Planning - Front Page.

in this following post i will bullet point some key facts and ideas on a good front page to a magazine :

• Use a strong image, though not necessarily a photograph; sometimes text will work well.
• make sure the masthead is clearly independent. This doesn't mean the whole word has to be visible, Although it had to distinctive.
• Make sure the text on the page is visible from up to 3 metres away, as the front cover of the magazine will be amongst other magazines on a rack were the potential customer will have to stand 2-3 metres away.
• Promise a benefit for the reader ( free give away )
• offer something for beginners or new readers ( Free give way)
• Create strong links to the content page. Readers are annoyed if the fascinating story heralded on the cover is impossible to find in the contents list, perhaps because it is a given a different title.
• Stick to your promises
• Put the emphasis on the left hand side of the cover as that is the part which will show when the magazine is on the average newsagent's shelf. The other important site is the top, which is why you won't see many title pieces positioned at the bottom of a front cover
• Planning is vital.

Although my magazine is a college magazine so there is not as much pressure to make a profit on the magazine as it will not be bought. It will be given to students and maybe teachers for free. although it still has to lo attractive to attract the attention so readers will actually read the magazine.