Hyderabad Mail's growth powered by Google News Initiative
Hyderabad: Hyderabad Mail, a hyperlocal news hub launched in March 2024, is steadily becoming a leading source of civic news in Hyderabad. With a small but dedicated team, the platform has been tackling civic issues head-on, amplifying the voices of the city's residents. In its mission to offer high-quality, hyperlocal journalism, the platform has benefited significantly from the support provided by the Google News Initiative (GNI) and Mediology Software.
How GNI Helped Hyderabad Mail
The Google News Initiative has played a key role in strengthening the digital capabilities of Hyderabad Mail. GNI's support includes training, and access to cutting-edge tools, all of which have helped the platform improve its online presence and sustainability.
One of the major benefits was the free development of a native app for both Android and iOS, an essential tool for reaching Hyderabad’s increasingly mobile-first audience. You can download the Hyderabad Mail app here:
• Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hyderabadmail.app
• iOS: https://apps.apple.com/in/app/hyderabad-mail/id6739129531
GNI Workshops: Boosting Skills and Strategies
Hyderabad Mail also participated in multiple workshops under the GNI Indian Languages Program. These sessions provided valuable insights into various aspects of digital journalism, including app installs, ad revenue growth, and the use of Google Analytics 4 (GA4).
The "Tech Talks" on "Generative AI: Use Cases & Trends for News Publishers" highlighted the importance of AI in content creation, distribution, and audience engagement. The tools discussed, including AI-driven content optimization and real-time audience personalization, have enabled the team to improve content delivery and enhance reader interaction.
The "Effective Ad Strategies for Revenue Growth" workshop provided crucial strategies for optimizing ad performance. This included improving ad impressions, optimizing site, and ensuring AdSense guidelines compliance. Additionally, the "GA4" workshop helped the team transition from Universal Analytics, offering them new tools to track audience behavior and improve reporting.
Results Post-GNI Implementation
The results have been impressive. Hyderabad Mail experienced a 500% increase in organic traffic, while social media engagement saw significant growth, Instagram followers increased by 100%, Twitter by 700%, Facebook by 800%, and LinkedIn by 800%. These gains were made possible by the strategic use of tools and insights gained from the GNI program.
The editorial team has also benefited from the GNI training. Tools like Pinpoint and the GEN AI plugin have streamlined research, error detection, and metadata creation, allowing the team to focus more on content quality rather than manual tasks.
Key Benefits from GNI Support
Hyderabad Mail has seen significant improvements in its operations thanks to the tools and training provided by GNI. These include:
• Cost-Effective App Development: The free app development helped Hyderabad Mail save both time and money, while insights from app installation sessions have proven valuable in building a loyal user base.
• Enhanced Publishing Techniques: With the use of tools like Pinpoint, the team has been able to optimize content creation by analyzing audience data for more relevant storytelling.
• Improved Site Performance: Monitoring core web vitals and integrating AI plugins for metadata generation has streamlined processes, reducing the time spent on content optimization.
• Data-Driven Content: Pinpoint has enabled the team to make data-driven editorial decisions, improving the relevance and quality of stories.
Looking Ahead: Requests for GNI 2025
As Hyderabad Mail continues to expand its reach and improve its content, the team has expressed interest in further enhancements for the upcoming year. Specifically, they are requesting that Pinpoint be made available in local languages, as this would allow them better to serve the diverse linguistic needs of Hyderabad's population.
In conclusion, the Google News Initiative has been instrumental in the growth of Hyderabad Mail, providing the tools, training, and support needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world. The platform is now better positioned to fulfill its mission of amplifying civic voices and tackling important local issues across Hyderabad.
