Why a Reflowable Layout for Your Digital Pub Just Makes More Sense

As associations evolve their content strategies, publications remain an essential member communication. And with more associations moving their publications to digital-only, the reading experience must remain a critical concern. That’s why a reflowable format, instead of a fixed layout, is the way to go.

Reflowable vs. Fixed Layout

So what’s the difference? A reflowable layout is adaptable to any device. Text, images, videos, ads—they all adjust to the user’s screen and preferences, whether on desktop or mobile. It puts the power in the reader’s hands, with settings that allow readers to resize text, gesture from one story to the next, expand images and videos, and more, all without having to zoom in or out, adjust the size of a browser window, or be limited in any way by what is essentially a PDF view in a fixed-layout format.

Fixed layouts are just that—a PDF view of each page that just doesn’t have the flexibility or adaptability that a reflowable layout touts. Fixed layouts leave the experience open to frustration and leave members wanting something easier to use. With a fixed layout, associations are almost asking their members to stop engaging with their publications. So what was once one of the most valuable perks of membership—getting that periodical publication with unique insights and information about the industry—has become a nuisance. And what happens when the value of membership starts dwindling? Members start walking out the door.

The reflowable layout is better for advertisers, too. An advertiser’s half-page ad, for instance, isn’t hiding in a fixed layout, forcing readers to zoom in just to read it. And if readers aren’t reading it, they certainly aren’t interacting with it and taking the next step in their buying journey. So with a fixed layout, where’s the value the advertisers were promised when they purchased that ad spot? Without that incentive, now we’re talking about a loss in non-dues revenue—not a good place to be when going digital might very well have been a cost-savings measure.

Going Reflowable

So now that you’ve surely been convinced that a reflowable layout is a far superior format for your digital publication, how do you make the switch? By connecting with your trusted member communications partner that knows just how important your publication is to your members and, thus, your value as a unique association in your industry. A partner that can help you make the necessary adjustments to remain indispensable and deliver on an effective content strategy, reinforcing your value well into the future.

Looking for a partner that fits that criteria? We’ve got you.

Still not convinced that reflowable is the way to go? Check out this digital issue of Disclosures we produced for the Virginia Society of CPAs.

“When we decided to move away from a print publication, YGS was more than happy to work with us to develop a new, better digital publication. We love the flexibility in design that the platform offers.” —Jill Edmonds, Senior Director, Marketing & Communications, VSCPA