Scenario: Charles, Oliver, and Mabel run the successful podcast Only Murders in the Building. As their popularity mounts, they find that their own unfamiliarity with running an online business has become a detriment, resulting in losing ratings, subscribers, and merchandise and ad revenue.

Question

Problems: Charles and Oliver are not web savvy. They allow Mabel to run the marketing side of their business. Though a brilliant digital artist, Mabel does not have formal training with web design, SEO, marketing, etc. They have lost subscribers as users have trouble finding and navigating their site. The trio cannot afford an outside company to manage their web presence. There is sometimes an issue with their online merchandise ordering system - orders get lost, do not process, etc. Sponsors have pulled their ads due to a decrease in subscribers. What is they system planning for this using the SDLC?
simple

Answer 1

To address the problems faced by Charles, Oliver, and Mabel with their podcast Only Murders in the Building using the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC), we can outline a simplified plan that involves several key phases:

1. Planning

• Goal Setting: Establish clear objectives to improve the website’s user experience, increase subscriber numbers, and streamline merchandise orders.
• Resource Assessment: Identify the skills within the team and any tools or platforms they can use without incurring heavy expenses.

2. Analysis

• User Feedback: Collect feedback from current subscribers to understand their pain points regarding website navigation and merchandise ordering.
• Competitor Research: Analyze other successful podcasts and their web strategies to identify best practices.

3. Design

• Website Structure: Create a simple, user-friendly design for the website that improves navigation (clear menus, search functions, etc.).
• SEO Optimization: Research and incorporate basic SEO strategies to improve visibility on search engines.
• Merchandise System: Outline a straightforward online merchandise flow that minimizes issues (e.g., using a reliable e-commerce platform).

4. Development

• Website Creation: Use website builders (like Wix or Squarespace) that provide templates and are easy to use for individuals with limited web design knowledge.
• Content Management: Develop a strategy for regularly updating content, such as blog posts or episode notes, to keep the site fresh and engaging.

5. Testing

• Beta Testing: Invite a select group of subscribers to navigate the new website and provide feedback on usability and ordering.
• Order System Testing: Run multiple test transactions through the merchandise system to ensure everything processes correctly.

6. Implementation

• Launch: Officially launch the revamped website and merchandise system.
• Promotion: Leverage social media and the podcast itself to announce the new site and encourage listeners to visit, subscribe, and shop.

7. Maintenance

• Continuous Feedback Loop: Regularly solicit feedback from users to improve the site further.
• Performance Monitoring: Use tools like Google Analytics to track traffic, subscription growth, and merchandise sales to make informed decisions moving forward.

Summary

By following these steps in the SDLC, Charles, Oliver, and Mabel can systematically improve their online business operations, enhance user experience, and ultimately drive subscriber growth and revenue from merchandise sales and sponsorships.