Monetizing Premium Content

by Aanarav Sareen on June 5, 2009

Most websites offer their content at no cost. They monetize their web properties via advertising and sponsorships.

However, what about monetizing premium content — content that costs thousands, if not millions of dollars to create. Premium content consists of television programming and/or film production.

Is there enough advertising revenue to support and pay for all web properties? NO.

As a content producer, I feel that professionally produced content should be available for a fee. This fee could be in the form of a monthly subscription or it could be in the form of pay-per-use.

If the same thing has worked for traditional mediums, such as DVDs, why can it not work for online content?

The problem lies in consumer perception. Ever since the content boom on the web, consumers have gotten used to free content — TV shows, music, news, etc.

However, one exception to the rule (thus far) have been movies. Although Hulu offers certain movies, the content is still insufficient.

Changing consumer perception will take a while, and at this point, may be a challenge. As sites continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see who manages to sustain an entire business with advertising and who charges for access to content.

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  • http://leapingbrain.com/mod-machine Josh

    Great article.Another exception has been "virtual DVDs" delivered via MOD Machine. Since MOD Machine is not browser-based, it builds genuine value for products sold through it. Sales from the first client were up 30%.The second client launched 2 days ago, 7 products have sold already with hardly any promotion. Here’s a comment:"A huge thank you from your international customers. This is the future of homepsun for many of us who find the wait unbearable when you set your heart of some of the courses and you want them as soon as possible.This shows real focus on customer service. The Instant Access service leverages the true power of the internet to provide customers with the service they require, on demand and at the right price."http://www.homespuntapes.com/static/instantaccess/default2.aspx

  • http://leapingbrain.com/mod-machine Josh

    Great article.

    Another exception has been "virtual DVDs" delivered via MOD Machine. Since MOD Machine is not browser-based, it builds genuine value for products sold through it. Sales from the first client were up 30%.

    The second client launched 2 days ago, 7 products have sold already with hardly any promotion. Here’s a comment:

    "A huge thank you from your international customers. This is the future of homepsun for many of us who find the wait unbearable when you set your heart of some of the courses and you want them as soon as possible.

    This shows real focus on customer service. The Instant Access service leverages the true power of the internet to provide customers with the service they require, on demand and at the right price."

    http://www.homespuntapes.com/static/instantaccess/default2.aspx

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