Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s your total circulation? How is the publication delivered?

A: We have six publications, serving Beverly Hills, Bel-Air, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades and Malibu. We have 55,000 total circulation. 40,000 copies are delivered to homes (driveway delivery) and 15,000 copies are delivered via newsstands, coffee shops, grocery stores, etc. Click here to see a map of our territory.

Q: What makes you a better advertising vehicle than other area publications?

A: First of all, we’re a magazine. In this town, image really does matter, and newspapers can’t provide the upscale environment Westside readers and advertisers demand. Secondly, unlike the many luxury lifestyle magazines, we cover the issues and the people our readers actually care about, assuring better readership – and better response. We have the heart and soul of a community newspaper AND the look and feel of an upscale magazine. That makes us appreciated by both readers and advertisers.

Most importantly, we cover the six most exclusive towns on the Westside. With one ad, you can cover the entire territory at a very reasonable price.

Finally, as a monthly magazine that offers ongoing directories, important news and event calendars, our publications enjoy a long shelf life, to maximize your ad’s exposure.

Q: Do people really read community publications? How do you know?

A: They do indeed. We receive tremendous continuous feedback from readers, advertisers, community leaders and others we write about. Our publications are closely watched. We are also very involved in our community, sponsoring events, speakers and so on. We have a very solid relationship with our communities, built up steadily over 16 years. We are a trusted friend, viewed as fair and balanced. It’s a role we take seriously.

Q: How much does it cost to advertise?

A: Depending on your ad’s size and frequency of publication, the regular rate can range from less than $100 up to $3995. (Click here for a full media kit.) To the best of our knowledge, we are less expensive than any other publication in the area on an apples-to-apples comparison. We offer greater circulation, and more bang for the buck. And our quality is much better, in our humble opinion.

Further, there are a number of ways to save: for example, a full year of ads nets a greater discount than just three months. Pre-pay discounts are available. We are happy to work with you on your promotional needs and invite you to place your message on our website. We can also offer side-by-side editorial opportunities to give you greater exposure, and help you show up in web search engines better.

Q: Does advertising in your publications really work?

A: Yes. We hear all the time from advertisers about how pleased they are. Our very first advertiser, who signed up 16 years ago, is still with us today!

To get the best results, you’ll want to have a strong message, well presented. Keep your message simple. It helps to offer something people really want and that they will respond to. If you need help with designing your ad, just let us know.

Your business will grow steadily with a good advertising campaign. Advertising is like exercise – it takes a bit of time to work. In the beginning, it even hurts a bit. But stay with it for six months to a year and you'll see the results. Keep your expectations reasonable. If you get one or two new customers a month, you’re doing fine.

Q: Who is behind your organization?

A: Jeffrey S. Hall, a former president with the Los Angeles Times, founded the Brentwood Media Group 16 years ago. Hall, a Stanford grad and a Harvard MBA, serves as Publisher and Editor-in-Chief. He is supported by a very talented team of publishing professionals. See the "Staff Directory" section in "About Us."

Westside Today recently received capital funding which will enable us to grow in the years ahead. To learn more about our financial backers, click here.

Q: How well does your website do?

A: We just redesigned and relaunched our website. Our new design is very user friendly and we expect it to become the premier portal for those interested in LA’s Westside. Our website is supported by a weekly e-mail blast that goes out across the entire area. To receive it, click here.