Essential Media Partners, a publishing group that produces guides and maps for a number of organizations, has announced the launch of their new NOW Washington DC Guide. Their new brand is meant to bridge the gap between print and social media marketing. This year, more than one million visitors to Washington DC are expected to use the NOW Guide to find information on events and attractions.
QR codes are slated to be used in every issue of the Guide. The first issue features a George Washington shaped QR code on the cover. The codes will be linked to a variety of content that will be associated with the Guide’s website. The codes will also be used to conduct polls and surveys of the readership. DC area businesses will also be able to take advantage of the codes as well. When looking for a place to shop or dine, a scan will show results based on the preferences of the user.
The Guide, much like a magazine, will be open to editorial submissions and DC residents are being encouraged to submit their experiences and stories about the area.
The Guide will be free and easily accessible online. Besides QR codes, other mobile technologies will be implemented in future issues, such as augmented reality.
Lisa Shapiro will be assigned to the post of editor-in-chief. She has ten years of editorial experience and is an avid follower of DC area dining.