In this episode, we’re diving into the "hellscape" (as we like to call it) of Google’s AI Overviews and the rise of zero-click searches. While Google is celebrating record search revenue, publishers are seeing traffic drops of up to 38% as AI "sucks up" content and keeps readers from ever hitting your site.

We break down a real-world case study of The Fisherman, a niche publisher that successfully pivoted by tightening their walls and leaning into their true superpowers: Content and Audience

What happens when you buy a declining news site and immediately delete every single advertisement? For Travis Bembenek, CEO and Publisher of Mexico News Daily, it was the key to building a thriving, 100% reader-supported business.

In this episode of the Paywall Podcast powered by Leaky Paywall, Travis joins Pete to break down the "Confidence Strategy" that turned a cluttered, ad-heavy site into a premium subscription brand. They dive deep into the mechanics of the transition, including:

• The "Zero-Ad" Gamble: Why Travis removed all display ads to prioritize user experience and how it actually accelerated their growth.
• The Power of the Registration Wall: How Mexico News Daily uses a "tight" funnel to convert monthly readers into a dedicated email list and, eventually, paid members.
• Monetizing the "Back Office": The reality of fixing server issues, hosting, and UX to ensure the paywall actually works when the reader is ready to buy.
• Innovative Content Repurposing: A look at MND Kids, a brilliant project that turned existing news into a bilingual educational tool for schools, and their new podcast, Confidently Wrong.
• Restoring Trust: Why "old-school," non-partisan journalism is the ultimate competitive advantage in a polarized media landscape.

If you are a publisher wondering if your audience will actually pay for content, this episode is a masterclass in building a brand worth paying for.

In this episode of the Paywall Podcast powered by Leaky Paywall, Pete and Tyler conduct a detailed teardown of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, analyzing its visitor experience, subscription models, and operational challenges. Learn the seven specific mistakes this legacy giant is making and, more importantly, how you can avoid them to build a frictionless, profitable publication.

In this episode, Pete and Tyler dive into the world of subscriptions and paywalls, exploring how publishers can better communicate the benefits they offer to their audience. They discuss the importance of highlighting real value over mere features, using examples from local news and niche publications. Tune in to learn how to transform your subscription model and engage your community more effectively.

In this episode of the Paywall Podcast powered by Leaky Paywall, Pete and Tyler discuss why increasing your email cadence is the secret to converting more paid subscribers—and how to do it without adding a single minute of extra work.

They break down the "Recycle Strategy" for creating automated weekly roundups, show you how to set up hyper-relevant niche newsletters (like specific regional news) that drive massive open rates, and explain why building directly in WordPress is superior to basic RSS feeds. Plus, they cover the latest automation tools that remove login friction and keep your readers happy.

In this episode of the Paywall Podcast, Pete and Tyler give an "absolute yes", arguing that the "enormous" revenue gain far outweighs the admin work. They break down solutions for the two biggest publisher fears: payment hassles and login issues. They explain how to automate payment management and churn reduction using tools like Stripe, and how to make login support tickets pretty much disappear by combining a single email registration field with an auto-login system from your newsletter.

In this episode, Pete and Tyler discuss the importance of confidence for publishers in transitioning to paid subscriptions. They explore the challenges faced by local news publishers, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas, and emphasize the value of free registration as a tool for building an audience. This episode highlights strategies for creating a sustainable subscription model and nurturing reader engagement to foster growth.

In this episode, Pete and Tyler discuss the importance of meeting customer expectations in subscription services. They explore how publishers can better nurture their readers through effective subscription models and innovative donation strategies, emphasizing the need for simplicity and clear communication in pricing and access.