Websites using Printfriendly

Okay, let s break down PrintFriendly, covering its overview, revenue, alternatives, pricing, and customer care details.

PrintFriendly: Overview

PrintFriendly is a web-based service designed to make web pages printer-friendly. It essentially acts as a cleaner for web content, removing ads, navigation elements, and other clutter, leaving behind a simplified, easy-to-print version of the article or page. It aims to reduce paper waste, toner/ink usage, and improve the overall printing experience of web content.

Key Features:

• Removes Clutter: Strips away ads, sidebars, social media buttons, and other non-essential elements.
• Optimized Layout: Restructures content into a more printable format, often adjusting font sizes, spacing, and images.
• PDF Generation: Allows users to save pages as PDF files in addition to printing.
• Customization Options: Offers some customization like adjusting font size and removing images before printing or saving.
• Browser Extension and Website: Accessible through a website and browser extensions (Chrome, Firefox, Safari).
• Easy to Use: Simple interface with minimal steps to convert and print a page.
• Mobile-Friendly: Works well on mobile devices.
• Supports Images and PDFs: Can also generate print-friendly versions of images and PDF files (via its website, not browser extension)

Revenue Model

PrintFriendly primarily generates revenue through the following methods:

• Freemium Model: PrintFriendly operates on a freemium model. The core functionality (converting and printing pages) is available for free.
• Premium Version (PrintFriendly Pro): PrintFriendly also offers a Pro version with additional features and no ads. This is a subscription-based revenue stream, targeted mainly towards businesses and heavy users who want a more customized experience with better customization controls and analytics.
• Advertising (Free Version): The free version of PrintFriendly displays ads, which is likely another source of revenue for the company.
• Affiliate Marketing (Potentially): While not explicitly stated, some freemium services may use affiliate links to products or services they endorse, generating a commission on sales.

Alternatives

Many alternatives can achieve similar results to PrintFriendly, each with its strengths and weaknesses:

• Built-In Browser Print Options: Modern browsers have built-in print dialogs that often allow users to reduce margins, select specific pages, and enable reader mode which helps with decluttering, though not always as effectively as dedicated tools.
• Pocket/Instapaper: These apps allow users to save articles for later reading, which often presents a clutter-free reading experience on digital screens, and while not primarily for printing, the layout is often better suited for it than the original webpage.
• Readability: Like PrintFriendly, Readability converts web pages into a clean, easy-to-read format, and many provide printing options.
• Evernote/OneNote: These note-taking apps often allow web clipping and offer printer-friendly formatting options and have robust editing options.
• Online PDF Converters: General-purpose PDF converters can convert webpages to PDF files that users can print, though they may not optimize for printing quite as well as PrintFriendly.
• Other Print-Friendly Web Services: A few other smaller players offer specialized print optimization of webpages.

Pricing

• Free: The basic PrintFriendly service is free, with ads.
• PrintFriendly Pro:
  • Prices vary but are usually based on a monthly or annual subscription.
  • It offers features such as:
    • No ads
    • Advanced customization
    • Custom branding
    • Analytics dashboard
    • Priority Support

Customer Care Details

PrintFriendly s customer care is primarily focused on the following channels:

• Website FAQs/Support Page: The primary source of support information, providing answers to common questions.
• Contact Form: Users can submit queries through a contact form on their website.
• Social Media: They may have a presence on social media channels where they could be contacted.
• Email (Premium Users): Premium users likely receive support via email, potentially with faster response times and more in-depth assistance.
• No Phone Support: It is unlikely they offer phone support at this time.

Key Takeaways:

• Function: PrintFriendly is a useful tool for those who need to print web pages without the distraction of ads and clutter.
• Freemium Approach: The core offering is free, making it widely accessible, and the Pro version provides additional features for a fee.
• Multiple Alternatives: There are many options that achieve the same goals, and the best choice depends on individual needs.
• Support Channels: Customer care is mainly through their website and contact forms, with potentially more detailed support for premium subscribers.

In conclusion: PrintFriendly provides a straightforward and free solution to the common issue of web page clutter. If you regularly print web content, it is a valuable tool to consider. For heavy users needing advanced options and business users, the Pro version offers more features and eliminates the ads. The range of alternatives also provides many options, ensuring users can find the tool that suits their needs the most.