Y’know what’s awesome? Being popular (says the guy who was anything but popular in school). OK, OK, that’s a little snarky, but as I talk with people about what I’ve been up to lately, I commonly get the question, “So you started a jet ski magazine…in November?” Yeah, the timing could’ve been better, but despite launching a nearly infinitesimally seasonal publication in wholly the opposite season, The Watercraft Journal has continued to grow. Grow in readership. Grow in advertising. Grow in enthusiasm.
Even as personal watercraft enthusiasts shake off their Thanksgiving turkey-induced comas, shovel the snow from their driveways, and check off the final names from their Christmas gift shopping lists, people still found time to check in each and every day to scope out the latest news, interviews, product and PWC reviews on The Watercraft Journal. Oh you know, because we’re still the ONLY online source for daily industry news, as well as weekly interviews and reviews.
You’d think I’d take this space to reminisce about 2013, as there was a lot going on – from James Bushell’s British invasion on the National Tour and the drama that ensued, the launch of Sea-Doo’s entry-level killer, the Spark in light of Kawasaki’s spiking of the horsepower-football and Yamaha finally taking the leash and muzzle off of their killer 1.8L-powered FZ and FX series. Heck, I could even blather about the rise of the online PWC magazine, but no.
I refuse to look in the past when there is so much to anticipate in the future. Here’s why:
Something Like a Recipe
I wanted to do something different with The Watercraft Journal. Nowhere else could enthusiasts find a steady source for originally-written, unique industry news and weekly one-on-one interviews and product/personal watercraft reviews – that is, in addition to a steady diet of in depth and informative feature articles, technical how-to’s and event coverage (there’s a lot of those coming your way soon), and y’know, just more good stuff than you can shake a stick at.
Feature articles published in November: 9
Total word count: 9,027 words
Feature articles published in December: 12
Total word count: 9,510 words*
*When this number is translated to print publication standards equals a 90-page magazine. Please note that this number does not include an average of two uniquely-written news articles published daily.
Something For Everyone
“In-your-face” isn’t really our style, but “honesty is the best policy” is (that is, except for our “Vicious Rumors and Vile Gossip” articles, but you already knew that). We want The Watercraft Journal to be part of your morning routine. When you sit down with your first cup of coffee or bowl of cereal to check your emails, we give you a reason to come back each and every day. And best of all, you did – even on Christmas, which, c’mon people, put the iPhone down and have another slice of pie).
November
Total number unique readers: 6,236
Total number of articles read: 17,072
Mobile users: 35%
December
Total number unique readers: 6,972*
Total number of articles read: 21,695
Mobile users: 33%
*This number is considered equal to an individual sale of a single copy of a magazine.
Something Different
Unlike traditional print publications, online media needs to do one thing – just one thing – perfect: publish a steady stream of compelling content. As realtors are quick to quote, “Location, location, location,” online media is all about “Content, content, content.” And getting that content “out there” is nearly as important. That’s why we so feverishly use outlets like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and a weekly newsletter as this publication’s newsstand.
November Facebook readers: 1,011
November Facebook weekly reach: 19,623
Average Facebook readers’ age: 25-44 (equaling 47% of total readership)
Top Five countries: United States, Australia, United Kingdom, France, South Africa
December Facebook readers: 1,255
December Facebook weekly reach: 22,752
Average Facebook readers’ age: 25-44 (equaling 46% of total readership)
Top Five countries: United States, Australia, Greece, United Kingdom, Canada
What’s Coming Down The Pike
December was a big month for us. Not only did we partner with Greenhulk.net, but Yamaha Motor Corp., USA as well. We’re still a few months away from prime riding season, but never fear! There’s plenty of awesome stuff coming your way next month. Expect some cool action from our friends off Australia’s Gold Coast, a sick review of Kawasaki’s race-ready Ultra 310R JetSki, and our next-day event coverage of the much-anticipated 2014 Thrust Innovations Daytona Freeride! We’ll also have some cool features laced between all those, so again, there’s still plenty of reasons why to come back to The Watercraft Journal each day.
