Why paid placements in print are essential for reaching local audiences
One question we often get is, “Why won’t you publish my press release for free?”. And we understand why that is asked. After all, PR teams invest time and effort into crafting stories they believe are valuable. Here’s a closer look at why paid press release distribution in local print media like ours isn’t just beneficial for us – it’s valuable for you, too.
The value of paid print advertising
Let’s start with a simple truth: print isn’t dead. While digital has become pervasive, local magazine advertising remains impactful, especially in communities that value credibility and trust. Our readers tell us exactly that. In a recent survey, 64% of respondents said they keep the magazine for at least two weeks, and 56% of readers report reading the magazine cover-to-cover every month. This is lasting engagement that digital ads can rarely match.
The longevity of print means your press release stays in front of your target audience for a sustained period, creating multiple impressions. Unlike online formats, print media is seen as more trustworthy, giving your message a greater impact.
Creating and delivering a high-quality magazine to 154,000 homes across Sussex and Surrey each month involves real costs – paper, printing, and a skilled distribution team. Our commitment to quality ensures that every press release and advert we publish upholds the reputation RH Uncovered has worked hard to build in the local community. And that’s value that goes beyond simply being published – it’s about the staying power and respect that print can offer your message.
Why free content isn’t feasible
Here’s a scenario we often encounter: we’re contacted with a well-crafted press release and an ask to “share it with our readers for free.” The reality is that unlike digital platforms, print media doesn’t have infinite space. Our pages are carefully planned, balancing paid content and editorial features to provide value for both our readers and advertisers.
Free content raises concerns with our paying clients. A business that has chosen to invest in paid advertising has a legitimate expectation that their message will be highlighted and prioritised. Free content could compromise that and would create an imbalance in how we serve our loyal advertisers. When businesses pay for advertising space, they’re assured a level of exclusivity and visibility that we simply can’t guarantee for unpaid press releases.
Building trust through paid print placements
Being featured in RH Uncovered means more than just appearing in print; it means aligning your brand with a trusted, credible publication. Over the years, we’ve built a reputation in Sussex and Surrey communities for delivering reliable, valuable content. For businesses, a paid press release means joining that reputation – a stamp of credibility that goes beyond digital.
Think of it like the story of the experienced engineer who charged for his years of expertise rather than the minutes spent fixing the problem. When businesses partner with RH Uncovered, they’re investing not only in print space but also in our reputation, community trust, and years of industry experience.
Competing interests and limited print space
In print, space is limited. Unlike digital media, each issue has a consistent page count, balancing editorial content with paid advertising in a structured format. This approach ensures that every advertiser has fair visibility, as pages aren’t open-ended or influenced by unpaid content. We carefully allocate space to provide a predictable, dependable experience that meets high expectations from readers and advertisers alike.
Producing each issue comes with essential costs – printing, materials, and distribution. By prioritising paid placements, we maintain the quality our advertisers and readers expect, providing reliable exposure in a respected publication without compromising on space.
Balancing reader trust and advertiser value
Reader trust is at the heart of RH Uncovered’s success. Readers view our magazine as a source of reliable information tailored to their community. Paid placements ensure that your message isn’t competing with unpaid content, reserving dedicated space for those who invest in their community outreach. This model sustains the quality of our publication and reinforces our role as a trusted local resource that readers return to month after month.
Not sure where to start? Assessing your marketing needs can help identify the best approach for your business. Assess your marketing needs with our Marketing Health Check Quiz.
If you’re ready to build your brand’s presence through trusted local advertising, we’re here to help. Let’s talk about getting your message in front of readers who can become your customers. Get in touch to discuss your marketing goals.
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