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We might as well turn this into constructive dialog - does anyone have any thoughts on how to monetize niche online media? Our events went well, but didn't scal

We might as well turn this into constructive dialog - does anyone have any thoughts on how to monetize niche online media? Our events went well, but didn't scale.

ankeshk 14y ago
There are a few online media companies that are doing really well without organizing events. Copyblogger did really well by partnering with others to develop products that the community could benefit from. Thats the route you have to take. Partner with others to develop products. You bring the audience. They bring the products that help the audience. Something similar to what EarlyToRise.com did - created a panel of experts each of whom bought their own product to the table. (http://www.earlytorise.com/meet-the-experts/ http://www.earlytorise.com/meet-the-experts/ )
- dsarle 14y ago
  Yeah, good point. The other thought that we had was to help the audience connect through some form of matchmaking. The e-commerce angle was also evaluated, to create a market for start-ups to promote and sell their products. This could also include a market for discounted startup event tickets and offers. We have some other thoughts as well, but need to value and compare all the currently available options.
evolve2k 14y ago
'He sold out all sponsorship packages and demo stands to Arctic15 in just a couple of months' Even with the best sales guy it's very hard to sell when there is no market appetite. Sounds like the demand is there, media never needs to 'run out of spots'. Its a highly valuable market niche and you are possibly underpricing. I suggest you increase your sponsorship prices drastically.
- vilpponen 14y ago
  Thanks for the comment! We optimised the price in a way that we are able to sell out. It was also the maximum in revenue we could have reached so I think we did well in that sense. The key here, in running a media business, is how do you go about building enough products that will keep you running through out the year - when there are no events (which for us where the biggest source of revenue). I think this question will also remain a question to answer for the future, no matter how ArcticStartup will run.
willvarfar 14y ago
With so much face-time with startups and those wanting to invest in them, did you spot any pain points that could be eased by services you could offer? As simple as packaging up paper-work or arranging trips to China to talk to manufacturers etc?
iconfinder 14y ago
Ads and running a conference

We might as well turn this into constructive dialog - does anyone have any thoughts on how to monetize niche online media? Our events went well, but didn't scale.

ankeshk 14y ago

There are a few online media companies that are doing really well without organizing events. Copyblogger did really well by partnering with others to develop products that the community could benefit from. Thats the route you have to take. Partner with others to develop products. You bring the audience. They bring the products that help the audience. Something similar to what EarlyToRise.com did - created a panel of experts each of whom bought their own product to the table. (http://www.earlytorise.com/meet-the-experts/ http://www.earlytorise.com/meet-the-experts/ )

dsarle 14y ago
Yeah, good point. The other thought that we had was to help the audience connect through some form of matchmaking. The e-commerce angle was also evaluated, to create a market for start-ups to promote and sell their products. This could also include a market for discounted startup event tickets and offers. We have some other thoughts as well, but need to value and compare all the currently available options.

evolve2k 14y ago

'He sold out all sponsorship packages and demo stands to Arctic15 in just a couple of months' Even with the best sales guy it's very hard to sell when there is no market appetite. Sounds like the demand is there, media never needs to 'run out of spots'. Its a highly valuable market niche and you are possibly underpricing. I suggest you increase your sponsorship prices drastically.

vilpponen 14y ago
Thanks for the comment! We optimised the price in a way that we are able to sell out. It was also the maximum in revenue we could have reached so I think we did well in that sense. The key here, in running a media business, is how do you go about building enough products that will keep you running through out the year - when there are no events (which for us where the biggest source of revenue). I think this question will also remain a question to answer for the future, no matter how ArcticStartup will run.

willvarfar 14y ago

With so much face-time with startups and those wanting to invest in them, did you spot any pain points that could be eased by services you could offer? As simple as packaging up paper-work or arranging trips to China to talk to manufacturers etc?

iconfinder 14y ago

Ads and running a conference