When you first start a magazine publishing business expect to face the pressure of competing against those magazines that have been in the industry for years and also other new players with hefty pocketbooks who are able to experiment with different layouts and titles before they settle on one particular look. If you decide that you, too, want to be in this industry, be aware that it's a pretty tough sell.



Oftentimes, those in business don't count out magazine publishing as a possible venture to get into, and in fact, it can be a good thing. There's also an image of magazine publishing as a wonderful, lucrative challenge. It's certainly not glamorous, but there's money in it for those who are willing to work hard and can be successful in it. It's true that some of the so-called "old" players have sold out, but it's likely that they did so at quite a profit to new magnates. If you want to start up your own magazine, what's going to be your first step?

First, decide on what your magazine's concept is going to be. Brainstorm on your own at first. Your interests in the magazine world would suggest that you like to read magazines yourself. Therefore, take a look at what's already out there and read up on the industry itself. Do you have favorite titles you follow? Take a look at those, and take a look at other popular titles, too. Make sure you check outside of your comfort zone as well as within it so that you know what your audience is going to be reading. This will help you come up with a fresh, new approach that just might make you successful.

When you've got some concepts to choose from, take a moment to pause and choose the one you think you're most interested in and capable of handling. Remember that interest alone is not going to be enough to determine your success. You're also going to have to have some basic experience in the industry you choose. For example, if you have fashion sense, then maybe your magazine is going to be about fashion or a niche within the industry. Is music your passion? Then maybe you can start a magazine about a particular niche in music. Don't try to emulate Rolling Stone, but make your own mark. Rolling Stone is as great as it is because it made its own niche in its own day. You have to do the same.

Next, decide what your target market is going to be. It's likely that you already have some idea of this once you've picked out your concept, but make sure you refine it. Then, invest your time, money and energy in expanding your concept so that it can really fuel a magazine. This may take some time and a few missteps, but if you keep at it, stay with your audience and keep people interested in it, you should have success.

Once you've got your concept covered and expanded, start your magazine. It's okay to start small and then grow as your circulation does. It's better not to get in over your head in the beginning, because doing so may spell failure. Instead, start small and grow with your circulation. This can help ensure your success.