Remember how we used to look? We’ve come a long way since then
Hard to believe, but it’s been one year since we launched our new magazine design. Back in the spring of 2010, we won a national magazine makeover contest sponsored by K9 Design, a leading Canadian design studio. Over the summer and fall, we collaborated with K9, picking out a new contemporary design from their mock ups.
They created a new logo, cover and interior layout, refreshing the entire look of our magazine. We launched our first issue last November. It was such a thrill to unveil the new magazine, showcasing our slick contemporary design. Here’s a look at the before and after shot of our 2009 and current winter covers. What do you think of the change? I can’t believe we’ve only been working with the new design for one year. It’s such a good fit for us–it always feels fresh and exciting when we’re putting a new issue together.
Our ad revenues have spiked since we launched the new design, with our national advertising growing from 15 per cent in 2009 to 27 per cent in 2011. Traffic on our website, redesigned by Halifax design firm Kula Partners in conjunction with the makeover, has doubled, with a 232 per cent increase in unique visitors and a 214 per cent increase in total visits.
Here’s a shot of our makeover team from our launch party in November 2010. That’s me on the far left, K9 Design creative director Norm Lourenco, our graphic designer Gwen North and our production coordinator Dana Edgar.
Copyright © 2010, Metro Guide Publishing, All Rights Reserved.
Good afternoon!
I just moved back little over a hear ago to Halifax after living in Toronto for 10yrs. I think you’re re-design is fantastic, upscale, has a modern edge and I’m sure sales are up!
Also, I saw shots online of the Summer 2011 issue i believe (‘Retro Chic’ was the title). I’m so happy to see you’re pro-gay as well…it’s refreshing to see coming back to the Maritimes and seeing how people are accepting and that your magazine is not only fantastic but also progressive.
Great to see! Looking forward to being my first issue!
Kind regards,
Tanya
Thanks for the kind words, Tanya. Glad you are enjoying the magazine!