Why Local Magazine Advertising Can Help You Win New Customers
When it comes to promoting a business, the first thing many people think about these days is digital advertising, social media, google ads, email marketing which all have their place.
But there’s another powerful tool that often gets overlooked, local magazine advertising.
Local magazines can be incredibly effective for small to medium-sized businesses that want to reach customers in their area.
They offer something digital platforms often struggle with, trust, familiarity, and a loyal audience.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how advertising in local magazines can help you win new customers by creating awareness, building trust, and establishing credibility.
1. Reaching the Right People, Right Where You Are
Unlike digital ads, which can be seen by anyone, anywhere, local magazine advertising in Peterborough is highly targeted.
These magazines are delivered to homes, cafes, shops, and community spaces throughout your local area.
That means your message reaches the people most likely to walk through your door—or pick up the phone.
A good media buying agency in Peterborough can help you choose which local publications match your customer profile.
Are you looking to reach young families? Retired homeowners? Local professionals? There’s likely a magazine that fits.
If you're unsure where to start, a media planning and buying agency in Peterborough can guide you to the right fit.
Want to know more? Contact us
2. Building Brand Awareness That Lasts
The first step to winning a new customer is simple, they need to know you exist.
And local magazine advertising helps with that in a big way.
Unlike a social media post that vanishes after a few seconds, a magazine often sits on a coffee table or kitchen counter for weeks.
People read them cover to cover, sometimes more than once. That gives your advert more chances to be noticed and remembered.
If you’re working with a business to business advertising agency, or even managing marketing for a B2C company, visibility matters.
Consistent advertising in the same publication helps your name stick. You become familiar, trustworthy, and eventually, the first business that comes to mind when someone needs your product or service.
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3. The Trust Factor of Print
There’s something about seeing a business in print that makes it feel more credible.
Unlike online ads, which can feel spammy or intrusive, print feels curated. It's selective, thoughtful, and intentional.
When your business is seen alongside local features, interviews, and event listings, you benefit from that environment of trust. If the reader trusts the magazine, they’re more likely to trust you.
That’s part of why a smart business to business marketing agency often recommends print advertising to clients looking to build a strong reputation in a local area.
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4. Positive Association Matters
Local magazines are full of uplifting content, community success stories, school news, charity events, new business spotlights.
By advertising there, you place your brand in the middle of that positive energy.
You're not disrupting someone's day with a banner ad or video.
You're showing up in something they chose to read and enjoy.
This matters more than most people realise: it builds emotional connection, which leads to trust and ultimately to buying decisions.
This is one of the subtle but powerful reasons a seasoned B2B advertising agency might recommend local print ads for clients looking to build lasting relationships.
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5. Less Competition = More Attention
Let’s face it, online platforms are noisy. Every scroll, swipe, or search comes with dozens of ads competing for attention. It’s easy for your message to get lost.
In a local magazine, there’s far less competition. Your ad has space to breathe. It’s easier to stand out, and readers are more likely to spend time looking at your message.
And because magazines are often read when people are relaxed, on the sofa, in the garden, or with a cup of tea, your business has a better chance of making an impression.
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6. Positioning Yourself as Part of the Community
One of the best things about local magazine advertising in Peterborough is how it reinforces your local roots. It says to your audience: “We’re from here too. We care about the same things you do.”
For B2B companies, this matters just as much as it does for shops and cafes.
When local businesses look for suppliers or service providers, they want someone nearby, someone they can meet, talk to, and trust.
An advertising campaign that includes local print ads can help build that perception of reliability and approachability.
You’re not some anonymous outfit, you’re a neighbour.
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7. Supporting Local Media Builds Goodwill
When you advertise in a local magazine, you're doing more than promoting yourself.
You’re helping keep local journalism alive. You’re contributing to a publication that keeps your community informed and connected.
Readers appreciate that. They see the names of businesses that support the content they enjoy, and they remember.
That goodwill transfers to your brand, and it can help win new customers who like to shop local and support those who give back.
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8. Flexible Options for Every Budget
A big benefit of local magazine advertising is the flexibility.
Whether you want a quarter-page ad or a two-page spread with a customer story, there’s usually something that fits your budget.
Some magazines offer advertorials that look like regular articles.
These are great for telling your story in more depth, especially if you're a service-based business or a B2B advertiser explaining a complex product.
A media buying agency in Peterborough can help you get the best value by negotiating ad placements, formats, and even editorial opportunities.
