Why I Started a Print Magazine

A while back, I did something that probably raised a few eyebrows. I launched a print magazine. Not an email newsletter or a PDF, but an actual, hold-it-in-your-hands, flick-through-the-pages magazine.

It's called The Business Companion, and three issues in, it's distributing over 1,000 copies across the county. So I figured it was worth talking about how it came to be, what it actually is, and why it's become one of the best things I've done for my business.

So, what is it exactly?

Think GQ, but for Lincolnshire businesses. That was my inspiration, anyway! Each issue features local business owners sharing their stories about why they started, what they've been through, the challenges they didn't expect, and how they got to where they are. They're the kind of stories and advice that you'd have over a coffee and this was exactly the point. I wanted to offer a perspective from our business community that you don't hear on LinkedIn or out networking.

And because it's a magazine, I provide proper editorial photography that pushes me creatively to portray contributors in a different way to how I work on my usual headshot projects. Instead, I play with environment, space, composition and lighting to create something unique that compliments their article and story. That's certainly been one of the most exciting parts for me.

Why did I start it?

Firstly, the magazine gives people a reason to be involved that's genuinely valuable. They get to share their story, reach a new audience, and be part of something that actually looks good. Most opportunities to meet new businesses are at networking events where the format that encourages quick sales pitches about services, but I found the best connections I have made are when I've been able to find out about the people behind the business and their story.

Secondly , I wanted to bring businesses together. Lincolnshire has an incredible community of people doing really interesting things. Whilst there are many networking meet ups, I wanted to create something that connected businesses wherever they may be, such as in their office, out for coffee or simply browsing online amongst the magazines back catalogue of articles on The Business Companion website.

And honestly? I wanted to challenge myself creatively. Whilst I try to keep my work stylistically flexible and fresh, there is often an expectation from clients that the style has to fall within. The magazine gives an opportunity to showcase more variety that can be used to help future prospective clients visualise how their brand photoshoot could look.

What's it done for the business?

It's become one of my best marketing tools, genuinely. Not because I'm advertising myself in it (I'm not, really), but because it demonstrates what I do better than any sales page could. People see the photography, they feel the pages (everything looks so good in print!) and they read the stories. And then they get in touch.

That's the thing about building something with real value, you don't have to chase people, it feels like they just come to you. You attract interest from people, and more importantly the right people, who have bought into what you have to offer.

If you're a Lincolnshire business owner with a story worth telling, or you're curious about what editorial photography could look like for you, I'd love to have a chat.

Let's get a call in the diary