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.
Bloomberg Businessweek has announced that it will publish a series of special reports on leading industrial countries, providing unique insight into the role today’s foremost countries play in the wider global economy.
UPM is engaged in discussions with Myllykoski Group concerning a potential transaction.
As part of the review of IPC Media’s niche and specialist titles, the company has announced the sale of Cage & Aviary Birds to Kelsey Publishing.
Future, the special-interest media group, has announced that Simon Wear has decided to step down from his role as Chief Operating Officer for its UK business, with immediate effect.
Guitar World celebrates the 40th anniversary of Led Zeppelin III with a special 3D feature.
The National Magazine Company has awarded Polestar Colchester a two year contract for the print and subscription mailing of Best magazine.
The November issue of Bauer Media’s music monthly Q marks what would have been John Lennon’s 70th birthday (b.9th October 1940).
The British Society of Magazine Editors has published its shortlist for the 2010 awards.
Elected, a new magazine sharing best practice and innovation for all elected politicians, was launched last Tuesday by Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles MP.
Recently re-launched River announces new additions to their team.
Editor and publisher Robyn Bechelet has added another Archant division to her portfolio with her new role as Group Publisher at Archant Dialogue.
One of the UKs largest independent customer publisher, River, who turns sweet 16 this year, recently celebrated a brand re-launch at an intimate gathering for staff and special guests at their offices at No 1 Neal Street, Covent Garden.
YUDU Media has unveiled what it claims is the first iPad subscriptions solution, the “only real solution available to publishers looking to sell multiple time-sensitive titles”.
International car manufacturer Kia Motors has appointed PSP Rare to produce a magazine for fleet decision makers in the UK.
Exhibition organiser Emap has signed an agreement with video technology and production specialist Video Direct to help it build, promote and distribute video content across its exhibition websites.
