Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco , CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

J. Tara,
Not an expert on this topic, so I can only offer limited advice.

* Overall, I think you need to create content that gets the most "eyeballs". You need to know which search terms are the most popular, and you need to develop a strategy to become highly ranked on the most poplar search terms, and to adjust and create new content as new search terms become popular. You also need to balance popularity with competition. You might "go after" somewhat less poplar search terms if they have little competition or coverage from others.

* Develop a plan to become an expert in search engine optimization (SEO) and online ad sales via Google, Yahoo, Facebook, etc.

* Consider learning how to get your news stories and magazine at or near the top of search engine rankings

* Consider learning how to track which search terms are popular and "trending". Then create stories and content that specifically matches the most popular search terms, and that will get you to the top of the most popular search terms.

* Consider hiring a consultant and/or sale person with expertise in seeking online ads on Google, Facebook, Yahoo, etc.

* Consider working with a consultant that has expertise in the areas of search engine optimization (SEO), Google, Facebook and Yahoo advertising sales, etc.

See SCORE (score.org) and try to find a consultant face-to-face or remote (phone, email, Skype) ) with expertise in these areas. SCORE also offers some online articles and seminars.

http://www.score.org/mentors

https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3A+score.org+seo

https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Ascore.org+google+ad+sales

also see:
https://www.google.com/search?q=how+doi+i+sell+online+ads

https://www.google.com/search?q=starting+an+online+magazine

Scott Lackey ⋅ New York , NY Jugular ⋅ 25 years experience

Hi Tara:

In addition to the many excellent suggestions above, I'd also suggest that you call on media buying agencies who represent clients in your category. This gives you an efficient way to target multiple clients through a single visit. Research what clients the agency represents and spend the most time targeting the agencies with clients that best match your edit, prices, and geography (if applicable). Hope that helps.

Good luck,
Scott

John McLaughlin ⋅ Lehighton , PA FloorAbility ⋅ 23 years experience

Hi Tara,
I spent some time on your site. I was unable to find a copy of your current issue. I think it is very important as stated above to have a site that is up to date with all information. Advertisers want to know that where they place their ads, there is a steady stream of traffic. As far as print media, sell ad spots in your magazine to business owners that you know first. Get the word out week after week. When business owners see a steady publication, they start to believe it is here to stay. The most important thing you can do is help others believe what you believe.

Best Of Luck.
John

Mo Johnson ⋅ Dumfries , VA U.S. Army, Major ⋅ 20 years served

Good comments above. I'd just add a couple things. First, you would benefit tremendously from posting more frequently to your website. It appears you post about once a month. Once a day would be much better. That may seem impossible, but actually, it is easy to find good writers who will write good articles very inexpensively. Also, in my experience, getting advertising from google, yahoo and bing is easy. The hard part is getting the traffic to your website.

I have no experience with off-line magazines so can't comment on that -- other than to say that you might consider multi-purposing some of your content and selling it in e-book format -- especially on Kindle.

I like the concept of your magazine and you have a nice social media community to build from. Good luck and feel free to contact me if you want at mo[at]zero-risk-internet-marketing.com

Kevin Kohleriter ⋅ Dallas , TX ShockWatch, Inc ⋅ 12 years experience

Hi. Advertising sales is about relationships and knocking on doors. There is not really a way around that. As a marketing consultant myself, I have discovered that referrals and networking with the audience you are trying to network with can work, but you have to be patient. In working with other publications, I have found that most of them put together a media kit that includes target audience, advantages and benefits, why you are different, and what you can offer a business who advertises with you.

For me, I look for reach of the right audience, qualified leads, and content that is compelling to my customers.

What you may also want to do is reach out to some ad reps and publishers from other magazines and buy them a cup of coffee so that you can have an honest discussion on how they do it. I can connect you with a couple if you need it.

My agency, www.marketburst.com also consults with people on social media, marketing plans etc to target your audience.