Posts Tagged ‘online subscriptions’
Revolutionary ideas for digital publishing strategy
Sunday, November 27th, 2011Traditional (ie print) consumer and b2b publishers have embraced online publishing, but are now having to get to grips with mobile devices and managing readers and subscribers over multiple digital channels. This week I attended an event hosted by eZpublish and spoke at the PPA Content Managers Forum on mobile publishing. The two discussions raised some radical ideas for publishers aiming to integrate their various media channels: (more…)
Tags: Circdata, digital publishing, eZpublish, online subscriptions, personalised content, PPA, retail, Specialist Media Network
Posted in b2b, business strategy, consumer, content, marketing
How to prioritise which digital media channels to publish on
Sunday, November 20th, 2011Last week I ran a Digital Publishing Masterclass for a small group of niche publishers, who knew they needed a digital strategy but felt overwhelmed by the sheer range of opportunities available. Not only did they need to plan their web content and select what was free and what should be paid-for, but they also had to select the right mix of mobile channels, across iOs, Android, Kindle and other smartphone app stores. Plus there’s the task of co-ordinating social media and managing and extending an email database. We spent all day reviewing the options, but if you want a quick steer, here’s a set of four criteria which should help identify the top priorities: (more…)
Tags: digital publishing, iPad apps, Kindle, niche publishers, online subscriptions, specialist media
Posted in b2b, business strategy, consumer
6 new specialist digital publishing tricks from K9 Media
Saturday, September 11th, 2010As Content Director for the Specialist Media Show I’m always on the look-out for innovative specialist media businesses who could be winners of the Media Pioneer Awards. Their stories are always inspiring, as they take advantage of technology and their deep understanding of their markets to uncover new ways to grow their revenues. Ryan O Meara, MD of K9 Media, who creates content for dog owners, is one such inspiring publisher. You can read the full story of his “back to front” publishing business on the Specialist Media Show site, but here are six new digital publishing tricks that (forgive the pun) even old publishing dogs can learn from: (more…)
Tags: digital editions, K9 Media, Media Pioneers, online subscriptions, paid-for content, specialist media show
Posted in consumer, content, marketing, news
Why b2b publishers need a free content strategy
Monday, August 30th, 2010Business to business publishers are wrestling with how to apply their controlled circulation print model online, and how to persuade their readers to pay for content and related services. Some are successfully generating new revenues with subscriptions, events, conferences and training, but most also offer free online content as well. A recent debate on the Specialist Media Network on Linked-in, with contributions from Sift, Econsultancy, Subhub and Advanstar, has convinced me that the solution is to have a blend of free, “controlled” - ie registered - and paid-for content. Below are five reasons why I believe free content works for b2b publishers: (more…)
Tags: archive content, b2b publishers, controlled circulation, free content, online subscriptions, paywalls, Specialist Media Network
Posted in b2b, business strategy, content, news
How specialist media owners see their future: realistic optimism
Saturday, July 24th, 2010I’m cheered by the optimism shown by specialist media owners who responded to the survey we ran with Fusion Communications for the Specialist Media Show. They are well aware of the dramatic changes coming in their industry, but seem to be pragmatic and forward looking in their responses. 117 senior managers from b2b and consumer specialist media took part, across a range of businesses from one-title independents to mid-sized publishers with 6-10 titles. I’m referring to them as publishers, but most have print, digital and live events in their portfolio. What struck me is the gradual diversification of revenue sources: (more…)
Tags: content, digital editions, events, Fusion Communications, media brand, mobile apps, online subscriptions, paid-for content, publishers, Specialist Media Network, specialist media show
Posted in b2b, business strategy, consumer
Online subscriptions secrets of a media pioneer
Sunday, July 11th, 2010Developing a content-based online subscription business is the holy grail for many specialist publishers. The latest winner of the Media Pioneers awards, organised by the Specialist Media Show to recognise innovative and entrepreneurial media businesses, has quietly established a community of paying subscribers who visit her site at least weekly. Read on to discover her experiences and learn tips for your own subscription business… (more…)
Tags: content, databases, Jancis Robinson, Media Pioneers, online subscriptions, paid-for content, specialist media show
Posted in business strategy, consumer, content
What makes a compelling consumer online membership package?
Sunday, July 4th, 2010Many media businesses who publish content online for free are investigating subscription or membership packages as a way to drive revenue from their online content. It’s a bit easier for b2b publishers who can build research reports or databases or workflow tools, and are also dealing with businesses with a defined budget for information, research or lead generation. So is anyone succeeding in consumer markets? I’ve found a few examples, and identified five key elements that appear to be adding value to membership packages. What unites them is that online content alone is not enough. And discounts on products and services are expected to be offered as part of the deal. So here’s some ideas for how to add real value to the package: (more…)
Tags: archive, consumers, content, customised content, databases, members forums, mobile alerts, online subscriptions, paid-for content
Posted in business strategy, consumer, content, marketing