Industry report

State of Subscriptions: Publishing

When every reader is a critic, how do you earn a five-star review?

Get the data-driven guide for turning casual readers into a loyal audience with insights on:

  • The single biggest reason the majority of subscribers cancel within their first year
  • Why a significant portion of your “new” subscribers may not be new at all
  • The most-requested loyalty benefit that the majority of publishers fail to offer their readers

Get the report

Writing your next chapter of growth

The publishing model has been rewritten. With the shift to direct reader revenue, the old rules no longer apply — and retention is the new headline. This report provides the playbook for building that loyalty, based on data from over 2,200 brands and a survey of 1,000 consumers.

  • Edit for retention: A staggering 70% of all cancellations happen within the first 12 months. This report reveals the number one driver of that churn and the proven strategies to build lasting reader loyalty.

  • Craft a compelling lead: While trials are still in demand, the top reason readers subscribe is for something more tangible. Learn what truly motivates readers to pay and how to highlight that value from the very first touchpoint.

  • Don't let payments be the cliffhanger. In 2024, publishers recovered over $10 million in lost revenue with one automated strategy. Discover how to turn a failed payment from a story-ending problem into a saved relationship.

For publishers, the story isn’t just about acquiring readers — it’s about keeping them. By focusing on value and flexibility, you can build lasting subscriber relationships and write your own growth story. Ready to get the full report? Download the full report and get ahead of what’s next.

About Hanover Research

Founded in 2003, Hanover Research is a global research and analytics firm that delivers market intelligence through a unique, fixed-fee model to more than 1,000 clients. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, Hanover employs high-caliber market researchers, analysts, and account executives to provide a service that is revolutionary in its combination of flexibility and affordability. Hanover has been named a Top 50 Market Research Firm by the American Marketing Association every year since 2015. To learn more about Hanover Research, visit www.hanoverresearch.com.

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