The Beginnings of TalkSteer
TalkSteer was born out of a vision—a dream to create one of the world’s leading motoring magazines. Initially conceptualized as “Grey Smoke,” the name evolved into “TalkSteer,” inspired by the term “torque steer.” This title reflects the magazine’s dual focus on exploring the technical aspects of vehicles and uncovering the lifestyle stories behind them. With a passion for motoring and storytelling, the creator of TalkSteer identified an opportunity to bridge the gap between lifestyle and motoring content.
Our Mission
TalkSteer was founded with a clear mission: to connect with individuals seeking to make informed decisions about purchasing vehicles. By stepping into the mindset of potential buyers, the magazine seeks to uncover what makes a vehicle exceptional and why it might be the right choice. TalkSteer prioritizes creating content that informs rather than influences, enabling readers to make decisions tailored to their needs.
The Journey: Growth and Evolution
Starting as a humble Facebook page in 2012, TalkSteer has since grown into a dedicated online platform with its own website. Over the years, the magazine’s content has expanded to include reviews of personal vehicles, high-performance sports cars, and custom builds.
While TalkSteer continues to grow its audience, with a reach of over 7,000 followers, it has also partnered with initiatives like Shaun Holland’s Skid Marks. These collaborations hint at a bright future for the magazine as it continues to engage with its community.
A Solo Adventure
Operating TalkSteer as a one-person venture has been a journey of both challenges and rewards. Building relationships within the motoring industry has been essential, with companies providing vehicles for reviews. These experiences have allowed for valuable insights from industry veterans, contributing to the magazine’s growth. After a brief hiatus, TalkSteer is preparing for a strong return, ready to continue its mission.
What We Offer
TalkSteer offers readers a unique blend of lifestyle-driven content and detailed vehicle reviews. By focusing on the reader’s perspective, the magazine explores what makes a car special and why it might resonate with potential buyers.
The magazine’s primary focus is on new car reviews, but it also features custom builds, road safety content, and occasional motorsport coverage. Safety remains a central theme, supported by an affiliation with MasterDrive.
Who We Speak To
TalkSteer caters to a broad audience, from first-time car buyers to seasoned drivers. The lifestyle-centric approach ensures content that resonates with individuals of all ages. Engagement happens primarily through Facebook and the magazine’s website, where readers are encouraged to share feedback and join the conversation.
The Road Ahead
The future of TalkSteer is one of growth and innovation. Plans include building a small team and expanding the brand’s presence across platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and eventually television. Video content is a key focus, with efforts underway to master video editing for high-quality productions. Collaboration and creative expansion will play a crucial role in shaping the magazine’s future.
What Makes Us Unique
TalkSteer stands as a Black-owned South African motoring magazine that prioritizes connecting with its audience’s needs. It’s more than just a magazine about cars—it’s a platform that celebrates the joy of driving while emphasizing the importance of road safety. The magazine aims to inspire motoring enthusiasts to enjoy their vehicles responsibly, preserving both lives and the thrill of the open road.
Thank you for joining TalkSteer on this journey. Together, let’s steer towards an exciting future!