Escape Collective: A Year of Member-Funded Premium Content and Future Plans
In the fast-paced world of cycling, where information is key and staying up-to-date is crucial, one media company has been making waves with its unique approach to content creation. Escape Collective, a 100% member-funded organization, has been revolutionizing the way cycling news and stories are delivered to the masses. As they celebrate their first anniversary, let’s take a closer look at where their money went last year and what exciting plans they have for the future.
A Lean, Mean Team
Escape Collective prides itself on being a lean and efficient team. Unlike traditional media companies, they have chosen to forgo lavish office spaces and middle managers. Instead, the majority of their revenue goes directly to the talented individuals who create the content their members love. With a focus on delivering quality products and services, Escape Collective has managed to build a loyal customer base who appreciates their dedication to providing value.
A Year of Impressive Stats
Over the past year, Escape Collective has been hard at work producing an impressive amount of content. With nearly 1,800 posts on their website, that’s an average of five posts per day. Their podcast has also been thriving, with almost 200 episodes released, averaging over three episodes per week. Since October, they have gone above and beyond by producing nearly five podcast episodes per week, including member-only episodes that have become highly sought after.
Breaking News and In-Depth Reporting
Escape Collective has made a name for itself by delivering not only breaking news but also in-depth reporting on vital stories within the cycling industry. Their team of talented journalists has uncovered fascinating insights into the collapse of Zaaf and the pursuit of UCI Overlord. By utilizing various mediums, such as written articles and podcasts, they have provided their audience with unparalleled analysis of major news events. Wade’s four-part deep-dive into the troubles of the cycling industry is a testament to their commitment to delivering thought-provoking content.
Essays that Touch the Soul
Beyond news and analysis, Escape Collective believes in the power of beautiful writing. They have crafted essays that range from the poignant to the uplifting, exploring topics such as coping mechanisms and the Tour de France through the lens of Dante. By recognizing that cyclists are humans first and foremost, they have created a connection with their audience that goes beyond the sport itself.
Putting Boots on the Ground
Escape Collective understands that some of their best work comes from being present at key events. They have sent reporters to major races like the Tour de France, Worlds, and the Classics, as well as industry events like Sea Otter and the MADE show. By investing in travel costs, they have been able to provide firsthand coverage and insights that set them apart from their competitors. With plans to expand their presence even further, they are committed to bringing their audience closer to the action.
Looking Ahead
While Escape Collective is not yet profitable, they have gained enough knowledge about their audience and business to make reasonably accurate projections. This newfound confidence has allowed them to make strategic hires, including a role in their tech department. Moving forward, they plan to continue their successful editorial strategy, with each team member focusing on their areas of expertise and passion. They aim to produce over 2,000 stories in the next twelve months by expanding their editorial staff and increasing freelance budgets.
Dabbling in New Territories
Escape Collective is not one to shy away from new challenges. After successfully venturing into mountain bikes and gravel last year, they have plans to delve even deeper into these areas. Fun and informative podcasts dedicated to gravel and mountain biking are in the works, with new hires focused on these specific disciplines. Their written content will also reflect this expansion, catering to the diverse interests of their members.
Embracing Social Media
Recognizing the changing landscape of social media, Escape Collective is determined to make their mark. While they have historically struggled with platforms like Instagram, they have recently started experimenting with vertical video content. Their goal is not just to generate likes or revenue but to increase their visibility and reach potential members. In an era of broken social and SEO algorithms, this presents a significant challenge, but one that they are eager to tackle head-on.
A Year of Achievements
As Escape Collective reflects on their first year, they can proudly say that they have delivered on most of their promises and even exceeded expectations in some areas. It hasn’t been an easy journey, with six months of learning and unlearning ingrained media practices, but they have found their path as a team and as a business. They are grateful for the support of their members and excited about what the future holds.
In conclusion, Escape Collective has proven that a member-funded model can thrive in the world of premium content. By focusing on quality, originality, and a deep understanding of their audience, they have carved out a unique space for themselves in the cycling media landscape. As they embark on their second year,