B2B publishing has quietly become one of the healthier parts of the industry. The trade press that once lived on display and recruitment advertising now earns more of its money from subscriptions, data, events and membership, and private equity has noticed.
The shift meant giving up some old habits. Controlled circulation made sense in print, but open websites gave away what the magazine kept for qualified readers, and the publishers doing best have taken back control of their audiences through registration and paywalls. The Lawyer moved from an advertising-led business to one where paid content brings in over 40 per cent of revenue.
Don’t delude yourself because the barriers to entry in publishing are now non-existent.
Amanda Barnes B2B media
Specialist knowledge is the defence. AI makes generic information close to worthless, so the value lies in proprietary data, tools readers rely on in their daily work and journalism only a specialist could produce, as Computer Weekly's Post Office investigation showed. Print hasn't vanished either. Some publishers now sell it alongside digital at the same price and let readers choose.
Below you'll find some of our best feature articles on B2B and trade media, from subscriptions and data products to events, print, consolidation and specialist journalism, alongside our latest news and industry commentary.
We asked Amanda Barnes, chief executive of Faversham House, what does best practice publishing look like in B2B media? This is what she said…
Rory Brown has enjoyed great success in business media. Having last year sold AgriBriefing and now following new paths in the B2B space, he takes some time out to tell us what he has learned on his journey so far…
Print is certainly not dead, says Chairman Mark Allen. However, you need to offer readers choice and be neutral and agnostic about the outcome.
The Lawyer has been on quite a journey, successfully transitioning from a controlled circulation ad-driven model to a high value enterprise subs one. Andy Baker talks Meg Carter through the key stages and what they’ve learnt along the way.
In the first of our new ‘Digital Horizons’ series, Tom Lake, director of product and technology at Infopro Digital, looks at the tech opportunities and challenges facing his company and the wider B2B sector.
The future of B2B lies in serving your sector in three connected ways: information, intelligence and events.
John Barnes, chief digital officer, William Reed Business Media, tells Ciar Byrne about how the B2B media sector is managing the digital transformation journey.
Computer Weekly deserves much credit for its role in investigating the Horizon IT scandal. Dickon Ross looks at what lessons other B2B journalists can take from their work.
The general expectation is that the buying and selling of media brands is going to increase significantly in 2025. A number of companies have been quietly building up their war-chests during a wobbly 2024, reports Jim Bilton.
If you’re thinking of setting up a membership scheme, be prepared to play the long game because success doesn’t come overnight.
The Association for Online Publishing (AOP) has announced the agenda for its second annual two-day convention aimed, it says, at keeping digital publishers informed and inspired to take action and secure the future of online publishing.
Bloomberg Media has announced details of a new commercial partnership with Facebook, in support of the platform’s marketing services to small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) across Europe, Middle East and Africa.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has announced a new partnership venture with Haymarket Media Group, which will provide a raft of events services for its members and people professionals.
James Evelegh's editorial from today's edition of InPubWeekly.
Last Word has announced four senior hires joining the business on 4 September - Patrick Ponsford, Inga Hohberga, Richard Simpson and Will Fearnley-Whittingstall.
James Evelegh's editorial from today's edition of InPubWeekly.
The PPA has unveiled the shortlists for its 2017 Digital Awards.
Global Media Hub, a company specialising in the global copy placement of magazines and newspapers, has launched a new service for book publishers - Chapter Sampling.
NewsLifeMedia, a division of Australia’s largest media company News Corp Australia, has appointed SPRYLAB technologies to publish their digital magazine content on Purple DS.
Susan Duffin, managing director of subscriptions bureau ESco, answers our questions about her life in publishing.
Chemistry World, published monthly by The Royal Society of Chemistry, has announced the launch of its complete archive with digital platform Exact Editions.
Dame Helen Alexander, a former chairman of Incisive Media and the first female president of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), has passed away aged 60.
Maritime and offshore industries specialist Riviera Maritime Media have awarded the contract to distribute its international publications to Air Business.
Televisual Media UK Ltd have chosen Beeline Data for their audience data management and communication strategy.
Proagrica, together with GFIA Europe and VIV Europe, has announced the first International Week for Smart Food Production will take place next year from 18-22 June in the Netherlands.
