01. The Challenge
Limited Time & Budget
The biggest challenge was the timeline. I had a week to create a logo, podcast cover-art, and a new website. When it comes to Podcast websites, the templates are limited and the designs are not very interesting. But building a custom site from the ground up is expensive and time consuming. The Money Hour group tasked me with building a unique, one-of-kind website without the high cost of full customization. Although they did have a logo created (by a different designer/graphic artist), they asked me to provide them with alternatives.
02. The Solution
Hybrid Customization
Rather than utilizing a podcast specific template and risk having problems with Wordpress updates, plugin conflicts and customer service, I used a business template from a proven and trusted company. To make it work for a podcast site, I modified the template and gave it a custom look using CSS and html. The site needed to give people a description of the show, choice of platforms to subscribe, and a simple way to search and watch the video version of each episode—which is the primary reason why users would navigate to the site (rather than one of the podcast hosting platforms). The site would also collect user data and provide a way for interested sponsors to contact the Money Hour group.
Design Elements
The website opens with an animated mic dropping into the frame while subscribe and follow buttons explode into view. A black and white motif with green accents and a typewriter font was used to give the site a vintage / modern look. The icons, buttons and audio player were altered to match the black and white theme and support the custom look and feel.
Target Audience
Podcast listeners interested in the world’s most prominent and successful business leaders, investors and strategists talk candidly about money, business and investment strategies, health and fitness, and what they do to lead a balanced, successful life.
03. The Results
Fast & Affordable Customization
The design elements combined leave the user with the impression the site is fully customized which really sets it apart from competing podcast websites. Although Money Hour is still in production, it will be launching soon and the feedback has been very positive on social media. The Money Hour group was extremely satisfied with the results and impressed to have it completed in less than a week—several days ahead of schedule ;-)