What typical codes and conventions of magazines does the front cover of Tesco Magazine use to appeal to its readers?
The Tesco Magazine uses typical codes and conventions on the front cover to help appeal to its readers in many ways. These include; having large masthead, using a slogan, the use of a longs hot and centralised image, the issue, secondary images, brand names, large text size, use of capital letters, puff and lastly a response in quotes. These are all stereotypically found on the front of magazines today which is why the Tesco magazine follows these specific codes and conventions to appeal to its readers. The large sized and bold masthead is used to catch the reader’s eye. Interestingly, the name of the magazine is “magazine” which injects the idea that this is a magazine and not a catalogue into the readers minds. This is a very clever technique used as most people would refer to the magazine as a catalogue as you are able to purchase things, however keeping the name of the magazine “magazine” creates awareness into the readers mind preventing them to think like this. The cover also uses a slogan “every little helps” this is placed in the far right hand corner, this is also a very well known slogan as it is broadcast on TV for the Tesco ad, therefore instantly the readers are able to know this magazine has relations with Tesco, even without the brand name of “Tesco” not being there. However as the brand is printed right above the large masthead, the readers are able to acknowledge the brand straight away. The cover also used secondary images to appeal to its readers. These are images of what you will find inside the magazine allowing the readers to have an insight to what the magazine will contain, therefore looking at this image of food, will instantly attract a wide range of audiences of both male and female above 16, as today everyone takes part in cooking and also because cooking is no longer specifically directed at women the way Tesco is also not aimed at a specific audience. Therefore this also links to the magazine by not making the magazine bias in any way. The use of capital letters and puffs also appeal to its readers as it allows everything on the page stand out, not only catching the readers eye, but allowing them to be aware of what they might find inside. In addition, the use of quotes ‘Losing weight gave me so much confidence’ on the cover page allows the readers to interact with what is written as they may agree or disagree with what is said, this is another aspect which helps appeal to its readers as it allows the magazine to interact with the readers.
On the basis of the cover lines and images on this front cover, how are women represented?
There is a long shot of a middle aged woman centralised on the page. She is presented as a very sophisticated, glamorous and an ideal woman as a result of what she is wearing. She is wearing smart clothes therefore does not typically represent her as a housewife or homemaker which can be used as a personal identification for some women. However, the way in which she has posed also suggests that she is very independent and relaxed. This represents woman as of what they are today as now the majority of woman are working and focusing on their career. She is represented as a follower as it mentions things about weight ‘Losing weight gave me so much confidence’ which can be seen as a typical thing for a woman to say, yet it also shows she takes pride in her appearance through her posture, a get-up.
On the basis of this front cover and other general knowledge, what primary and secondary target audience would take home this magazine? Explain.
Primary audience would be females aged 23-55 as a result of the image used and quotations regarding losing weight. This is because this topic mostly applies to females more in comparison to men. The audience would be those who shop at Tesco’s more along the lines of C2,D and E. however, the secondary audience are men as is says ‘Boys’ toys you’ll love’ this makes it clear that there are things inside the magazine that would be targeted at men for example ‘gadgets’ etc. this shows that this magazine caters for the needs of everyone, all genders and of all ages. Therefore it is difficult to conclude to a specific audience type. Yet this is most convenient for those who are regulars at Tesco’s as the issues of Tesco magazines are not so frequent.
Explore ways how Tesco could make a profit from this magazine when it is available for free.
Firstly Tesco is a British International grocery and general merchandising retail chain which means there is more public awareness for Tesco’s as it cater for a range of needs for example, food clothing, electrics, educational, stationary, entertainment etc. This increases the number of people shopping at Tesco and by doing this, earns enormous amounts of profits. Tesco also earn profits by selling and giving away small company and market share with profits exceeding £3billion, and the third largest global retailer based on revenue. They use the profits to publish these magazines. Giving these away for free have many advantages and make Tesco a profit as people are able to take them away and order things from it, which means it makes more business for Tesco. There are six formats; Extra, Superstores, Express, Home Plus, Metro and One Stop. As Tesco are also involved in other consumer areas such as fuel, internet, banking and garden this attracts more people and therefore with every magazine given away for free, Tesco earn back their money as it attracts more people and also people have more knowledge on exactly what they can buy with the use of the magazine.
