel and related products for publication subscribers
• Online magazine offered in addition to hard copy publication
• Fun quiz and explorer’s facts for readers
• On-time delivery every month

Customer Focus

Adults within the New York City region. Customers who love to travel. Global customers who want to read about travel and enjoy excellent magazine articles. Advertisers who will purchase space and positions in the monthly magazine release. Collaborators who partner with Happy Trails Magazine to effectively market products and services.

Management Team

Happy Trails Magazine is owned and operated by Lawrence MacGuire. He recruited managers from his former place of employment at a nationally-known magazine company, including Derek Flanagan, as his Operations Manager, and Sherry Culver, as the Senior Administrative Manager.

Lawrence MacGuire is a graduate of Cambridge University in the United Kingdom, where he earned a degree in the Art of Hospitality and Travel. He has been employed by a global resort chain with over 500 hotels for the past ten years.

Tracey Newthorn is a graduate of University of Ohio, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in business in the hospitality industry. She has spent the past two summer sessions in international travel and is an accomplished photographer. She will be the Artistic & Photographic Manager of Happy Trails Magazine.

Alex Hawkins, an experienced magazine editor, will be the Executive Manager & Senior Editor of the Happy Trails Magazine. His former position was as the Senior Manager of Horizons Over Hawaii Magazine for over 20 years. His experience with travel and journalism leads to the new position of executive management.

Success Factors

Happy Trails Magazine will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly-qualified team of Happy Trails Magazine
• Comprehensive menu of accurate and complete travel-related stories, as well as multiple photographic demonstrations of places to visit and things to see.
• Additional value added with each subscription via a number of special offers found in Happy Trails Magazine labeled, “For Subscribers Only!”
• Outstanding photography and illustrations that highlight the beauty of world travel
• Happy Trails Magazine offers the best pricing in town. Their pricing structure is the most cost effective compared to the competition.

Financial Highlights

Happy Trails Magazine is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its magazine. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the office space and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the print ads and marketing costs. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Office space build-out: $20,000
• Office equipment, supplies, and materials: $10,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $150,000
• Marketing costs: $10,000
• Working capital: $10,000

The following graph outlines the financial projections for Happy Trails Magazine.

Company Overview

Who is happy trails magazine.

Happy Trails Magazine is a newly established, full-service consumer magazine published in New York City, New York. Happy Trails Magazine will be the most beautiful, consumer-relatable, and cost-effective choice for a global reading and subscribing community. Happy Trails Magazine will provide a comprehensive menu of editorial articles, In-Style pictorials, Go-To suggestions for hotel/travel bargains and special discounts for any reader to enjoy. Their full-service approach includes a comprehensive website with multiple gateways to information and related services.

  Happy Trails Magazine will be the premier travel magazine in the publications industry. Led by the team of experienced professionals, the magazine will entice travelers to explore the world, while advertisers and interested parties will enjoy purchasing ads, placing click through ads and offering specials throughout the hard copy and digital magazine. Happy Trails Magazine removes all headaches and issues of traveling globally and ensures all travel negatives are addressed and diminished, while delivering the best customer service.

Happy Trails Magazine History

Lawrence MacGuire is a graduate of Cambridge University in the United Kingdom, where he earned a degree in the Art of Hospitality and Travel. He has been employed by a global resort chain with over 500 hotels for the past ten years. During his prior employment, he recognized that many of the world’s finest destinations have been passed over in favor of traditional, favored locations. After much research and industry information-gathering, he started the Happy Trails Magazine to appeal to youthful travelers and old alike as they traveled the world.

Since incorporation, Happy Trails Magazine has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered magazine, Happy Trails Magazine, LLC to transact business in the state of New York.
• Has a contract in place for a 10,000 square foot office at one of the midtown buildings
• Reached out to numerous contacts to include Happy Trails as a source for advertising.
• Began recruiting a staff of 3 and 2 office personnel to work at Happy Trails Magazine.

Happy Trails Magazine Services

The following will be the services and products the Happy Trails Magazine will provide:

Industry Analysis

The travel magazine industry is expected to grow over the next five years to over $24684 billion. The growth will be driven by an exponential interest in travel exhibited during the recent pandemic years, as most consumers were sequestered with no ability to travel. The industry is also expected to grow now as people begin to explore once again, looking for places off the beaten path. While travel costs remain high due to shipping and supply line issues and the economy, consumers find delight in exploring travel magazines and the pleasure of escape they offer.

Costs will likely be reduced as the process of production and print continue to fall due to technology advancements. The software that drives the consumer-provider relationships will also change, as most redundant or fairly simple administrative tasks will be given software solutions rather than handed over to a live publication agent.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market, customer segmentation.

Happy Trails Magazine will primarily target those young adults and adults who live within the New York City region. They will also target customers who love to travel, including global customers who want to read about travel and enjoy excellent magazine articles. Advertisers who will purchase space and positions in the monthly magazine release will be welcomed. Collaborators who partner with Happy Trails Magazine to effectively market products and services.

• Young adults through seniors
• Those who love to travel
• Those who want to travel to exotic, almost unknown destinations
• Those who enjoy viewing beautiful photography
• Those who like to read magazine articles about travel
• Advertisers and interested parties who want to sell through or collaborate with Happy Trails Magazine

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Happy Trails Magazine will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Sunset Magazine

Sunset Magazine, started in 1953 by a married couple, Ernest and Columbine Trentom, who were experienced global travelers. They began the magazine in a home office and quickly built their subscriber base to over fifteen million at the height of popularity. In recent years, the popularity of Sunset Magazine has waned, due to the loss of advertisers and poor construction of the magazine during production. The subscriber base has moved to new, more trendy, travel accommodations and travel styles.

Sports Illuminated

Sports Illuminated was founded by Cissy Travers, an ardent sportswoman and enthusiast of global sports events. With distribution to over 10 million readers, Ms Travers maintains complete control of the magazine and related ventures, which include sporting goods sales, sports apparel sales and global sports items.

The magazine was founded in 2001, when Cissy Travers took a medium-grade local magazine in upstate New York, and began to manage the content within. During the following five years, she single handedly engaged sports writers of the highest caliber and photographers who traveled the world on behalf of the magazine to shoot pivotal sporting events. Since that time, the magazine has continued to grow as new sporting events are added globally every year.

Taft & Hanson

Taft & Hanson Magazine was established in 2003 by Rogert Taft and Renee Hanson, a couple who traveled throughout the United States in their luxury recreational vehicle. The magazine is dedicated to the ultra-expensive and luxurious recreational vehicles manufactured and on the roads of America, with each monthly edition highlighting both the features of the vehicles and the features of traveler’s retreats around the nation.

The magazine is published once each quarter and is available by subscription only. Each edition is priced at $125 per copy. Designed to entice readers to purchase new recreational vehicles as they are released from manufacturing, the magazine makes it’s return on investment by selling to manufacturers and consumers alike.

Rogert Taft and Renee Hanson travel extensively throughout the nation, each reporting and writing about various aspects of living the “luxurious recreational vehicle life,” and the accommodations in which they choose to stay, which is used by the magazine publishers as another form of revenue in advertising. The magazine has earned a five-star rating by the Travelers Trailers International and has a following of over 100,000 subscribers.

Competitive Advantage

Happy Trails Magazine will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Happy Trails Magazine will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Highly-qualified team of skilled employees who are able to provide a comprehensive travel experience via the magazine and website.
• Additional value added with each subscription via a number of special offers found in Happy Trails Magazine labeled, “For Subscribers Only!”
• Unbeatable pricing for customers; subscribers are offered the lowest pricing of any travel magazine on the market.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for magazine is as follows:

Word of Mouth/Referrals

Happy Trails Magazine has built up an extensive list of contacts over the years by providing exceptional service and expertise to hospitality and lodging clients. The contacts and clients will follow them to this new company and help spread the word of Happy Trails Magazine.

Professional Associations and Networking

Trade Associations for travel and travel accommodations will be joined and actively pursued by the Happy Trails Magazine staff. Professional Networking in the New York City region will also be conducted to increase visibility and engage additional subscribers and advertisers.

Print Advertising

Limited print advertising will be offered within travel magazines and news periodicals. The bulk of the advertising will be found on the internet within various social network channels.

Website/SEO Marketing

Happy Trails Magazine will fully utilize their website. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all the services and products that the magazine provides. The website will also list their contact information and list their top-rated travel spots and special discounts for subscribers. The website will engage in SEO marketing tactics so that anytime someone types in the Google or Bing search engine “travel magazine” or “travel reading near me,” magazine will be listed at the top of the search results.

The pricing of the magazine will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive excellent value when purchasing their services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for the Happy Trails Magazine. Operation Functions:

• Happy Trails Magazine is owned and operated by Lawrence MacGuire. He recruited managers from his former place of employment at a nationally-known magazine company.
• Lawrence MacGuire is a graduate of Cambridge University in the United Kingdom, where he earned a degree in the Art of Hospitality and Travel. He has been employed by a global resort travel magazine affiliated with over 500 hotels for the past ten years.
• Derek Flanagan will take on the position of Operations Manager, with a professional background of several years in management within the travel magazine world.
• Tracey Newthorn is the Artistic & Photographic Manager of Happy Trails Magazine. She is a graduate of University of Ohio, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in business in the hospitality industry. She has spent the past two summer sessions in international travel and is an accomplished photographer.

Milestones:

Happy Trails Magazine will have the following milestones completed in the next six months.

