Writer: Helena Bergström
Is it even possible to run a digital magazine today? When we talk to the magazine world, it often feels like many are clinging desperately to the bow of the Titanic. Others may think you're floating on some kind of prawn sandwich... so let us explain!
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What is a digital magazine?
Ok, first of all: what is meant by a digital magazine? One definition could be ”a recurring publication with editorial content published in digital form”. If you want, you can distinguish between a ”news site” (quick, up-to-date reporting) and a blog (personalised site, with no clear publication time).
Our site, freedomtravel.se, is personal in many ways - and it's perfectly fine for us to call it a ”blog”! The change from ”blog” to ”magazine” was mainly due to the fact that we brought in other writers, while becoming the responsible publishers. We think ”magazine” better reflects a place where many different writers are published. However, we still want to keep the personal tone and us (Helena and Peter) as the main senders.
An industry in turmoil
It's clear that the newspaper industry (and the blogging industry for that matter) is in serious trouble. When paper editions became difficult, many moved online - it may have solved some challenges, but new ones emerged instead. Not least after AI came onto the scene.
You may not have realised what this means - but it means that people are less likely to click on digital newspapers or blogs. Instead, the answer may come directly via AI. What does this mean for those newspapers and blogs that need some kind of income? Reduced traffic = reduced opportunities to generate revenue = death (in the worst case).
Then, of course, there is the question of the future. If no one (neither newspapers nor blogs) is creating new information (because they have died) - where will AI get its information? Yes, the scholars are certainly divided on this! Maybe a change will come with time...
How can a digital magazine be run today?
As we understand it, most people running digital news sites, magazines or blogs (unless it's just a hobby) are struggling, and some have closed down completely or shrunk their editorial teams considerably. But, some struggle on and some may even have found a good niche, a clear readership or a functional solution that works for them!
We have taken on the task of running our digital magazine FREEDOMtravel, because it is fun, exciting and challenging. And, we see that we have a lot of readers which makes it even more fun and motivating! But seriously, do we make money from it? The answer is yes, but the answer is also that it is challenging to make ends meet.
Expenditure for running a digital magazine
Running a magazine is not free just because it is online. Of course, the costs you incur depend on the type of magazine, your priorities, etc. Here are some costs you might need to consider:
- Technology and operations (web hosting and more)
- Content production
- Image/video editing software
- Translation
- Programme for advertisements and statistics
- Web development
- SEO programme
- Email Subscription Programme
- Marketing (online and physical)
- Technology (computers, phones, drones)
- Travel, experiences and vehicle maintenance (when it's a travel magazine...)
- Administration (bookkeeping, accounting, etc.)
Possible sources of income for a digital magazine
There are quite a few different ways for a digital magazine to bring in revenue. Here are some examples. At the moment, it's the top two that are the main income generators for us. We're partially working on some of the other points too - paywall coming though not become relevant.
- Advertisements
- Sponsored articles
- Campaigns (combination of promotional activities)
- Paywall/subscription
- Affiliate marketing
- Own products or services
- Social media (compensation for screenings or collaborations)
- Lectures, digital events ...
- Sale of texts, films, images ...
The future is exciting
Anyone who works (or hangs out) in the newspaper or blogging industry knows that the future is in turmoil. Newspaper after newspaper is closing down. Blog after blog is falling asleep. But at the same time, we believe that there are people out there who want to read reports and texts by people who have travelled and been there, for real... Or?
Nobody really knows where all this is going. Maybe one day we too will switch off, who knows? But we are not there yet! We are ready to fight and evolve, and we also find it fun.
We want to travel and write - and we want to give other writers the opportunity to travel and write! The guides of the future can't just be compilations of Chat GPT ... or?
English (UK) 
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Anna i Portugal says:
Difficult challenges for you! Hope you can keep going as long as you want to.
24 March 2026 - 9:33
Eval8 says:
Surely personalised experiences must be more appreciated than Chat GPT. But it sounds tough. Hope you're hanging in there.
24 March 2026 - 9:42
Marika says:
Surely it must be more valuable when it's real people writing about things they've experienced than when AI makes a sort of summary of it, I think. Fingers crossed that you will be able to continue.
24 March 2026 - 17:30
Ditte says:
What a great post! Surely I and many with me want to be met by real people who write and tell. Clearly understands that the costs of your digital magazine are large and that income must come in. I think your magazine gives a lot and it is also very nice with guest writers. I also think it's nice that you are so ”broad” and versatile. Of course, you have big challenges ahead of you and both hope and wish that you can cope and that some income comes in. And income is needed, not least for retirement.
Good luck to you.
24 March 2026 - 18:39
BP says:
I have written this a number of times, but it bears repeating. You have dared to invest one hundred per cent in your magazine, and you have clearly succeeded. And you like to write and tell in a very personal way about your adventures both at home and when travelling.
In five to ten years, I think both blogs and digital travel magazines will be a thing of the past. But as you suggest, if these media are gone, how will AI generate tips and stories from different parts of the world?
You have indeed realised your dream and done so successfully. ”Milk the cow while you can”, as the saying goes. So just keep going!
24 March 2026 - 20:13
Averaber says:
I think the opposite. Blogs and the like will get a boost. We are already tired of AI, imagine in a few more years. We are looking for the real and personal. This blog and others that want to survive need to keep their personal tone and slant. More impersonal computer rubbish is all I need to read.
25 March 2026 - 15:39
JoY says:
Those of you who have it as work/income may already notice it. I really hope you will not have to stop. Personally, I think it's nicer to read about places when it's a person behind and not from AI / Chat. Hugs to you
24 March 2026 - 20:22