The local outlet from the town of Vranje achieved higher visibility and monetization by focusing on three main pillars: young, well trained and motivated journalists; digital technologies and multimedia for greater outreach; and business innovations for long-term commercial sustainability.
In order for the portal to maintain its independence, it was necessary to achieve self-sustainability, which is why InfoVranjske launched a new website for its readers, but also new marketing offers for clients and companies closely related to the new website functionalities.
“New platform has additional features – Google ads, section with news on the Albanian language, also it allows connection of the website with social media,” pointed out from InfoVranjske adding that thanks to the acquired equipment they are now “focused on creating multimedia content for the portal (texts, photos, videos and audio materials) that will be also published on the new YouTube channel and other social media channels.”
So far, 15 podcasts were produced out of which 12 podcasts were published on their YouTube channel. And the results are more than promising. The views on YouTube increased from 12.000 in October 2020 to more than 150.000. Also, Facebook followers increased from around 21.000 in October 2020 to almost 26.000 now. In addition, Instagram and LinkedIn profiles were established.
InfoVranjske.rs Business Plan also focuses on expanding its advertising services on the market of southern Serbia, but also offering additional services to the corporate clients – such as organization of events, and production of video promotional materials.
“In the first six months the number of corporate clients has tripled, which is by 50% more than the targeted goal,” pointed out from the outlet.
InfoVranje.rs was established in 2017 after the shutdown of Vranjske novine. InfoVranjske.rs portal functions as an independent media, sustaining its operation mainly through donations and projects. The portal is one of the 16 outlets from Serbia that are part of the Media for All business development grant scheme. The project is funded by the UK Government and implemented by the British Council, Thomson Foundation, BIRN and INTRAC in all Western Balkans countries.