Want to know more? Contact us
9. Consistency Builds Recognition
Trust takes time.
People need to see your brand several times before they take action.
That’s why consistency is so important.
If you advertise regularly, say, every issue for six months, you become a familiar name.
Over time, that familiarity turns into trust. And that trust turns into action: a phone call, a visit to your website, a new client.
This kind of brand-building is exactly what a business to business marketing agency focuses on when creating campaigns that are built to last.
Want to know more? Contact us
10. Print Strengthens Your Digital Marketing
One of the best things about magazine advertising is how well it supports your online presence.
Someone sees your ad in a magazine, they may not call right away, but they’ll remember your name.
And when they see you again on Facebook or Google, they’ll be more likely to click.
You’ve already laid the foundation of trust, now your digital marketing can build on it.
That’s why the smartest campaigns combine print and digital.
And it’s another reason why working with an experienced advertising agency, especially one offering media planning and buying in Peterborough can give you an edge.
Want to know more? Contact us
Final Thoughts: A Smart Local Strategy
If you’re looking for ways to win more customers, don’t underestimate the power of local magazine advertising.
Whether you’re a shop, a tradesperson, or a B2B company, advertising in your local community’s favourite publication helps you:
- Build awareness
- Earn trust
- Stand out in a positive space
- Reach people ready to buy
And when you work with our media buying agency, we'll make sure your ad spend goes further, with expert advice on where, when, and how to advertise.
So, next time you're planning your marketing strategy, ask yourself:
"Which local magazines are good to advertise in?"
Then give them a try. You might be surprised just how powerful print can be.
Ready to explore the local magazine landscape? Contact us
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Local Magazine Advertising
1. What is local magazine advertising?
Local magazine advertising means placing adverts in magazines that are delivered to or read by people in a specific area, usually your town, city, or neighbourhood.
These magazines often cover community stories, events, and local businesses, making them a great way to reach nearby customers.
2. Does local magazine advertising still work in the digital age?
Yes! While digital advertising has its place, local magazine advertising still works, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.
People trust print more, spend more time with it, and often hold on to local magazines for weeks.
Your ad has more chance of being seen and remembered.
3. How much does it cost to advertise in a local magazine?
Costs vary depending on the magazine and the size of your advert.
A small ad might start around £50–£100, while a full-page feature could be £600 or more.
Most magazines offer flexible options to suit different budgets, and many include discounts for repeat bookings.
4. What types of businesses benefit most from local magazine advertising?
Almost any local business can benefit, shops, tradespeople, restaurants, salons, and even professional services like accountants or estate agents.
It’s also effective for B2B companies trying to reach other local businesses, especially with the help of a business to business advertising agency.
5. How do I choose the right local magazine to advertise in?
Look for magazines that match your target audience.
Who reads it? Where is it delivered? Is the tone and style a good fit for your brand?
If you're unsure, a media planning and buying agency in Peterborough can help you choose based on your goals and budget.
6. How often should I advertise to see results?
One-off ads can work for time-sensitive promotions, but regular advertising is best for long-term brand building.
Appearing in every issue for 3 to 6 months builds familiarity and trust, increasing the chances people will remember you when they need your service.
7. Can I track the results of a magazine advert?
Yes, though not as instantly as digital ads.
You can track results by using a special offer code, unique phone number, or a custom landing page.
Many businesses also notice a general increase in local enquiries after advertising, even if the results aren’t immediate.
8. Should I design the advert myself or get help?
You can design it yourself, but a professional design will usually get better results. Many local advertising agencies or the magazine’s in-house team can help with this.
A well-designed ad is easier to read, more visually appealing, and more likely to grab attention.
9. What should I include in my advert?
Keep it simple and clear. Include:
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Your business name and logo
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What you offer (brief and benefit-focused)
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Contact details (phone, website, or email)
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A call to action (e.g. “Call now for a free quote” or “Visit us today”)
Photos or testimonials can also help build trust and interest.
10. Can local magazine ads work alongside my online marketing?
Absolutely. In fact, magazine ads often boost the impact of digital marketing.
People may see your name in print, then search for you online later.
A consistent message across print and digital helps build trust and keeps you top of mind.
About the author
The PAMCO
The Peterborough Advertising and Marketing Company is the advertising agency focussing on businesses in the Greater Peterborough area, providing design, advertising planning, media buying and advertising consultancy services.