Who's a guy got to sleep with to get on the cover?

[Finch]

I recently finished up my latest build and want to now start the process of trying to get some press action on it and thought I would throw out a question or two on here.

What is the best way to start reaching out to the plethora of rags out there and how picky should a guy really be? I know the bigger you get the more choices you have in what mag shoots your car, but what about the little guy trying to make a start, Do you hold out for a feature article in a mid to large mag or go for a cover in a smaller publication?

Since this is a Mustang I dont want to jump straight to all the Mustang only mags but where do you draw the line? I have been in PHR a few times with my other cars and even a mention in Hotrod which is the mags I read the most.

My goal is to start doing 1-2 builds a year (The paying type) so this will be a starting point for some good press and i want to get it right.

I would also love to have it at Sema so what advice do you guys have around that avenue?

Here are a few recent photos and the link to more if interested.

http://hotrodtransformations.com/67%20mustangfinished.html

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=29765&stc=1&d=1240284085


https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=29766&stc=1&d=1240283445

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=29767&stc=1&d=1240283445


https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=29768&stc=1&d=1240283445
https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=29769&stc=1&d=1240283445

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=29770&stc=1&d=1240283702

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=29771&stc=1&d=1240283702


https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=29772&stc=1&d=1240283702


https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=29773&stc=1&d=1240283702



https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=29775&stc=1&d=1240283756


https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=29776&stc=1&d=1240283756

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=29777&stc=1&d=1240283756



Thanks,

[Taylor1969]

Who's a guy got to sleep with to get on the cover?
Thanks,

Depends on what mag you want to have a cover on
:enguard:

[SLAMDIMPALA]

I dont know who to sleep with but that mustang is pure sex. I never really liked that style mustang until I saw yours. Nice job.

[Finch]

Depends on what mag you want to have a cover on
:enguard:

My question is more of a what is best based on the goals. If given a choice of lets say Cover on Mustangs & Fast Fords, Feature article in PHR 2 Pages or more, or a single/half page in HotRod which way would you go? Do you hold out for the one you want and risk missing the boat with others?

I know it is open ended so looking for a sounding board which this forum is great for.

Thanks,

[zbugger]

:naughty: Heh...

[ProdigyCustoms]

Looks awesome Brian. Looks like your building some cool ****.

As for the mags, don't get to excited. We have been in plenty of mags and it has never really lead to any big deals. To get on the floor at SEMA you need to pursue manufacturers that sell products you have on the car. Offer to haul it out on your nickel and pay your own expenses. Get a couple years under your belt and you may very well get shipping, even expenses covered. But know that SEMA is all for personal satisfaction and 100 things to do before you die list. SEMA does nothing for retail business as there is "not retail customers" there. I do not know of anyone that has ever landed a build deal from SEMA. It is all other builders. but it is cool as hell to see your car there, see what other pros have to say, and mark it off the list of things to do.

Can't wait to see the car in person. Nashville Goodguys I assume?

And again, Congratulations on a cool build.

[BumpaD_Z28]

That coupe is "MURDERED OUT" ;)

Put together a "press packet" with all the details of the car, some print photos, and digital photos of the car (all on one CD), and send it to the Magazines of your choice .... ???

~DaVe

[79-TA]

If you are bringing it to the Nashville Goodguys show, it better make some runs on the mini-autocross.

[Motown 454]

Sweet Ride!

[novanutcase]

Beautiful Ride!

I would think that Hot Rod would be the mag first on your list since it's a national mag and has a long standing history and a large readership although the type of build you just did(PT)with the 'stang really lends itself towards a PHR cover which is definitely no slouch as far as reader volume so if you want to go HR I would try and contact Skip Frieburger or Chris Campbell and for PHR Johnny Hunkins or Liz Miles.

John

[Damn True]

You should totally sleep with Johnny Hunkins.



Great looking car. Just a couple of nits to pick. I'd use something other than that Grant wheel (looks a bit pep-boys). The seats need a little help. If they aren't a factory seat (S-197 mustang?) they look like it. I'd ditch that cobra logo. It just makes them look a bit like take-offs.

Otherwise, it's a really, really nice looking car. Lower than I'd like if it were mine, but I fully recognize that the look appeals to many. Nice job and bummer about having to sleep with Hunkins.

[Gandalf]

You should totally sleep with Johnny Hunkins.

