Produced with the support of the
Written by Adriana Lacy, award-winning journalist and consultant in Boston, Massachusetts.
The Atlantic is one of the oldest and most respected magazines in the United States. The magazine was founded in 1857 in Boston, Massachusetts, with a focus on literature and the arts. In its early years, The Atlantic published the work of some of the most celebrated writers of the day, including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and Harriet Beecher Stowe.
Over time, The Atlantic expanded its focus to include a wide range of topics, from politics and culture to science and technology. The magazine became known for its thoughtful, in-depth journalism, as well as its commitment to promoting new and emerging voices in the industry.
In recent years, The Atlantic has continued evolving, expanding its digital presence and experimenting with new revenue models, including its paywall strategy. The Atlantic launched its first paywall in 2019. Paywalls allow readers to access a limited number of articles for free before requiring payment for additional content. As traditional advertising revenue has declined in the journalism industry, many news organizations have turned to paywalls to focus more on subscribers as a sustainable source of revenue and ensure their long-term sustainability.
The Atlantic implemented its first metered paywall in 2019, which has evolved since then to become a more dynamic and responsive product. This endeavor required a comprehensive, cross-functional approach involving design, product, engineering, and customer support teams. The Atlantic's journey provides an informative exploration into the design philosophy, technical challenges, project timelines, quality assurance strategies, and future plans related to implementing a paywall.
Launching the paywall in 2019 required a comprehensive, cross-functional approach involving design, product, engineering, and customer support teams. This case study aims to provide an overview of how The Atlantic initially launched its paywall, maintaining a user-centric approach while achieving business objectives.
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