A simple "trick" for more subscription conversions
At Upscore, we're often asked for simple tips and tricks to sell more premium subscriptions. Of course, it's never really that “simple.”
The Upscore Blog
Community knowledge, strong opinions, and clear guidance. The Upscore Blog covers all topics related to editorial data analysis, web analytics, dynamic paywall strategies, checkout processes, content strategy, and recommendation engines.
7 Factors for Successful Paywall Strategies
It’s been three years since our first client went live with the dynamic Upscore Paywall. Ever since, one key question has remained: “How does our performance actually compare?”
Realistic and Ambitious Goals for Your Editorial Team
What ambitious yet achievable goals can publishers set for their editorial teams? Where should they focus their efforts? The Upscore Industry Benchmark provides the answers.
More Than Just a Barrier: How Dynamic Paywalls Understand Users Instead of Scaring Them Away
A paywall is not exactly something pleasant. The very word sounds awful: bulky and intimidating. It makes people run into a virtual wall, risking a poor user experience – a digital bruise, so to speak.
In the Age of AI, Real-Time Becomes Truly Crucial
"Real-time" is part of Upscore’s DNA. The value of real-time is immediately clear. No one wants to wait. In the age of AI, real-time becomes truly crucial. This is because machines are increasingly making decisions based on data.
Digital Sovereignty in Data Analytics
One buzzword is stirring minds in Berlin and Brussels, especially in light of political shifts in the U.S.: digital sovereignty. States, companies, and individuals are meant to retain control over their digital data, technologies, and systems.
Digital Transformation in Journalism: A Recipe for Success with Five Key Ingredients
When I read the new “Digital Transformation Guide” from the American Press Institute, I thought: Well said! Many of the success factors mentioned there have already been extensively discussed in our Upscore GmbH newsletter — and they are crucial for the future of local and regional journalism.
What Are the Core Elements of Digital Transformation?
Digital transformation is often associated with technology: websites, apps, smartphones, tablets, data, blockchain, and AI – just to name a few of the buzzwords from the past 25 years. But at its core, digital transformation isn't really about technology. It's about transformation.
Digital Transformation Needs Failure – Because That’s How We Learn
Many in our industry have come to understand that a temporary drop in key metrics during optimization processes isn’t collateral damage – it’s a necessary part of a true testing culture.
The Election as a Conversion Machine
As an online editor-in-chief, I always had two conflicting feelings before major elections. On one hand: This is a huge opportunity to showcase what we as a newsroom can do, especially digitally. On the other hand: Phew, a lot is coming our way.
How big is the market for paid content from regional publishers? A rule of thumb
When I observe things and analyze a lot of data, I sometimes come up with a rule of thumb. (Recently, I wrote about what "10" means for reach.) I have a similar rule of thumb for the question: How big is the market for premium offerings?
Paywall Blindness: Why Many Paywalls Fail – and How to Do It Better (Part 1)
Paywalls are meant to help secure digital business models. But one crucial problem is often overlooked: many paywalls are simply ignored. It’s a phenomenon that could be described as "paywall blindness" – similar to the widespread issue of banner blindness.
The Checkout Process: Why Many Paywalls Fail – and How to Do It Better (Part 2)
For a successful business with premium subscriptions, there’s another key area for optimization: the purchase journeys behind the paywalls are often even more problematic.
Paywalls on Mobile Are Different
Serving paywalls on mobile? Of course! Most news consumption now happens on smartphones. And paywalls are delivered responsively — meaning the layout automatically adjusts to the screen size.
Why Growth in Paid Content Is So Important – and Achievable – for Publishers!
When I'm asked for a simple strategy formula for regional publishers, I answer: You need a perspective-based mix of one-third print, one-third e-paper, and one-third premium (Plus). But how did I come to this conclusion? And what does that mean in numbers?