Small but strong
I heard recently that, after 86 years, Reader’s Digest had ceased trading in the UK.
At one time, Reader’s Digest was one of the biggest-selling monthly publications in the world. Even 25 years ago, circulation was more than 1 million copies, but by 2016, this had declined to around 106,000, and I imagine the trend continued until the business closed in 2024. (The magazine still operates in other parts of the world.)
Its demise follows that of many other printed journals. Twenty years ago, Yellow Pages was dominant in the UK classified advertising market; in January 2019 the last printed copy was published.
And yet…here you are reading a printed magazine with advertising. There’s still clearly an interest in reading interesting articles, and using advertisers, so what makes us different?
We are a very small business. We keep our costs low, meaning that advertising is very affordable and, more than just surviving, we are thriving! We don’t ask you to pay for the magazine, and most copies are delivered direct to householders.
We are local. Events, news, and businesses are all nearby, which makes this magazine relevant and interesting for you.
We approached a writer who used to edit and contribute to Reader’s Digest and asked her to produce some articles for us. Susannah Hickling is a talented wordsmith, and we’re delighted to have her on our editorial team.
EDITOR
The Go Local story
Independent & Proud
Go Local is an independent magazine and directory of truly local services for businesses and services covering Ripponden, Sowerby Bridge, Elland, Greetland, Stainland and Outlane.
Go Local was launched in 2005. The magazine aims to promote truly local businesses to local people – like yourself!
Local Values
“The magazine is run by me, Rachel, a local resident born and bred in Ripponden with plenty of help from our small team.
Having spent the first 15 years of my career working for large blue chip companies, I now love working locally for myself and getting away from the office politics and the rat race. I enjoy using my 25 years’ of experience helping local businesses get the right message and ad for them; service, honesty and value for money are my key principles.
Go Local isn’t part of a franchise or larger group, it’s an independent business. I love running the business as I’m naturally nosey and get to find out what’s going on locally!”