Big Issue North

It's only early days for the Street News app as it launched late in 2021, but the app saw some impressive results within its first month after launch:

72% download conversion on Android - 12% above average for magazine and newspaper apps
76% of users who started on the free trial, converted into paying subscribers
The app held a stable 4.9-star rating
Featured in Apple’s “This Week’s Hottest Apps” listing

What you need to know

Big Issue North is a charity that produces a weekly magazine, sold on the streets of the North of England by homeless or vulnerably housed people. The service has felt the negative effect of transitioning to cashless payments, the downturn in printed media and more recently the severe hit of COVID-19.

But regardless of the pandemic, Big Issue North needed a solution for creating digital revenue, without affecting their vendors’ ability to sell the printed magazine. The charity also wanted to share content from more unheard voices, create global reach with their stories and raise awareness of the worlds' ongoing issues.

The Street News app was duly created in partnership with Apadmi, featuring a seamless user-centric interface which delivers content in a user-friendly and inclusive way for both free and premium subscribers.

When we first started working with Apadmi, we didn’t actually realise the scale of the company, because they felt so friendly and familiar. Even though they have a massive engine of skilled professionals working behind the scenes, you still get that personal touch, and you feel like part of the team.

George Wright Head of Communications and Fundraising

How we moved the market

As well as creating a digital platform to enhance Big Issue North’s publishing model, the Apadmi product and client services teams also supported the business by helping with the transition to a more agile way of working.

App launch support was also provided, including competitor analysis and keyword research before drafting fully optimised product pages, ready for app submissions. Training and support was also given on how to reply to app reviews, and how to use the App Store Connect and Google Play developer consoles.

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