APA Insight is a brand new research service designed to encourage more bespoke research into proving the effectiveness of customer publishing, and monitoring the trends within the industry.

The service offers research advice including information on reader surveys, exploratory qualitative research, desk research, as well as advice on briefing a research supplier.

It also provides access to affordable research through independent research agencies at a discounted rate. 

The APA Commissions its own research including Mintel which monitors trends, and APA Advantage which measures the marketing effect of customer publishing.

Ten Facts About Customer Publishing Worth Knowing

1. It's estimated that the customer publishing industry is currently worth around £900m and is projected to be worth £1 billion by 2010.

2. Customer publishing is the second fastest growing marketing medium after internet advertising.

3. On average, customer magazines keep a consumer's attention for 25 minutes, which is signifcantly more than the eight seconds looking at a poster or 20-30 seconds listening to a radio ad. In essence it compares to fifty 30-second TV ads.

4. 57 per cent of consumers read at least half of a customer magazine, while top performing customer magazines manage to engage 78 per cent.

5. Customer magazines increase brand loyalty by 32 per cent.

6. 47 per cent of readers are more likely to purchase products featured in a customer magazine than in any other type of marketing or advertising.

7. 120 new brands have invested in the medium over the past six months, which equates to one launch per working day.

8. Customer publishers deliver digital editorial content to over 45 per cent of their client base, with most having expert in-house digital staff.

9. Customer magazines dominate the Top Ten publications by circulation, with the top four publications all customer magazines.

10. Readers of customer magazines are more likely to hold positive views on the brand, which is incredibly valuable in a world where advocacy and word of mouth play a significant role in a brand's success.

For more information on APA Insight, please contact Julia Hutchison on 020 7400 7516.