The Ask
Bringing a Family Resource Magazine to Alachua County
When the Children’s Trust of Alachua County (CTAC), a publicly funded county initiative, came to us, they had a big idea to launch a community magazine that connects local families to helpful resources, real stories, and trusted support. They knew we had a long history creating publications—from strategy and writing to full design—and wanted a partner who could help bring their first-ever magazine to life.
But this wasn’t just about making something beautiful. CTAC recognized a deeper need: Alachua County didn’t have one easy, accessible place where parents, caregivers, and community members across all backgrounds and neighborhoods could find helpful, local information tailored to families. And for the funders and stakeholders who support CTAC, the publication also needed to reflect the value and impact of their investment in the community.
Together, we set out to change that. The Parenting Playbook made its debut in Spring 2025.
What We Did:
- Research and Business Planning
- Concept Development
- Media Kit
- Source Interviews
- Editorial Calendar Planning
- Magazine Copywriting & Design
- Printing & Production
Strategic Approach
Research & Discovery
Before working on concepts and initial designs of any project, our team engages in a thorough discovery process. To do this, we needed to learn about CTAC’s overall goals, core audience, competitors, and stories that need to be told.
This means understanding:
- Who we’re really talking to (not just parents—also grandparents, caregivers, teachers, mentors, community leaders, businesses, organizations)
- What age groups and topics matter most to community members
- Which voices should be front and center, from CTAC leaders to local family voices
- What types of recurring content could make each issue something readers come back to
- How CTAC’s own programs could be thoughtfully integrated into the magazine’s DNA
This early groundwork helped set the tone for everything to come and gave us a strong foundation to build something that was as strategic as it was community-driven.
Media Kit
Establishing a Relationship with Advertisers/Sponsors
Before the magazine even hit print, we helped CTAC introduce The Parenting Playbook to potential sponsors and partners with a thoughtfully designed media kit. It framed the magazine as a new, much-needed resource for families across Alachua County and positioned CTAC as the driving force behind it.
The media kit clearly explained what the magazine is all about, who it’s for, and what kind of content readers can expect in every issue. It also outlined how community partners could align with the mission, support the publication, and connect with readers in a meaningful way. Like everything we do, it balanced clarity with creativity, giving CTAC a strong tool to start building long-term buy-in and support.
Source Interviews & Editorial Calendar
Real People. Real Stories.
From the start, we knew this magazine needed to reflect the community it serves. So we got to work talking with local families, educators, leaders, and more, to not only provide families with expert advice but also give a voice to real, relevant, and relatable people from the community.
At the same time, we collaborated with CTAC to shape an editorial calendar that organizes each issue by section and content type. That’s helped us keep the content both intentional and engaging, with a strong mix of helpful tips, heartwarming features, and local resources.
The Parenting Playbook
A Magazine Made for Families
With strategy in place and stories in motion, we designed and delivered the inaugural issue, from cover concepts to final layouts, in early Spring 2025. The result was a high-impact, brand-aligned magazine filled with stories spanning early childhood, safety, health, high school, college prep, activities for kids, and more—stories people actually want to read and a compilation of local resources that everyone can utilize.
To keep readers coming back, we also developed templates for recurring content sections to maintain consistency from issue to issue, as well as to be recognizable to the audience.
And for the content that’s heavier on data or detail, we gave enough space for digestible, “snackable” formats. Think color callout boxes, easy-to-read lists, and dynamic visuals, all to keep readers engaged without overwhelming them.
Results
5,000 copies distributed | 161 unique flipbook clicks | Sponsorship increased for Issue #2 | Exploring Spanish-language edition to better reach a large segment of the community
