From Moshood Karim
Online publishers, under the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), have been encouraged to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital platforms to better engage their audiences.
This call was made by Mr. Olumide Iyanda, the publisher of QEDNG, during his presentation at the capacity-building session of GOCOP’s 8th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Reverton Hotel, Lokoja, Kogi State.
Iyanda stressed the importance of posting stories where readers are most likely to see them, using AI and online technologies to draw more traffic to websites.
He emphasised that many modern readers prefer short video clips over long text-based content and urged online publishers to incorporate more videos into their stories.
“Internet penetration in Nigeria is about 45.5 percent. Over 40 percent of these users engage with news on platforms like Facebook and TikTok.
Yet, 75 percent of internet users do not go past the first page. So, it’s important to use social media platforms to promote content and engage with users,” Iyanda said.
He highlighted Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and TikTok as vital channels for reaching and engaging readers.
Furthermore, Iyanda advised GOCOP members to adopt a business mindset as CEOs, stating that the success or failure of their businesses depends on how well they understand and adapt to the rapidly changing digital landscape.
As part of his talk on “Leveraging Digital Marketing: Strategies for Online Publishers,” Iyanda pointed out that publishers, as small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs), must rely on data to make informed decisions.
He stressed the importance of catering to audience preferences, stating, “Don’t decide what your audience needs. If your customers want tea, don’t give them coffee.”
Iyanda also encouraged publishers to strike a balance between journalism ethics and business demands, particularly when it comes to paid content for public relations or promotional purposes.
He clarified that charging fees for commercial stories does not violate journalistic ethics and highlighted the importance of transparency in business dealings.
The AGM, which featured over 100 GOCOP members, centered on the theme, Nigeria: Tackling Insecurity, Power Deficit, and Transitioning to a Digital Economy.
It also provided an opportunity for members to explore the latest technological advancements in online publishing and discuss ways to boost revenue generation in the sector.
GOCOP holds annual business sessions to keep members up-to-date on the latest innovations in online media and strategies for sustainable growth.
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