Andrea Sheardown ‘The Editor’
We are a family run business, with myself Andrea Sheardown ‘The Editor’ and my father David Lowe the ‘Designer.’ Prior to launching these magazines, my previous roles have included working in the banking and airline industries. These jobs were extremely rewarding but involved me being away from home for extended periods of time. Following the birth of my first two children, I knew it was time for a career change, and wanted to find something that would allow me to still work but also spend time with my family. I had seen similar style magazines in other nearby towns and recognised a need for them in the local towns near me. Although I had not any direct experience in this field, I was very driven and enthusiastic and drew on my previous customer service roles to help. With the help of my dad, we managed to bring my magazine idea to life, and after just 8 weeks, successfully launched our first edition – The Sandbach Directory in May 2006!
The Effective Directories, established in May 2006, initially comprising of just one magazine for the Sandbach area. The Sandbach Directory was an instant hit with both readers and local businesses and went from strength to strength, so recognising the need for these style magazines in other local areas, I decided to expand my portfolio of magazines across the neighbouring towns, adding Holmes Chapel, Congleton, Winsford and Northwich areas into my family of magazines. Our five magazines have grown over the years and are now delivered free to 55,300 homes and businesses across these towns!
Our magazines have become valued reference tools in the local towns, with many of businesses still advertising in them since the start. Along with the business advertisements, our magazines also have editorial features, restaurant reviews, local information from the town councils, useful telephone numbers and monthly quizzes.
Dad ‘Advert Designer’
Advertisers in our magazines, not only benefit from appearing in a high-quality print magazine, but also benefit from a free design service too! They are also automatically included in our online magazines and business listing too. Our online editions now contain interactive links, making it easier for viewers to click directly onto the services of the many businesses advertising.
Please have a look at the magazines online, along with the testimonials provided by some of our fantastic businesses advertising. Our rates are extremely competitive, with adverts starting from just over £23 per issue. We have packages to suit every budget and can offer flexible payment plans too.
People may have the choice of hundreds of tv/radio channels, and 1000’s of website/social media channels, but they only have one letterbox! Not everyone wants to spend hours trawling through these online channels to find out about the services on their doorsteps.
Print advertising really does work, so if you are a business that wants to ‘stand out from the crowd’ and hit the 55,500 homes and businesses we cover across Cheshire, please get in touch today. Our five magazines can help put your business directly into the hands of local people!
Thanks for reading! – Andrea x
