Material Handling Network
The print journalism industry has been undergoing an immense paradigm shift for the past several years. Many companies in the industry have cut staff, content, frequency, size and circulation. But Material Handling Network had a different idea: Why not use the wide-open expanse of the Internet to its advantage? And furthermore, why not make it easier to use?
In October of 2008, Network launched a redesigned Website that included Industry News, Featured Products, eNet Classifieds, Product/Dealer Search, Industry Chatter, Events, Product Previews, White Pages and more information about Network and the products/services it offers.
“Our old Website was not searchable at all and we were limited to the things we could do,” said Production Manager, Mindi Mitzelfelt. “Therefore, we made the decision to develop a new Website with more up-to-date options so it was more beneficial to our advertisers and readers.”
A complete redesign of the Network’s Website allows readers instant access, without the space restraints of the print product. The site also allows users to search the entire Website for certain keywords or brands.
Network Online provides fresh news coverage, resulting in daily visits from industry leaders and buyers.
“Our new website allows us to post breaking material handling news as it happens and gives instant access to new material handling products and services,” Mitzelfelt said.
Now, readers can help each other at the Network Website. Industry Chatter features several different forums, very similar to a message board, where readers and site users can network with each other, whether it’s to introduce yourself, to find that specific piece of equipment you need, or to get material handling news and advice.
The Product/Dealer Search allows users to search over 200 material handling categories and 100 manufacturers, wholesalers and dealers. Users can search by company name, brand, location and/or product.
A Featured Products slide show can be used to introduce your products or services to the rest of the industry. In addition, eNet Classifieds can put a photo of your product next to a description of the product or service and contact information, along with a link to the company Website. Users can search the classified ads through a Network Online Search or simply by scrolling through a complete list of products. RSS feeds can also be utilized so you can be notified as soon as a new product is listed.
Network has delivered the digital edition of the monthly print publication to an additional 6,000 readers each month since November 2006. Network also delivers digital editions of its biannual material handling directory, ProMat and NA trade show brochures. In addition, the advertisements appearing in the print edition also appear in the digital edition with direct links to the advertiser’s Website. As a result, one advertisement will reach over 39,000 industry professionals.
Material Handling Network’s Digital Magazine is used as a business tool in over 130 countries worldwide, with 30-40 percent of the visitors viewing through a monthly e-mail blast or via www.mhnetwork.com. The other 60-70 percent of visitors view the publication by running a search for material handling products or services in any major search engine.
Over the past 27 years, Network has considered itself privileged to serve the material handling industry. Network’s loyal readers and advertisers are the reason the publication is where it is today.
One of Network’s most popular features was expanded when Network began publishing two business profiles each month.
Recently, glossy covers were added to the print product, fulfilling a desire Network has had for several years but delayed in order to not pass on the increased costs to advertisers. To be able to make this change without increasing prices is a total victory for Network. While other magazines cut the size and editorial content of publications, Network has worked with a vendor to improve the overall appearance of the magazine without increasing costs.
“It has to be a win win for everybody,” said account executive Andra Stephens. “When other magazines are going smaller, we’re able to offer an improvement and not increase our rates for customers.”
Sixteen pages total will be glossy for each issue, the first eight and the last eight.
Will there ever be a time when the entire publication goes glossy?
“I doubt it would happen but you never know, I would never count that out,” Stephens said.
With a staff totaling 51 years of experience in the material handling industry and 71 years in the publishing industry, Network has compiled the necessary talent and experience to make sure the advertiser’s message gets to the right people.
Network’s General Manager, Bob Behrens, said account executives Andra Stephens and Nancy Gudat are integral parts of Network’s success. The success they have brought to Network is due to putting the readers and advertisers first.
Production Manager, Mindi Mitzelfelt, is the “new kid on the block” at Network, although with three years on the job it’s hard to call anyone the new kid. Mindi joined Network with a desire to use her multimedia degree and talent to assist with maintaining and improving the publication’
Bob Behrens has been in the publishing business for 29 years, including the last nine with Network. Bob considers himself lucky to get to work with this group of highly skilled, industry knowledgeable and fun-loving group.
“I would not have developed the industry knowledge as quickly, or felt as comfortable about our commitment to our readers and advertisers, had I not been running side by side with this staff at Network,” Behrens said.
Technology advancements have given Network the opportunity to improve their print, web and digital products, which relates well to their slogan…”We Are Your Material Handling Network.”
For more information visit www.mhnetwork.com
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
