Functional, Responsive, SEO Optimized Website for an award-winning podcast.
First some background: Real Life Real Crime is an award-winning weekly podcast hosted by Woody Overton and Jim Rathmann.
In each show, Woody and Jim go in-depth into cases they have worked on personally to give the audience their exclusive perspective and personal knowledge of real cases they worked on during their careers.
Although the podcast has been around for around a year (with over 1 Million downloads!), they decided that they wanted their existing Wix website redesigned.
Their existing setup
Their existing website was actually 2 separate sites on different domains. One website was for the podcast, and the other was for their online store. This was confusing to say the least.
We consolidated the two sites under one domain and created a sleek, functional, and all-around awesome WordPress site to serve both their podcast listeners as well as those wanting to purchase some awesome swag.
What we did:
Libsyn Integration
Real Life Real Crime uses libsyn for their podcast hosting. Basically, the libsyn engine pushes your podcast show and episodes to Itunes, Google, Spotify, and other typical locations where people get and consume their favorite shows.
Because they typically record new episodes every week, (even more if they have a special event, special guest, or special topic.) automation was critical!
With some elbow grease and our developers’ awesome knowledge and skillsets, we were able to have every podcast update automatically post on their website as a custom post type of blog post.
Layman’s terms – every time a new episode is posted, it automatically gets added to the website for the podcast.
User Experience
This website is basically the podcast + visual elements. Think about it, people listen to Woody and Jim (the hosts) as they tell their stories and anecdotes from their experience as law enforcement professionals. Listeners really never get to put a face to the voices.
eCommerce
RLRC is a global sensation right now! Next to Louisiana and Texas, believe it or not, the show is huge in Australia. Figure that out!
People worldwide are clamoring to get their hands on some Real Life Real Crime swag. (Apparently, Woody’s famous saying, “Sugar turned to sh*t makes for a popular t-shirt.’)
We created an awesome Woocommerce store that integrates with their dropshipping provider and now they can sell shirts, magnets, hats, and other merchandise worldwide – effortlessly.
Listening to the podcast
Let’s not forget about the actual audio. You know, the podcast itself?
The website has an AJAX (asynchronous JavaScript and XML) audio player to ensure their listeners have a seamless, persistent audio experience when they move from one page to another.
(Without AJAX, the Live Audio Widgets reload every time the listener moves to another page, which would momentary interruptions while the stream is re-established.)
This podcast player helps create an awesome user experience and gives them something to listen to while they’re cruising the online store.
Patreon Integration
The gang at Real Life Real Crime use the Patreon platform heavily. Patreon is a crowdfunding platform that enables fans (or patrons) to pay and support artists for their work.
But Woody and the gang take it a step further. They offer their Patreon supporters exclusive membership items such as
- Discounted merchandise
- Exclusive merchandise
- Meet and Greets
- Special podcast episodes
- Exclusive merchandise
We’ve integrated Patreon into the website, which allows for members-only sections, posts, and pages. This encourages Patreon membership and helps offset the costs incurred to create the podcast.
Are you looking for ways to start your podcast? Trying to promote your podcast?
Get in touch with us and let’s discuss ways to create a website that will help get your message worldwide. BlakSheep Creative is your go-to agency for web design and development in Louisiana. Let us help you get your podcast viral! We even have pay-by-the-month options for those just starting out.
Complete the form below to get started today.
