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Growing for good: How a news start-up gained 16k+ newsletter subscribers in four days — voices.media

After talking to RocaNews' Max Towey on the podcast back in July, I gave the social-first news start-up a follow on Instagram. The brand has since grown on me; I have to admit enjoying their factual, bullet-point approach and the random stories they throw in (my husband had to suffer me explaining the history of shrunken heads last week).

So when I saw their Story pop up about their newsletter growth campaign, I wanted to check back in with them. By the time our scheduled chat at the end of the week came around, RocaNews had smashed their initial 1,000 subscriber target and were well on the way to 20,000 new email subscribers.

But it's not just a smart growth hack here. What I love is how this particular strategy is making a difference in the local community, and Roca's ambitions to do more. Intrigued? Read on, and give the Instagram embed a watch. It'll bring a smile to your face.

Four steps to delivering successful purpose-driven campaigns, from Women's Health UK — www.journalism.co.uk

Another great example here of publishers doing good. When Women's Health learned that its readers were struggling with low self-confidence, it responded with empowering messages and content. "It would be far too simplistic for us to just pump out fitness content constantly, we have to be seen as an intelligent and responsible brand that is trying to make a difference," said EiC Claire Sanderson.

Publishing ideas to steal: working less, registration walls, and taking a chance — voices.media

In this week's edition of publishing ideas to steal, Peter Houston suggests (seriously!) a four day work week, registration walls - even if you have no intention of paywalling anything - and taking a chance on someone. There's a bonus BS detector quiz 😉

Slow journalism could be a solution to journalistic crises — thefix.media

Being the first is a false value in contemporary journalism. If journalists can work without pressure, taking the time the work deserves, they can focus on the essence of journalism: verification. A slow approach can be a parachute for journalism, as Alberto Puliafito explains for The Fix.

I’ll be attending Press Gazette’s Future of Media Technology Conference on Wed 21st Sept at The Waldorf Hilton, London. Media Voices are media partners, so we’ve got a special discount code for you - tickets include a networking lunch, evening drinks, and the Future of Media Awards after the conference. Say hello if you're planning to go - just reply to this email.

Use FOMC-MEDIA-50-MV to get 50% off tickets.

New podcast:

Preview: The Publisher Podcast Summit 2022 — voices.media

In this teaser episode, we discuss our plans for the day, and which sessions we’re most looking forward to. The Publisher Podcast Summit is designed for publishers of all shapes and sizes, whether you’re contemplating launching your first podcast, or have a whole stable and want to know how to take your strategy to the next level.

Buy the Media Voices Team a drink — ko-fi.com

You may have noticed more original content coming out from us recently. That's thanks to support from one-off donations, monthly contributions and sponsorship, which has enabled us to set aside a bit more time to do what we do best. If you'd like to support us, we appreciate every bit that comes our way 🙏