How to design a digital magazine: The power of professional design and publishing platforms
Dean Cook • 17 October 2024

Creating a digital magazine can be rewarding, but it requires careful planning and execution. One of the most crucial aspects is the design. A well-designed magazine looks visually appealing, enhances user experience, and improves discoverability. In this article, Dean Cook explores the benefits of hiring a professional magazine designer and using a publishing platform like Issuu to create a successful digital publication.

While there are DIY tools and software available for creating magazines, nothing can quite compare to the expertise, craft and support of a magazine production artist who can:

  • Create visually appealing layouts: Ensure that your content is presented in a way that is easy to read and visually engaging.
  • Optimise for readability: Choose appropriate fonts, colours, and spacing to enhance readability across different devices.
  • Maintain brand consistency: Ensure that your magazine's design aligns with your overall brand identity.
  • Publication management: Coordinating and managing the publication's content, ensuring all parts of the process are completed within client timeframes and budget.
  • Prepare for commercial printing: A professional designer would also prepare the publication in readiness for commercial printing if printed copies are ever required.


The Benefits of Using a Publishing Platform like Issuu

Issuu is one of the top digital magazine publishing platforms. It offers numerous advantages, including:

  • Improved discoverability: Compared to other digital providers, Issuu automatically optimises articles to rank in search engines. As a result, magazines hosted on Issuu can benefit from the platform's credibility, making your publication more discoverable for potential readers to find your magazine from a search query.
  • Interactive features: Issuu allows pages to show videos and includes feature-rich hyperlinks, such as websites, podcasts, emails, telephone numbers, and page navigation, enhancing reader engagement.
  • Analytics: Track key metrics such as page views, time spent, and reader demographics to measure your magazine's success.
  • Distribution: Easily share digital issues and pages across your social media, emails, and website's homepage.

Cost-Effective Solution

While hiring a professional designer and using a digital publishing platform may seem like an investment, it can actually be a cost-effective solution in the long run. By creating high-quality, visually appealing magazines suited for digital-device viewing, you're more likely to attract and retain readers and help build a reputation, leading to increased advertising revenue.


If you're ready to publish a digital magazine, we're here to help. Our team of experienced magazine production artists with digital publishing know-how can assist you with everything from concept development to final production. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you create a magazine that stands out.


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