Music Magazine: Questionnaire and Results

 

The people I sent questionnaires to varied in their magazine consumption. I sent it to both people I know buy music magazines regularly and those who hardly ever do. By doing this, I ensured I got an idea of what readers might want from my magazine if they saw it on a shelf and knew nothing about it, as well as what regular readers might expect. When writing it, I tried to include questions that will help me write and design my front cover, contents page and double page spread as well as the general house style of the magazine. I also included specifics such as price and rate of publication (weekly, monthly etc) so I wouldn't have to worry about them later.

From sending out this questionnaire, I have learnt:  

•   a £2-£3 price bracket would be most popular, however people would be prepared to pay more depending on the content
• All my results showed readers would be interested in a magazine featuring alternative music and specialising in unsigned bands - In general, most leaned towards a higher focus on unsigned 
• Results show the audience cares most about interviews and exposure for new music in a magazine such as this than promotions and competitions. Regular features that were rated highly in importance also include gig guides, album and single reviews and audience opinions/feedback page. The questionnaire also showed people wanted articles about music itself, not just the artist so I aim to include an article such as this, as well as the regular features in my contents page 
•   Everyone said they would want a variety of features, and lots of them so I need to keep this in mind when writing my contents page
• The questionnaire also showed that content is key - people are prepared to pay more if the content is good, and will buy a magazine specially for the content, even if they do not usually buy it. I must make sure my content is worthwhile and interesting so that more people will be attracted to it - including people who don’t regularly buy my publication or music magazines in general.
• In terms of design, many people wanted something that would have a different look to other magazines (an edgy/extreme style was preferred, as well as quirky and personal) and the use of colour, layout and typography was important in attracting them. I must think carefully about the style of my front cover and house style of the magazine when planning and creating it if I want attract as many people as possible
  ·         The questionnaire also showed that people wanted the front cover image to have eye contact with the audience, so I must make sure this is the case with the photo I choose.

·  How this effects my initial ideas: The results of my questionnaire show that my initial ideas would be popular, but I may have to change some elements, such as including a greater emphasis on the workings of music rather than artists. I must still keep a focus on live music through features like gig guides and gig reviews and include audience input through feedback pages. The requirement for lots of varied features means that I can explore my initial ideas through the headings on this page. When thinking about design, I must make it eye-catching and unique - the questionnaire showed that an 'edgy' style that I thought about in my initial ideas would be appropriate for this publication but I want to include features that would be 'signature' to the magazine to create a personal effect.