June 12, 2013

The Saturday Evening Post is making its publication more interactive with a brand new iOS application that lets readers browse bonus content and enhanced features.

The company teamed up with Yudu to assist develop the mobile app. The Saturday Evening Post and U.S. Kids family of magazines may be downloaded via Apple’s App Store.

“The Saturday Evening Post, now not regards itself as a print company,” said Steve Harman, technology director at Saturday Evening Post.

“It’s a media business, with digital extensions of all its content,” he said. “This includes making content – a number of it from the print publication, a number of it wholly original – available on all tablets, iPad, Kindle, Nook and Android devices.

“The apps for this material can be found at iTunes, Google Play and B&N.com.”

Increased readership
Via the app, users can access additional content, including audio highlights, personalization settings, multiple viewing options and search-and-zoom tools.

Consumers can buy single issues for $3.99, that’s a one-time purchase or choose the only issue subscription for $1.99, that is automatically renewed until cancelation. 

There can also be the choice to pay for a year’s subscription, that’s six issues for $9.99.

Spreading the word
To get the word out concerning the mobile app, in addition to drive readership, the Saturday Evening Post has created a page within the magazine devoted to promoting Web exclusives at saturdayeveningpost.com.

Additionally, starting with the July/August issue, readers will find dozens of watermarked images which might be scanned via the Digimarc smartphone app.

From there, users can browse videos, image galleries and other bonus content.

“As an increasing number of consumers turn to their mobile devices,” Mr. Harman said. “The Saturday Evening Post is putting a much bigger emphasis in providing their content to subscribers anytime, anywhere, and on any device they need to access it.”

Final Take
Rimma Kats is associate editor on Mobile Marketer, New York