For most print-based publishers, subscriptions have felt like a safe haven in the current economic and technology storm. A survey recently commissioned by InPublishing from Wessenden marketing and sponsored by CDS Global confirms that for most consumer publishers, subs are growing both in absolute terms, and relative to newstand sales. Life is tougher for b2b publishers, subs are steady or shrinking, and renewals are a weak point, but newsstand is declining more rapidly. The detail of this survey, covering 132 companies, large and small, and over 900 titles, shows how digital acquisition sources, delivery methods, communication channels and servicing are quietly revolutionising how publishers are growing their subscription base. These are five key trends I have spotted: (more…)