WE ARE STARTING A MAGAZINE - ARE YOU SAM?

Where do I find an ad salesperson?

I'm starting an iPad-based magazine and have just about everything lined up (writers, programmer, graphic design guy, seed capital, etc) but I need someone to sell ads. I've put up classified/job ads, with no acceptable responses. I've even sought out people on job boards, but either they're already too busy or they aren't interested in my (relatively) small potatoes.

The ads will be based on a paper magazine format (i.e. full, half, quarter page) rather than the CPM model used by websites (i.e. clickthroughs) because the clickthrough model relies on millions of hits, whereas the magazine -- even if wildly successful -- will sell only in the tens of thousands.

I'm leaning in the direction of paying by commission, and I've heard numbers from 20% up to almost 50% -- I'd appreciate peoples' thoughts on that issue.

But the main problem is I just can't seem to find a seller? Where should I look?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts you might have on this or my business model generally.

Tags: advertising, iPad, marketing, sales

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by M Johnson on June 28, 2010 at 8:23pm

Wow. Seriously? Nobody has any thoughts?

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Permalink Reply by David Blankenship on July 1, 2010 at 11:24pm

My advice is to seek experienced sales professionals within the magazine niche you plan to serve. Some type of base would probably be expected unless you already have some sales success results. I'm all for maximizing digital media revenue, but digital only startups really need to have the compelling ad sales package to impress the advertiser or media buyers target.

You might also consider looking into a publisher rep firm that could meet your needs.

For startups, we have helped our clients begin the sales process (including the website, media kit, and sales dept and marketing setup) but we want to turn it over to your internal team as soon as possible.

I'm excited about your business model and know the tablet born magazines will be on the rise in the next few years. We look forward to hearing more about your brand when you are comfortable sharing.

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Permalink Reply by Marlene Green on August 11, 2010 at 1:52pm

Given that so many people are unemployed I would put ads on craigslist, college grad listings and internship listings. I would write the ad for folks who are experienced in sales, have connections or a network into your target prospects and are creative about how they can market to prospects. I would also change the title from ads sales to marketing so that you can attract someone who has consultative selling skills.