• 5/1/202X – Finalize contract to lease office space
• 5/15/202X – Finalize personnel and staff employment contracts for the magazine
• 6/1/202X – Finalize contracts for magazine advertisers
• 6/15/202X – Begin networking at industry events
• 6/22/202X – Begin moving into magazine office
• 7/1/202X – magazine opens its doors for business

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Happy Trails Magazine are the fees they will charge to subscribers for their services, in addition to charges they solicit from advertisers who place ads in their publications. .

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff the magazine. The expenses will be the payroll cost, rent, utilities, office supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Happy Trails Magazine is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its travel magazine. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the office space and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the print ads and association memberships. The breakout of the funding is below:

Key Assumptions

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Number of Subscribers Per Month: 750
• Number of Advertising Accounts Per Month: 50
• Average Revenue per Month: $550,000
• Office Lease per Year: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, magazine business plan faqs, what is a magazine business plan.

A magazine business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your magazine business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections. You can easily complete your Magazine business plan using our Magazine Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Magazine Businesses?

There are a number of different kinds of magazine businesses, some examples include: Entertainment magazine, Home and living magazine, Business magazine, Digital magazine, and Online magazine.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Magazine Business Plan?

Magazine businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start a Magazine Business?

Starting a magazine business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster. 1. Develop A Magazine Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed magazine business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast. 2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your magazine business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your magazine business is in compliance with local laws. 3. Register Your Magazine Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your magazine business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your magazine business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 7. Acquire Necessary Magazine Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your magazine business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your magazine business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising.

Learn more about how to start a successful magazine business:

• How to Start a Magazine Company

Online Magazine Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business Plans » Media Sector

Are you about starting a magazine publishing company ? If YES, here is a complete sample online magazine business plan template & feasibility study you can use for FREE .

There are several niches and loads of well – known magazines that are sold all over the world. Magazines are generally published on a regular schedule; it can be weekly or monthly or even quarterly and they usually contain a variety of content based on the market the magazine is designed for.

When it comes to generating incomes, magazine companies exploit the sale of their magazines in newsstands, from advertisement from stakeholders and of course from those who sign – on to prepaid subscriptions and when it comes to distributing magazines, most magazines publisher make use of the mailing system, bookshops, strategic news – stands, through registered vendors and selected pick – up locations et al.

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There is no restriction to the numbers of publications house that can engage in magazines publications, sales and distribution. As a matter of fact, students can start their own magazines publications right from their campuses and distribute it within the campus community.

A Sample Online Magazine Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

In the united states of America, a total number of 152 magazines closed shop In 2011 and also a total number of 82 magazines ceased operations in 2012 due to inability to make profits and of course generate enough money to continue publications.

In 2013, statistics has it that subscription levels for 22 out of the top 25 magazines in the United States of America dropped from 2012 to 2013. As a matter of fact, the only few magazines that experienced increase within the said period are Time magazine, Glamour magazine and ESPN magazine.

The United States’ magazine industry generates combined revenue of over 27.29 Billion U.S. dollars with magazine advertising alone generating over 15.2 Billion U.S. dollars.

History has it that a U.K. publication; The Gentleman’s Magazine which was first published in 1731, in London was the first ever general interest magazine to be published. It is on record that the oldest consumer magazine which was first published in 1739; The Scots Magazine is still in print till this days.

The print industry is currently experiencing some challenges; investment in magazines is experiencing decline. It is on record that there is a steady decline in total numbers of magazines that are sold in the United States daily. Statistics has it that in 1985, there were about 1,676 dailies in the United States but in 2011, the number dropped to 1,382 and of course it is still dropping.

It has been projected by market experts that the magazine industry will generate combined revenue of 16.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2016, which is over 4 billion U.S. dollars less than the combined revenue generated in 2011. It is also projected that corporate organizations who advertise in magazines will also cut their magazine advertising spending much less than their newspaper advertising spending.

The magazine industry is truly struggling to survive in the United States of America and in other countries of the world. A survey that was conducted revealed that in 2012, only about 3 percent of Americans stated that they regularly read magazines; and 9 percent stated that they read magazines sometimes.

It is good enough that the magazine industry is extremely well-organized in its data collection and presentation; which is why new publication firms who are interested in coming into the industry choose niche groups that attracts a wide range of readership.

Despite the fact that the magazine industry appears to be saturated in the United States, there is still a positive outlook for the industry especially when it comes to leveraging on the internet. People are encouraged to go into magazine publications because it is now easier to gain wider readership with the aid of the internet and couple with the fact that it will cost little or nothing to launch an online magazine publication.

2. Executive Summary

Boston Weekly®, Inc. is a new but standard magazine publishing and distribution company that will be based in Boston – Massachusetts, USA. Our niche as a magazine publishing company covers News, Entertainment, Business and Sport.

Our state of the art in – house printing press is located in a standard corner piece facility that is centrally located in the heart of Boston and few minutes drive to Harvard University Community.

We have put plans and robust distribution network in place to enable us effectively distribute our weekly magazine to key cities throughout the United States of America and also to the rest part of the world via our online platform and mobile apps.

Boston Weekly®, Inc. is established by the Massachusetts awarding winning journalist – Dr. Campbell Washington and other like mind investors. Dr. Washington has B.A. in English Language, Advance Diploma in Journalism and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard Business School.

He has robust experience in print journalism having worked for over 15 years with some of the leading magazine publishing companies in the United States of America prior to starting his own business. We are in the Magazine Publication and Distribution Industry to favorably compete with other leading brands in the industry such as Time Magazine, ESPN Magazine and New York Times et al.

Our corporate business goal is to be among the top 10 magazine publishing and distribution brand in the United States of America. As a company, we are willing to go the extra mile to invest in some of the finest professionals we can find and also we have set plans in place to setup a standard and start of the art printing press and distribution network.

Boston Weekly®, Inc. will at all times demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as a firm, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible.

We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our customers’ needs precisely and completely whenever they patronize our magazine either hardcopies or subscribing on our online portal. We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees and for our customers.

Our plan is to position Boston Weekly®, Inc. to become the leading brand in the magazine publishing and distribution industry in the whole of Massachusetts, and also to be amongst the top 10 magazine brand in the United States of America within the first 10 years of starting our business.

This might look too tall a dream but we are optimistic that this will surely come to pass because we have done our research and feasibility studies and we are enthusiastic and confident that Boston – Massachusetts is the right place to launch this type of business before spreading to other cities all across The United States of America.

3. Our Products and Services

At Boston Weekly®, Inc. we will ensure that we maximize all the services and products that are associated with a magazine publishing and distribution business. As part our strategy to create multiple sources of income in line with our core business concept, we will encourage our clients to subscribe to our magazines as against buying from the newsstands.

This is so because we are aware that it is easier to get huge discount from post office services as against transporting your magazines to newsstands that are scattered all around the United States. Another key factor that we will leverage on is to create a strong online presence and also to push our electronic magazine far and wide within the online community.

If we can successful gain appreciable numbers of online subscription and adverts, then we are likely not going to struggle to manage and finance your magazine publication company. Here are some of our products and services;

• Distribution of Hardcopies Magazines Nationwide
• Availability of online subscription for our e – Magazine
• Create Large Platforms for Publicity and Advertising for both individual and corporate clients
• Operate a standard printing press open to the general public
• Run a consultancy and Advisory services as it relates to magazine publications and journalism.

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• To be amongst the top 10leading magazine publishing and distribution companies in the United States of America before our 10 th anniversary.
• Our mission is to build a world – class magazine publishing and distribution business whose magazines can be find in all nooks and crannies of the United States of America; a magazine company with a very strong online presence with active subscribers from all over the world.

Our Business Structure

As part of our plan to build a standard Magazine Publishing and Distribution Company in Boston – Massachusetts, we have perfected plans to get it right from the beginning which is why we are going the extra mile to ensure that we have competent and hardworking employees to occupy all the available positions in our company.

The picture of the kind of Magazine Publishing and Distribution Company we intend building and the business goals we want to achieve is what informed the amount we are ready to pay for the best hands available in the Magazine Publishing and Distribution industry as long as they are willing and ready to work with us to achieve our business goals and objectives.

Below is the business structure that we will build Boston Weekly®, Inc.;

• Chief Executive Officer / Editor in Chief

Human Resources and Admin Manager

• Journalist / Content Creators / Photo Journalist

Graphic Artist

• Sales and Marketing Officer
• Accountants / Cashiers
• Printing Press Workers (Printing Machine Operators)
• Dispatch Riders and Van Drivers
• Customer Service Executives

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer / Editor in Chief:

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
• Creating, communicating, and implementing the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of the magazine production and distribution process
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Enhances department and organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.
• Defining job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carrying out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Oversee the smooth running of the daily office and shop activities.

Journalist / Content Creator / PhotoJournalist

• Conduct research, determine the number of pages, screen the content, stories, photographs, features, Ads, the style of the magazine in the magazine and the design and layout of Magazine et al.
• Responsible for creating contents for our magazine
• Assist the editorial team in editing contents
• Responsible for conducting interviews.
• Liaising with management to determine their requirement and budget
• Responsible for developing concepts, graphics and layouts for product illustrations, company logos, and websites
• Responsible for managing the magazine production process from typesetting through to design, print and production
• Responsible for reviewing final layout and suggesting improvement if necessary
• Determine size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, and font style and size
• Responsible for liaising with external printers on a regular basis to ensure deadlines are met and material is printed to the highest quality
• Responsible for preparing drafts or material based on an agreement brief.
• Research and advice the organization on style, genre and other trendy info as it relates to graphic design.

