Mobilcast debuts revised Web site...that needs work

Melodeo, the wireless music/wireless podcast platform company, recently updated its wireless podcast Web site, “Mobilcast” (see below).

Stan Sorensen, senior director of product management and marketing at Melodeo, writes in his interesting “Mobile Podcasting” weblog that he’d like feedback.  Well, I think it could use a bit of work.

Here’s one problem:  Podcasts are still esoteric for the majority of cellular subscribers and wireless podcasts are even more esoteric.  The site’s home page is designed with the assumption that you know what podcasts and wireless podcasts are all about.

Too advanced

I believe the first Web page a person sees should very clearly provide information about the value of podcasts. 

Ideally, I think there should be another link that stands out from the rest — or perhaps a box with information — that says something like: “Podcasts: What They Are, Why You Want To Listen To Them.”

There should be more information about the wireless aspects of podcasts, including usage tips.

More education

People need to be educated.  You can’t assume everyone or even most people who visit the Mobilcast site will immediately understand the value of podcasts via a cellular phone.

Also, I’m afraid I don’t like the site's navigation.  In order to see what podcasts are available, you have to first go through several steps, including indicating your cellular operator, your type of phone, type of data plan, etc.

Nope — you should see what you can get, or at least see a great representative sampling — before going through an onerous process.  (I used "onerous" in a relative sense.)

Poor navigation, poor education

I think people could be turned off by having to fill out all that information in order to learn more.  Potential wireless podcast listeners should get more information upfront.

Another point:  In order to find out that Verizon Wireless and Sprint do not yet support Mobilcast, you have to go through the process I mentioned above — and that process isn’t well done, either. 

I have other issues with the site, too.

A rethink in order

Sorry, but in this situation I believe the Mobilcast Web site needs more information, a more hierarchical navigation structure and more customer education on its home page.  The site’s design and content need to be revised.

I certainly am pleased, however, that Melodeo is doing something to enhance the visibility of wireless podcasts.  Unfortunately, I haven't heard much from any company about wireless podcasts.

Comments

[spamstan]

Alan,

Thanks for your feedback. In particular I agree that we need to do more education up front. I think too often we in the industry forget that we're riding the podcast hype curve ahead of the average customer. We have a responsibility to educate.

I've passed your posting to our team as well. Should stimulate some thinking and updates.