Find out how simple it is for you to win more customers
The magazines were started in 2009 by Gary Prince after a long career as a golf professional and a later position as manager of a local golf club.
Being a local resident himself Gary recognised that it would be of huge benefit to local businesses if they had an effective advertising platform, so, he started with the Barton Bugle and subsequently expanded his portfolio to include a further four magazines for the BH25 and BH23 areas: Highcliffe Herald East,Highcliffe Herald West, New Milton Mail and the Mercury.
Gary spends his spare time with his lovely wife Sally and their huge hound, the inimitable Bernese Mountain dog, Bertie. And of course, playing golf!
Our monthly magazines are read and often kept by thousands of locals who enjoy a great mix of community stories, what's on guides, interesting articles about our local history and quality editorials plus of course an excellent range of advertisments showcasing local tradespeople and businesses.
We have a really simple purpose: to provide an effective advertising platform where local business and community groups can tell people about their services and products.
Because local business needs to advertise to get more customers and local people need local business to get their goods and services from.
It’s a symbiotic relationship where everyone benefits, not least of all the local economy and the employment opportunities it affords.
We have first-hand knowledge of just how much self-motivation, not to mention self-discipline, it takes to keep your own business growing and thriving.
We always strive to make it easier for other entrepreneurs and business owners to do the same.
When Google and Microsoft jointly annouced last year that preference would be given to those websites that were more mobile friendly we thought it about time to invest in some new technology, so we went all in and commisioned the very latest in web tech, something called a progressive web application or PWA.
Progressive Web Applications (PWAs) offer significant benefits, apart from being blazingly fast, they work on all kinds of devices, from traditional desk top computers and laptops to the latest mobile phones, tablets and smart hardware, plus for individuals with disabilities, primarily due to their inherent design and functionality which align well with accessibility principles. Accessibility, in the context of digital platforms and applications, refers to the design and creation of applications, devices, services, or environments so they can be easily used by people with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. This encompasses auditory, cognitive, neurological, physical, speech, and visual impairments.
If you have your mobile device to hand, simply scan the QR code below, or press the purple button to visit our new site.
TARGETED LOCAL REACH In today's rapidly evolving marketplace, establishing a robust online presence is not just an advantage but a necessity. The launch of our digital directory marks a significant stride towards revolutionizing the way our advertisers connect with their audience.
This innovative platform does not merely complement our esteemed magazine but significantly amplifies the reach and impact of our advertisers. Here are the compelling benefits that a digital directory and web presence bring to our esteemed advertisers.
EXPANDED REACH AND ACCESSIBILITY Unlike the physical limitations of a magazine, a digital directory transcends geographical boundaries, offering businesses the invaluable opportunity to reach a global audience. Potential customers can discover your services with a simple click, anytime, anywhere, breaking the constraints of time and location.
Unlike some local directories, inclusion in the Prince Digital directory is 100% free. To be included you will need to complete a very simple form, which collects basic business information such as business opening hours, location and a brief description of the services that you offer, you can provide as much or as little information as you like, and the whole process should take only a few minutes, although we suggest you get creative and really sell yourselves by writing a great business description.
Digital directories provide interactive and dynamic content.
From customer reviews to multimedia showcases like videos and image galleries, businesses can engage with their audience in a more profound and compelling manner, fostering trust and building lasting relationships.
With the power of SEO (Search Engine Optimization), businesses in a digital directory are more likely to be discovered by individuals actively searching for related services or products.
This targeted visibility brings your business to the forefront when it matters most.
The dynamic nature of digital directories allows for real-time updates.
Whether it's a change in services, pricing, or launching a new offer, your latest information is instantly available, ensuring your audience is always well-informed.
Digital directories eliminate the need for costly print materials, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative.
The resources saved can be strategically reinvested into further enhancing your digital presence or other areas of your business.
Digital platforms provide valuable data and insights into customer behaviors and preferences.
This information is pivotal in making informed decisions, tailoring your services to meet customer needs, and strategically planning your marketing efforts.
Online reviews and ratings in digital directories build credibility and trust.
Positive reviews serve as powerful social proof, influencing potential customers' decisions, while any negative feedback can be swiftly addressed and managed, showcasing your commitment to customer satisfaction.
Local advertising works, and works well; you only have to look through any one of our FIVE monthly community magazines to see the array of thriving businesses that are already reaping the benefits. These publications are not just magazines, but a platform where local enterprises connect directly with their community.
Each page showcases a diverse blend of services and products, catering to a wide range of needs and interests, all rooted in the local area. By advertising with us, you join a vibrant ecosystem of small businesses, each with a story to tell and an audience eager to listen. It's a testament to the power of community-focused marketing, where your advertisement doesn’t just reach potential customers, it engages with neighbours, strengthens local economies, and builds lasting relationships.
