6 Proven Strategies Condé Nast Used to Accelerate Subscriber Growth and Retention with Chargebee

Condé Nast has transformed its subscriber growth. It all started when they took a step back to understand their customers. In our recent webinar with Mike Beaubrun, Global Head of Customer Experience at Condé Nast, he shared six proven strategies that have revolutionized their subscription business. With the help of Chargebee, they’ve cracked the code on attracting and keeping subscribers.

Here’s what’s working for them:

Strategy #1: Target Subscribers Who’ll Stick Around

Condé Nast discovered that chasing pure numbers wasn’t the answer. Instead, they focused on finding subscribers genuinely interested in their content for the long haul.

Using behavioral data, they could spot the difference between casual browsers and potential loyal subscribers, allowing them to craft offers that spoke directly to each group’s needs. Despite a 16% decrease in new starts, a strategic focus on quality led to an 11% increase in YoY revenue.

Strategy #2: Learn From Every Cancellation

When subscribers left, Condé Nast didn’t just let them go—it dug deeper. Using Chargebee’s retention tools, it uncovered patterns about why people canceled. These insights led to smart solutions like subscription pauses and plan adjustments, giving subscribers the flexibility they needed instead of forcing them into an all-or-nothing choice.

Strategy #3: Find the Sweet Spot in Pricing

Price matters, but it’s not just about being the cheapest option. Condé Nast experimented with various pricing models through Chargebee’s platform, from introductory offers to tiered subscriptions. They found that getting the price right meant balancing what subscribers were willing to pay with the value they received – leading to happier customers and better revenue.

Strategy #4: Make Every Subscriber Feel Special

Generic experiences don’t cut it anymore. Condé Nast leveraged Chargebee’s insights to create personalized journeys for their subscribers, from targeted content recommendations to custom offers. When subscribers felt the service was tailored to their interests, they were more likely to stay engaged.

Strategy #5: Build Communities That Keep People Coming Back

Condé Nast realized something powerful: subscribers stick around when they feel they belong. Creating spaces for people with shared interests transformed their service from just a product into a community. These niche experiences became a key reason why subscribers stayed loyal.

Strategy #6: Spot Warning Signs Before It’s Too Late

Instead of reacting to cancellations, Condé Nast got proactive. Using Chargebee’s predictive tools, it identified subscribers who might be considering leaving based on their usage patterns and engagement levels. This allowed them to step in with timely solutions – whether that meant a special offer or personalized content recommendations – before subscribers hit the cancel button.

Wrap-Up: Start with the End in Mind

Ready to transform your subscription strategy? Watch the on-demand webinar with Condé Nast to dive deeper into these proven approaches. You’ll get an inside look at how Condé Nast used Chargebee’s retention tools to implement these strategies, complete with real examples and tactical advice you can implement today.

Whether you’re just starting or looking to level up your retention game, this session is packed with insights to help you build stronger subscriber relationships. Watch the on-demand webinar now and see how Chargebee can help you unlock your retention potential.