Newspapers Boost Mobile Traffic

Mobile newspaper pageviews have risen considerably in the last year, according to recent data from the Newspaper Association of America. In September 2011, the group found that pageviews of mobile sites and applications rose 65 percent since September of last year.

The data is based on information reported by more than 20 newspaper publishers. On average, unique visitors to mobile content rose 70 percent, and in at least one case, as high as 200 percent, said NAA.

The NAA chalks up the boost to an increase in mobile initiatives by newspaper publishers. For example, The Oklahoman in October began including QR codes in select articles and section fronts, enabling print-to-mobile connectivity. A recent mobile app project from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch offers reviews on nearly 300 beers, along with local bar tips and contact information.

"Newspapers' aggressive development of mobile products is paying off," said Caroline Little, NAA president and CEO, in an NAA statement.