Father and son partnership, Clive and Paul Smith, are delighted to announce the launch of their new Word Gets Around ‘Digital’ Magazine as an online extension to their already popular printed magazine, delivered to homes in Taunton and West Somerset.
The duo, based at Hestercombe Gardens, has recently changed to a bi-monthly magazine (every other month) to give them the opportunity to truly embrace the benefits of all things digital, to complement their printed format.
Editor Clive said: “There is no doubt that the world of print and the way we communicate has changed dramatically over the past two decades. This is particularly true of how we consume news.
“Community magazines however are thriving across the country where quirk and character are valued over immediacy. Our online magazine allows us to engage readers across multiple platforms, in new ways, and provide a more immersive experience.”
Their business was launched in 2011 by Paul as a graphic design and print business. This expanded alongside a popular business networking group which ran for 10 years in Taunton. Their magazine launched in Taunton in 2014 and a West Somerset version followed in 2019.
Paul said: “We want to do more for our readers and advertisers and help spread the word in print, and online. There is a real opportunity to promote our community, offer support, advice and have information all in one place.
“There is a lot of content that we receive that we have been unable to share in the past, as we have been limited by the space available in a printed magazine and with associated costs.”
The new website has articles listed by category, so readers can quickly access more of what they like to read. This includes a wider range of articles, more information, more features, and it will be a more interactive experience.
Clive added: “One of the worst things about most digital media platforms is that they are overrun with adverts. We want our website to offer a pleasurable reading experience so there will be limited adverts, which means a nice and clean article to read, without pop-ups, irrelevant marketing adverts and endless promotions.”
And for local businesses, Paul is keen to forge new partnerships and extend on the existing printed platform by utilising digital tools in social media marketing and video.
“This offers flexible ways for businesses to promote themselves. Our printed magazine already has a great impact, delivered direct to 34,000 homes in Taunton and West Somerset per issue. With our new digital magazine, we can link printed adverts direct to a website or a promotional video, to make it a more creative experience,” Paul said.
The new website was built in collaboration with Somerset Web Services and White Knight Marketing and aims to become a one-stop-shop full of information for the community, from local walks and recommended places to eat and visit, to expanded information for local businesses, organisations and events.
Clive added: “We want to be a force for good and do more for our community. We need more support from businesses to make this happen by working with us and in turn help themselves to promote what they do best. We believe we have something special that can grow and are excited for our next chapter.”
Visit the new website at: www.wordgetsaround.co.uk.
People can also get in touch by calling 01823 765045 or by sending an email to: info@wordgetsaround.co.uk.
Join Somerset Chamber of Commerce to give your business a stronger voice both locally, regionally and nationally. Combined with local town chambers, we represent over 2,000 businesses across Somerset with a direct line to policy-makers at all levels.
