What’s a Zine? Zine vs. Magazine
What is a Zine?
A zine (/ziːn/ ZEEN; short for magazine or fanzine)
We all know what a magazine is but the question is: what’s a zine?
The definition of zine is in the name “fanzine” as it’s often referred to a publication devoted to some celebrity a person admires. Today, the term "zine" is used to describe a publication created by someone who wants to share a message, show off their artwork, or develop comic book concepts.
Although the word "zine" is derived from "magazine," the two publications are significantly different. A zine is often made by a single person or a small group of individuals whenever they feel like it, as opposed to a magazine which needs an editorial team and a fixed publishing schedule.
A zine can contain anything artistic or anything else that you want to share! The concept behind a zine is that you communicate your views or ideas in some type of "book-like" or "pamphlet" form.
As community-driven publications, zines are often distributed by printing and distributing them out at events or gatherings. However, certain zines can also be purchased through zine fairs.
Digital Zine
E-zines are simply digital zines made with the help of e-zine creators such as Paperturn. Although the methods of creation differ, the nonconformity vibes and DIY aesthetics, as well as the selection of articles, are still the same.
Zines are about freedom of speech, so keep that in mind when creating your physical or PDF zine layout. You can use a variety of colors and materials, add images, and experiment with how the text is laid out.
How to make a zine online
There are no stated guidelines for creating a zine. Due to zines' more DIY-inspired aesthetic, you may be as creative as you want with your images and content.
As more publications have gone digital, more zine publishers have made the switch to digital publishing as well.
Here is a guide that can help you get started:
Create a physical zine and scan it, or use ready-made templates available on Canva. You can also find inspiration available on the web that you can use to create a PDF.
Convert your PDF file into a flipbook using the Paperturn platform for a more realistic appearance.
Add a video and other interactive features in your e-zine
Share your e-zine on social media or by embedding it directly onto your website and in your email signature.
Example of an E-zine created with Paperturn
The Advantages of Using E-zines in Marketing
Given its unconventional nature, using e-zines for digital marketing might seem illogical. However, it is an excellent opportunity to establish your brand identity and build a connection with your community. Especially if the individuals involved are more creative and innovative.
Here are some of the advantages of using e-zines in your marketing strategy:
It can boost your brand's credibility
Consumers today, particularly millennials and Generation Z, are tired of businesses attempting to sell them items and services aggressively. They like to purchase from those who share their values. That’s why major businesses effectively use zines to address significant social concerns.
Since e-zines are so varied, there is almost no topic you can't use them for. For example, you can use them to launch a feature or a new collection, to present your team and even provide some inspiration. You can also simply discuss issues that are significant to you, your workplace and your community.
E-zines help with audience engagement
E-zines are best used for advertising and helping rather than hard selling or conversion. Focus on engagement value rather than sales language when creating your e-zine.
Once you've launched your e-zine, you can share it on social media, where you can show your audience small preview. Because email is still a popular and effective distribution method for publications like newsletters, it’s important to use an email marketing platform that has capabilities such as prospect generation, effective email design, automation, analytics, etc.
Traceable analytics
Some companies are unaware that publishing an e-zine provides you with another tool to monitor how well readers are responding to your content. You can track click-through rates and learn about who is reacting to your newsletters thanks to built-in statistics features.
A low-cost marketing strategy
You will be saving on both postage and paper if you choose to opt for a simple publishing platform. The best part is that you can create and publish an e-zine without leaving your home or workplace.
By design, e-zines don't require a large budget, which is one of their greatest advantages. You can create something very basic with only a few inexpensive DIY supplies and a scanner - and it could be just as powerful as a six-figure advertising strategy. The goal is to engage your audience and interact with them without spending a lot of money.
Conclusion
Because zines have a lot of cultural importance, you can't take the form without absorbing the essence if you want to use them in your marketing strategy. However, if you are not afraid to be unique and creative, e-zines may be a valuable complement to your marketing efforts. They have the ability to engage, inspire, and communicate with people in ways that other publications cannot. So give it a go and see where it takes you.
If you already have a PDF, you can use Paperturn to convert it into a stunning interactive e-zine today. You also scan your handmade zine, save it as a PDF and upload it to Paperturn - it only takes a few minutes for your PDF to be transformed into an online flipbook.
For a visual and detailed explanation, you can book a demo with Paperturn’s sales team or contact the customer support department. They are ready to answer your questions in the language you feel comfortable speaking - English, French, Spanish, Danish or German.
