Publish and be happy (Daily Mail franchise news)

Publish… and be happy

By: Linda Whitney

STARTING your own publishing business could be the first step you take to becoming a media mogul.

Many franchises involve publishing community magazines or websites. You must be literate and have access to a computer, but more important is the capacity to sell, because your income will be generated by selling advertisements.

About My Area franchisees run websites combining local community news and events listings with advertisements.

'You must have a creative mind to generate new ideas for website content, and you must be willing to get out and meet local businesses to sell them advertisements,' says Abigail Hanscher of About My Area.

Ask website franchises about training. Most provide readymade websites and train you in the skills required to supply and update the content.

About My Area trains you in using your site, taking and uploading pictures and selling advertisements. The investment is £7,995. It's a homebased business, but you must be willing to work at least five hours a day.

The Shoppers Guide is a franchise that involves editing and distributing local free magazines.

'You produce 11 issues a year, taking photographs, sourcing stories and editing, as well as selling advertisements,' says Jay Ball, the printer who founded the franchise.

'The credit crunch is encouraging companies to advertise in Shoppers Guides, as advertising rates are lower than most local newspapers,' he says.

The franchisor arranges the printing at trade rates and provides other services you can sell as a sideline, such as printing business cards, stationery and promotional items.

The cost is £1,000 upfront and £480 a month for six months.

Expect to put in many hours of work to get your publication started.

'Initially, you will spend a lot of time meeting community groups and business owners, but once you have established relationships, advertising and content tends to come to you,' says Adrian Bradshaw, founder of The Flyer franchise.

Franchisees produce The Flyer for their local area, including what's on guides, news, sports, columns, letters and cartoons. You also sell advertising and arrange distribution.

The investment, from £5,000, includes training and support.

About My Area franchise information, Shoppers Guide 01246 853 639, The Flyer 01394 211 461.