Facing challenges with consumer subscription models in Africa, Big Cabal Media created "Tech Cabal Insights," a research and data division. This unit leverages the publication's deep industry knowledge to offer consulting, reports, and data to corporate clients, creating a high-margin, enterprise-based revenue stream that bypasses consumer payment friction.
Related Insights
Prediction markets are not just for betting. They are becoming a valuable source of predictive data for enterprises, as shown by new partnerships with media giants like CNN and CNBC. This dual-purpose model, functioning as both a consumer product and a B2B data service, creates two distinct revenue streams.
Before programmatic advertising, BroBible found a ceiling on direct ad sales. They built a highly profitable events business, hosting concerts and selling high-value sponsorships to major brands. This became their number one revenue source for two years, demonstrating a creative monetization strategy beyond simple ad inventory.
Big Cabal Media extends its most popular editorial columns, like the personal finance series "Naira Life," into new formats including books, events, and films. This strategy leverages existing audience affinity to de-risk new ventures, create diverse revenue streams, and build brand prestige beyond traditional digital publishing.
To remain sustainable, the local media outlet combines direct ad sales, branded content, merchandise (coupon passports), and a Patreon membership. This multi-pronged approach provides stability and avoids over-reliance on a single, often volatile, revenue stream like programmatic advertising.
Eric Coffey is sunsetting his media company's monetization to refocus on government contracting. The media business served its ultimate purpose: establishing him as a top authority. This credibility now provides access to multi-million dollar contracts, a far more lucrative endeavor than selling courses.
Instead of creating everything from scratch, Klue's Compete Network began by aggregating content and partnering with existing thought leaders. They provided the production 'plumbing,' allowing creators to focus on their expertise, which accelerated the network's growth and value.
Broke Ass Stuart taps into journalism and arts grants, a funding stream typically reserved for nonprofits, by partnering with a fiscal sponsor. This strategy allows for-profit media outlets to access foundation money, providing a crucial alternative revenue source for sustaining their operations.
Big Cabal Media's CEO admits he never personally loved their "Sponsored Post" product—a dedicated, clearly marked section for press releases. Despite his feelings, the product has proven to be a surprisingly resilient and consistent revenue contributor. This highlights the value of retaining simple, effective monetization tools even if they aren't innovative or glamorous.
To attract top freelance talent, Escape Collective is testing a model that can pay more than Substack. They offer writers a base rate plus a share of the subscription revenue directly generated from their articles, aligning incentives and rewarding high-performing content.
Large enterprise clients are often diversified themselves with multiple departments and divisions. A powerful de-risking strategy is to leverage your existing relationship as a proven vendor to get introductions and sell into these other parts of the organization, effectively diversifying your revenue stream within a single account.
