A PYMNTS Company

US: Google tests subscription tools for publishers

By  |  August 21, 2017

Google is aiming to improve its relationship with publishers by working on new tools that will help news outlets sell subscriptions.

According to a news report in The Wall Street Journal citing Google, the paper reported the internet search giant is testing a first-click-free policy, in which Google search users get access to article search results that require a subscription. Google may reduce the number of free articles users can access to three a day, noted the paper, citing a person familiar with the plans. Google, noted the report, thinks sampling articles could help publishers sell more subscriptions.

The Wall Street Journal reported Google is testing the tool with The New York Times and The Financial Times. Google is testing sharing Google data, on which users are most likely to purchase subscriptions. Talks with other publishers are happening at the moment. However, the changes being tested may not end up happening, noted the report.

Full Content: PYMNTS

Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.