Digital Magazine Mistakes - and What to Do Instead

Mistake #1: Designing for Desktop

What to do instead: Mobile first design

Since digital design is created primarily on our desktops and laptops, designing for those devices first and then cutting it down to look good on mobile later is an easy trap to fall into. However, mobile internet usage has been on the rise, finally topping desktop usage in October 2016 according to Statcounter.

While designing for mobile first may seem restrictive, think of it instead as a way to help you hone in your most important points. It’s a great way to stay on message without being tempted to add any unnecessary content. Google is also ranking mobile-friendly sites higher, making this an easy way to increase your SEO. On the other hand, that’s not to say that you should ignore desktop users entirely. Most e-commerce transactions still happen on a desktop device.

Luckily, the magazines are easily translatable to the layout of most digital devices. While most desktop design is horizontal, magazines feature vertical designs. Designing your publication with our Crater Editor allows you to preview how your publication will look like on both mobile and desktop platforms, allowing you to serve all users.

Mistake #2: Static Layouts

What to do instead: Go beyond the printed page

It’s an oversight to think that designing a digital magazine is exactly like designing something in print. While many design principles are universal, digital publishing offers far more functionality than a print-only publication can only dream of. A great collection of photos might be limited by print space and ink costs, but a digital publication allows you to insert a gallery of photos instead. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then an embedded video can express a countless amount.

That’s not to say you have to start over if you’re already sitting on a well-designed magazine. Crater Editor allows you to upload pre-existing PDFs. After that, you can customize them with interactive elements in no time. For example, Treefort Magazine uses embedded video and pop-up photo galleries. Should you choose to go the physical copy route, we make it easy for you to publish a print-friendly version as well.

Mistake #3: One-Way Interaction

What to do instead: Create a conversation

For all the work that goes into a print magazine, once it’s off to the printers, the work of the content creator is done. However, digital magazines don’t have that kind of limitation. Go beyond the one-and-done publication style of a print publication and interact with your readers in real-time!

How? Plugins allow readers to instantly respond to content, letting you know what’s working and what can be improved on. Our Professional Online Editor offers options as simple as ratings stars or as in-depth as a comments box. Put these tools to work and you’ll be raking in the feedback from your audience in no time!

FAQ

Q1: Why prioritize mobile-first design over desktop design?

A: Designing for mobile-first ensures optimized content for the growing number of mobile users. It improves user experience, boosts SEO, and still caters to desktop users.

Q2: How can I go beyond static layouts in my digital magazine?

A: Incorporate interactive elements like photo galleries and videos to enrich the reader experience. Tools like Crater Editor make it easy to transform static content into dynamic digital magazines.

Q3: How can I encourage reader engagement in my digital magazine?

A: Use plugins and interactive features to create real-time interactions with readers. From simple rating systems to comments sections, tools like Joomag's Professional Online Editor facilitate engagement and feedback gathering.