Episodes
In this episode of the Paywall Podcast, sponsored by LeakyPaywall, Pete and Tyler explores Flow Letter, an innovative newsletter system that integrates seamlessly with WordPress to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of newsletter creation for publishers.  The discussion includes a case study on Mexico News Daily's transition from MailChimp to Flow Letter, resulting in significant workflow improvements and time savings. Flow Letter's unique features, such as direct newsletter creation...
Published 10/17/24
In this episode of the Paywall Podcast, sponsored by LeakyPaywall, Pete and Tyler focus on the importance of emphasizing subscriber benefits over features for news and magazine publishers. The episode introduces a method using AI, specifically ChatGPT, to transform feature-centric language on subscription pages into compelling benefits that resonate with potential subscribers.  An example demonstraion is the Boca Raton Tribune's about page, converting features into benefits that highlight how...
Published 09/27/24
This episode of the Paywall Podcast, sponsored by LeakyPaywall,  Pete and Tyler provide an in-depth analysis on how news and magazine publishers can increase website traffic, build email lists, and grow paid subscriptions with effective paywall strategies. Common concerns among publishers, such as the fear of paywalls reducing traffic and ad revenue, are discussed. The hosts advocate for using a free registration model and metered paywalls to balance SEO and reader engagement.  Core...
Published 08/08/24
In this episode of the Paywall Podcast, sponsored by LeakyPaywall,  Pete and Tyler provide an in-depth analysis of successful paywall strategies for news and magazine publishers. Highlighting examples like the Civil War Monitor and Salem Reporter, they stress the critical importance of simplifying subscription landing pages to enhance user experience and increase conversions.  Key insights include minimizing decision points, focusing on annual subscriptions, leveraging FAQs and testimonials,...
Published 07/26/24
In this episode of the Paywall Podcast, sponsored by LeakyPaywall,  Pete and Tyler discuss effective paywall and subscription strategies for news and magazine publishers. The discussion highlights the importance of free registrations as a pathway to paid subscriptions, revealing a 20% conversion rate with current data.  Key points include the inefficacy of standalone newsletter signups, the benefits of integrating free registration prompts, and the necessity of nurturing readers through...
Published 06/07/24
In this episode of the Paywall Podcast, Pete and Tyler discuss a publisher's transition from relying solely on YouTube ad revenue to implementing reader revenue subscriptions on their website, intellamusica.com. The publisher, a musician and music instructor, noticed a decline in ad revenue on YouTube and sought to capture more revenue by offering paid subscriptions for access to premium content on their website. The podcast explores the publisher's journey, including initial experiments with...
Published 05/10/24
In this episode of the Paywall Podcast, Pete and Tyler discuss a unique nonprofit news subscription model implemented by Key Biz Camp. The model allows free access to content with a slight hurdle for readers and nudges them towards donations, emphasizing convenience and value in supporting local content.
Published 04/08/24
This episode of the Paywall Podcast features a conversation about web accessibility with Bet Hannon, CEO and founder of AccessiCart.  The discussion focuses on the definition of web accessibility, its importance, the legal implications, and the financial incentives. The conversation also covers practical steps for improving accessibility, including low-hanging fruit and more complex considerations. It also touches on upcoming EU legislation and the evolving approach to accessibility...
Published 03/19/24
Pete and Tyler discuss what publishers should focus on in 2024 + current trends in the industry. Article Summary: In our latest episode of the Paywall Podcast, we delve into strategic priorities for publishers this year, navigating through the evolving digital landscape, the impact of AI, and shifts in social media dynamics. Our focus centers on the things within our control, steering away from the unpredictability of external platforms like social media, which, despite their benefits in...
Published 02/13/24
In the final part of their promotion series, Pete and Tyler discuss how Small Boats Magazine is using Facebook ads to drive both paid and free subscriptions.
Published 01/02/24
Pete and Tyler discuss how to set successful holiday promotions along with recent results from a publisher's Black Friday promotion.
Published 12/14/23
Pete and Tyler discuss promotion strategies for publishers that actually work. Here are the key points they cover: Avoid Low-Value Promotions: Promoting subscriptions for a low price like one dollar undermines the perceived value of the content. It's better to avoid such steep discounts. Simplify Subscription Options: Presenting too many options or complicated pricing can confuse and deter potential subscribers. A simple and clear offer is more effective. Free Registration Strategy:...
Published 12/07/23
In this special episode, Leaky Paywall hosts the second Publisher Mastermind live webinar where Pete discusses strategies for how to setup newsletters to grow paid subscriptions. What is Publisher Mastermind?Every month Leaky Paywall customers are invited to join our Publisher Mastermind group to learn the strategy and tactics to grow both your audience and paid subscriptions. Each month we focus on a specific topic and invite your questions to be answered at this live event.
Published 11/06/23
In this episode of the Paywall podcast, we dive into a case study on Salem Reporter, a local news publisher that has seen significant success in growing their revenue and audience through a strategic approach. Here’s what we discussed: Background on Salem Reporter: Salem Reporter is a digital-only publication based in Salem, Oregon, focusing on local news. They have a strong emphasis on hyper-local newsletters and have implemented a free registration system and subscriber only...
Published 10/23/23
In this special episode, Leaky Paywall hosts the first-ever Publisher Mastermind live webinar where Pete discusses strategies for converting casual readers into paid subscribers. What is Publisher Mastermind?Every month Leaky Paywall customers are invited to join our Publisher Mastermind group to learn the strategy and tactics to grow both your audience and paid subscriptions. Each month we focus on a specific topic and invite your questions to be answered at this live event.
Published 09/17/23
In this episode, Pete and Tyler discuss subscriber-only commenting and how it can be a value add for paid subscribers.
Published 09/10/23
Pete stops by the Powered By Coffee podcast to talk paywall monetization strategy. Here's an excerpt from Powered By Coffee: Discover the secrets of monetizing your readership and mastering paywall strategy with our special guest, Peter Ericson, founder and CEO of Zeen101, the maker of Leaky Paywall for WordPress. Peter shares the fascinating story of how Leaky Paywall was developed to help universities publish content online and how it has evolved into an essential tool for publishers to...
Published 08/07/23
In this episode, Pete and Tyler discuss AI and how it relates to reader revenue for news and magazine publishers.
Published 07/05/23
A repost of the third WordPress Publisher Sessions recording. Learn how to grow community and revenue with newsletters. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cc1C-uFDKrw
Published 06/14/23
In this episode, Pete and Tyler discuss how magazine publishers can grow paid subscriptions and maintain digital ad revenue at the same time.
Published 06/07/23
A repost of the second WordPress Publisher Sessions recording. Learn how to grow community and revenue with newsletters. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SC0wbYT2Xlo&t
Published 05/16/23
In this episode, Pete and Tyler discuss how you can convert more paid readers with targeted messaging.
Published 05/10/23
In episode 40, Peter and Tyler discuss how drip campaigns can be used to help motivate free registered readers into loyal paying subscribers.
Published 04/19/23
Peter and Tyler discuss how Intellimusica.com is using a pay per article option on their site.
Published 04/03/23