The Audience
Relationship Funnel

This is a 3D model of the relationship funnel in premium publishing. It maps the journey from anonymous stranger to committed subscriber.

On their way down the funnel, audiences come into contact with the publisher via a series of touchpoints — each one a ‘planet’ in this universe. Some touchpoints are on the publisher’s own platform; others are on third-party platforms such as social media, Spotify or Google.

Unknown They Know Us We Know Them In a Relationship Committed

← Click through the touchpoints on the left to see where each one sits in the journey — and how audiences can be monetised there

The Funnel

Julian March · May 2026

Unknown · Out There
The internet. Social, search, podcasts — haven't encountered us yet.
Off-platform only
They Know Us
Awareness · on & off platform
Off-platform & on-platform
We Know Them
Registered · on-platform only
Off-platform: "They Know Us" status
On-platform only
In a Relationship
Day pass · 7-day pass · on & off platform
Off-platform & on-platform
Committed Relationship
Monthly & annual subscriber · habitual, paying
Off-platform & on-platform
← Radial: off-platform → on-platform  ·  Vertical: unknown → paying subscriber ↓
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Touchpoints