Sales and Marketing Manager

• Manage external research and coordinate all the internal sources of information to retain the organizations’ best customers and attract new ones
• Model demographic information and analyze the volumes of transactional data generated by customer purchases
• Identify, prioritize, and reach out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Develop, execute and evaluate new plans for expanding increase sales and distribution network
• Document all customer contact and information
• Represent the company in strategic meetings
• Help increase sales and growth for the company

Print Press Workers (Printing Machine Operators)

• Operate the printing machines
• Responsible for carrying out all casual or unskilled jobs in the printing press
• Responsible for packaging magazines meant for delivery
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the line manager / supervisor

Accountant / Cashier

• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensuring compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for the organization
• Serves as internal auditor for the organization

Distribution Van Drivers/ Dispatch Riders:

• Responsible for distributing magazines across our distribution network and news stands
• Delivers customer’s orders promptly (customers on subscription plans)
• Runs errand for the organization
• Any other duty as assigned by the sales and marketing executive

Client Service Executive

• Responsible for taking orders from clients when the call or email the organization
• Ensures that all contacts with customer (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with customers on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the shop manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on Papilloma House of Pizzas products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to customers when they make enquiries
• Responsible for cleaning the entire printing press facility at all times
• Ensure that toiletries and supplies don’t run out of stock
• Any other duty as assigned by the Human Resource and Admin manager.

6. SWOT Analysis

Due to our desire and drive for excellence when it comes to running a magazine publication and distribution company, we were able to engage some of the finest business consultants in Boston – Massachusetts to look through our business concept and together we were able to critically examine the prospect of the business to be sure we have what it takes to run a standard magazine publication and distribution company that can compete favorably compete with other leading brands in the industry such.

In view of that, we were able to take stock of our strengths, our weakness, the opportunities available to us and also the threats that we are likely going to be exposed to if we launch our magazine publication and distribution business in Boston – Massachusetts and even in the United States of America as a whole.

Here is a of what we got from the critically conducted SWOT Analysis for Boston Weekly®, Inc.;

Our core strength lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team of creative and highly proficient, editors, journalist, and graphic designers; a team with excellent qualifications and experience various niche areas in the magazine and printing press industry.

Aside from the synergy that exist in our carefully selected team; the contents in our magazine and the quality of the magazine will be guided by best practices in the industry.

As a new magazine publishing and distribution company in Boston – Massachusetts, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market and gain acceptance in the already saturated and highly competitive magazine publishing and distribution industry; that is perhaps our major weakness. Another weakness is that we may not have the required cash to promote our business the way we would want to.

• Opportunities:

The opportunities available to us are unlimited. Loads of people consume buys, subscribe and read magazine on a daily basis and all what we are going to do all we can to push our magazine to our target market. So also, there are loads of organizations and individual who would want to place paid adverts in magazines to promote their brands.

The possible threat and challenges that we are likely going to face when we start our own magazine publication business are the ability to consistently attract adverts from corporate organizations.

The truth is that there are several options when it comes to choosing advertising platforms hence most corporate organizations would rather go with trusted and tested platforms as against trying out new magazine that they aren’t sure can break into the market and gain prominence.

Another threat and challenges that we are likely going to be confronted with when we start our magazine publication business is to be able to effectively find a cheaper distribution options. Most magazine publications companies spend more when it comes to transporting their magazines to different newsstands scattered within the locations they intend selling their magazines.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

In setting up a magazine publication company, you have two options; you either run a full magazine publication company with a printing press or you can contract the printing of your magazines to a standard and reliable printing press.

If you choose to choose to run the whole publication process within the same facility, it means that you would have to set – up a printing press with standard printing machines, binders, cutting machines et al. If you are considering starting a magazine publication company, then your concern should not be limited to the cost of setting up the business and gaining readership but also on your distribution network.

The truth is that most magazines companies run into loss simply because they spend more in distributing their magazines to various newsstands across the country. It will pay you if you encourage your clients to subscribe to your magazines as against buying from the newsstands.

It is easier to get huge discount from post office services as against transporting your magazines to newsstands that are scattered all around the United States. Another key factor that you can leverage on is to create a strong online presence and also to push your electronic magazine far and wide within the online community.

As a magazine publisher, if you can successfully gain appreciable numbers of online subscription and adverts, then you are likely not going to struggle to manage and finance your magazine publication company and that is exactly what we plan to do.

8. Our Target Market

When it comes to news, entertainment and sports magazine, there is indeed a wide range of available customers (readership). In essence, our target market can’t be restricted to just a group of people, but all those who love to get the latest updates on news, entertainment and sports et al.

In view of that, we have conducted our market research and we have ideas of what our target market would be expecting from us. These are the groups of people we intend marketing our magazines to;

• Corporate Executives
• Government Officials
• Business People
• Celebrities
• Military Men and Women
• Sports Men and Women
• Everyone who resides in our target locations.

Our Competitive Advantage

Beyond every reasonable doubt, the competition in the magazine industry is high but one thing is certain, if you are able to set a standard in the industry, you are sure going to get committed and faithful readers who would not mind paying annual subscription fee upfront.

Although you can experience less competitions if you choose to carve a niche for yourself and also exploit the internet and perhaps a book / reader’s club.

We are quite aware that to be highly competitive in the magazine publishing and distribution industry means that you are not only expected to be able to deliver consistent and robust contents at all time, but you must be able to meet set targets.

No one would want to continue to subscribe to your magazine if they are not sure they are likely going to get the magazines deliver to them as at when due.

Our competitive advantage lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team of creative and highly proficient, editors, journalist, and graphic designers; a team with excellent qualifications and experience various niche areas in the magazine and printing press industry.

Lastly, all our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups magazine publishing and distribution businesses in the United States) in the industry. It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Boston Weekly®, Inc. is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the magazine publishing and distribution industry in the United States of America and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to achieve our corporate goal of generating enough income to run the business and pay our staff members as at when due.

Boston Weekly®, Inc. will generate income by offering the following products and services;

10. Sales Forecast

It is important to state that our sales forecast is based on the data gathered during our feasibility studies, market survey and also some of the assumptions readily available on the field. Below are the sales projections that we were able to come up with for the first three years of operations;

• First Year-: $250,000
• Second Year-: $450,000
• Third Year-: $800,000

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and the arrival of a competitor in same location as ours within the period stated above. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

We are mindful of the fact that there are stiffer competition in the magazine publishing and distribution industry; hence we have been able to hire some of the best marketing experts to handle our sales and marketing.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the magazine publishing and distribution industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall business goal of Boston Weekly®, Inc.

Our goal is to grow Boston Weekly®, Inc. to become one of the top 10 magazine publishing and distribution company in the United States of America which is why we have mapped out strategy that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with not only in the United States of America but also in other parts of the world (online magazine).

Boston Weekly®, Inc. is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients;

• Introduce our magazine publishing and distribution company by sending introductory letters alongside copy of our magazine to corporate organizations, advertising agencies and key stake holders.
• Promptness in bidding for advert contracts from the government and other cooperate organizations
• Advertise our business cum magazine in relevant business TV stations, and radio station.
• List our business cum magazine on yellow pages ads (local directories)
• Attend relevant international and local expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
• Create different subscription packages for different category of clients in order to work with their budgets and still supply them with copies of our magazine
• Leverage on the internet to promote the sale and distribution of our magazine
• Engage direct marketing approach
• Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We have been able to work with our in house brand and publicity consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market.

We are set to become the number one choice for both corporate clients and individual clients in the whole of the United States and beyond which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our magazine publishing and distribution company. Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise Boston Weekly®, Inc.;

• Place adverts on both print (newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community based events / programs
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook , twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our services
• Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations all around key cities in the United States of America
• Engage in road show from time to time in targeted neighborhoods
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
• Contact corporate organizations by calling them up and informing them of Boston Weekly®, Inc. and how they can subscribe
• List our magazine publishing and distribution company in local directories / yellow pages
• Advertise our magazine publishing and distribution company in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site.
• Ensure that all our staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles and bikes are well branded with our company logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

When it comes to pricing for products such as magazine, there are no hard and fast rules; the price depends on the size and packaging. Generally, the prices for magazine and similar products like pamphlets, newspapers and journals et al are affordable hence there is no need to employ any detailed strategies when it comes to pricing.

In view of that, our prices will conform to what is obtainable in the industry but will ensure that within the first 6 to 12 months our magazine are sold a little bit below the average prices of various magazine brands in the United States of America.

We have put in place business strategies that will help us run on low profit margin for a period of 6 months; it is a way of encouraging people to buy into our brands.

• Payment Options

At Boston Weekly®, Inc., our payment policy is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different people prefer different payment options as it suits them. Here are the payment options that will be available in every of our outlets;

• Payment by cash
• Payment via Point of Sale (POS) Machine
• Payment via online bank transfer (online payment portal)
• Payment via Mobile money

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will help us achieve our payment plans without any itches.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

When it comes to starting a standard magazine publishing and distribution business, one is expected to spend the bulk of the start – up capital on building a standard and well – equipped printing press. Aside from that, you are not expected to spend much except for purchasing distribution vans, paying of your employees and utility bills.

