In 2024, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) embarked on a journey to revolutionise its online presence, transforming FAZ.net into an outstanding news Web site.

This relaunch was more than a cosmetic change; it was a profound transformation aimed at enhancing user experience, optimising monetisation, and strengthening reader engagement.

The challenge

The relaunch of FAZ.net was a complex endeavour focused on maximising existing reach to convert first-time contacts into regular readers and paying subscribers.

The challenge was to create a user-friendly Web site that was visually appealing, high-performing, and addressed the specific needs of its users. A dynamic architecture was introduced, linking content, subscriptions, and advertising to provide a unique and personalised user experience.

The dynamic architecture seamlessly integrates content, subscription, and advertising. This innovative platform learns from user preferences and interactions, offering relevant content, targeted advertising, and exclusive offers tailored to each user’s needs and interests.

This personalisation is a key factor in the success of the relaunch, leading to a significant increase in user satisfaction.

Technical excellence for a better UX

A crucial aspect of the relaunch was improving the Web site’s technical performance.

Response times were significantly reduced, and content loading times were optimised, resulting in a smoother and more enjoyable browsing experience. These technical enhancements are vital for user-friendliness and contribute to increased user engagement and subscription generation.

The introduction of the dynamic paywall and personalised home page were two of the most successful measures of the relaunch. The dynamic paywall led to a conversion increase of up to 49% by strategically offering content as paid or free based on user behaviour.

Meanwhile, the personalised home page sections adapted in real-time to user interests, boosting interactions by 1,000% in the tested content modules.

Measuring customer satisfaction

FAZ implemented a comprehensive system to measure customer satisfaction based on the UEQ+ questionnaire. This tool assesses user experience across various criteria, such as attractiveness, usefulness, and transparency.

Since the relaunch, the UEQ+ score improved by 24%, reflecting the positive reception of users to the new features and design of the Web site.

The relaunch of FAZ.net is a prime example of how a traditional news platform can successfully transition into the digital future. By combining technical excellence, innovative architecture, and a deep understanding of user needs, FAZ has created a site that not only informs but also delights and engages.

This success is a testament to FAZ’s vision and commitment to providing its readers with the best possible experience while maximising monetisation. The relaunch of FAZ.net is not just a technical triumph but also a strategic milestone in the digital transformation of the media landscape.

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