Strengthening Customer Relationships With Tennessee Connections A multi-media publishing program exclusive to members of TMEPA. Published quarterly in print and online in partnership with…
Custom publisher established in 1988, based in Franklin, TN Pulitzer Prize-winner Alex Haley, author of Roots, was one of the company’s founders 90+ employees We produce 130 publications each year in print and online “Find the good – and praise it.”
Journal Communications has Three Distinct Business Segments (print and online) Travel publications Community magazines for chambers of commerce Custom magazines for corporate clients and associations
Custom Publishing Defined… Custom publishing is the delivery of editorial content from a sponsoring company to a targeted audience. Whether in print or electronic form, custom publications provide intrinsically valuable information that moves the perceptions and behavior of the audience in a desired direction. Source: Custom Publishing Council
Custom Publishing is a rapidly growing industry: Companies are turning to custom magazines because custom publications are highly targeted vehicles aimed at narrow and well- defined audiences North American corporations produce nearly 116,000 different custom publications a year Annual investment $29.9 billion 19% of marketing budget (a 44% increase over 2005) 78% of CMO’s believe that custom media represents the future of marketing Source: Custom Publishing Council
The Value of Magazine Readership… Change promotes change. Consumers have an increasing array of media options and new technology to control how they use media. In this brave new world, consumers can reject unwanted advertising, and they are doing so. A typical consumer receives up to 1,500 marketing messages daily. Source: Magazine Publishers of America
The Power of Custom Publishing Loyalty Connecting With Readers Image Target Audience Retention & Cross- Selling Engagement
LOYALTY Tennessee Farm Bureau reaches 600,000 members quarterly with Tennessee Home & Farm FACT - Customers of the same auto dealers who received a magazine were 25% more likely to recommend the dealership than customers who did not get a magazine. Source: 2005 Roper Public Affairs
CONNECTING WITH CUSTOMERS Tennessee Connections is mailed to 100,000 municipal electric power customers and growing – FACTS… 8 in 10 readers say custom magazines show that a company believes in its products and said it strengthens their relationship with the company 79% of consumers report finding useful information in custom publications If information is to be received from a company, 85% of consumers report that they prefer getting that information from a collection of articles versus an ad Source: 2005, 2006 Roper Public Affairs
IMAGE - always important and even more so in today’s world. A quality editorial environment lends credibility to your message. Companies control the environment of the message Positive comments can range from reputation, customer care, meeting needs and trusting the brand Companies sending a custom magazine scored higher in reputation (+13%) and trust (+19%) Source: 2005 Roper Public Affairs
TARGET AUDIENCE Women influence 80% of decisions made in the home Database information gathering allows for a targeted audience On average, custom magazines appeal higher to women, ages 35-54, and $100,000+ income Source: Custom Publishing Council
RETENTION & CROSS-SELLING Tennessee Home & Farm reinforces the benefits of Farm Bureau membership while educating members on new insurance products Increasing communication with current customers enhances customer satisfaction 62% of respondents say custom magazines help them make better purchasing decisions 61% of respondents say they have bought something they saw mentioned in a custom magazine 80% of respondents say they don’t mind the sponsor’s “selling” as long as the company is providing useful information Source: 2005 Roper Public Affairs
ENGAGEMENT Tennessee Connections features captivating photography along with pertinent and compelling content that appeals to its reader audience. 67% of those receiving a custom magazine report trying a tip or recipe 64% consider themselves “regular readers” who heavily consume content The average reader picks up a custom magazine 2.5 times 40% keep the magazine or pass it to a friend Source: Custom Publishing Council
What is Tennessee Connections? TMEPA’s official custom magazine since page custom magazine designed to enhance communication and branding with power customers Online magazine at tnconnections.com with expanded content and interactive features Features engaging lifestyle content that appeals to the interests of Tennesseans, such as interesting travel destinations, food, and the home Also educates customers with useful content related to electric power, TMEPA member legislation and other issues with an effective, subtle writing style that is not overly-promotional
A Multi-Media Platform Today’s discerning readers choose when and how they wish to receive information. Tennessee Connections delivers a menu of options to engage your customers around the clock, in the format they prefer: Print magazine Online magazine Virtual magazine online Video online
To build loyalty with the community and enhance image To connect with customers through valuable content that people actually enjoy reading To create a grass-roots network To increase the value of being a utility customer To cross-sell new products and services (automatic bill pay, appliances, energy savings, new services, etc.) To proactively communicate about issues such as rising utility rates, trimming costs, local economic and industrial growth, and customer service To empower their Web site with engaging editorial and photography every quarter Why TMEPA Members Use Tennessee Connections
Clarksville Department of Electricity Positive Customer Feedback
2004 Clarksville Department of Electricity Customer Survey The Clarksville Department of Electricity participates in a quarterly magazine called Tennessee Connections. Have you received this magazine?
If Yes, as an electric power customer, how valuable is the information found in Tennessee Connections? 2004 Clarksville Department of Electricity Customer Survey
2005 CED Customer Survey Are you aware of the following products and services currently offered by CDE?
Which of the following is the most effective way for CDE to communicate with customers?
Tennessee Connections Before No customization opportunity on the cover to feature your utility company name and personalized message Long lead-time was necessary to meet production deadlines, making it difficult to communicate the most current information to your customers Need for professional design and content assistance to produce custom 4-page special section No real presence on the Internet
The New Tennessee Connections New contemporary design that rivals popular newsstand publications
The New Tennessee Connections New engaging lifestyle content that appeals to the interests of your customers
Interesting travel features and recipes appeal to reader interests
Makes an impression with your customers, both long-term and new
Specialized content related to electric power presented as engaging editorial proactively informs while entertaining readers
Tennessee Connections Online A powerful online version, delivering expanded reach and an interactive experience to tech-savvy customers.
The New Tennessee Connections New customization option for your utility company: FRONT COVER - your name in the magazine title BACK COVER - your personalized marketing message
The New Tennessee Connections Customized back cover: Shorter lead time – within weeks of the publish date instead of months – to communicate the most current information to your customers General, seasonal article also available for your use
The New Tennessee Connections New helpful layout guide and electronic proofing for your custom 4-page special section
Cost-Effectively Positions Your Company in the Community Your utility’s name on the front cover The front cover is an upscale design Engaging home and lifestyle content Customized with your marketing message in a custom 4-page special section and/or on the back cover Powerful online exposure for your utility
Tennessee Connections Online Expands your reach to tech-savvy customers Opportunity for additional content beyond the print magazine, including past issues Interactive “virtual” magazine allows you to turn the pages online Scenic video tour of Tennessee Added exposure for all TMEPA utility local sections Enhances your own Web site and links from your home page Can be added as an enhancement to your signature
Empower Your Web Site Link to Tennessee Connections online to instantly empower your Web site with engaging editorial and photography Content changes quarterly, providing current information on your site Linking is easy! Go to tnconnections.com –1. Click on Links –2. Select Link to Us –3. Follow the easy instructions
A Turnkey Marketing Program Journal Communications: Magazine: editorial, photography, design Distribution Online magazine Layout guide for custom 4-page local section Your Utility Company: Printing Postage Customization Options: 1. Local 4-page special section 2. New! Personalization of front and back covers
In Summary … Powerful marketing tool that proactively addresses power-related issues that affect your customers Cost-efficient way to strengthen customer relationships Turnkey marketing solution for your company Compelling feature stories and photography to empower your Web site
Questions? Want more information? Contact Robin Robertson with Journal Communications at (800) , extension 227 or inquire online at (click on Contact).