Consumers Embrace Digital Magazine
Listed under: NewsTop Story
Published: Tuesday, November 14, 2006
The new online craft publication, http://www.mycraftweekly.com, is attracting crafters with its unique format.
Despite only being launched one week ago, the innovative online craft magazine, My Craft Weekly, has built up a strong following from craft consumers. “The response has been extremely positive so far, with crafters saying how much they like the design and content of the new site,” comments Melissa Hyland, editor of My Craft Weekly. ”Much of our feedback has been received either by email or via the forums, showing the extent to which crafters are embracing this format.”
Despite only being launched one week ago, the innovative online craft magazine, My Craft Weekly, has built up a strong following from craft consumers. “The response has been extremely positive so far, with crafters saying how much they like the design and content of the new site,” comments Melissa Hyland, editor of My Craft Weekly. ”Much of our feedback has been received either by email or via the forums, showing the extent to which crafters are embracing this format.”
The initial uptake has outstripped expectations with a great number of registrations since the launch. “Naturally we are looking to build on this to attract more members by increasing awareness of My Craft Weekly and the features it has to offer,” explains Melissa. "Its so exciting to be involved in something so unique,” says Kristy Clark, My Craft Weekly presenter. “One of the best things about the publication is that if a consumer ever wants inspiration or needs a little help, they can log on and ask someone in the chat rooms or forums – Many see it as having a craft club in their own front room!”
The title has already received sponsorship from companies indicating the growing importance of the internet to the craft industry. “As time goes on, we hope to expand this, so that certain businesses are sponsoring particular areas of the magazine, such as the video demonstrations and projects,” she says. The videos themselves have excellent potential to promote branded products, as consumers can watch them being used by a professional designer and see for themselves how effective they are in application. “We have downloadable content from brands such as DMC, Jaeger, Search Press and Sirdar. It is great to have such strong names on board and this is something we intend to build on in the future,” comments Melissa.
One of the most beneficial aspects of this medium to the craft industry is its immediacy. “Our news, features and projects include direct links to the websites of craft companies and retailers. A crafter can read about the, click straight there and buy the products,” she says. Another advantage is that the publication is not limited to the UK, this availability gives an international audience access a greater pool of craft suppliers as they search for a particular item.
“We are delighted at how well My Craft Weekly has been received so far and are looking to involve top name brands more closely in our video projects, featuring their own designers demonstrating the latest gadgets and products. We'd also like to take our camera crew down to the major crafting events, such as Hobbycrafts, to interview designers, industry figures and members of the public in attendance – sort of a 'My Craft Weekly roving reporter'!” she adds. Other plans involve using the online chat room to set up sessions with well known names in the craft industry, allowing the audience to put forward crafting questions. “As time goes on, we will be constantly looking at fresh ways to develop the publication further, making the most of this new medium and keeping it as up-to-date as possible,” concludes Melissa.
The title has already received sponsorship from companies indicating the growing importance of the internet to the craft industry. “As time goes on, we hope to expand this, so that certain businesses are sponsoring particular areas of the magazine, such as the video demonstrations and projects,” she says. The videos themselves have excellent potential to promote branded products, as consumers can watch them being used by a professional designer and see for themselves how effective they are in application. “We have downloadable content from brands such as DMC, Jaeger, Search Press and Sirdar. It is great to have such strong names on board and this is something we intend to build on in the future,” comments Melissa.
One of the most beneficial aspects of this medium to the craft industry is its immediacy. “Our news, features and projects include direct links to the websites of craft companies and retailers. A crafter can read about the, click straight there and buy the products,” she says. Another advantage is that the publication is not limited to the UK, this availability gives an international audience access a greater pool of craft suppliers as they search for a particular item.
“We are delighted at how well My Craft Weekly has been received so far and are looking to involve top name brands more closely in our video projects, featuring their own designers demonstrating the latest gadgets and products. We'd also like to take our camera crew down to the major crafting events, such as Hobbycrafts, to interview designers, industry figures and members of the public in attendance – sort of a 'My Craft Weekly roving reporter'!” she adds. Other plans involve using the online chat room to set up sessions with well known names in the craft industry, allowing the audience to put forward crafting questions. “As time goes on, we will be constantly looking at fresh ways to develop the publication further, making the most of this new medium and keeping it as up-to-date as possible,” concludes Melissa.
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