What features could Forbes add to its premium subscription service to increase value for subscribers?

Introduction

To increase value for Forbes premium subscribers, we need to identify and implement features that align with their needs and expectations. I'll approach this by understanding our user segments, analyzing pain points, generating solutions, and prioritizing them based on impact and feasibility.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions

• Looking at Forbes' position in the market, I'm thinking about the competitive landscape. Could you share insights on how our premium subscription compares to other business news platforms like Wall Street Journal or Bloomberg?

Why it matters: Helps identify unique selling points and areas for differentiation Expected answer: Forbes offers more entrepreneurial focus but lacks some financial tools Impact on approach: Would focus on enhancing entrepreneurial content and tools

• Considering user behavior, I'm curious about engagement patterns. What's the average time spent by premium subscribers on the platform, and how does it differ from free users?

Why it matters: Indicates potential areas for increasing engagement and retention Expected answer: Premium users spend 2x more time, primarily on in-depth articles and analysis Impact on approach: Would prioritize features that encourage deeper engagement with content

• Thinking about the product lifecycle, where does Forbes premium subscription stand? Are we in growth, maturity, or optimization phase?

Why it matters: Determines if we focus on acquisition, retention, or monetization Expected answer: Mature product looking to increase retention and average revenue per user Impact on approach: Would emphasize loyalty programs and personalized experiences

• Regarding company alignment, what are the key business objectives for the premium subscription in the next 12-18 months?

Why it matters: Ensures our feature improvements align with overall business strategy Expected answer: Increase subscriber retention by 20% and boost ARPU by 15% Impact on approach: Would focus on high-value features that justify price and encourage long-term commitment