The Invader Guide to New Orleans
1. What do you propose to do? [20 words]
We aim to solidify our organization as a New Orleans cultural pacesetter by publishing 12 digital magazine issues, developing an iPad app, and publishing a book. The InvadeNOLA Guide to New Orleans explores the people, places, and projects that make New Orleans a unique cultural destination.
2. Is anyone doing something like this now and how is your project different? [30 words]
We have numerous local news organizations, but our goal is to highlight art, fashion, music, and culture from a uniquely positive slant for locals and visitors, proving that post-Katrina New Orleans is a vibrant asset to the United States.
3. Describe the network with which you intend to build or work. [50 words]
Over the past 2 years through our site InvadeNOLA.com, we have developed a network 5000+ unique readers, a Facebook following of 1050+ and a Twitter following of 2300+. Our goal is to continue this growth and reach 10,000 unique readers in year 3.
4. Why will it work? [100 words]
We have published 3 digital magazine issues bimonthly at http://invadenola.com/magazine. This increased unique visitors by 100% in the past 6 months. We have tapped into a model that our local community supports and we are confident that with fiscal support we can increase our audience and develop additional touch points for our audience, including: distributing monthly magazines, developing an iPad app, and publishing a full printed guide through Amazon’s print on demand service.
Using fresh writers from the community, great graphic design and impeccable photography, we have established InvadeNOLA as a strong voice in the New Orleans community, but it is imperative to leverage this momentum. This grant will allow us to explore creating revenue streams separate from advertising.
5. Who is working on it? [100 words]
InvadeNOLA is founded by Justin Shiels. Originally from Memphis TN, he moved to New Orleans in 2003 for undergrad at the Loyola University of New Orleans. After experiencing Hurricane Katrina, he is now a self proclaimed New Orleanian. For nearly ten years, he has committed himself to the city: gutting houses, doing community service with local schools, working in advertising for Louisiana Tourism and New Orleans Tourism and currently establishing a daily blog and bi-monthly magazine that celebrates the city that he has fallen in love with.
InvadeNOLA is supported by a team of 25+ contributors (writers, designers,and photographers).
6. What part of the project have you already built? [100 words]
Currently we have created an online blog that serves as the voice of New Orleans culture. It features content that includes art, fashion, music, local culture, and event listings. -http://www.invadenola.com
Most recently we established our bi-monthly digital magazine using the Issuu platform. It goes deeper into exploring the culture of New Orleans with creative photo shoots and more in depth articles. Building off the blog, it is a more interactive experience. -http://invadenola.com/magazine
We aim to build on these successes and develop an iPad app as well as a printed book allowing our users to experience InvadeNOLA at numerous touch points.
7. How would you sustain the project after the funding expires? [50 words]
This grant will serve as a launchpad for revenue opportunities for InvadeNOLA and allow us to solidify the brand as a cultural pacesetter. Specifically it will generate 2 new revenue streams, the iPad app and the printed book. Additionally the increased exposure from publishing more digital magazines will build audience and increase ad sales.
Requested amount from Knight News Challenge: $100,000
Expected amount of time required to complete project: 12 months
Total Project Cost: $150,000
Name: Justin Shiels
Twitter: @invadenola
Organization: InvadeNOLA
Country: USA