LMAO!!!:lmao:

[LateNight72]

Honestly? The best thing you can do is get out to all the major car shows, that's more likely to land you a spot in a mag, than emailing editors ever could.

I can imagine that editors get a plethora of emails from people wanting their cars featured..

[LateNight72]

Great looking car. Just a couple of nits to pick. I'd use something other than that Grant wheel (looks a bit pep-boys). The seats need a little help. If they aren't a factory seat (S-197 mustang?) they look like it. I'd ditch that cobra logo. It just makes them look a bit like take-offs.

Otherwise, it's a really, really nice looking car. Lower than I'd like if it were mine, but I fully recognize that the look appeals to many. Nice job and bummer about having to sleep with Hunkins.
+1.. I'd also ditch the console, but that's me. :)

[Ron S]

I think the best way is to show up to as many events as possible.That is when most of the shoots are done anyway.My Cuda shoot was done in Carlisle Pa.in the back of a gas station,but you'd never know it, the photographer had it all set up looked like it was shot in the rain forrest.Everybodies a critic,love the car. Ron

[Charley Lillard]

Killer car but most mags shy away from putting black cars on their cover.

[MarkM66]

Here's your answer:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Finch]

Looks awesome Brian. Looks like your building some cool ****.

As for the mags, don't get to excited. We have been in plenty of mags and it has never really lead to any big deals. To get on the floor at SEMA you need to pursue manufacturers that sell products you have on the car. Offer to haul it out on your nickel and pay your own expenses. Get a couple years under your belt and you may very well get shipping, even expenses covered. But know that SEMA is all for personal satisfaction and 100 things to do before you die list. SEMA does nothing for retail business as there is "not retail customers" there. I do not know of anyone that has ever landed a build deal from SEMA. It is all other builders. but it is cool as hell to see your car there, see what other pros have to say, and mark it off the list of things to do.

Can't wait to see the car in person. Nashville Goodguys I assume?

And again, Congratulations on a cool build.


Thanks for the feedback Frank.

My goal is more around building a name in the industry first and assume the work will follow. Being able to list the various publications you have been in is a great marketing tool if anything.
As for SEMA I agree on the personal satifaction being the number 1 drive. We all do this because we like the journey and anyone who says they dont have a little show off in them is full of it.

I will be bringing it to the Georgia, Michigen events as well as GG Nashville. She may have some cone rash by Nashville but that is what they are for.

[1badchevelle]

ooouch

[Finch]

You should totally sleep with Johnny Hunkins.



Great looking car. Just a couple of nits to pick. I'd use something other than that Grant wheel (looks a bit pep-boys). The seats need a little help. If they aren't a factory seat (S-197 mustang?) they look like it. I'd ditch that cobra logo. It just makes them look a bit like take-offs.

Otherwise, it's a really, really nice looking car. Lower than I'd like if it were mine, but I fully recognize that the look appeals to many. Nice job and bummer about having to sleep with Hunkins.

Thanks for the honest feedback.

The seats, seat belts and center console are all out of the 03 Cobra donor car. I do plan to have the seats re-covered in a dark grey but time was short to get it ready for the summer. On the console I do agree it looks a little out of place, I am tossing around ideas on redoing the transition piece to see if I can get the flow a little better, but the console needs to stay as the e-brake, wiring, Stereo and Air Ride all goes down the center of the tunnel.

[BA.]

Great looking Mustang, I really like the look it's got.


For magazines though,...I think non-black, non ultra-dark colors get more press.

[Finch]

Here's your answer:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

That would test your commitment for sure

[cmraman]

I recently finished up my latest build and want to now start the process of trying to get some press action on it and thought I would throw out a question or two on here.

What is the best way to start reaching out to the plethora of rags out there and how picky should a guy really be? I know the bigger you get the more choices you have in what mag shoots your car, but what about the little guy trying to make a start, Do you hold out for a feature article in a mid to large mag or go for a cover in a smaller publication?

Since this is a Mustang I dont want to jump straight to all the Mustang only mags but where do you draw the line? I have been in PHR a few times with my other cars and even a mention in Hotrod which is the mags I read the most.


My goal is to start doing 1-2 builds a year (The paying type) so this will be a starting point for some good press and i want to get it right.

I would also love to have it at Sema so what advice do you guys have around that avenue?

