Targeted Audience - Magazines for Females

Each magazine targets a specific audience according to gender and age. Female targeted magazines are most popular. I recently went to the news agency and had a look at some. There were such a variety of names like 'Dolly', 'Women's Weekly' and even 'Total Girl'. Each magazine targeted a different age group however one thing stayed the same which was the promotion of products in the form of advertisements or even female advice on hair, make-up and clothing. Another aspect that's common is celebrity gossip which I will go into with each age group.

Starting with an older targeted age group, 25-54 I took a look at the monthly magazine, 'Women's Weekly'. It has been produced for a while now beginning with providing feministic journalism aimed at housewives. It is still going strong. The age group has been aimed at as there are topics on cooking, home decor,  'becoming a mother' or advice for mothers and advertisements on products that help make skin feel younger as well as clothing suited for the mature adult. I also noticed a page where there was a personal story on 'menopause' which suited the targeted audience to reach an older age group. Celebrity gossip is common and in the recent issue the main headline is the welcoming of the royal family to Australia. Other famous celebrities in this magazine also include news on the Kardashians, Sarah Jessica Parker and other Hollywood stars.

Lowering the age group, 'Cosmopolitan' magazine is aimed at women from ages 18-39. I have bought a couple of issues myself. It provides articles on wellbeing, fashion, celebrity gossip, intimacy and personal issues. What this magazine differs from 'Women's Weekly' is that products such as clothing and make-up advertised are suited for a younger audience. Tips would include how to be healthy and slim. Celebrity gossip links with the promotion of products through tips on how to look like a specific  famous personality. Advertisements are also a little bit more expensive than ads shown in teenager magazines because 'Cosmopolitan' is also aimed at women with part-time or full-time jobs who can afford the products promoted.

When I was younger, my favourite teen magazine was 'Dolly'. It is aimed at female teens who are 13-17. It differs from 'Cosmopolitan' as the content is more suited for girls who are dealing with puberty, there are first date tips etc. 'Cosmopolitan' talks about sex and aims at women who are dealing with breakups and relationship struggles. Products advertised are more suited for the age group that are trending and celebrity gossip is more on "hot" Hollywood celebrities such as Zac Efron, Channing Tatum etc and content on popular movies and tv shows such as 'Gossip Girl' are a big trend. In this mag, topics also include 'Dolly Doctor' on puberty and health, fitness and clothing and make-up tips which will help make you look mature. Maturity has been a predominant reason for the popularity of this magazine. There have been reports that pre-teens, also known as "tweenies" aged 6-11 have already started reading these type of magazines as they want to look and act mature in order to "fit in" social groups. 

'Total Girl' magazine targets pre-teens from ages 6-11. There isn't much celebrity gossip. What is predominant though is advice from these girls' idols who are from family targeted movies and television shows including Nickelodeon's 'Sam and Cat'. Remembering from when I was in primary school I would read 'Total Girl' and remember that there were also fun quizzes and simple yet colourful fashion advice. Products advertised that are trending include My Little Pony and other dolls and baking or jewellery making kits. These pre-teen magazines have different layouts and designs providing a range of bright and feminine colours such as pink. It's also smaller which is more convenient for the smaller targeted age group.

Many people would think magazines start aiming their content from the age of 6. If you do not know already, then you'll be shocked. Recently there have been magazines produced for children as young as 3 years old. Reports also show that it also targets 2 year olds. When I found out I was very surprised. 'Disney Princess' is a magazine that includes activities featuring different disney princesses such as Cinderella. It is not known as a journalistic magazine but  rather an entertainment product that features stories, quizzes, cooking, puzzles and other arts and crafts material for children.

There are still many more magazine names that I have not mentioned however they are similar to whoever the targeted audience is. I found this an interesting topic to research about that related to the media. 

- Jessica