Digital Publishing
2 mins read

Seven digital publishing priorities for 2017

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So here we are in 2017, in a world where the only certainty is continued technology change, and digital media continue to chomp away at print. How do businesses formerly known as publishers keep their audience engaged and secure their revenues?

Which trends do you need to take notice of and include in your plans for this year?

Well this is my suggested list of priorities…

1. Mobile ease and speed

This year 75% of global internet access will be via mobile, and the smartphone user in particular is impatient and intolerant of slow or fiddly sites. This is the year to really focus on how your sites operate on the small screen, and how easy it is for users to find what they want. Strip out the inessentials and focus on speed; this will also benefit your google ranking. Think about how the growth in messaging apps might affect how your readers might want to interact with your content – take a look at Quartz’ chat style news app.

2. Visual & audio

Video content has boomed on social media, and publishers like the Economist are experimenting with turning articles into video style slide shows with captions. Meanwhile, audio has enjoyed a renaissance, with podcasts growing, and consumers re-discovering audio content as a smart way to survive their commute.

So consider how you can create more visual content: graphics and charts as well as short video slideshows and clips. These can create more traction on social media and drive traffic back to your longer form content. Experiment with audio for interviews, training, commentary and discussion.

3. Subscriptions & membership

Engagement is everything, and predictable, repeatable revenues will keep your business going in uncertain times. Adopt a mentality of continuous experimentation with subscription propositions: adding content and services, tweaking pricing models. Some digital magazines are offering time-based subscriptions, which give unlimited access to a digital archive for as long as the subs are being paid. Adding networking, events and community benefits builds affinity and makes subscriptions feel more like a membership.

4. Events & networking

Face to face events still work, despite or even because of our digital overload. Consumers build enthusiasm for their passions through exclusive experiences. And business people become inspired, share best practice and forge new partnerships through live events. Plus advertisers and sponsors value a new way to influence and meet with prospective customers. So consider how to build live (and virtual) events into your community.

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