June 20, 2014 2014 PRSA Midwest District Conference

Transitioning publications from print to web

Problem?

Why?

Pros of digital publications •  Printing and distribution

costs much lower than conventional media

• Greater circulation and subscription potential

• Greater advertising potential with capacity for interaction and web traffic referrals

• No technical experience required to create and distribute

• Bring your content to life with photography, video, audio and interactive links

• Make your entire back catalogue available

Cons of digital publications

• Hard to read if not optimized for mobile (zooming in and out, etc.)

• Can add layers of confusion for readers if not designed correctly

• Multiple devices, operating systems, browsers, app engines to keep track of

Examples

Process

Process • Evaluation of content • Design • Coding/building

Missouri State Magazine

Mind’s  Eye  

Research  page  

Online  magazine  

Homepage  

Social  sharing  

Web-first approach •  Interviews and written story • Photography and video • Publish one story a month on Mind’s Eye site • Publish printed piece in September

Positives

Negatives

Lessons learned

Software & Platform Resources • WordPress • Readmore • Google Currents • Treesaver • Baker Framework • Adobe Digitial Publishing Suite

The future