This is the key areas where we will spend our start – up capital;

• The Total Fee for Registering the Business in Boston – Massachusetts – $750.
• Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits as well as the accounting services (software, P.O.S machines and other software) – $1,300.
• Cost for hiring Business Consultant – $2,500.
• Insurance (general liability, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $2,400.
• Cost for payment of rent for 12 month at $1.76 per square feet in the total amount of $105,600.
• Other start-up expenses including stationery ($500) and phone and utility deposits ($2,500).
• The cost of printing the first set of your magazines – $50,000
• The cost for distributing the magazines – $10,000
• Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $100,000
• Cost for store equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – $13,750
• Cost of purchase of distribution vans – $50,000
• The cost for the purchase of furniture and gadgets (Computers, Printers, Telephone, TVs, Sound System, tables and chairs et al) – $4,000.
• The cost of Launching a Website – $600
• The cost for our opening party – $10,000
• Miscellaneous – $10,000

We would need an estimate of $500,000 to successfully set up our magazine publishing and distribution company in Boston – Massachusetts. Please note that this amount includes the salaries of the entire staff member for the first month of operation.

Generating Funding / Startup Capital for Boston Weekly®, Inc.

Boston Weekly®, Inc. is a business that is owned and financed by Dr. Campbell Washington and other like mind investors. They do not intend to welcome any external business partner, which is why he has decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital to 3 major sources.

These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sell of stocks
• Source for soft loans from family members and friends
• Apply for loan from my Bank

N.B: We have been able to generate about $100,000 (Personal savings $80,000 and soft loan from family members $20,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $400,000 from our bank. All the papers and document have been signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited with the amount.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Boston Weekly®, Inc. is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running. We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to sell our magazine a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

Boston Weekly®, Inc. will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and re – training of our workforce is at the top burner of our business strategy.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more as determined by the board of the organization. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check:>Completed
• Business Registration: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Securing Point of Sales (POS) Machines: Completed
• Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Leasing of facility and construction of standard Bakery: In Progress
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating capital from business partners: Completed
• Applications for Loan from the bank: In Progress
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: In Progress
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the Needed furniture, racks, shelves, computers, electronic appliances, office appliances and CCTV: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business both online and around the community: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement (License): Secured
• Opening party / launching party planning: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with vendors – wholesale suppliers / merchants (papers, and inks et al): In Progress
• Purchase of delivery vans and bikes: Completed

How to Start a Magazine Business

Starting a magazine business can be very profitable. With proper planning, execution and hard work, you can enjoy great success. Below you will learn the keys to launching a successful magazine business.

Importantly, a critical step in starting a magazine business is to complete your business plan. To help you out, you should download Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template here .

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here

15 Steps To Start a Magazine Business:

• Choose the Name for Your Magazine Business
• Determine the Type of Magazine Business You Will Launch
• Develop Your Magazine Business Plan
• Choose the Legal Structure for Your Magazine Business
• Secure Startup Funding for Your Magazine Business (If Needed)
• Secure a Location for Your Business
• Register Your Magazine Business with the IRS
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get a Business Credit Card
• Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
• Get Business Insurance for Your Magazine Business
• Buy or Lease the Right Magazine Business Equipment
• Develop Your Magazine Business Marketing Materials
• Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Magazine Business
• Open for Business

1. Choose the Name for Your Magazine Business

The first step to starting a magazine business is to choose your business’ name.  

This is a very important choice since your company name is your brand and will last for the lifetime of your business. Ideally you choose a name that is meaningful and memorable. Here are some tips for choosing a name for your magazine business:

• Make sure the name is available . Check your desired name against trademark databases and your state’s list of registered business names to see if it’s available. Also check to see if a suitable domain name is available.
• Keep it simple . The best names are usually ones that are easy to remember, pronounce and spell.
• Think about marketing . Come up with a name that reflects the desired brand and/or focus of your magazine business.

2. Determine the Type of Magazine Business You Will Launch

The next step is to determine the type of magazine business you will launch. The four main types of magazine businesses are:

• Print Magazines – These are traditional printed magazines that may be sold in stores or through subscriptions.
• Digital Magazines – Digital magazines are digital-only publications, usually published on a website or app. They may have subscription fees and/or advertising revenue.
• Video Magazines – Video magazines are like “television shows” but distributed solely online. They may have subscription fees and/or advertising revenue.
• Podcast Magazines – Podcast magazines are audio-only publications, usually distributed via streaming services or podcast apps. They may have subscription fees and/or advertising revenue.

3. Develop Your Magazine Business Plan

One of the most important steps in starting a magazine business is to develop your magazine business plan . The process of creating your plan ensures that you fully understand your market and your business strategy. The plan also provides you with a roadmap to follow and if needed, to present to funding sources to raise capital for your business.

Your business plan should include the following sections:

• Executive Summary – this section should summarize your entire business plan so readers can quickly understand the key details of your magazine business.
• Company Overview – this section tells the reader about the history of your magazine business and what type of magazine business you operate. For example, are you a print magazine, digital magazine, video magazine or podcast magazine? 
• Industry Analysis – here you will document key information about the magazine industry. Conduct market research and document how big the industry is and what trends are affecting it.
• Customer Analysis – in this section, you will document who your ideal or target customers are and their demographics. For example, how old are they? Where do they live? What do they find important when subscribing to magazines like the ones you will offer?
• Competitive Analysis – here you will document the key direct and indirect competitors you will face and how you will build competitive advantage.
• Marketing Plan – your marketing plan should address the 4Ps: Product, Price, Promotions and Place.
• Product : Determine and document what products you will offer 
• Prices : Document the prices of your products
• Place : Where will your business be located and how will that location help you increase sales?
• Promotions : What promotional methods will you use to attract customers to your magazine business? For example, you might decide to use pay-per-click advertising, public relations, search engine optimization and/or social media marketing.
• Operations Plan – here you will determine the key processes you will need to run your day-to-day operations. You will also determine your staffing needs. Finally, in this section of your plan, you will create a projected growth timeline showing the milestones you hope to achieve in the coming years.
• Management Team – this section details the background of your company’s management team.
• Financial Plan – finally, the financial plan answers questions including the following:
• What startup costs will you incur?
• How will your magazine business make money?
• What are your projected sales and expenses for the next five years?
• Do you need to raise funding to launch your business?

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

4. choose the legal structure for your magazine business.

Next you need to choose a legal structure for your magazine business and register it and your business name with the Secretary of State in each state where you operate your business.

Below are the five most common legal structures:

1) Sole proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is a business entity in which the owner of the magazine business and the business are the same legal person. The owner of a sole proprietorship is responsible for all debts and obligations of the business. There are no formalities required to establish a sole proprietorship, and it is easy to set up and operate. The main advantage of a sole proprietorship is that it is simple and inexpensive to establish. The main disadvantage is that the owner is liable for all debts and obligations of the business.

2) Partnerships

A partnership is a legal structure that is popular among small businesses. It is an agreement between two or more people who want to start a magazine business together. The partners share in the profits and losses of the business. 

The advantages of a partnership are that it is easy to set up, and the partners share in the profits and losses of the business. The disadvantages of a partnership are that the partners are jointly liable for the debts of the business, and disagreements between partners can be difficult to resolve.

3) Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A limited liability company, or LLC, is a type of business entity that provides limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners of an LLC are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The advantages of an LLC for a magazine business include flexibility in management, pass-through taxation (avoids double taxation as explained below), and limited personal liability. The disadvantages of an LLC include lack of availability in some states and self-employment taxes.

4) C Corporation

A C Corporation is a business entity that is separate from its owners. It has its own tax ID and can have shareholders. The main advantage of a C Corporation for a magazine business is that it offers limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The disadvantage is that C Corporations are subject to double taxation. This means that the corporation pays taxes on its profits, and the shareholders also pay taxes on their dividends.

5) S Corporation

An S Corporation is a type of corporation that provides its owners with limited liability protection and allows them to pass their business income through to their personal income tax returns, thus avoiding double taxation. There are several limitations on S Corporations including the number of shareholders they can have among others.

Once you register your magazine business, your state will send you your official “Articles of Incorporation.” You will need this among other documentation when establishing your banking account (see below). We recommend that you consult an attorney in determining which legal structure is best suited for your company.

5. Secure Startup Funding for Your Magazine Business (If Needed)

In developing your magazine business plan, you might have determined that you need to raise funding to launch your business. 

If so, the main sources of funding for a magazine business to consider are personal savings, family and friends, credit card financing, bank loans, crowdfunding and angel investors. Angel investors are individuals who provide capital to early-stage businesses. Angel investors typically will invest in a magazine business that they believe has high potential for growth.

6. Secure a Location for Your Business

Having the right space can be important for your magazine business, particularly if you’d like to meet clients or advertisers there. Some magazines outsource the printing, but you might opt to print them on-site.

To find the right space, consider:

• Driving around to find the right areas while looking for “for lease” signs
• Contacting a commercial real estate agent
• Doing commercial real estate searches online
• Telling others about your needs and seeing if someone in your network has a connection that can help you find the right space

7. Register Your Magazine Business with the IRS

Next, you need to register your business with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which will result in the IRS issuing you an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Most banks will require you to have an EIN in order to open up an account. In addition, in order to hire employees, you will need an EIN since that is how the IRS tracks your payroll tax payments.

Note that if you are a sole proprietor without employees, you generally do not need to get an EIN. Rather, you would use your social security number (instead of your EIN) as your taxpayer identification number.

8. Open a Business Bank Account

It is important to establish a bank account in your magazine’s name. This process is fairly simple and involves the following steps:

• Identify and contact the bank you want to use
• Gather and present the required documents (generally include your company’s Articles of Incorporation, driver’s license or passport, and proof of address)
• Complete the bank’s application form and provide all relevant information
• Meet with a banker to discuss your business needs and establish a relationship with them

9. Get a Business Credit Card

You should get a business credit card for your magazine business to help you separate personal and business expenses.

You can either apply for a business credit card through your bank or apply for one through a credit card company.

