Behind the Scenes of PodWP – WPCAST009

In this episode, we go into detail about the business model and mechanics of Doug’s business, PodWP/EfficientWP.

The Changelog

* David:

* Set up demo using Ninja Demo (demo of Easy Pricing Tables)

* Switched from Github to Bitbucket due to pricing structure

The Core

* PodWP is a niche WordPress hosting and design business

* Started hosting clients on multisite to simplify maintenance

* Why choose the podcast niche?

* Experience: already built podcast websites, want to specialize

* Opportunity: no competition, some podcasters don’t have sites

* Serving a need: can make things a lot easier for podcasters

* Lots of room for improvement on existing sites:

* Design

* Performance

* Conversions – email list

* Engagement – comments, contact form, voicemail

* Infrastructure:

* WordPress multisite install

* Client pros:

* No maintenance or security to worry about

* Premium themes and plugins included

* Templates with a theme and certain plugins pre-configured

* Fast and reliable infrastructure

* Great value compared to buying:

* Managed hosting

* Maintenance contract

* Premium themes and plugins

* Client cons:

* Can’t install their own themes and plugins

* No email hosting, cPanel, etc.

* Risks of this business model:

* Many podcasts fail before 10 episodes

* Low barrier to entry for competitors

* Unproven market

* Similar niche services based on multisite installs:

* Low end: WordPress.com, Edublogs

* High end: Restaurant Engine by Brian Casel, New Rainmaker

Tips & Tricks

* David: WPStream (in the repository)

* Records everything that happens on your site

* Doug: RescueTime

* Tracks productivity and time spent on various sites/applications