Serving Readers First with Integrity

About Chain Store Age Reports on and analyzes trends and strategies in all areas of retail operations and store development, including technology, marketing, human resources, finance, store design and construction, facilities management and real estate. Readership reach includes every segment within the retail industry—both online and brick-and-mortar—from supermarkets to specialty stores to discounters.

Remain True to Core Editorial Philosophy Content, in print or online, is king. Serving readers starts with providing relevant, engaging and informed content that they can use to make better business decisions, stay ahead of the competition, trends, etc. This creates a highly engaged and loyal reader base. Maintaining editorial integrity is paramount and key to brand integrity, which is the foundation on which the readers’ trust is built. To maintain integrity, it’s important that we (editors) retain all editorial control of any material that we ourselves write OR given to us by others, and ensure that we have the final say in how it is used—or not used.

Be Aware of Potential Risks Contributed content: Always be aware that some people contributing material may do so in order to advance their own agenda/company. Sponsored content: Should always be clearly labeled as such, whether in print or online. Not to property ID sponsored content is a disservice to your brand and audience—and ultimately to the sponsor as well. Online links: When creating links to articles online, editors should make sure the link is to relevant material that adds value—or provides more detailed information about the subject—and is not simply promoting a product, service or company. Lazy links take a reader to a home page.

Strengthen Audience Relationships Audience, as much as content, is one of our chief assets. With that in mind: Get quick feedback from readers—and a guide as to what content is resonating—by reviewing available metrics Engage with readers on social platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, to build loyalty and engagement. Get out in the field and meet with readers at industry-related conferences, events, etc. Attend conference sessions not just with an eye for coverage but to better understand your readers’ businesses, needs, challenges and opportunities. Use this insight to shape future content. Study the top issues for your audience.

Work with Entire Team — Including Advertisers Establish a healthy dynamic between sales and editorial. There is no place in today’s environment for an “us-versus- them” attitude. Understand that our advertisers are valuable not only because they keep us in business, but also because they help solve problems and/or create new opportunities for our readers. Having advertisers understand that we want them to succeed—and help to do so by maintaining editorial integrity— is crucial. Promote editorial integrity as a selling point since it ultimately works to maximize reader engagement and drive audience response.