Here are a few recent photos and the link to more if interested.

http://hotrodtransformations.com/67%20mustangfinished.html



Thanks,


I sent this thread into PHR to see what they thought. I think it's pretty bitchn' and would love to shoot it.

[Finch]

I sent this thread into PHR to see what they thought. I think it's pretty bitchn' and would love to shoot it.


Great, Thank you.

[vp23271]

Word on the street is that this is the guy you need to sleep with to make the cover. But you have to wake him up first lol!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

All kidding aside, you got a nice ride! Make some of those tweaks and it will be even better.

[MickMc]

Getting a cover is one thing, getting coverage is another and promoting your shop is yet another thing.

There are some important items to consider.

Who is your target audience? Is it everyone who likes cars, or is it the Mustang crowd. Is it the Pro-Touring crowd or is it the muscle car crowd. Is it the guys who can afford to hire you to build the complete car or are you going to focus on only certain parts of the build or maybe just parts. Your target audience will answer the question as to which media to focus on.

Most magazines have some rules, like if your car was in magazine A then magazine B won't consider you for a cover or even any coverage.
This is really important if you have a certain magazine you want to be featured in. It plays out like a chess game. If you really want to be in Hot Rod and Popular Hot Rodding features you, my bet is that Hot Rod will not be interested.
Talk to the magazine guys and ask questions. It may be hard to pick up the phone and talk to these guys but how about email.
Liz from Popular Hot Rodding is here once in while and Steve is here from Camaro...ask for some insight from those guys.

Remember that magazines go in waves or trends. Is it all backyard Lagunas or is it LS engine swaps. Dare to be different or another Camaro. I have seen cars shot by magazines and months go buy and nothing on the news stand. Keep in mind these guys have limitations on pages and deadlines and color and tech. If there are only two features a month and there are twenty features they have already shot you're in line but the line is long. Don't forget there is lead time for each magazine too.

Having a car finished today does not equal media coverage tomorrow.

I would guess that your business direction is going to drive the magazine and event coverage direction.

I have seen some killer cars at everything from SEMA to Good-Guys to local events. Some never get featured some take years to be featured. Was it because the owner was a jerk. Was it because the owner didn't go after the exposure. Was it because the owner was more focused on his build then gaining media attention.

I didn't mean to ramble on, but you have business decisions that need to be addressed (maybe you already have).
Those business decisions will lead you to which media coverage to chase down.

Getting on the cover might be a slim, (i'm no magazine guy so what would I know) but you built a quality car (from the pictures, which is nothing like seeing it first hand) and there are ALOT of car magazines out there (greater chances of being featured) so you have started in the right direction, now keep asking questions. Questions to yourself and questions to the magazine guys.

We want to see you on the cover as much as anyone else.

Having a car at SEMA is very cool.
Nothing like having one car in a million, at the largest zoo of the year, in the city that never sleeps (but the show closes at 5 pm, now get out) millions of people will walk by your car dragging their bags stuffed with catalogs and posters, snapping photos with their cell phones and sending a picture of your car to their friends in some far away place...(sorry I missed your car, I was standing in line, (holding my newly minted ZZ Top poster) to get Linda Vaughn's autograph. The line for her autograph was only half as long as the line for Chip Foose, next time I'll grab a beer before I stand in line again...)




Mick

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

Here's your answer:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif


cameerbish..
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[JEFFTATE]

Nice Car Brian !

Is this the mustang you're bringing to the Peach State Musclecar Challenge ????

I can't wait to see it up close !!!

NICE !!!

[TonyL]

Nice looking car. Yeah, black cars almost never get covers, or even big spreads that often.

I really dig the black theme and angled stripe on the front.:poke::poke:

[bret]

After building cars for 30 years, and spending MILLIONS of advertising dollars over the last 14 years, I have determined that magazine covers are the one thing that remains editorially sacred. Most of the time they wont even tell you when they put your car on the cover in case there is a last minute editorial change.
Covers feed the ego...show attendance and feature articles feed your belly. Make sure you have some sort of flyers or business cards available for the people who see your car at the shows. A relevant, current website is also helpful.

BTW...since magazine cover are for feeding egos...between the Goodguys Chevelle, the Goodguys SuperNova, and our Velocity Camaro, I have been well fed with 6 covers in the last 15 months. [sorry, couldn't help spitting that out...my therapist said the swelling in my head should go down in a few...years!]

[BMF Machine]

Wicked ForD!

