Graduation Special Section Upgrade Produces an Uptick in Ad Sales Revenue

Northern Light Region
Baudette, MN

A Minnesota community newspaper’s decision to redesign their Class of 2022 graduation section as a glossy magazine enhanced the annual publication’s appeal to both advertisers and local families.

CREATE:
The Northern Light Region produced their latest graduation section, Presenting the Class of 2022, in full color on glossy paper in a magazine format. The 23-page section featured yearbook-style photo profiles of graduates from two local high schools, as well as sponsored greetings from a variety of advertisers and grad families.

SELL:
Advertising representative Michelle Delvecchio says advertisers loved the upgrade to the graduation section and were willing to pay more to support the new design. In addition, the paper offered family members a chance to honor their graduates by purchasing ads in the section. The section ran as an insert, with a number of copies also available free of charge at graduation ceremonies.

PROFIT:
The section produced $6,500 in ad sales with a $1,940 cost to print. Delvecchio says, “The feedback from the community was fantastic! So many people loved it and asked what I would do for next year’s class. Some people also wished they had participated with us and regretted not buying an ad for their senior. I know that this year’s issue will be even better with more parents wanting to participate in the project.”

Julie Bergman
Publisher
Page 1 Publications
207 2nd Ave NE
East Grand Forks, MN 56721
julie@wiktel.com
(218) 230-8943