When you’re applying for a business credit card, you’ll need to provide some information about your business. This includes the name of your business, the address of your business, and the type of business you’re running. You’ll also need to provide some information about yourself, including your name, Social Security number, and date of birth.

Once you’ve been approved for a business credit card, you’ll be able to use it to make purchases for your business. You can also use it to build your credit history which could be very important in securing loans and getting credit lines for your business in the future.

10. Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits

Every state, county and city has different business license and permit requirements.

Nearly all states, counties and/or cities have license requirements including:

• General Business License : getting your Articles of Incorporation as discussed above
• Sales Tax License or Seller’s Permit : for selling products
• Zoning Approval : typically at the city or county level, this provides authorization for construction or use of a building or land for a particular purpose

Depending on the type of magazine business you launch, you will have to obtain the necessary state, county and/or city licenses.

11. Get Business Insurance for Your Magazine Business

There are a few different types of insurance that you may want to consider for your magazine business.

General liability insurance : This covers accidents and injuries that occur on your property. It also covers damages caused by your employees or products.

Product liability insurance : This insurance is important to have if you are selling products through your magazine business. This type of insurance can help protect you financially if someone gets injured by one of your products.

Business owner’s policy (BOP): The policy combines general liability and property insurance into one policy. This can be a helpful option for small businesses as it can be more affordable than purchasing the two policies separately.

Other business insurance policies that you should consider for your magazine business include:

• Workers’ compensation insurance : If you have employees, this type of policy works with your general liability policy to protect against workplace injuries and accidents. It also covers medical expenses and lost wages.
• Commercial property insurance : This covers damage to your property caused by fire, theft, or vandalism.
• Business interruption insurance : This covers lost income and expenses if your business is forced to close due to a covered event.

Find an insurance agent, tell them about your business and its needs, and they will recommend policies that fit those needs. 

12. Buy or Lease the Right Magazine Business Equipment

Most magazine companies don’t need much equipment. To start a magazine business, you probably only need a computer, phone and internet access. You might also need office furniture.

When starting a magazine business, you can  purchase or lease the necessary equipment. This may include:

• Computers : Computers are necessary for any type of magazine business. You will need computers to design and layout your magazine, as well as to manage your business finances and records.
• Printers : You will need printers to print out your magazine pages. You may want to invest in a color printer if you plan to print in color.
• Scanners : Scanners are helpful for scanning in photos and other graphics for your magazine.
• Software : You will need software to design and layout your magazine, as well as to create PDFs of your finished magazine pages. A popular software package for magazines is Adobe InDesign.
• Office Supplies : You will need office supplies such as paper, pens, pencils, staplers, scissors, etc. to run your magazine business.

13. Develop Your Magazine Business Marketing Materials

Marketing materials will be required to attract and retain customers to your magazine business.

The key marketing materials you will need are as follows:

• Logo : Spend some time developing a good logo for your magazine business. Your logo will be printed on company stationery, business cards, marketing materials and so forth. The right logo can increase customer trust and awareness of your brand.
• Website : Likewise, a professional magazine business website provides potential customers with information about the subscriptions and information you offer, your company’s history, and contact information. Importantly, remember that the look and feel of your website will affect how customers perceive you.
• Social Media Accounts : establish social media accounts in your company’s name. Accounts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and/or other social media networks will help customers and others find and interact with your magazine business.

14. Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Magazine Business

There are many different types of software that you may need to run your magazine business. The most important software for printing and designing magazines is Adobe InDesign. This software allows you to create layouts for your magazine, as well as to create PDFs of the finished pages. You can also find other software designed specifically for magazines, such as QuarkXPress and PagePlus.

You will also need accounting software to manage your business finances. Popular accounting software packages include QuickBooks and Peachtree. Other software that may be helpful for a magazine business includes contact management software, such as Salesforce, and design software such as Photoshop.

Customer relationship management (CRM) software is also beneficial. Some of the most popular CRM programs include Salesforce, and Zoho.

15. Open for Business

You are now ready to open your magazine business. If you followed the steps above, you should be in a great position to build a successful business. Below are answers to frequently asked questions that might further help you.

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How to Start a Magazine Business FAQs

Is it hard to start a magazine business.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the difficulty of starting a magazine business will vary depending on the specific industry and market conditions. However, with a well-executed business plan and some hard work, you can start a successful magazine business.

If you follow the steps above, you should be able to start your magazine business without too much difficulty.

How can I start a magazine business with no experience?

If you have some journalism experience, that can be helpful when starting a magazine business, but it is not essential. There are many resources available to help you get started, including online how-to guides, books on magazine publishing, and even online courses.

Another option is to partner with an experienced magazine publisher. This can give you access to their expertise and knowledge, and can help reduce the risk associated with starting a magazine business.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help from others in the publishing industry. There are many people who are happy to share their knowledge and advice.

What type of magazine business is most profitable?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the profitability of a magazine business will vary depending on the specific industry and market conditions. However, in general, magazine businesses that focus on niche markets tend to be more profitable than those that compete in more general markets.

Another factor that can affect profitability is the size of the magazine. Generally, smaller magazines are more profitable than larger magazines, as they have lower overhead costs.

Finally, the type of advertising that a magazine business attracts can also affect its profitability. Ads for luxury goods or services tend to be more lucrative than those for mass-market products.

How much does it cost to start a magazine business?

The cost of starting a magazine business will vary depending on the size and scope of the business, as well as the type of software and services used. However, in general, the cost of starting a magazine business can range from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. 

The cost of starting a magazine business typically includes expenses for printing and postage, software and services, marketing and promotion, as well as any staff wages or freelance fees. 

Before starting a magazine business, it is important to create a budget and stick to it. This will help ensure that you are able to cover all expenses associated with launching the magazine.

What are the ongoing expenses for a magazine business?

In addition to the initial start-up costs, there are a number of ongoing expenses that are associated with running a magazine business. 

Some of the expenses you may incur when starting a magazine business include:

• Software licenses and subscription fees
• Website design and hosting fees
• Printing and shipping costs
• Staff salaries
• Advertising and marketing expenses
• Office supplies and equipment
• Professional services such as graphic design or legal advice 

It is important to factor in all of these expenses when calculating how much money you need to get started. You should also consider how much you will need for ongoing operations, such as staff wages, printing costs, and advertising fees.

How does a magazine business make money?

A magazine business makes money by selling advertising space to businesses and individuals. Advertisers typically pay a fixed price for a certain number of print ads, which are then placed in the magazine.

Magazine businesses can also make money by charging readers for subscriptions. In some cases, magazines also sell back issues and other merchandise such as T-shirts, hats, and coffee mugs. 

Finally, magazine businesses can generate revenue by providing consulting or other services to clients. For example, a magazine might offer marketing or branding services to help businesses promote their products or services.

Is owning a magazine business profitable?

Yes, owning a magazine business can be very profitable. 

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the profitability of a magazine business will vary depending on a number of factors. However, in general, owning a magazine business can be profitable if you are able to attract enough advertising revenue and subscribers.

The profitability of a magazine business will vary depending on the specific industry, geographical location, and other factors. However, there are a few things you can do to increase the chances of your magazine business being profitable. 

Some of the key things you can do to make your magazine business more profitable include:  

• Offering a variety of services, such as marketing, branding, and advertising
• Developing a strong online presence, including a well-designed website and social media platforms
• Focusing on quality over quantity when it comes to content
• Charging a fair price for your services
• Building relationships with clients and partners
• Offering discounts and promotions
• Networking with other magazine businesses to share resources
• Becoming familiar with digital marketing, such as SEO and social media
• Nurturing a niche

By taking the right steps, you can make your magazine business successful and profitable. Investing time and money into developing a strong foundation for your magazine business is essential for long-term success. With the proper planning and dedication, you can have a profitable business.

Why do magazine businesses fail?

Magazine businesses can fail for a variety of reasons, such as a lack of planning, poor execution, and not understanding the needs of their target market.

If you're not proactive about planning and executing your magazine business correctly, it's more likely to fail. It's also important to understand the wants and needs of your target market in order to create content that is valuable to them. 

One of the main reasons that magazine businesses fail is a lack of planning. This can include not having a detailed business plan, not doing research on the industry, and not targeting the right customers.

Another reason is a lack of marketing and sales skills. This can include not creating a sales process and not have a clear and strong value proposition.

The last main reason is a lack of financial management skills. This can include not having a realistic budget, not tracking expenses, and not investing in the business.

Who are key players in the magazine market?

The magazine market is made up of a variety of different players, including small businesses, large enterprises, and even individuals.

Some of the key players in the market include:

• Bertelsmann SE & Co.
• CorporationTime Inc. 
• Meredith Corporation
• American Media, Inc.

However, there are many other players in your specific target market, and it is important to research the market to identify the key players that may have the most direct influence on the success of your business.

How much should I charge for my magazine services?

Magazine fees can vary depending on the type of magazine services being offered, as well as the size and scope of the project.

However, some common magazine fees for projects and advertising include:

• A flat fee per issue
• A flat fee for the entire project

Examples of magazine advertising rates are:

• Full page ad: $1000
• Half page ad: $500 
• Quarter page ad: $150

It is important to consider how much time and effort you are putting into the project, as well as how much value it will bring to your client. It can also be helpful to compare your fees with those of other magazine businesses. 

Some magazine rate examples are:

• $5.99 per issue 
• $29.99 for an annual subscription 
• $9.99 for a back issue

The best way to determine the right fee for your magazine services is to research the rates of similar businesses in your industry, and to also consider the value that you will be providing to the client.

