Changes in the cross-border business environment, explained
The session took place today at FIPP’s World Congress in Toronto, and some of the opportunities and issues discussed included business models, the digital to print transition, traffic and analytics and audience development.
The new model
Cabell said there is a “brave new world in international publishing” where the model has moved to be much more free form, often is digitally lead with a focus on content with multiple revenue sources. The old model was print based.
Not that print is dead, though. Broch says that he still finds print interesting. “It is reliable,” he said, “It still leads.” That said, he believes this is changing: exemplified with the interest he gets from partners that are interested in purely digital content.
Lovell said: “It depends on the market. Digital has its advantages,” for example, building databases. He gave the example of Successful Farming in Brazil, where they struggle to distribute a print-based product and so have focused on digital circulation – but they hope to have a print product in about a year.
“We are digital first, and mobile first,” Woodley countered, explaining that the print market has been suffering.
“What makes Business Insider so successful,” added Hansen, “is that we are digital first. We love digital. If you analyse our content, there is plenty of tradition matter there – like text based articles and interviews. But we also have GIFs and digitally specialised content. Digital is the best platform for story telling.”
Importance of platform and brand
Hansen said, “what makes Business Insider great is the platform.” Platforms have names now and “Viking” is the one that Business Insider has. “Viking is built for speed and social distribution and has all the tools our editors need to create a website.” The real time analytics are built in to the site, which is good for business. You should believe “your platform is built to support your brand,” she said.
Lovell added that “passion and excitement and enthusiasm for brands is necessary. If it’s lukewarm that’s a big red flag. You’re not marrying potential partners, but you are dating them – and you want to date someone who is enthusiastic.”
What’s trending in cross-border business
Broch: “Video. The content is perfect for us. The passion of cars is easily transmitted in video.”
Woodley: “Blogging to engage our audience. And films.”
Lovell: “Sharing information and new marketing ideas quickly between partners.”
Hansen: “Video, social sharing, ideas and content.”
There was a consensus that technology has become a necessary aspect in moving forward.
More like this
Joe Ripp: “We are in the most exciting time for content”
Monetising mobile content in an ad-blocking era – advice from Unruly
Creating a lifestyle company, the Rodale way
House & Home president and publisher on innovation in magazines
