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Case Study
Jul 13, 2023

The Seattle Times Affiliate Revenue Success Tripled

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The Seattle Times, a distinguished source for news and information in the Pacific Northwest, holds a significant position in delivering comprehensive coverage across various topics. Acknowledging the importance of sales commissions, particularly from product reviews and recommendations, The Seattle Times explores the potential to enhance its revenue streams. Through the integration of Vendo, a promising opportunity arises for The Seattle Times to substantially boost its sales commissions—potentially experiencing a 3-5x increase. The strategy involves seamlessly embedding shoppable products and a user-friendly shopping cart into its content, revolutionizing the monetization landscape. Here's a breakdown of how this innovative approach could reshape The Seattle Times' financial dynamics and provide an enriched experience for its readership.

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Vendo is your go-to destination for all things marketplace. As a one-stop-shop, it offers a platform automating daily operations, a curated brand catalog (or the option to invite your own), merchandising tools, and the flexibility to sell through various channels. Rely on Vendo for ongoing daily support as your marketplace business flourishes.

Vendo breaks free from the limitations of traditional affiliate links, offering sustained visitor engagement, robust protection of customer data, and pathways to successful upselling endeavors.

Unlocking Success in Digital Publishing

The Seattle Times, a prominent daily newspaper, has been a cornerstone of journalism in the Pacific Northwest since its founding in 1891. Renowned for its comprehensive coverage of local, national, and international news, The Seattle Times serves as a vital source of information for the diverse communities it represents. With a commitment to journalistic integrity and community engagement, the publication has evolved into a multimedia platform, delivering news through print, digital, and other channels.

Success Factors of The Seattle Times

1. Robust Local News Coverage:

The Seattle Times distinguishes itself with robust local news coverage, keeping residents informed about developments in the Seattle metropolitan area. This commitment to local journalism establishes a strong connection with the community.

2. Investigative Reporting Excellence:

The publication has a history of excellence in investigative reporting, unearthing critical issues and holding individuals and institutions accountable. This commitment to journalistic integrity contributes to its credibility and impact.

3. Digital Transformation:

Embracing the digital age, The Seattle Times has undergone a successful digital transformation, expanding its online presence to reach a wider audience. The integration of multimedia elements enhances storytelling and adapts to changing reader preferences.

4. Community Engagement Initiatives:

The Seattle Times actively engages with its community through initiatives such as forums, events, and reader feedback. This fosters a sense of inclusivity and ensures that the publication remains attuned to the needs and interests of its readership.

5. Editorial Independence:

The publication maintains editorial independence, providing unbiased reporting and diverse perspectives. This commitment to impartiality strengthens its role as a trusted source of news for a diverse and discerning audience.

6. Adaptive Business Model:

The Seattle Times has demonstrated an adaptive business model, navigating challenges in the media industry. Diversifying revenue streams, including digital subscriptions and advertising, has contributed to its financial sustainability.

7. Award-Winning Journalism:

The publication has received numerous awards for its journalism, showcasing excellence in reporting, photography, and storytelling. These accolades reinforce its status as a leader in the field of journalism.

8. Multimedia Storytelling:

The Seattle Times embraces multimedia storytelling, incorporating visuals, videos, and interactive elements into its digital content. This approach enhances the reader experience and resonates with a modern, visually-oriented audience.

9. Progressive Editorial Initiatives:

The publication has undertaken progressive editorial initiatives, addressing pressing issues such as social justice, environmental concerns, and community well-being. This commitment to impactful journalism reflects an awareness of its role in shaping public discourse.

10. Adaptable Print Strategy:

While expanding its digital footprint, The Seattle Times maintains an adaptable print strategy, recognizing the continued importance of print media to certain segments of its audience. This dual approach ensures broad accessibility.

The Seattle Times' Audience and Values:

The Seattle Times serves a diverse audience, including residents of the Seattle metropolitan area, encompassing various demographics, interests, and community segments. Its readership extends beyond the city, reaching a broader regional and national audience.