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Magazine Publishing Business Plan Sample

Published May.08, 2018

Updated Sep.14, 2024

By: Jakub Babkins

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Table of Content

Do you want to start magazine publishing business?

Do you want to start a magazine publishing business? Although this business requires a lot of initial capital, the rate of return which it yields on investment is extremely high. Magazine companies generate incomes from various sources such as from the advertisements which are featured in them, from the people who sign in online, and of course, from their sales in newsstands. But starting a magazine isn’t an easy job and you will have to effectively plan everything. In the United States, 9 out of 10 magazine businesses fail due to poor planning. That’s why before you consider how to start your own magazine , you will have to prepare a comprehensive business plan. If you are wondering how to write one, here we are providing you the business plan of a magazine publishing business startup named ‘The Reader Monthly’.

Executive Summary

2.1 the business.

The Reader Monthly will be a lifestyle magazine owned by Martha Martin, a passionate writer. The company’s main office will be located in Dallas.

2.2 Management

The success of a startup heavily depends on its staff and management that’s why Martha planned it before considering how to start a magazine business on your own . The main management of the company will comprise of sales executives, graphic artists, and journalists. The staff will be hired one month before the launch of startup and will be trained by Martha.

2.3 Customers

We will target the young adults, adults and senior citizens of the United States. Our readers can read our magazine either in printed form or in digital form on any device.

2.4 Business Target

Our business targets, as outlined by our publishing company business plan , are as follows:

Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

The Reader Monthly will be owned by Martha Martin, a passionate writer. Martha has been associated with some of the biggest international magazines including TIME and PEOPLE for more than 13 years.

3.2 Why the Business is being started

The business is being started due to two reasons. The first one is to make profits in this industry. The second one is Martha’s passion for writing and her desire to add something better to the society. Martha herself described the reason for starting her venture in the book launch ceremony of her latest book The Dying Angel as, “ starting my own magazine is something I am born for.”

3.3 How the Business will be started

The company will be started in an abandoned press office in Dallas which ceased to function a few months before. The company will initially procure following things for the startup.

• Office furniture including filing cabinets, work desks, roundtables, couches and chairs for the meeting area
• Computers with color printers and scanners
• Press machines
• Graphic designing software including Illustrator, Freehand, and Photoshop
• A strong internet connection and office telecom systems
• Assorted office stationary and brochures

The financial experts have forecasted following costs for the startup:

The detailed startup requirements are given below:

Services for customers

Before you start a publishing business or even think about how to start a publishing business , you must decide what type of magazine will you be publishing and which niches will it cover. You must also plan what other services for business will you offer, for instance, sending magazines to subscribers by mail. The Reader Monthly will be a lifestyle magazine but it will also contain a few sections featuring health, entertainment, and technology. We will offer following services to our customers/readers:

• Magazine Retail Sales: Our readers can get our latest magazines from any newsstand or bookshops located across the United States. Retail sales will be the biggest generator of our revenue in our annual sales from the magazine readers.
• Magazine Subscription: Our readers can also subscribe us to get the latest magazine delivered to their doorstep in printed form.
• Magazine Online Subscription: Our readers can also subscribe us to get a copy of the electronic magazine which can be read on any electronic device.
• Advertisements: We will offer advertisement services to the various companies and businesses located across the United States. Advertisements will be our biggest source of revenue.

Marketing Analysis of magazine publishing business

The most important component of successful magazines business plan is its accurate marketing analysis that’s why Martha acquired the services of marketing experts to help her through this phase. It is only after this stage that a good magazine business plan could have been developed. If you are starting a magazine on a smaller scale, say an online magazine, you can just take help from this magazine business plan sample or the other magazine business plans available online. Marketing analysis is an extremely important component of all publishing business plans , therefore, it must be considered before starting a magazine business plan .

5.1 Market Trends

The American magazine industry contributes $28 billion in revenue every year and the magazine advertising are alone responsible for generating more than $15.2 billion. There are more than 21,000 publishing businesses in the United States that employ more than 117,000 people across the country. However, the magazine industry declined rapidly with the increasing popularity of the internet and the smartphones which completely eliminated the need for printed magazines. The industry nowadays is truly struggling for surviving in America as well as in other countries. A 2012 survey revealed that only 3 percent of Americans read magazines on a regular basis. Statistics has it that in 1985, there were more than 1,676 dailies in America but in 2011, the number dropped to below 1,400 and is still dropping. While the popularity of printed magazines keeps falling, people are paying more attention to electronic magazines which can be read on any device like laptops, mobile phones, kindles. You also need to create a magazine in a mobile application that will allow users to quickly learn about the release of new materials, but for this, you will have to write a business plan for mobile applications . After identifying these trends, it is clearly evident that it is not easy for a startup to survive in the magazine industry unless it is properly planned and adds value to its readers.

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

It is very important to analyze the market segmentation of the readers which will be buying your magazine because a successful and efficient magazine marketing plan can only be developed after we completely know our potential customers. Our experts have identified the following type of audience which we will be targeting:

The detailed marketing segmentation of our target audience is as follows:

5.2.1 Young Adults:

Our first target group will be the young adults in the United States who are between 18 to 25 years of age. This group mostly comprises of college or university students who like to read magazines in their free time. According to a recent survey by Statista, young adults read more magazines than any other age group in the United States that’s why this group will have the biggest contribution in our revenue from the magazine’s sales.

5.2.2 Adults:

Our second target group comprises of adults from 25 to 60 years of age. These people lead a busy life due to their employment and other engagements that’s why they don’t read as many magazines as the young adults or the senior citizens.

5.2.3 Senior Citizens:

Our third group comprises of senior citizens aged above 60. These people are usually retired and have a lot of spare time that’s why they also read magazines. The detailed market analysis of our potential customers is given in the following table:

5.3 Business Target

We aim to see ourselves among the top ten lifestyle magazines of the United States within next six years of our launch. Our main business targets to be achieved as milestones over the course of next three years are as follows:

• To achieve the net profit margin of $10k per month by the end of the first year, $15k per month by the end of the second year, and $25k per month by the end of the third year
• To balance the initial cost of the startup with earned profits by the end of the first year
• To have around 99,000 subscribers through direct sampling and marketing by the end of the first year

5.4 Product Pricing

Our pricing strategy is as follows:

• Single issue: $0.65 per issue
• Yearly print subscription: $7.0 per 12 issues
• Yearly e-magazine subscription: $1.49 per 12 e-issues

We have strategically priced our e-magazines in extremely cheaper range due to two reasons. Most of the people prefer electronic magazines to print magazines, and it is costlier to send print magazines to the readers as compared to providing them the digital ones.

Sales strategy is also an important component of an effective magazine business plan so make sure to plan it before you consider how to start a magazine business .

6.1 Competitive Analysis

We have a really tough competition because we will be competing with magazines some of which have been around for decades. Our biggest competitors are US Weekly, The New Yorker, Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Vanity Fair, Harper’s BAZAAR and GQ. Our competitive advantage will be our lower prices combined with quality content which will be no less than that of the top magazines.

6.2 Sales Strategy

After carrying out a detailed analysis, our experts came up with the following brilliant ideas to advertise and sell ourselves.

• Google search ranking is one of the most important factors in deciding the success of online magazines, that’s why we will put special emphasis on it. We would do our best to get higher rankings in Google search results.
• We will give away 3 free magazines copies to our readers upon subscription.
• We will carry out a large-scale social media campaign and will interact with our readers to promote their interest.

6.3 Sales Monthly

6.4 Sales Yearly

6.5 Sales Forecast

Our forecasted sales on a yearly basis are summarized in the following column charts:

The detailed information about sales forecast is given in the following table:

Personnel plan

Personnel plan, like all other plans, is an important component of an effective business plan so it must be planned before you think about how to start my own magazine .

7.1 Company Staff

Martha will act as the Chief Editor of the magazine and will initially hire following people:

• 1 Accountant for maintaining financial and other records
• 2 Sales Executives responsible for marketing and discovering new ventures
• 6 Graphic Artists for designing the magazines
• 10 Journalists for creating the content for the magazines
• 4 Technical Assistants for handling the company’s web and social media pages
• 20 Print Press Workers for publishing the magazine
• 10 Distributors for distributing the magazines to various outlets across the United States

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

Financial plan.

As the last step for preparing a magazine publishing business plan , you have to prepare a detailed financial plan. The financial plan should craft a detailed map of all the expenses needed for the startup and how these expenses will be met by the earned profits. It is recommended that you hire a financial expert for guiding you through all financial aspects needed for starting a magazine business .

8.1 Important Assumptions

8.2 brake-even analysis.

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

8.3.1 profit monthly.

8.3.2 Profit Yearly

8.3.3 Gross Margin Monthly

8.3.4 Gross Margin Yearly

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

8.5 Projected Balance Sheet

8.6 business ratios.

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How to Start Your Own Magazine Company

If you have good instincts for what contemporary readers are interested in, a flair for creative written content and graphics, and the ability to manage tight deadlines, starting a magazine could be the right venture for you. Publishing a magazine allows you to participate in American culture by providing news, helpful advice, entertainment and information. But this is not a business to enter into without extensive planning and market research. You must also start with sufficient capital to keep publishing a high-quality product until subscription and advertising revenues reach the breakeven point.

