Market-Ready Content Kit: Q&A
Market-Ready Content Kit: Q&A during Editorial Open Office Hours
Q: Is National Content not required anymore?
A: No, National Content is not required, except for the annual Giving Campaign ( set to be used in the November issue.
Q: Can customization be done on any of the pages (e.g., using a flex page for the last page)?
A: No, none of the pages can be customized. You cannot use a flex page for the last page; you can only use the provided last-page localization options or one of the companion pages as designed.
Q: How far in advance will editors be able to see the Content Kits?
A: The Content Kit will be available to use for that month's issue at the end of the last issue's editorial deadline date. If you do not use the kit for that issue, it will continue to be selectable on future issues until once used.
Q: Will the byline give credit to the photographer and writer for the companion page?
A: Yes, there will be a byline there so that they will get credit.
Q: Is the companion page going to look like a natural part of the main article?
A: It will look like it's part of it and be right next to it, but it is the editor's job to make sure the introduction ties it to the main article content (for localization).
Q: If you want an article at 3 pages, do you select 3 pages or 4 pages (since 3 pages show in the companion page)?
A: Select it for however many pages you want it to run, regardless of whether there is a companion page or not.
If you don't want the companion page, select 3 pages and put in production notes not to run a companion page.
If you do want the companion page with a 2-page article + 1-page companion page then enter in the content for the 3rd page under the content tab.
Q: Can you use Market-Ready Content Kits from a previous month (e.g., September) for a future issue (e.g., October)?
A: Yes, if you didn't use them in September, you can access and use them in October —just ensure the content makes sense timing-wise for the season. They will remain available.
Q: Can we use only one Content Kit per magazine?
A: Yes, you don't have to use both; using just one is fine, or you can use both if you want.
Q: Can we localize Evergreen content in this same way?
A: No. Evergreen content is pulled from magazines in the field, so City Lifestyle does not touch or alter another editor's original work. This feature is specifically for the newly created market-ready kits.
Q: Can we use photos from these Content Kits for the magazine cover?
A: Yes. You would just describe which image you want (e.g., "Page 1, image on the left") in the cover production note, just like with National or Evergreen Content.
Q: How do you handle photo credits if you have multiple photographer photos provided for the localized page?
A: You have two options to work around character limits:
Add individual photographer names directly under each photo caption.
Add a general "Photo credits to..." at the end of the article listing all names.
Q: Can we use these layouts as inspiration for custom content, and can we customize the actual Market-Ready Content Kits?
A: Inspiration: Yes, you can ask designers to use a Market-Ready layout as inspiration for Custom Content in production notes.
Customization: No, the Market-Ready Content Kits themselves cannot be customized. The text style cannot change, and you cannot mix and match layouts. They run exactly as provided.
Q: Can my Editor go through ARC to watch the video without being in CL Connect?
A: Currently, the video is only available in CL Connect because completing the video/quiz tracks who has completed the required training. However, step-by-step written instructions are available in ARC training documents.
Q: Do you have a localized example already made so we can see how it looks?
A: Yes, since the kits have launched (September 2026 issue) there are teams that have utilized the kits in their issues.
See examples: Memorial Lifestyle (Page 21), Boise Lifestyle (Page 38)
Q: Will the local photographer's photo quality match the kit's photo quality on the companion page?
A: Every photographer is different, so it will look slightly different, and that's okay. The companion page has its own title and byline to act as its own accentuating piece (similar to a standalone sidebar page), and matching color schemes will help it flow smoothly.
Q: If you choose a 3-page option, is only Page 3 customizable?
A: Yes. If you select 3 total pages with localization, it will consist of 2 pages of provided content + Page 3 as your local customizable page.
If you want 3 pages of provided content plus a localized page, you must select 4 pages (the maximum length).
Q: Do we still have the National "Share the Lifestyle" podcast articles?
A: The August 2026 issue was the last month for required podcast/national content. Moving forward after the August 2026 issue, podcast national content is no longer required or created. The new market-ready kits (and Evergreen) remain available as optional filler options (except for the required annual Giving Campaign in November).
Q: Am I understanding correctly that the last localized page acts like a full-page sidebar (e.g., pairing a national craftsman story on purses with a local artisan spotlight on custom bags)?
A: Yes, exactly. It helps marry provided content with local ties so editors can localize the material.
Q: What happens if I choose not to localize the last page of a layout option?
A: The last page becomes a standard provided filler page (like regular Evergreen content).
If you select 3 pages, it runs as 3 provided pages; just note "No localized content on the last page" in the production notes so it automatically fills. Either way, you will not have a blank page.
Q: Can we switch out the layout design of the last (companion) page if we don't love it?
A: Yes. You can choose from the standalone companion page templates created for the kits and request to swap out the last page. You must specify this swap clearly in the production notes so the designer knows. Example of a production note: Use companion page 1 for the localized page 3 of the 3 page article.
Q: Are the Market-Ready Content Kits mandatory?
A: No, they are completely optional and designed as a helpful tool/resource for editors when managing tight deadlines or page bumps.
Q: Do we have to write production notes if we decide not to localize the content kit page, or is it automatic?
A: Yes, in the production note "No localized content on the last page"
Q: Where do we go in ARC to add the new Market-Ready Content Kits? Is it separate from National Content?
A: Yes, it is separate from National Content. See: How to Enter Market-Ready Content Kits
Q: Where can we find the companion pages in ARC?
A: Click the question mark icon in the top-right corner, select AI Answers, and type in "companion pages" or "companion page layouts". ARC Training & Docs > Editorial and search for them there.
Drive LINK
Q: Can we run 4 pages without localized content?
A: Yes, select the kits as a full 4 page article and note in the production notes "No localized content on the last page" so it automatically fills.