I just revisited the KiddLive website for the first time in a while today, and noticed that some changes have been implemented over the past 6 months. I like to see the progress, but there's still a long way ahead. If being the best morning radio show with web presence isn't the goal, ignore the rest of this post. This is only intended to be read by those who make things happen.
Two major changes I've noticed include:
1. The move of all KKITM blogs to the WordPress server
This was not exactly what I recommended, but Kidd's tech crew might have decided that adding PHP WordPress to their server was an issue, so I'll give them a pass. But just for the record, owning a blog on a .blogspot or .wordpress domain is lame. But NOT as lame as the non-blog blog format KKITM was using previously. So the move gets a B- for improvement. There are still many downsides to hosting your blog on WordPress' servers. You can't use all the awesome plugins available which give WordPress so much of its flavor and functionality.
2. Enhanced updates
Each daily update to the site is now significantly more attractive, with rounded edges and contemporary graphic styles. This does NOT make up for the unattractive and unusable platform that the rest of the site is built upon, but at least the user experience is now somewhat better due to appealing graphics.
And now, for the changes still desperately needed:
3. New webdesign and backend structure
Sorry, Kidd, but it's so outdated, it gives your show the feeling of cutting edge 2001. Which would have been great in 2001. Just because other radio stations use a sucky template doesn't mean you have to. Show them up by being on the cutting edge of web design. This is key to building your fanbase online. I absolutely refuse to click on your "drop up" subnavigation because it looks so bad popping up in hideous gray above the main link and not even connected. I won't say more.
4. Update background colors
At the very least, lose the AWFUL blue background and convert it to white. Everyone who's anyone is utilizing white space to brighten up the space and to make focusing on content easier on the eye. Just get rid of the two hideous blues (at top and on either side of your primary content box) and you'll do a LOT for the experience of visiting your site.
5. Take Twitter seriously
I can't say this enough. Kidd needs to utilize Twitter.com. At least ESPN Radio has a "text toy" that allows listeners to send comments to the show via text message from their mobile phones. Twitter solves that problem by giving your followers the opportunity to contact you via text, IM, or web. Twitter is not some fad. It WILL be as big as Facebook. It makes networking too accessible to be ignored. If Kidd would use Twitter, he would find a whole new medium for reaching his fans and strengthening listener loyalty (not to mention promoting listener evangelism).
6. RSS Feeds
Okay, here's one extra. I couldn't leave without mentioning RSS feeds. Now that the cast of Kidd Kraddick in the Morning has WordPress blogs, put links to RSS feeds ON THE WEBSITE. People aren't all as unsavvy as you might think. Besides, if you cater to the web savvy listeners, you'll find that they will do far more for you in brand evangelism and promotion because of how ridiculously well connected/networked they are online.
That's it for now. I hope you're reading this. I want to see KKITM become all that it can be. And the future of EVERYTHING is Web. That's just the facts.
© 2008 – 2010, Daniel Dessinger. All rights reserved.
The post 5 Online Tips Kidd Kraddick Still Needs To Implement appeared first on CultureFeast.