Daily Circulation: 4,065


List the major steps you have taken in the last four years to increase readership. Please organize your response under four headings: content, brand, service, culture.

Content
Redesign of front page with digest rail, inside referral and next-day look ahead in sky boxes

Increase local story inches

Increasing the number of average citizens in stories

Brand
New, updated and laminated rack cards at all locations

Increasing vending machines with newspaper logos prominent

Third-party sales at local hospital

Increase presence in local events (sponsorships of town's Oil Fest and Masters Bowling Tournament).

Service
Consistent, reliable redelivery system

Message center for foot and motor carriers to increase communication with circulation manager.

Culture
Breaking down silos with monthly interdepartmental meetings.



What is the most innovative, successful or noteworthy thing you have done on readership that you think other papers might learn from or want to emulate?
In the developing stage of free coffee with newspaper promotion with local retailers that will offer retailer added value in his advertising program.



What is the most persuasive indication you have that your readership efforts are producing results?
Incremental growth in home delivery and single copy sales.



What is the most important lesson you have learned as you have worked on readership in the last few years?
More consistent delivery on pages that are geared toward young readers. Current Mini Page does well for elementary, but would like to expand that so as to reach the teen market better. Staffing is the main drawback. We are small staff as is and duties are stretched.

The suggestions do work with persistence.

Getting Traction on Readership

Survey Responses by Topic & Newspaper