Poynter’s Biz Blog today highlights an award given to a Spokane paper for being smart on the internet. Specifically, for taking a page from the freemium book and offering a free service with chances to go premium for a little extra ca$h:
And the winner is: The Spokesman-Review in Spokane, Washington, for an ingenious variation on local search, a business directory that includes an informative free listing and lots of opportunities for upsells.
The twist at Spokane’s BizFinderNW.com, is to offer a listing with address, store hours, a map and a photo for free. Businesses can amplify on the listing or buy a display position if they wish. Like most local search ventures, there is room for user comments, though no news content per se.
I think freemium (or maybe cheapmium) is going to be the basis of a lot of newspaper business going forward. In fact, my thoughts on subscriptions are basically finding ways to bundle premium offerings to make the package more sellable.
Eat Sleep Publish is a Seattle-based blog that explores the difficulties and opportunities currently facing the publishing industry. 
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
It’s pretty cool that someone is recognizing this kind of work in journalism today. This is the stuff that will, hopefully, keep us alive.
emm… really like it ))