FHM was a popular men's lifestyle magazine that focused on entertainment, fashion, and sports. The magazine began publication in the United Kingdom in 1985 and quickly gained a large following among young men. One of the key factors that contributed to FHM's success was its ability to engage its readers through various interactive features. This allowed the magazine to create a strong connection with its audience and keep them coming back for more.
One way FHM engaged its readership was through polls. The magazine regularly published polls asking readers to vote on various topics related to pop culture, fashion, sports, and sex. These polls were often featured prominently on the cover of each issue and were accompanied by a brief explanation of why they were important. For example, one poll asked readers to choose between different celebrities as their favorite "Sexiest Woman." Another poll asked readers to rate the best music albums of all time. By participating in these polls, readers felt like they had a say in what went into the magazine and enjoyed the sense of community created by sharing their opinions with others.
Another way FHM engaged its readership was through competitions. The magazine regularly offered prizes to readers who submitted photos or other materials related to the magazine's content. For instance, readers could submit photos of themselves in an attempt to win a prize for being named "FHM Cover Model" or "Best Male Sports Star." This added an element of fun and excitement to reading the magazine and encouraged readers to continue checking in for new issues.
Finally, FHM also engaged its readership through letters pages. Readers were invited to send in questions, comments, and suggestions for future articles. These letters were then printed in subsequent issues, allowing readers to see that their voices were being heard and that the magazine cared about their input. This helped to create a sense of connection and ownership among readers, which kept them coming back month after month.
By engaging its readership through interactive features such as polls, competitions, and letters pages, FHM was able to create a strong connection with its audience and keep readers coming back for more. As a result, the magazine became a popular choice for young men around the world and remained on the market for over 30 years before finally closing down in 2015.