• Decide on the benefits you want to provide your readers. Some magazines set out to be a recognized authority on a subject, such as fishing or fashion. Others want to primarily entertain with information about pop culture and celebrities.
• Create a concept that is new and different. You want your magazine to stand apart from others consumers see on the newsstand. Think of a niche that is not currently filled by popular publications. Be able to definitively answer the question of why the market needs your magazine.
• Decide on your target audience. Describe the demographics of your intended subscriber base. Their age, gender, income level, education, geographic location and primary interests shape every decision you make about the content and layout of the magazine. Potential advertisers will want to know who your primary demographic groups are.
• Plan the content and design. Even if you are experienced with graphic design, hire a design consulting firm that has worked with other magazine startups. The combination of your fresh ideas and their practical experience will help make your first issue eye catching and content rich.
• Decide on a printer. Meet with several printers and compare their experience and costs. Finalize the content and layout of the magazine by reviewing the estimated printing cost.
• Prepare a business plan. Put your vision for the magazine venture on paper. Present the plan to investors and secure the startup capital you need. Your plan should look sharp and creative, reflecting how your magazine will look.
• Assemble your staff. Consider using mostly freelance contributors in the beginning to save on personnel costs. Make sure your team includes a marketing director with experience in the magazine industry.
• Create an online edition. Use the web presence to reach out to potential subscribers through social networking and Internet advertising. Provide free content but have other content that readers download with paid subscriptions.
• Set up distribution. Start small with a limited print run. Purchase mailing lists of readers that fit your targeted demographics and offer one or more issues for free -- these become potential subscribers. Place free copies on racks in busy areas, such as the entryway to stores.

More For You

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• To secure advertisers for your startup publication, offer significantly discounted ad rates.
• It is logical to start a magazine that fits your personal interests and covers subjects you are knowledgeable about. But test your concept with as many people as you can to make sure large numbers of potential readers share these interests. A topic geared for a niche that is too narrow reduces the potential subscriber base.

Brian Hill is the author of four popular business and finance books: "The Making of a Bestseller," "Inside Secrets to Venture Capital," "Attracting Capital from Angels" and his latest book, published in 2013, "The Pocket Small Business Owner's Guide to Business Plans."

PublishingState.com

Starting a Magazine Publishing Business: 6 Key Steps

Table of contents, the evolution of the magazine publishing industry, what starting a magazine publishing business entails, an in-depth look at the magazine publishing process, the roles and responsibilities involved in running a magazine publishing business, the potential rewards and challenges of starting a magazine, how starting a magazine enhances your personal and professional growth, the importance of conducting market research before starting a magazine, how to identify and choose a unique niche for your magazine, executive summary, market analysis, description of product/service, revenue model and forecasts, marketing and promotion plan, operations plan, funding requirements, editorial team, design and production, sales and marketing, curating engaging content, developing visually appealing designs, bootstrapping, crowdfunding, angel investors, business loans, advertising revenue, subscriptions, sponsored content, licensing and syndication, how to effectively market your magazine, understanding various distribution channels, recapping the steps, introduction.

This write-up quite comprehensively guides you on starting a magazine publishing business. Magazines have existed for centuries, with the first regularly published magazines emerging in the 17th century.

However, it wasn’t until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that magazine publishing took off, fueled by advancements in printing technology and photography as well as growing literacy rates and leisure time among the middle class.

By the 1950s, general interest magazines like Life (1883–1972), Look (1937–1971), and The Saturday Evening Post (1897–present) had peaked in popularity and profitability. However, from the 1960s onward, changing media habits led to the decline of many major magazines.

The proliferation of television and new interests among baby boomers shifted attention away from broad-based publications. In response, publishers began targeting more specific niches and demographics.

Today, the magazine industry continues to evolve. While print advertising revenue has declined, many major magazines have transitioned successfully to digital platforms. At the same time, independent niche publications continue to thrive by serving specialized reader interests. Despite the ongoing disruption, starting a magazine publishing venture remains an attractive opportunity for aspiring media entrepreneurs.

Launching a magazine from scratch requires significant upfront investment, market research, business planning, team building, content creation, design, funding, distribution, and marketing. It’s a major undertaking, but the potential rewards are substantial. A successful magazine can inform and inspire readers while providing fulfilling work and profits for its publishers and staff.

As outlined above, magazines have evolved dramatically since their inception, shaped by changing technologies, consumer habits, and market forces. Once stable and hugely profitable, the industry has had to adapt to remain viable and competitive.

Starting a magazine requires extensive planning and effort across many areas. These include researching the target readership, crafting the editorial focus, designing the layouts, building the team, raising funds, managing content and production workflows, marketing and distributing each issue, and continually improving based on feedback and sales.

It’s complex but rewarding work for those passionate about a magazine concept and its potential impact on readers.

Understanding What Magazine Publishing Is All About

Starting a magazine publishing is a complex process that involves multiple steps and stakeholders. At a high level, the key stages include:

• Ideation – Developing magazine concepts and themes based on market research and brainstorming.
• Content creation – Writers, photographers, illustrators, and other creatives produce articles, images, infographics, etc., aligned to the magazine’s theme and audience.
• Editorial – An editorial team, led by the editor-in-chief, curates and refines all content to meet the magazine’s standards and objectives.
• Design and layout – The creative design team gives the content a visual identity and lays it out artistically in publishing software.
• Printing or digital publishing – Physical copies are mass printed, or digital editions are published online.
• Distribution and circulation – Issues are distributed to subscribers and available at newsstands or online platforms.
• Marketing and promotion – Multi-channel marketing campaigns drive awareness and increase readership.

This is an iterative process, with constant collaboration between departments. The publishing schedule can be monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, or any other frequency.

Some key roles involved in a magazine publishing venture include:

• Editor-in-chief – Responsible for the magazine’s overall content strategy, tone, and voice. Leads the editorial team.
• Managing editor – Oversees day-to-day editorial operations and content workflow.
• Department editors – Commission and edit content for specific sections like news, features, fashion, etc.
• Writers – Create articles, interviews, and essays aligned to the magazine’s editorial needs.
• Photographers – Shoot photographs to accompany articles and for other sections.
• Art director – Defines the visual identity and style of the magazine.
• Graphic designers – Design the layouts of articles, mastheads, covers, etc.
• Publisher – Handles business operations, including sales, marketing, finance, and human resources.
• Advertising sales team – Sells ad space and manages relationships with advertisers and sponsors.

In the subsequent discussions, we will cover specific roles and departments more.

Owning and managing a magazine publishing venture requires strong leadership, editorial vision, and business acumen. Assembling the right team is critical to producing a compelling magazine that engages its target readership.

Why Start a Magazine Publishing Business?

Starting a magazine publishing business can be an incredibly rewarding experience, both personally and professionally. On the rewards side, owning your magazine gives you the creative freedom to produce content you feel passionate about.

You can build a publication around topics and ideas you truly care about and use your magazine as a platform to amplify voices and perspectives you believe deserve more attention. Full control over the editorial direction also allows you to shape the magazine into a unique brand that establishes you as an authority in your niche.

Professionally, running a magazine allows you to develop and showcase diverse skills. From writing and editing to sales, marketing, and management, successfully launching a magazine requires wearing many hats. This can expand your professional capabilities and give you a major sense of accomplishment.

As your publication grows, you may be satisfied with creating publishing job opportunities for others. However, the road to magazine publishing success has its fair share of challenges. The magazine industry is highly competitive, and launching a new publication requires major upfront investments of both time and money before you can start generating revenue.

Expect to put in long hours, especially in the early stages when you will be heavily involved in all aspects of the business. The work doesn’t stop after the first issue is published; producing consistent, high-quality content continuously takes immense effort.

You’ll also need resilience in the face of financial pressures and rejections to secure advertising and distribution. Becoming profitable typically takes several years. Be prepared to self-fund your venture and make personal sacrifices to make your magazine dreams a reality. It will take perseverance and dedication to grow your readership and establish your magazine’s reputation.

While launching a magazine certainly comes with challenges, the experience presents amazing personal and professional growth opportunities.

Creatively, you’ll have new avenues to showcase your talents and express your vision through high-quality writing, stunning visuals, and innovative design. The process will push you to sharpen your skills and unlock creative potential you may not have realized you possessed.

Running all facets of a magazine business will also build your professional capabilities exponentially. You’ll gain hands-on experience with crucial business functions like strategizing, marketing, selling advertising, managing budgets and cash flow, and leading a team. You will also benefit the community by providing publishing careers to aspiring jobseekers.

These transferrable skills will serve you well in future entrepreneurial or executive endeavors. Owning your magazine will also build confidence as you solve problems, take initiative, and learn to trust your instincts as a publisher. Full responsibility for guiding your venture’s direction will empower you to think big, set ambitious goals, and develop the persistence to achieve them.

These leadership abilities can then be applied to propel your career growth. Finally, your connections with writers, industry insiders, advertisers, and readers can become invaluable networking assets as you grow your magazine. Nurturing these relationships helps establish you as an influencer in your niche.

The combination of creative, business, leadership, and networking skills developed through magazine publishing creates massive potential for personal and professional growth. The journey will expand your capabilities and open new doors you never imagined possible when you started.

Step 1 – Market Research and Identifying Your Niche

Before starting a magazine, it is crucial to conduct thorough market research to determine if there is demand for your proposed publication.

Market research will provide insights into your target audience, competitors, and the current trends and gaps in your chosen niche. It will help validate if your magazine concept is viable and has the potential to succeed. After all, you want to provide something unique from other magazines. Otherwise, what’s the point?

Some key aspects of research are:

• The demographics and psychographics of your target readership – their age, gender, location, interests, values, etc.
• The number of potential readers for the niche you are targeting.
• Existing publications in your niche – who are the major competitors, and what angles are they missing that you could cover?
• Industry trends and developments in your niche – what topics and issues are gaining popularity?
• Potential advertising partners and sponsors relevant to your niche.
• Available distribution channels – newsstands, bookstores, subscriptions, etc.
• Is it a printed magazine? Or digital? Or both? The type of publication will influence the business and revenue generation models.

