Ben May from The Code Company - Understanding the Future of Web Development
Sep 12, 2023
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Join us for a riveting conversation with Ben May, founder and managing director of the Code Company. We explore hybrid work, the current hiring landscape, and client's aversion to digital marketing. With a surge in demand for data-driven solutions, it's fascinating to learn how the Code Company has been able to adapt and stay ahead of the curve. Ben shares his thoughts on the potential of chat bots, AI, and the future of domain names. Join us as we ponder the f......
The Code Company has successfully differentiated itself by focusing on media and publishing, providing high-quality solutions in the WordPress space.
The Code Company has navigated economic challenges and the pandemic by leveraging their remote work setup, continuing to grow their team while delivering value to clients.
Deep dives
Focus on Niche and Specialization in WordPress
The code company, founded by Ben May, specializes in digital publishing and media technology, with a focus on solving complex problems for prominent digital publishers. They have established themselves as a globally recognized enterprise WordPress agency and have been successful in the Asia Pacific and US markets. By honing in on their niche and focusing on media and publishing, they have been able to differentiate themselves from generalist agencies and provide high-quality solutions. They have also emphasized the importance of staying up to date with the evolving WordPress platform and have embraced the block editor to create customizable and efficient authoring experiences.
Challenges and Successes during Economic Downturn and Pandemic
The code company has navigated through economic downturn and the global pandemic by leveraging their remote and distributed work setup. They were already well-equipped for remote business operations, which helped them adapt seamlessly during the pandemic. While they acknowledge the economic challenges faced by many, they were fortunate to work with brands that utilized the time to double down and achieve their goals. The demand for their services remained strong, and they were able to continue growing their team while delivering value to their clients. However, they have also observed the increasing salary demands for engineering and digital roles, which has forced some companies to make course-corrective layoffs.
Educating Clients on First-Party Data and Marketing Expectations
As clients become more informed and educated about the value of first-party data, the code company has witnessed an increased demand for solutions related to martech and data analysis. However, they caution that not all clients fully understand the scope of what they are asking for. Some clients may read headlines about AI and data without truly comprehending the practical implications or technical requirements. The code company aims to provide the plumbing or infrastructure needed to connect and collect data effectively, but they do not offer full-scale implementation of complex martech ecosystems. They believe that striking a balance between educating clients and managing their expectations is crucial to successful partnerships.
The Future of Web Content and WordPress
When discussing the future of web content, there is still uncertainty surrounding the impact of AI, personalization, and the ongoing relevance of websites. While AI-generated and AI-consumed content may influence certain aspects, it is unlikely that browsers and websites will become obsolete in the next decade. There is recognition that personalization plays a role in content consumption, but the extent and form it will take are yet to be fully understood. The code company acknowledges the rapid growth of the martech landscape with countless products and platforms, and they strive to stay informed and navigate the noise. They continue to focus on WordPress and the potential it offers, particularly through the block editor and its ability to provide tailored authoring experiences.
Ben May from The Code Company - Understanding the Future of Web Development
Join us for a riveting conversation with Ben, founder and managing director of the Code Company. This globally recognized enterprise, WordPress agency, has been solving complex problems for prominent digital publishers in the Asia Pacific region and the U.S. Ben charts his journey from founding his company, weathering an economic downturn, and maneuvering the challenges brought about by the pandemic. We explore hybrid work, the current hiring landscape, and client's aversion to digital marketing. Listen in as we take a deep dive into the discipline and focus it takes to establish and run a niche enterprise in the WordPress space.
As we move along, we delve into the challenges of servicing clients across different time zones. The Code Company is unique in its approach, as it operates within certain time boundaries. Ben also shares his insights on how the company has had to adjust to a more educated and informed client base. With a surge in demand for data-driven solutions, it's fascinating to learn how the Code Company has been able to adapt and stay ahead of the curve.
We end our conversation discussing the future of the internet and web development. Ben shares his thoughts on the potential of chat bots, AI, and the future of domain names. We question whether the internet can exist without websites, and if a shift away from website-based content consumption is imminent. Join us as we ponder the future of AI, the rise of first party data and the martech industry, and even contemplate the idea of a chip implanted in the brain for internet access.
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