I lovE your attention to detaiL! ThaT thing is a WorK of ArT!:)

[mc84_zz4]

Very nice Pony! I'd drive the crap out of that anytime!
Tastefully done IMO.

[David Sloan]

BTW...since magazine cover are for feeding egos...between the Goodguys Chevelle, the Goodguys SuperNova, and our Velocity Camaro, I have been well fed with 6 covers in the last 15 months. [sorry, couldn't help spitting that out...my therapist said the swelling in my head should go down in a few...years!][/quote]


Thats funnie SHiiiiiiit right there!!
Thanks Bret

[Finch]

After building cars for 30 years, and spending MILLIONS of advertising dollars over the last 14 years, I have determined that magazine covers are the one thing that remains editorially sacred. Most of the time they wont even tell you when they put your car on the cover in case there is a last minute editorial change.
Covers feed the ego...show attendance and feature articles feed your belly. Make sure you have some sort of flyers or business cards available for the people who see your car at the shows. A relevant, current website is also helpful.

BTW...since magazine cover are for feeding egos...between the Goodguys Chevelle, the Goodguys SuperNova, and our Velocity Camaro, I have been well fed with 6 covers in the last 15 months. [sorry, couldn't help spitting that out...my therapist said the swelling in my head should go down in a few...years!]

Bret,

You are one of what I consider key role models in this industry along with Kyle and Frank so let me ask you a question.

What has been the best bang for the buck when it comes to advertisement over the years, Do you see more business from the shows and autocross exhibits or from the general advertisements in the mags? I know the level of competition you have provided me over the past few years along with a few rides in your cars made me write the check.

Thanks,

[Kustom_dude]

ok, I dont like to say stuff like this but please take the Kitchen Aid dish washer armrest-pulls off. buy some differnt ones or make some.

thats my 2 cents.

[MonzaRacer]

OH MY GOD that Mustang is GORGEOUS!

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

i like this car..

[rlplive]

I have nothing bad to say. That is one badass stang.

[68fusion]

ego's and cover shots aside ...during these times( or anytime really) I'll settle for a shop full of cars to do so I can make the damn house payment!!

All it takes is one customer satisfied ...who usually has another buddy who's into cars and then he knows this other guy who owns(insert big company name here) that loves cars and can't find anybody to do work like he likes...



Custom Classics & Restoration
www.customclassicsandrestorations.com (http://www.customclassicsandrestorations.com)

[bret]

Bret,

You are one of what I consider key role models in this industry along with Kyle and Frank so let me ask you a question.

What has been the best bang for the buck when it comes to advertisement over the years, Do you see more business from the shows and autocross exhibits or from the general advertisements in the mags? I know the level of competition you have provided me over the past few years along with a few rides in your cars made me write the check.

Thanks,

I dont think it is possible to point to, or to rely on any one thing to expose your shop and capabilities to customers. We try to hit three areas: 1. shows 2. magazines 3. project cars
I think the absence of any one of these area dilutes the effectiveness of the other areas.
I will also say that the internet forums are very quickly supplementing the magazines. I think there will always be print magazines but their role is changing from being the exclusive source of info to being more of a portal to a manufacturers website. A website is capable of telling much more of your story via expanded tech articles, video, animation, diagrams, etc. Your website will also put a "personality" on your shop or company.

Going to a show educates you as much as it educates the customer. You will quicly learn what questions and concerns you customers have and you'll be able to get a real feel for the market and how you can effectively address it.

Project cars are the most expensive form of advertising but very neccessary for several reasons: 1. product development 2. exposure at shows 3. as a demonstration of your credibility and capabilities to your customers 4. magazine article exposure.

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

i think its wack that black cars dont get covers...

[MarkM66]

i think its wack that black cars dont get covers...

Some do.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[dadto2jays]

I am not a fan of that body style mustang but you have built one serious ride with it and I would love to have it....:naughty:

[Finch]

Thanks to everyone for the complements and all the great advice.

Looks like I can check the box for the effectivness of forums, as thanks to Robert (Cmraman) we should be doing a shoot of the car for PHR sometime before, during or after the Mich event.

[BritishGreen68]

Looks pretty good, i love the dumped on big wheels look.. you should maybe wrap the console and stereo surround piece in suede or even carbon fiber so it has a nice transition and looks like one piece? Just a thought, impressive build!:yum: