Posted by Swellengram
An update for readers, supporters, and advertisers
For 13 years, the SwellenGram has arrived in inboxes every weekday — a small idea that grew into a trusted community resource with over 2,500 subscribers. It has been one of the great joys of my life to curate local news, events, services, jobs, accommodation, and stories for our town.
As many of you know, the Gram has mostly been a one‑woman (plus part-time cat and a back up husband, sadly no longer with us) labour of love. And while I’m proud of how far it has come, the daily rhythm has become more demanding than sustainable. After much thought, I’ve decided it’s time for the Gram to evolve into something fresher, more creative, and more enjoyable for me to produce — while still serving the community in the ways that matter most.
The way we all consume information has been shifting, and Swellengram needs to shift with it. While email and Facebook are still firm favourites for many, there are more and more people using WhatsApp groups for quick updates, Instagram for visual inspiration, and other platforms that deliver information in fast, easy bites. And let’s be honest — scrolling through a long daily email isn’t everyone’s idea of fun anymore. Moving to a weekly flipbook magazine means the Gram can be enjoyed at your own pace, with a clean contents page, clear sections, and clickable links. It’s still the Swellengram you know — just in a format that feels more in tune with how people browse and read today.
The daily email will come to an end in June 2026, but this is not goodbye. It’s a transition into a new format that I hope you will love just as much.
What’s Staying — and Getting Even Better
1. The Calendar of Events (Weekly)
Our most‑loved feature will continue — now as a weekly update instead of daily.
It will remain free for anyone to list their event, and I will be seeking a local business or organisation to sponsor this popular community service.
2. A Weekly Digital Magazine
Instead of scrolling through a long Mailchimp email, readers will receive a link to a digital magazine — complete with a contents page, clean layout, and direct links to advertisers’ websites or social media. This link will also appear on Whatsapp Community Groups, Facebook Pages and Groups and can be shared widely.
This will allow for richer stories, better visuals, and a more enjoyable reading experience.
Here is an example of the projected themes and contents of each magazine.
3. Professional Digital Designs (New Paid Service)
Over the years, many of you have trusted me to turn homemade ads into polished, professional designs. I’ve never charged for this, but as the Gram evolves, I will be offering digital ad and poster design as a paid service.
If you’ve enjoyed the look and feel of the Gram’s visuals, this is a way to support my work while getting something beautiful and effective for your business or event.
4. A Print Edition
I’m thrilled to bring back a project I’ve always loved: a printed Gram, published twice a year and placed in guesthouses, restaurants, and shops.
I’ll be working with a talented local illustrator to create something unique, beautiful, and distinctly “Swellendam”, bursting with information and worthy of souvenir status!
How You Can Support This New Chapter
If you’ve valued the Gram over the years, there are a few ways to help ensure its future:
I’m fortunate to have the support and trust of this community, and I hope that this evolution will allow me to keep doing what I love — telling local stories, supporting local businesses, and keeping Swellendam connected — without the pressure of a daily deadline.
Before I finalise the new format, I’d really appreciate your feedback.
Here is a Mock up – very much a work in progress: but just to give you an idea of the direction I am heading.
Your input will help shape the next chapter of the Gram.
What do you think should be left out in future editions?
What would you like to see in the new magazine?
Would your business be interested in advertising or sponsoring a section?
What features do you rely on most?Any comments, criticisms, suggestions will be welcome…. you can Whatsapp me on 072 566 7093 or email me on swellengram@gmail.com
Thank you for 13 years of loyalty, kindness, and community spirit. I’m excited for what comes next — and I hope you’ll come along with me.
Warm regards,
Amanda Shackley
Swellengram’s long‑standing sponsors have played a vital role in sustaining this community resource. As the format evolves, new sponsorship options offer greater visibility, stronger brand alignment, and a more premium presence.
1. Section Sponsorship (Exclusive)
R300.00 per edition
Align your brand with a section that reflects your business:
WHAT A SPONSORED SECTION LOOKS LIKE
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Brought to you by GreenLeaf Wellness Centre
“Your wellbeing, our passion.”
[Clickable link]
A clean divider line
Section content begins below.
This layout is elegant, unobtrusive, and editorial in tone.
Includes:
2. Banner Sponsorship
R400–R600 per week
A subtle banner placed at the bottom of each page or every fifth page. There will
Includes:
3. Community Calendar Sponsorship (Premium)
R500
The most‑read section of Swellengram.
Includes:
4. Quarterly Print Edition Sponsorship
R2,000–R3,000 per issue
Includes:
5. Add‑Ons
FOUNDING SPONSOR RECOGNITION
Long‑standing sponsors will be acknowledged as:
Founding Sponsors of the New Swellengram — 2026
This recognition will appear:
This designation honours the businesses whose support helped shape the next chapter of Swellengram.
WHAT A SPONSORED SECTION LOOKS LIKE
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Brought to you by GreenLeaf Wellness Centre
“Your wellbeing, our passion.”
[Clickable link]
A clean divider line
Section content begins below.
This layout is elegant, unobtrusive, and editorial in tone.
TRANSITION FOR PREPAID SPONSORS
Sponsors who have prepaid until June 2026 will receive:
This ensures continuity, fairness, and added value during the transition.
SPONSOR FAQ For Current and New Sponsors.
Why is the daily sponsorship ending?
The daily email format ends in June as Swellengram moves to a weekly magazine.
Will my business still get exposure?
Yes — the new format offers significantly more visibility and a more polished presentation.
What replaces my “day”?
Section sponsorship, banner sponsorship, or calendar sponsorship. Long term sponsors and advertisers will be given priority,
Is this more expensive?
Not necessarily. Existing sponsors receive priority pricing and added benefits. You will be able to select from a variety of options.
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