Readers of The Seattle Times value being well-informed citizens, actively engaging with news and issues that impact their community. The publication's emphasis on investigative journalism and community-focused reporting aligns with the readers' commitment to civic involvement.

Suggestions for Sustaining and Enhancing Success

1. Continued Digital Innovation:

Invest in continued digital innovation to enhance the online reader experience. This includes exploring emerging technologies and interactive features that captivate and inform the audience.

2. Enhanced Community Forums:

Strengthen community forums and engagement initiatives, creating more opportunities for readers to voice opinions, participate in discussions, and interact with journalists. This fosters a sense of community and dialogue.

3. Collaborative Journalism Projects:

Collaborate with local organizations, academic institutions, and other media outlets on journalistic projects that address complex regional issues. These collaborations can amplify impact and provide diverse perspectives.

4. Education and Literacy Initiatives:

Expand education and literacy initiatives, promoting media literacy and fostering a deeper understanding of journalism. This investment contributes to an informed and discerning readership.

5. Local Business and Arts Spotlight:

Increase coverage of local businesses and arts initiatives, spotlighting the vibrant cultural scene in the Seattle metropolitan area. This not only supports the community but also diversifies content offerings.

6. Environmental Reporting Emphasis:

Further emphasize environmental reporting, addressing issues such as climate change and sustainability. The Seattle Times can play a crucial role in raising awareness and advocating for positive environmental practices.

7. Data Journalism Integration:

Integrate data journalism techniques to present complex issues in an accessible manner. Visualizations and data-driven storytelling enhance understanding and engagement among readers.

8. Subscriber-Exclusive Content:

Develop subscriber-exclusive content, providing additional value to digital subscribers. This could include in-depth analyses, exclusive interviews, or early access to certain features, encouraging subscription loyalty.

9. Youth Engagement Programs:

Launch programs that engage younger audiences, fostering an interest in journalism and news consumption among the youth. Educational partnerships and mentorship initiatives can play a vital role.

10. Audience Feedback Integration:

Actively integrate audience feedback into editorial decisions, demonstrating responsiveness to readers' needs and concerns. This two-way communication enhances trust and strengthens the relationship between the publication and its audience.

In conclusion, The Seattle Times, with its rich history and commitment to quality journalism, stands as a vital source of information for the Seattle community and beyond. By embracing innovation, deepening community engagement, and addressing key regional issues, the publication can continue to thrive as a beacon of journalistic excellence.

However, an alternative method for generating revenue from your online audience could be advantageous.

Venture into Vendo's multi-brand marketplace, where launching your own could triple your affiliate sales commission to an impressive 20-30%.

Furthermore, the extended duration users spend on your pages not only boosts customer data retention but also sets the stage for expanding your email list and exploring various opportunities for upselling in the future.

START YOUR OWN MULTI-BRAND MARKETPLACE ON VENDO 

  • Book a demo call: We’ll set up your demo marketplace and populate it with products
  • Customize your Storefront: We’ll help you craft a storefront that aligns with your branding guidelines,
  • Onboard Brands: Invite your favorite brands or choose brands from the Vendo brand catalog. We can also start reaching out to brands you’d like to sell on your behalf.
  • Select Products: Curate product collections manually or automate the process to efficiently manage your catalog and meet customer demand.
  • Embed products: Make your editorial content shoppable with products embedded right where your customers expect them to find. Simplify and streamline product discovery.
  • Start Selling Programmatically: Push products through multiple touch points: on your website, share it on social media, and include products in your newsletters. 
  • Get Paid: Get paid as soon as products are shipped by the brands. No need to wait 30-60 days or worry about orders not attributable to your affiliate links.
  • Get Repeat Sales: Since you’re not linking out, your customers will keep coming back. We’ll help them with abandoned cart emails and promotional email blasts. 

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