By going to an all-digital format in May 2018, as many publications have done, we were able to more than double the page count of Bus Conversion Magazine. We also reduced our subscription price by more than 50%, making it more affordable and helping spread the word about the advantages of traveling and living in a bus conversion.

With a digital magazine, we can also embed videos and provide additional content, including:

• Hyperlinked display advertisements
• Interactive classified ads
• Nomad event listings
• Links to Bus Nuts we follow
• Additional online resources and content

When you click on a display advertisement in the magazine, your browser will take you directly to the advertiser’s website where you can learn more about their products and services. Clicking on a classified ad takes you to our website, where you’ll find additional photos, complete descriptions, and contact information for the seller.

Why We Made the Change

More and more readers were already choosing the digital edition over the printed version. As bus travelers became increasingly mobile, they wanted the ability to download the magazine from anywhere in the world. Moving to a fully digital publication was the logical next step.

At the same time, printing and shipping costs continued to rise while print subscriptions continued to decline. Because Bus Conversion Magazine is a specialty publication with a limited circulation, printing smaller quantities is significantly more expensive per copy than printing large national publications.

Faster Delivery

The print edition added approximately two additional weeks to our publishing cycle.

With the digital edition, every subscriber receives access the same day the issue is released—regardless of where they live. This also gives everyone an equal opportunity to view classified listings at the same time, instead of readers located closer to the printer receiving the magazine first.

Eliminating Waste

Printing required us to produce approximately 100 extra copies every month because it was impossible to predict exactly how many would be needed after mailing.

We also spent considerable time and money replacing magazines that were:

• Lost in the mail
• Damaged during shipping
• Stolen
• Sent to old addresses after subscribers moved

Replacing individual issues costs significantly more than mailing magazines in bulk and requires additional staff time.

By moving to a digital-only format, these problems have been completely eliminated.

Better for the Environment

Printed magazines consume paper, ink, packaging materials, and transportation resources. Most copies eventually ended up in the trash, including many of the extra issues we printed each month.

A digital publication greatly reduces this environmental impact.

More Content Every Month

Printed magazines had to be produced in page counts that were multiples of four. That meant we often had to:

• Remove valuable photos or articles
• Add filler content
• Rearrange layouts simply to reach the required page count

With the digital edition, we simply add or remove pages as needed. Every issue can contain exactly the amount of content we believe readers want, without unnecessary limitations.

Easier Subscriber Management

Because we now deliver the magazine by email, we no longer need to continually update mailing addresses.

This is especially helpful for subscribers who travel frequently or maintain seasonal addresses. Email addresses rarely change, saving both time and reducing concerns about sharing personal mailing information.

Easy Corrections

If we discover an error after publication, we simply correct the digital file and upload a revised version.

With a printed magazine, corrections would have to wait until the following issue, often causing confusion.

Access to Hundreds of Back Issues

One of the greatest advantages of the digital edition is the value it provides beyond the current monthly issue.

Subscribers receive access to:

• More than 200 back issues
• Over 1,500 searchable articles
• Instantly searchable content

Instead of searching through hundreds of printed magazines, readers can locate information in seconds.

Saves Storage Space

Many readers previously carried boxes of old magazines in their buses, where they consumed valuable storage space and were susceptible to damage.

Today, every issue published since our beginning in 1992 is available online 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There is no need to store physical copies.

Lower Operating Costs

Printing and mailing were only part of the overall expense.

We also needed office space to:

• Store thousands of magazines
• Maintain shipping supplies
• Process mailings
• Package replacement copies

By operating as a digital-only publication, many of our team members—including myself—can work directly from our buses, helping keep subscription costs low.

Worldwide Availability

The digital edition has allowed us to grow our readership internationally.

We now have subscribers throughout:

• Canada
• Mexico
• England
• Australia
• Many other countries

Without expensive international shipping costs, readers everywhere can enjoy the magazine immediately upon release.

Better Reading Experience

Digital readers can easily zoom in or out to comfortably read:

• Small print
• Diagrams
• Website URLs
• Email addresses
• Phone numbers

This flexibility simply isn’t possible with a printed magazine.

Read BCM for Free

We also offer an opportunity to receive Bus Conversion Magazine at no cost.

If you submit an article, we will reward you—or a friend—with a new subscription or extend your existing subscription for 1 to 5 years, depending on the length and complexity of the article.

Many contributors enjoy a perpetual free subscription by submitting one or two articles each year.

We’re always looking for interesting stories about:

• Bus conversions
• Bus life
• Travel experiences
• Living on the road

Free E-Books Included

Subscribers also receive FREE access to several e-books covering virtually everything you need to know about converting a bus into a home on wheels.

This additional content is included with every subscription at no extra cost.

Prefer a Printed Copy?

If you still enjoy reading a physical magazine, you’re welcome to print your own copy each month. Printing is available for our three most recent issues, giving you the flexibility to read the magazine in whichever format you prefer.

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Thank You

Thank you for your understanding and for your continued support of Bus Conversion Magazine. We appreciate being part of your bus conversion journey and look forward to serving our readers for many years to come.