e-Zine is a fairly self-explanatory concept to the younger generation of professionals. Those over say 45 if not in a tech industry may not be as familiar with the term, if you’re under 45 this is practically an antiquated term.
E-ZINE: electronic magazine. (e-zine) A regular publication on some particular topic distributed in digital form, chiefly now via the World-Wide Web but also by electronic mail. E-zines are often distributed for free by enthusiasts. (Source: Dictionary.com)
Speaking Business: A true e-Zine is very similar to a newsletter published in the golden days. The e-Zine is generally very specialized to a specific industry or even an niche within an industry, think bankruptcy or family law with in the legal profession. e-Zine publications are generally free to subscribers as the publisher is more often than not promoting a business, service or cause with the publication. The range of e-Zine publications are as endless as there are ideas, products, services, and causes in the world. e-Zines, though sometimes delivered in web format (truthfully these are now called WebZines), are generally distributed via eMail in today’s world.
A great example of an early adopter is Jeffrey Gitomer. In my opinion if you sell anything for a living, his is one of the best e-Zines available, I highly recommend you get signed up for his “Sales Caffeine” publication. It is full of sales strategies and ideas to help you succeed what ever the product or service is you’re selling. Here is the link to “Sales Caffeine” (Disclaimer: Joe is not affliated with, nor does he have a vested interest in, Sales Caffeine or Jeffrey Gitomer’s business. Just a fan of his work.)
If you are interested in seeing some of the titles available in world of e-Zines. Here is a listing directory for e-Zines boasting over 1,500 titles http://www.ezine-dir.com/
As you start looking into the world of e-Zines you will also find some similar sounding terms: Webzines, Cyberzines, and Hyperzines are all spins on the e-Zine trend. These publications tend to be web-centric using distribution links to drive traffic for viewing to html (XHTML) browser based sites. Many traditional publishers have also started generated Digital additions of print magazines and newspapers. These traditional media companies general require some type of fee-based membership to access “premium” content or features.
The Business Case for an e-Zine is simply to provide greater value to your client base by providing up-to-date information and resources about your cause or service. An e-Zine is a requested promotional piece showcasing your expertise in a particular area. The sales publication referenced above is a tool for Jeffrey Gitomer to promote his seminars and training schedules while providing on going support and encouragement to the clients and raving fans that follow his sales training philosophy. His Sales Caffeine e-Zine creates a weekly “touch” and reminds his clients and fans of the full line of products and services they can avail themselves to from Jeffrey.
The greatest challenge to becoming an e-Zine publisher is passion and commitment. If you have both and they are associated with a service, product or cause relevant to a particular group or clientele you can grow a successful e-Zine. Once you get started the commitment is paramount to success. If you set a publishing schedule you need to stick to it. You need to add value to your target audiences day for them to consistently read your publication and share it with their friends and colleagues.