Media businesses are currently fascinated by how to convert those who consume their online content free of charge into paying customers.  Mr Murdoch allegedly is managing to persuade just over 1% of his registered visitors to pay for his Times Online subscription news service.  The latest Media Pioneer award winner, Green Star Media, achieves an 8% free to paid conversion for readers of its rugby and soccer coaching newsletters, which is pretty impressive.  Andrew Griffiths, MD,  has built the business over 4 years to a turnover of £1.2m, all based on subscriptions, with very little advertising.  His experiences should be of interest to other specialist media owners: here are five key tips from his subscription success: (more…)