Spotlight: Andrew Burlone and Patricia Dumais, Co-Publishers, Westmount Magazine

Customer since: September 2017

Tell us a little bit about yourself (and Patricia) and where you are located.

We are both award-winning creative directors and branding specialists based in Sutton, Quebec. Founders of Visionnaires Inc., which publishes WestmountMag.ca, we both have years of experience in branding, communication strategy, and graphic design. We designed, produced and published various publications for corporate clients, for which we have received multiple awards.

We fill our time outside of work with all sorts of fun activities. We both love sports and often hit the trails for cycling and hiking, which keeps us active and energized. Our travel adventures have taken us to some amazing places where we dive into new cultures and try out delicious cuisines—this year, we explored Italy, and next year, we’re off to Greece! Spending time with family and friends is super important to us, so we make it a point to host gatherings or visit loved ones on the weekends. Plus, we’re passionate about giving back to our community through volunteering and organizing events for our Sutton community.

Tell us about Westmount Mag and what its principal value is.

WestmountMag.ca (https://www.westmountmag.ca/) is an online publication presenting content that spans well beyond Westmount’s boundaries. It offers its sophisticated readership timely, relevant articles on a diverse array of subjects, from cultural events and environmental issues to compelling human interest stories. Although the magazine incorporates some community-oriented content to nurture local connections, its main objective is to deliver captivating material on a broad range of topics that resonate with its discerning audience.

Why did you get into this business? Specifically, what made you launch a media outlet? What’s the best thing about this line of work?

Entering the online magazine publishing business and launching a media outlet offered us a unique blend of creative expression, intellectual stimulation, and potential for meaningful impact. This venture allowed us to curate and create content that resonates with a global audience, fostering community and driving important conversations.

The digital landscape also provides flexibility and lower entry barriers compared to traditional print media, enabling diverse revenue streams and constant adaptation to emerging trends. Perhaps the most rewarding aspect is the opportunity to build something of lasting value – a trusted source of information that can educate, inform, and potentially influence readers.

While it comes with challenges, such as maintaining relevant knowledge in a rapidly evolving digital environment, the work provides continuous learning, networking opportunities, and the satisfaction of shaping public discourse. Ultimately, the best thing about this line of work is the creative freedom it affords, coupled with the potential to make a real difference in people’s lives through the power of well-crafted, thoughtful content.

What does it take to be successful at what you do?

To be a successful online magazine publisher, several key factors come into play:

Quality content: Consistently produce engaging, well-written articles that appeal to your target audience.
Niche focus: Identify and cater to a specific market segment or interest group.
User-friendly website: Create an attractive, easy-to-navigate site optimized for both desktop and mobile devices.
SEO strategy: Implement effective search engine optimization techniques to improve visibility and attract organic traffic.
Social media presence: Utilize various platforms to promote content and engage with readers.
Monetization strategy: Develop multiple revenue streams such as advertising, subscriptions, sponsored content, or affiliate marketing.
Consistent publishing schedule: Maintain a regular content release schedule to keep readers coming back.
Network building: Collaborate with other publishers, writers, and industry experts to expand your reach.
Data analysis: Use analytics tools to understand reader behaviour and preferences, then adjust your strategy accordingly.
Adaptability: Stay current with digital trends and be willing to evolve your approach as needed.
Strong editorial team: Assemble talented writers, editors, and content creators who understand your vision.
Marketing efforts: Promote your magazine through various channels to attract and retain readers.

How does CanSpace solve the objectives you have for your website?

Reliability and up time: Ensuring our website is accessible to readers at all times.
Speed and performance: Providing fast loading times for a better user experience.
Scalability: Ability to handle traffic spikes during popular articles or events.
Security: Protecting the website from threats and keeping our user data safe.
Support: Offering technical assistance when needed.
Cost-effectiveness: Providing necessary services at a competitive price.
Canadian hosting: WestmountMag.ca prefers data to be stored in Canada.