Thorough market research will provide the data and insights needed to make informed decisions about your magazine’s concept, design, content, pricing, and promotion strategy. It is a critical first step before investing significant time and resources into launching a new publication.

Choosing a clear, focused niche is one of the most important steps when starting a magazine. Your niche will define your target audience, editorial approach, potential advertisers, and more. Here are some tips for identifying and selecting the right niche:

• Assess your interests and passions. Choosing a niche you are genuinely passionate about will reflect the quality of your content.
• Look for market gaps – underserved audiences or topics not adequately covered by existing publications.
• The niche should have a sizable target readership with growth potential.
• Avoid over-saturated niches like general news, health, or celebrity gossip.
• Consider emerging trends and topics gaining popularity that can be promising niches.
• The niche should attract relevant advertisers and sponsors.
• Clearly define the niche with descriptive terms, so readers instantly understand your offer.
• Be as specific as possible – for example, “organic gardening for busy moms” rather than just “gardening.”

Aim to choose a focused yet broad niche to allow flexibility in your content. The balance between being highly targeted and being too general. The ideal niche has a built-in target audience but isn’t so obscure that it limits your scope or scalability.

Step 2 – Creating a Business Plan

A solid business plan is essential for any new magazine venture. It helps you define your goals, outline strategies, and anticipate challenges. Here are some key elements to include in your magazine’s business plan:

Briefly summarize your magazine concept, target audience, competitive advantage, and projected growth and revenues. This overview helps readers quickly understand your business model.

Research your target market and competitors. Analyze demographics, psychographics, buying patterns, and growth potential. Identify your competitive edge and opportunities within the market.

Explain in detail what your magazine will provide readers. Include the editorial focus, intended frequency, circulation plan, and all key content features.

Outline your monetization strategies (ads, subscriptions, events, etc.) and provide financial projections. Estimate costs and expected revenues over the next 1-3 years.

Map out strategies for advertising, partnerships, events, and promotions to attract readers and advertisers. Detail your distribution plan as well.

Describe your staffing needs, equipment, and workflows. Outline your printing, distribution, and fulfillment processes. A solid operations plan ensures smooth magazine publication.

Calculate the capital you need to start and operate your magazine until revenues kick in. Identify potential funding sources and how you will obtain them.

With careful research and planning, your business plan provides a roadmap for launching and managing a successful magazine. It shows investors and partners that you have thoroughly evaluated all aspects of your publishing venture.

Step 3 – Assembling Your Team

Assembling a strong team is crucial for any successful magazine publishing venture. Here’s how to identify the right talent for your magazine’s team:

The editorial team shapes the voice and direction of your magazine. Key roles include:

• Editor-in-chief – Oversees all editorial content and the magazine’s creative vision.
• Managing editor – Manages the editorial team and editing/production process.
• Section editors – Commission and edit content for specific sections of the magazine.
• Writers and content writers – Create compelling articles and features.
• Photographers – Capture visually engaging photos to complement stories.

Look for candidates with relevant industry experience, strong writing/editing skills, creativity, and knowledge of your target readership.

These roles focus on the aesthetics and mechanics of assembling your magazine:

• Art director – Sets the visual style and oversees all design aspects.
• Graphic designers – Design layouts, graphics, fonts, and other visual elements.
• Production manager – Coordinates printing, distribution, and other production tasks.

Seek candidates with an eye for visually appealing design, familiarity with design software, and organizational skills.

Driving readership and revenue requires savvy sales and marketing professionals such as:

• Advertising sales director – Manages ad sales team and relationships with advertisers.
• Advertising sales reps – Sell ad space and sponsorships.
• Marketing manager – Develops and executes marketing campaigns.
• Public relations manager – Manages PR activities and media relationships.

Look for outgoing team players with existing media/marketing relationships and a drive to promote your magazine.

Assembling a diverse team with complementary skills and experience will provide the foundation for your magazine’s success.

Step 4 – Content Creation and Design

The content and design of a magazine are crucial to its success. High-quality, engaging content keeps readers coming back issue after issue. The visually appealing design makes the content easy to digest. Here are some tips for creating great content and designs for your magazine:

Focus on topics your target audience cares about. Research what content has performed well in similar magazines. Conduct surveys or interviews to learn what readers want to see. Hire experienced writers in your niche. They will understand what content resonates.

Encourage creativity within your editorial guidelines. Include articles, advice, how-tos, interviews, reviews, and more. Vary article lengths to cater to different reading styles. Insert inspiring quotes, fun facts, infographics, and lists to break up long blocks of text.

Work with a graphic designer to create a cohesive look and layout. Use color schemes, fonts, and visual elements that fit your brand identity. Organize content logically while maintaining visual interest. Break up text with high-quality photos, illustrations, pull quotes, sidebars, and white space.

Choose paper stock and binding that enhance the reading experience. Select a durable cover that represents your brand. Update designs regularly to keep things fresh. Occasional redesigns can revive interest from longtime readers.

With engaging, high-quality content and aesthetically pleasing designs, your magazine will capture readers’ attention and keep them eagerly anticipating the next issue.

Step 5 – Funding and Monetization Strategies

Starting a magazine publishing venture requires a significant upfront investment. Here are some options for funding your new magazine:

Bootstrapping refers to self-funding your business using your savings or income. As they say, start your business using your own money, then expand it using others’.

Many entrepreneurs bootstrap their magazines in the beginning by working full-time jobs while building their publications on the side. Bootstrapping allows you to maintain full ownership and control of your magazine.

Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo allow you to raise funds from a large pool of small investors. Offering subscriptions or merchandise can entice backers to support your magazine launch. This is a great way to validate your idea and build an initial audience.

Angel investors are wealthy individuals who provide start-up capital in exchange for equity in your business. Ensure you understand the terms before accepting angel funding to maintain control of your magazine.

Banks and online lenders offer small business loans to help cover start-up costs like equipment, software, talent acquisition, and inventory. Compare interest rates and repayment terms before selecting a loan.

Selling ad space in your magazine is a primary source of revenue. As your readership grows, you can charge more for ads. Maintain a diverse mix of advertisers across industries.

Paid subscriptions for print and digital editions are another major income stream. Offer exclusive subscriber-only content and discounts to incentivize subscriptions.

Accepting paid articles or product features from brands wanting exposure allows you to offset content creation costs. Ensure sponsored content aligns with your magazine’s voice and audience.

You can license your content to third parties or syndicate it on aggregator sites. This provides an additional revenue stream from already-created magazine content.

Hosting live events like conferences, festivals, and awards shows provides sponsorship, ticketing, and merchandising income. Events also raise your magazine’s profile.

A diversified monetization strategy is key to sustaining a profitable magazine publishing venture over the long term. Focus on building audience loyalty and delivering value through your content.

Step 6 – Marketing and Distribution

Marketing is crucial for getting your new magazine in front of your target readership. First, create marketing personas to understand your audience’s needs and interests. Then, develop a marketing strategy across multiple channels like social media, email newsletters, advertisements in complementary publications, and engagement with influencers in your niche.

Content marketing through your website, blog, and social media accounts is essential for building brand awareness and an audience. Share exclusive previews, interviews, and behind-the-scenes looks at your magazine.

Run contests and giveaways to increase engagement. Attend relevant events and conferences to network and promote your magazine. PR outreach to media contacts can also generate buzz leading up to your launch.

Choosing the right distribution channels is key to making your magazine widely available to readers. Print magazines can be distributed through newsstands, bookstores, specialty retail shops, and subscriptions.

Ensure wide coverage by using major magazine distributors. Digital distribution via websites, mobile apps, and e-reader platforms dramatically increases accessibility. Consider your target audience and where they will most likely discover and purchase your magazine.

Aim for a mix of print and digital channels tailored to your niche. Assess the costs and benefits of each distribution method. Wider reach has to be balanced with higher distribution fees. Leverage social media and email lists to engage your audience directly. Analyze sales data and reader feedback to refine your distribution strategy. Select channels that best fit your budget and goals.

Starting a magazine publishing business can be exciting and rewarding, but it has its fair share of challenges. In this concluding section, let’s recap the key steps covered in this guide to help you embark on your magazine publishing journey.

The first critical step is conducting thorough market research to identify your magazine’s unique niche and target audience. Once you’ve settled on an idea, it’s time to create a comprehensive business plan outlining your magazine’s objectives, budget, staffing needs, and more.

Next, you must assemble a talented team to handle content creation, design, advertising, distribution, and other roles. This team is vital to producing a high-quality publication that readers will love. You’ll also need to focus on crafting engaging content and eye-catching visuals to make your magazine stand out.

Funding and monetization are key considerations as well. Explore various options like loans, crowdfunding, grants, advertising revenue, subscriptions, and more to fund and sustain your venture. Effective marketing and distribution strategies are also critical for reaching your target audience.

While launching a magazine is no small feat, the personal and professional growth you can experience makes it worthwhile. Bring your passion to life by sharing your unique voice and viewpoint. Start small and lean on your team to overcome obstacles along the way.

The magazine publishing landscape is competitive, but carving out a niche and building an audience is possible with the right preparation and persistence. Don’t let doubts or fears keep you from pursuing your publishing dreams. With thorough planning and commitment, you can embark on an exciting journey of creating a magazine you’ll be proud of.

The first step is always the hardest but also the most important. Have faith in your vision and take that critical leap. Your future readers are waiting to discover the inspiring, entertaining, and informative magazine publication you have in mind.

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