All the Content without the Subscription

When it comes to finding out what's new around Seattle, Seattle Met Magazine is the go-to source. Not only does the magazine offer quality information about the latest openings, attractions, and products but they have also adapted to the how their readers gather information. Traditionally, Seattle Met is a monthly print magazine that is mailed to subscribers and sold in the Seattle area. But as business goes, new things happen daily, even hourly and a monthly magazine is often out of date by the time the information gets to its readers.

To tackle this timing issue and continue to be the go-to source for local Seattleites, Seattle Met Magazine has created a powerful and informative social media strategy. As part of their program they have a lively website with multiple blogs that are updated daily with the latest news in the Seattle area. Their blogs are segmented into different themes or interests that their readers follow and is based on the content of their magazine: food, bars, culture, style, etc. They also maintain a Facebook page that highlights articles from their blogs and magazines, a Twitter page that spotlights breaking news and local store openings and an E-Newsletter.

One area that Seattle Met should continue to explore is video content. Video would be a simple and interesting element to add to their social media strategy and would be a new alternative to what their print magazine is currently limited to. Through video readers could watch cooking demos, have interactive restaurant and retail experiences and meet local shop owners, chefs, politicians and trend setters. This option would create a more realistic experience for readers confined to their computers.

One concern regarding having such a dynamic social media strategy would be if offering their content so freely via their website, blogs, Facebook and Twitter, prevents readers from actually purchasing the magazine itself. While some readers, may find the social media content to be enough, it can also be stated that by being so present and timely with news, more readers will be drawn to Seattle Met Magazine than its competitors. This could lead to new magazine subscribers or more likely more viewers and followers online, which eventually will be more important as more periodicals, magazines and text books get the digital treatment.