Google is trialling Google Wallet, a micropayments service allowing the purchase of per-page web content.
While the current model used by media websites like The Age involve selling subscriptions to access all of a site's content, Google Wallet will test whether selling content on a per-page basis will get consumers opening up their actual wallets.
Locking digital goods
Google Wallet currently allows businesses such as DK, Oxford University Press and Peachpit to provide a free sample of content from a page on their website.
Pages selling digital goods will be embedded with a payment banner where viewers are prompted to make a small payment to gain full access.
The transaction is a single-click process where viewers needn’t leave the page to make payment, which is processed via credit card details stored on a Wallet account.
Access to the content is permanent, but if users are unhappy a refund can be processed within 30 minutes of the initial transaction.
The Google Wallet website explains, “The payment flow is ideal for selling premium digital content that's superior to the free alternatives.”
Individual pages cost between $0.25 and $0.99, with Google reportedly taking a fiver per cent commission.
Advantage for businesses
If successful Google Wallet may provide another way for businesses to monetise content, in addition to advertising and subscription services.
Ad revenue may still be generated as impressions will continue to be counted even if content is not purchased.
Availability
Google is currently trialling Google Wallet with a few select partners, it is expected to release the service to more publishers in the future.
Brands wanting to participate in Google Wallet can complete this form to apply to become a digital goods content partner.
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