Why Should Associations Publish a Custom Magazine for Their Members?
Quick Answer
A custom association magazine strengthens member engagement, showcases industry leadership, and adds value far beyond digital communications. Unlike emails or social media, print magazines create lasting impressions and become a tangible reflection of an association’s brand, mission, and relevance.
What Makes a Custom Magazine Valuable for Associations?
Members join associations for connection, credibility, and ongoing learning. A well-designed magazine delivers on all three.
Whether it’s quarterly or biannual, a custom magazine gives associations a platform to:
- Highlight member achievements
- Share expert thought leadership
- Deliver updates in a format that won’t get lost in the inbox
More than a communication tool, it becomes a membership benefit, something physical that reminds readers why they belong.
How Do Magazines Improve Member Engagement?
Print magazines offer a tactile experience that digital can’t replicate. According to the USPS Mail Moments report, 73% of people prefer receiving print over email when it comes to important information. That’s especially relevant for association members who value professional insights and community updates.
Custom magazines encourage deeper reading, longer attention spans, and repeat exposure. A member might skim a newsletter, but they’ll spend time with a well-crafted magazine, possibly even sharing it with peers.
What Should an Association Include in Its Magazine?
The best association magazines strike a balance between practical and aspirational content. That might include:
- Legislative or industry updates
- Profiles of standout members or chapters
- Thought leadership from the executive team
- Educational articles tied to the association’s mission
- Sponsor spotlights and partner ads
Associations that work with Tulip Media Group receive a full editorial strategy that aligns content with the organization’s values, brand, and member interests, no filler, just value.
Is a Print Magazine Still Relevant for Younger Members?
Yes. Despite the digital shift, print hasn’t lost its place, especially in niche or professional communities. A 2023 study by MNI Targeted Media found that Gen Z and Millennials are more likely to trust print than online sources, especially for expert-driven content.
For associations, that means print isn’t just relevant, it’s respected. And when paired with digital channels, it creates a multi-touch experience that reinforces key messages across platforms.
Can Associations Monetize Their Magazine?
Absolutely. Custom magazines offer a natural space for sponsorships, partner features, and advertising. With the right audience and content strategy, associations can offset costs or even generate revenue from their publications.
Tulip Media Group helps associations structure sponsorship packages and integrate advertising into layouts in a way that supports the member experience, not distracts from it.
Already Creating a Magazine? We Can Help
If your association is already publishing a member magazine, or thinking about launching one, you don’t have to go it alone. Tulip Media Group specializes in turnkey print campaigns for associations, handling editorial, design, print, and distribution so your team can focus on serving your members.
