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.

More Reach by Building Loyalty

More Reach by Building Loyalty

Two recent developments from the Google universe are especially noteworthy: First, it's now clear that Google's AI Overviews in search are negatively impacting traffic to news publishers. Then, just last week, news broke that Google is testing AI-generated content in Discover in the U.S. This raises an important question: What should publishers do? In our conversations, we’re seeing a clear shift — publishers are increasingly focusing on their organic (direct) user base, aiming to strengthen relationships and boost engagement. One particularly effective approach: content recommendations.

Less Traffic, More AI: Why Google Discover is Putting Pressure on Publishers

Less Traffic, More AI: Why Google Discover is Putting Pressure on Publishers

At Upscore, we are currently observing a new dynamic around Google Discover. While many publishers are still grappling with the effects of AI overviews in Google Search, the next shift is already underway: Google is testing new AI-powered “Trending” tiles directly in the Discover feed. The impact? Still unclear – but the risk of declining reach is increasing. Our recommendation: take strategic action now to safeguard your reach.

What follows the decline of search traffic?

What follows the decline of search traffic?

Try this on your phone: Type “What news is there for [any city]?” into Google. What you’ll see is a glimpse of the future — one that’s already arrived and is set to fundamentally reshape the internet: AI-generated answers.

Digital Sovereignty in Data Analytics

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.

What Are the Core Elements of Digital Transformation?

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.

The Election as a Conversion Machine

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.

Paywalls on Mobile Are Different

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.