Radical changes to publisher business models are needed in order to deliver solid returns for investors, with many publishers currently focusing on balancing digital and print revenues. The findings are based on years of working with publishers, and a series of focussed interviews, says YUDU.
In the new whitepaper, YUDU have pulled together some of the common themes, queries and questions that are found throughout the industry today.
Of overriding importance to the consumer is still content. The overwhelming majority of consumers will pay for digital published content that they feel "reaches out to them and their needs", which gives hope to the future of subscription-based publications both in print and digital format.
Reader's Digest believe that minimal rich media in their online content is best, as performance is equal across all devices and browsers. This opinion is mirrored across the study, with publishing workflows as a recurring theme.
“Without too much effort and cost you will be able to present a digital version with many extra features in it, and that’s a desirable quality in this industry,” says Fred Lardenoye, Lardenoye Journalistic Production
Other publishers think differently and believe that only with more disruptive technology can business models deliver solid returns for investors. However, when exactly this will be at the forefront of publishing strategies is not specified.
The primary reason for publishers launching a digital magazine, according to the whitepaper, is to capture new demographics and exploit emerging technologies. This idea is explored through research and commentaries from a number of publishers and printers, including Senefelder, a leading Dutch printer who have seen significant increase in sales of digital services over the past few years, with the publication of certain apps resulting in over 800,000 downloads.
The whitepaper is available to download via this link and can be read, using YUDU technology, on any device.