Let your business be part of this thriving narrative and discover the impact of local advertising firsthand.
Embarking on the journey of community magazine advertising can open a myriad of opportunities for small business owners. This traditional yet impactful form of advertising holds a unique charm and effectiveness, particularly in fostering local engagement. It’s a direct line to the heart of your community, reaching an audience who values and supports local businesses.
Unlike the fleeting nature of digital ads, magazine adverts have a longer shelf life, gracing coffee tables and waiting rooms, continuously catching the eye of potential customers. Moreover, community magazines often enjoy a loyal readership, which means your business can benefit from this established trust.
The targeted nature of these publications ensures that your advertisement is seen by those most likely to patronise your business, offering a more personalised and relevant approach. Taking this step not only enhances your local presence but also contributes to the fabric of the community, strengthening ties with potential customers who appreciate the value of local offerings. In a world where local support is increasingly cherished, placing your ad in a community magazine could be the touchstone of your business's growth and success.
Did we mention a gift? , just call GARY at PRINCE PUBLICATIONS for an amazing deal on your first series of adverts.
DISTRIBUTION The magazines are published monthly, and hand delivered by
Royal Mail.
The Barton Bugle covers 4037 homes and
businesses, New Milton Mail3272, Highcliffe Herald East4481, Highcliffe Herald West4905and New Milton Mercury 5915 (New
Milton Mercury covers New Milton North of the railway line, the far East part of Barton, Ashley,
Bashley and Wootton).
Our total monthly distribution is 22,610 magazines, reaching well over 50,000 local residents!
ONLINE COVERAGE
Our magazines are published monthly on our website & social
media so you will get an online presence at no extra cost.
NEW PEOPLE ARE MOVING INTO AREA EVERY MONTH
In most cases these residents are new
to the area and have no local knowledge. They are looking for guidance and the magazines
offer the perfect opportunity for businesses to get themselves in front of these new potential
customers.
Let us guide you through the process
We need your adverts to be relevant and high performing because we know it will attract prospective customers to your services and products and we want you to be successful.
To help you with this, we work closely with you so that the final design reflects your business and delivers top results.
To start with, we will take all of those preliminary details like the size of the advert, your budget and which of our magazines you would like to go into etc.
This quick and painless fact-finding mission is really useful, as this will enable us to assemble a bespoke advertising solution for you that is truly unique to your business.
We then talk to you about your business to get a general understanding of what is you do, what types of customers you are looking to attract and what you hope to achieve, and because only you know your business inside and out we listen to any ideas or suggestions you may have about your planned advertisement campaign.
No two businesses are the same, and personalities, ethos and history all play a part in your ongoing success, so we like to get as much detailed information about your business as we can.
Next, we then like to zero in on the more specific details of your business so we fully appreciate and understand what it is that you want to advertise including any special offers you may have currently and any unique selling points that we should be telling potential customers about.
Think of this as a little fine-tuning and final polishing, this gives us, and you a distinct advantage when we are designing your advert.
Just like your own identity makes you uniquely you, your brand identity is the special secret recipe that sets your business apart from every other Tom, Dick and Sally out there and your brand identity (design) It’s what shapes your company.
Brand identity is a collection of all elements that your company creates to portray the right image to its customers.
Brand identity is different from “brand image” and “branding,” even though these terms are sometimes treated as interchangeable.
Sharing your brand identity with us is the key to creating great advertisements that stand out and engage with your audiance whether they are existing or future customers of your business.
Now its time to add some colour, we’ll want to know if you have a logo, a specific colour palette, font type or any other design details.
It doesn’t matter if you don’t have some or all of those things, we can take care of these for you, its all part of our excellent design service. Once you are 100% happy that we have understood all of your advertising requirements we will get one of our top graphic designers and expert copywriters to work on the advert for you.
You may already have your own in-house designs, and that’s okay as we can use these too as long as it meets our quality standards and is in a PC readable format.
Next, we always like to proof-read your advertisement and double-check that we have included all aspects of your original brief, plus we also carefully read through the text elements of your advert before sending over a draft for your final approval.
This is very important, as once your advert goes to press we are unable to make any adjustments. Its always best to check, and then check again.
Now its time for the last stage in the advertising process. Once we have your final approval, your advert gets sent to our high-quality printers, and from there the finished magazines start their local delivery journey.
Most of our magazines get delivered by Royal Mail, whilst a limited number get hand delivered by our very own delivery team. You will always receive a complimentary copy of the magazine to read and keep, and an electronic version of each of our magazines can always be found on our website.
AND THE MAGIC?
More customers for your business of course.
STILL NOT CONVINCED? See what our lovely customers say about us
Don't just take our word for it, see what our customers really think.