North Coast Businesses Look Forward to a Thriving 2025: Embracing Resilience and Rediscovering the Power of Print
Local businesses are feeling optimistic and finally feeling like they’re on the front foot. Putting a close to the chapter on a turbulent few years, the local business community appears ready to reignite growth and reclaim its place as a thriving economic and tourist hub nationally.Â
The resilience shown by businesses in the face of immense challenges—natural disasters, economic fluctuations, and global disruptions—demonstrates commitment not only to survive but to thrive. Discussions have shifted amongst business leadership, putting the challenges behind us as now, as we look forward to 2025, the energy is one of optimism, determination, and renewed focus on tried-and-true strategies.
Reclaiming Our Spot as a Premier Destination for Business and Tourism
Durban and the coast has always been a magnet for visitors and a vibrant place for business. With our beautiful coastlines, rich cultural heritage, and a warm, welcoming community, we have something truly special. Businesses here are determined to remind the country, and the world, of these strengths and to position KwaZulu-Natal as a destination not just for tourism but for quality products and services.Â
As we step into this promising year, there’s a shift in the way businesses think about reaching their audiences and total addressable markets. While digital advertising has its place, there’s a growing sense that these global tech platforms don’t always prioritise the well-being of small and medium-sized businesses. Many local entrepreneurs are going back to basics and looking to build lasting, meaningful relationships with their ad partners. Print media, especially niche magazines, is also making a strong comeback as business owners seek to create more tangible connections with their customers.
In our conversations with local businesses, we’re seeing a renewed interest in magazine advertising—a channel that offers not just a momentary glance but a lasting impression. Print advertising gives businesses a way to reach their audience directly, to tell their story in a format that feels both credible and impactful. It offers a tangible touchpoint that stands the test of time, something digital ads can’t always achieve. As more businesses inquire about magazine rates and space for the coming year, there’s a palpable excitement around creating content that people can hold, keep, and revisit.
The outlook for 2025 is bright. With renewed hope, commitment, and a fresh approach to marketing, KwaZulu-Natal’s businesses are ready to make this year their strongest yet. The determination to succeed is stronger than ever. Here’s looking forward to a prosperous 2025—filled with resilience, growth, and the rediscovery of what works.Â
How to get your PR into our magazines
Thanks for taking the time to click the link! We love that you’re as vested in promoting good content as we are.
Let’s me start by thanking you for sharing your press release with us. I’m sure you know that getting exposure to the right target audience, who have a keen interest in products and services along with a propensity to spend, takes lots of time, effort and investment to build and nurture.
We’ve spent the last 15+ years doing exactly that and are proud to have a supportive, engaging readership across all 14 titles. Yep, I said 14!
To your specific press release…we unfortunately do not use press releases for content in our magazines and do not offer “free exposure” of businesses to our readership. The route to our readership is through building a working relationship with our content team and through mutual commercial support.
This means we require brands to start by buying their exposure to our readership, develop a partnership with us and then explore how to leverage content and editorial with them.
Thanks once again though for sending your press release through. Hopefully your marketing team will connect with me and we can take things forward from there.
PS: Here are the links to our top community magazines – www.theballitomagazine.co.za , www.theumhlangamagazine.co.za and www.themidlandsmagazine.co.za
Fabmags: Celebrating more than a Decade of Publishing The Umhlanga Magazine
In an era dominated by digital media, print publications still hold a special place in the hearts of many. Among these cherished publications is The Umhlanga Magazine, a local gem that has been capturing the essence of the vibrant coastal town. Proudly published by Fabmags, Umhlanga Magazine has become an indispensable source of information, inspiration, and community connection. As we celebrate more than a decade of its existence, let’s take a closer look at the journey of Fabmags and the impact of The Umhlanga Magazine on the community.
The Birth of Fabmags
FabMags, a publishing company specializing in local magazines, was founded by KZN locals Lorinda and Justin Scott with a vision to expand their community magazine portfolio and bring local communities together through quality content and stories. Recognizing the unique charm, appeal and offering of Umhlanga, a growing node on our coastline, they set out to create a magazine that would reflect the essence of this extraordinary place. Lorinda and Justin share that they are proud that they have been able to remain independent publishers and therefore chart their own course when it comes to design, style and content. Similar magazines like The Ridge and Get It North Coast are part of national companies with different strategies and desired outcomes.
Capturing the Spirit of Umhlanga
From its very first issue, The Umhlanga Magazine aimed to celebrate the community, its people, and the natural beauty that surrounds them. Each edition brings readers an array of captivating stories, highlighting local businesses, events, arts, culture, lifestyle, and much more. The magazine’s commitment to authenticity and its ability to connect with readers on a personal level has been the key to its enduring success.
Building Lasting Relationships
Over the years, FabMags has played an instrumental role in building strong bonds within the community. By featuring local businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals, the publication has provided a platform for residents and visitors alike to discover the hidden gems of Umhlanga. From interviews with influential community members to profiles on local artists and chefs, the magazine has fostered a sense of belonging and pride among its readers.
A Window into the Community
FabMags is proud to say that The Umhlanga Magazine acts as a window into the vibrant tapestry of life of Umhlanga. Through its pages, readers are invited to explore the natural beauty of Umhlanga’s pristine beaches, learn about upcoming events and festivals, and gain insights into the town’s developing history. The magazine’s photography captures the essence of Umhlanga, transporting readers into its sun-kissed landscapes and lively suburbs.
The Evolution of Umhlanga Magazine
As technology has advanced, FabMags has embraced the digital era, expanding the reach of Umhlanga Magazine through its online platforms. The publication now offers an interactive website, social media presence, and a digital edition, ensuring that readers can engage with the magazine wherever they may be. This seamless transition from print to digital has allowed The Umhlanga Magazine to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing media landscape.
The Power of Community
One of the most remarkable aspects of Umhlanga Magazine is its ability to bring the community together. Whether it’s through promoting local initiatives, supporting charitable causes, or providing a platform for readers to share their stories, the magazine has become an invaluable tool for fostering a sense of unity and togetherness. Through its pages, residents and visitors alike have discovered new businesses, made connections, and celebrated the vibrant spirit of Umhlanga.
Looking Ahead
The future looks bright for FabMags and its flagship publications. With a dedicated team, unwavering community support, and a commitment to excellence, the magazine is poised to continue its journey of capturing the essence of Umhlanga for many years to come. As the community evolves, so too will the magazine, embracing new stories, trends, and opportunities to connect readers with the heart and soul of this captivating coastal town.
Conclusion
Umhlanga Magazine, published by FabMags, has become an integral part of the community it serves. Over the past decade and more, the magazine has celebrated the people, businesses, and natural beauty of Umhlanga, becoming a cherished source of inspiration, information, and community connection. Through its dedication to authenticity, its ability to adapt to the digital age, and its unwavering commitment to celebrating the community, Umhlanga Magazine continues to thrive. As we look back we eagerly anticipate the exciting stories and experiences that lie ahead, as Umhlanga Magazine continues to be a beacon of community pride and celebration.