As the name might suggest, paywall labels allow the user to filter out paid content from the free; this leaves the user potentially skipping or simply overlooking the paid content, looking for similar information elsewhere.
Having paywall labels allows the user to save time by avoiding going round and round, looking for a piece of information. Instead, it helps in focusing their attention towards the desired result from the numerous options available. Paywall labels act as signposts, notifying users if they can access the information freely or if they have to part with some cash for access.
Numerous articles on the internet and videos on YouTube talk about cracking or bypassing paywalls to access restricted content. These methods usually employ coding trickery and exploited loopholes, but they are also time-consuming, especially for casual users. And to the average user, ease of use, convenience and speed are crucial when it comes to accessing information online. This sentiment was also reflected in a recently conducted poll, where it was revealed that nearly 70% of users thought that clearer paywall labeling is desired in their web searches.
It does, however, look increasingly difficult for websites to keep running if such a situation should become commonplace. They also have to find a way to incorporate the use of these paywall labels, should they want sustained traffic to their websites and content. Below, we looked at some of the tips websites can utilize to make the most out of a paywall label.
Rethink your paywall strategy
Paywall labels are going to filter out paid content from the free before a website gets to impress the user with its quality and other important services they may have to offer. Such situations may negatively affect the nature of your business. So what can you do? First of all, you can rethink your paywall strategy. If your website is protected in such a way (especially if it is a hard paywall) you need to adjust it according to visitor habits and look towards relaxing some accessibility options. Premium websites should offer a mix of content for their users such as a freemium model, which offers certain parts of your website for free and other parts that come under a premium banner.
Allow Googlebot-news access to your content
There is also the option to have your content be available through articles available through Google news. You can allow free access to the presented article, but restrict other articles from the same user. Websites generally allow Googlebot to crawl through their content so that it can be used for indexing and in turn provide relevant results in search. This doesn’t mean that your content will be available for free on the internet, but only that the Googlebot will be able to see it, and depending on your paywall settings, will determine what will remain available and what will be locked behind the paywall.
Voluntary donations
There is no direct relation between a paywall label and voluntary donations, but it can keep your website content away from being labeled as such. Donations are not an obligation but a choice of the user, if he or she wants to contribute and support your website financially. You should consider these donations if it suits your economic and business structure. Such a monetary framework will bypass the paywall label and bring greater traffic and visibility to your website.
Allow free access to a set number of articles per month
Setting up that a number of articles per month are available for free to users can also greatly benefit your website and those that visit it. It is already a popular method of paywall design and will help your website with consistent visibility and traffic. Likewise, it will be an enticing reason for them to register and continue to use the service. Adding an obligation-free sign-up is another element that will help towards attracting greater traffic to your business.
While paywall labels ultimately serve the users, there are a number of ways that you too can bank on using the same. By taking into account some of those mentioned above, we’re certain, new methods will come up in the future to help businesses adapt to and successfully interact with content online and help them generate revenue.