Even with a gorgeous cover and dynamic graphic design, the pages of ist Magazine still need content – the kind that salon professionals want – to be successful.
When Vince Lorraine created ist Magazine, he knew the importance of making editorial content its cornerstone. As a salon owner, himself, he was well aware of just how much a publication with valuable business-building info was needed in the tanning industry. To make it both interesting and informative, he assembled an editorial team to be responsible for content development and creation, and this team established the framework on which each issue is published today. That ist is the indoor tanning industry’s premiere trade publication speaks to the quality of that team’s efforts… and things just keep getting better!
At the helm of ist’s Editorial Department is Managing Editor Sherron Barden, who’s been with the publication since its birth and has continued to guide it throughout the years. “Much of what our readers enjoy today was developed 15 years ago to address the needs of tanning salon operators across the country,” said Sherron. “Our Industry Close-Up provides a personal look at people who’ve found a home in different sectors within our industry, while our Company Profile, annual Buyer’s Guide and Advertorial features are excellent tools for salon operators making important buying decisions. Of all our features, the Salon Spotlight remains our most popular because everyone loves to read about how others are faring in the tan biz.”
Did you know that ist is the only indoor tanning trade publication with a full-time writer? For the past 11 years and counting, Head Writer John P. Ribner has brought his experience as a published author and former newspaper reporter to bear for the benefit of ist’s thousands of loyal readers. “No matter what feature I’m working on, I always approach it with the mindset of highlighting what our readers – tanning salon operators – would find most valuable,” said John. “This is why you’ll find many marketing tips in each Salon Spotlight, and our cover stories focus on practical ways for salon operators to increase their revenue. Each month, we find more interesting things to share with you all… I guess it’s a good thing that I love to write!”
Each issue of ist is jam-packed with valuable info from a host of contributing writers – the largest in the tanning industry! “I’m extremely proud that professionals from other industries such as John Farr (John R. Farr Management & Marketing Solutions) and Bestselling Author/International Sales Training Expert Grant Cardone, continue to share their knowledge and advice with our readers each month,” said Vince Lorraine, ist Publisher. They’re joined by a host of veteran tanning industry professionals – Jenny Bortman (Universal Insurance), Brenda Fishbaugh (Eye Pro, Inc.), Jeremy Herring (Helios, LLC), Gary Lipman (Ergoline-UK), Grant Miller (TanningSalonMarketing. com) and Cheri Mullenix (Wolff System Technology Corp.) – which adds even greater value to each issue. “This year also marks the addition of contributing writers from some of the industry’s top lotion companies – Devoted Creations, New Sunshine, Performance Brands and Supre Tan – which I’m sure our readers find useful, as well,” said Vince.
At ist Magazine, content is king! After all, hardworking tanning salon professionals deserve a resource that helps them operate successful businesses. The staff at ist pledge their continued support as they continue working hard to produce their award-winning, industry-leading publication. “It’s been a great 15 years; but, in many ways, I truly believe that we’re just getting started,” said Vince Lorraine. “We thank everyone in this industry for their continued support and, more importantly, we want you to know there are more great things yet to come!”
