Shape Skin Awards

YGS Publisher Solutions has been at the forefront of licensing opportunities since its inception. In 2020, YGS partnered with Shape to support the licensing sales for the Shape Skin Awards, a prestigious accolade recognizing excellence in skincare and beauty products. This partnership leveraged the reputation of Shape to drive licensing revenue and enhance brand visibility for Shape and its licensees.

The Challenge

The Shape Skin Awards traditionally relied heavily on the print distribution of Shape Magazine, which had a wide-reaching audience and a strong influence in the beauty and wellness industry. However, at the end of 2022, Shape Magazine ceased its print distribution, transitioning fully to digital formats. This significant shift posed a substantial challenge for YGS’s licensing strategy. The traditional avenues for promoting the Shape Skin Awards were no longer available, and the visibility and influence of the awards posed a challenge.

Strategy and Adaptation

YGS quickly recognized the need to adapt to this new digital landscape. Adjusting their sale strategy and collaborating with Shape to build more awareness around the Skin Awards. Despite initial setbacks, these strategies began to pay off by 2023. The increased focus on digital marketing and online presence started to yield positive results. Here’s a breakdown of the progress:

2023 Performance: YGS saw a considerable improvement in licensing sales in 2023, generating approximately $45,000. This was a significant achievement given the transitional phase and the challenges posed by the shift away from print media.

2024 Performance: Building on the momentum from 2023, YGS continued to refine its strategies and expand its reach. By 2024, licensing sales had skyrocketed to more than $200,000. This impressive growth demonstrated the effectiveness of the new approach and the enduring appeal of the Shape Skin Awards.

YGS’s ability to swiftly adapt to the digital transformation of the Shape Skin Awards was crucial. By embracing new marketing techniques and leveraging digital platforms through its strong communication and collaboration with Shape, they were able to maintain and significantly grow the influence of the awards.

The substantial increase in licensing sales from $45,000 in 2023 to more than $200,000 in 2024 highlights the importance of a long-term vision and persistent efforts in navigating industry changes. Despite the challenges posed by the end of print distribution, YGS successfully transitioned to a digital-first approach, resulting in significant growth in licensing revenue.