One of the most effective tools in your arsenal? The fear of missing out (FOMO). Far from being manipulative, leveraging FOMO taps into a universal human instinct.
Stop trying to educate your readers: Give them what they want
Readers gravitate toward content that entertains, resonates, or directly benefits them. In an era of limitless choice, publishers must align their priorities with what readers want—or risk irrelevance.
Readers hate pop-ups—but they work. Here’s how to do them right
Despite their unpopularity, pop-ups are incredibly effective at converting casual visitors into subscribers, leads, or customers. The challenge for publishers is striking a balance.
Your competitors aren’t other publishers—they’re Netflix and Spotify
The real battle for attention isn’t with other publishers; it’s with platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube that are redefining what people will pay for and how they spend their time.
Why transparency about paywall revenue is the future of publishing
Transparency about how and why subscriptions work is not just a PR strategy; it’s a path toward building trust, fostering accountability, and shaping the future of sustainable publishing.
Stop pandering to social media: Your audience isn’t on TikTok
The idea that every publisher must be on every platform stems from a fear of missing out (FOMO). But not every audience is on TikTok, and even if they are, they may not be looking for what you’re offering.
Your paywall isn’t elitist—it’s ethical
By supporting paywalls, readers aren’t just gaining access to information; they’re investing in the future of trustworthy, independent reporting.
AI will never replace journalists—but it will replace lazy publishers
AI will never replace journalists who are committed to quality and integrity. However, it’s an entirely different story for publishers who rely on outdated strategies and fail to innovate.
The death of homepage design: Why publishers should ditch it
Most readers find content through Google or social media platforms. These referrals typically lead them to individual articles, bypassing the homepage entirely.
How to create an editorial framework for managing legal embargoes
Learn how to handle embargoed press releases and insider information responsibly. Implement workflows, security measures, and compliance strategies to protect your newsroom.
You’re not charging enough: Why cheap subscriptions hurt publishers
Cheap subscriptions might bring in numbers, but they rarely foster loyalty, sustain quality, or support growth. Instead, publishers should embrace premium pricing.
Your readers don’t want to ‘engage’—they want value
Focusing on engagement for its own sake can lead to content that prioritises shock value or controversy over quality, damaging your brand’s credibility in the long run.