349 - Is WordPress for Old People? with Mark Szymanski
Oct 21, 2024
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Mark Szymanski, a young web designer and thought leader in WordPress, discusses why many new designers shy away from WordPress in favor of drag-and-drop platforms like Squarespace. He believes WordPress still offers unmatched flexibility and customization despite its reputation as an 'old' tool. Mark also emphasizes the importance of a lean tool stack for agency owners and suggests that better marketing strategies could help WordPress attract younger talent. He reflects on community support shifts and the evolving landscape of page builders, sharing insights on maintaining relevance.
The podcast discusses how younger web designers are increasingly opting for user-friendly platforms like Webflow and Squarespace over WordPress, suggesting a shift in preference among new professionals.
Mark Szymanski shares his unique perspective on choosing WordPress at a young age, highlighting its potential despite its perceived complexity and competition from modern tools.
A lean tool stack is emphasized as essential for web design agencies to enhance workflow efficiency and avoid complications in project management.
Deep dives
Introduction of Curated Podcast Playlists
The recent launch of curated podcast playlists aims to provide listeners with tailored content pathways for various aspects of web design. Newly added playlists include topics such as accessibility, self-care for designers, content marketing, copywriting, AI, and website optimization, with hundreds of episodes available for guidance. This initiative is designed to enhance the web design journey by offering specific resources that listeners can easily navigate. Overall, the playlists provide a structured approach to exploring diverse subjects relevant to web designers.
The Young Age Perception of WordPress
The discussion raises questions about whether WordPress is viewed as a platform primarily for older users, given its extensive history and market presence. Although it powers around 44% of the internet, younger web designers often gravitate toward more modern, user-friendly options like Webflow and Squarespace. The conversation highlights that many young designers do not start with WordPress due to its perceived complexity, even if it remains a flexible and powerful solution. Nonetheless, there are exceptions, such as the guest who shares his own experience of starting with WordPress at a young age.
The Importance of a Lean Tool Stack
Maintaining a lean set of tools is emphasized as crucial for web design agencies to avoid chaos and complexity in project management. The conversation addresses the pitfalls of using multiple page builders and plugins, which can complicate workflow and hinder collaboration, especially when scaling teams. A consistent tool stack fosters efficiency and allows designers to create processes that are easily repeatable, ultimately benefitting both the designer and their clients. The need for a structured approach is reiterated, showcasing the importance of establishing streamlined procedures in web design.
The Transition from Elementor
A significant shift is noted among users transitioning from Elementor to newer alternatives, drawing attention to the limitations experienced by designers working with complex websites. Many found Elementor increasingly cumbersome, especially when trying to implement advanced features or heavier integrations without complex workarounds. The conversation points out that this transition is often fueled by the search for a smoother user experience and streamlined code. As younger designers test out alternative builders, they push for innovation and efficiency, which encourages a rethink of how Elementor can compete in this landscape.
The Evolving Landscape of DIY Website Solutions
With the rise of user-friendly platforms like Wix and recent moves towards agency-centric solutions, the DIY web design landscape is shifting significantly. As Wix transitions into a more agency-focused platform, questions arise about where DIY users will find their footing. The discussion touches on how business owners can still utilize WordPress via services like WordPress.com, enabling them to maintain some control over their websites. It highlights the ongoing evolution of web design tools that cater to the diverse needs and expertise levels of users, reflecting the changing market dynamics.
Let’s get real and share exactly how it is…WordPress is not the tool of choice for most web designers getting into the game today.
It may be where most end up, because WordPress is the most popular, customizable, and only open-source platform online but as a starting point, it’s not where most new web designers are starting.
Drag and drop platforms like Framer, SquareSpace, and ShowIt and even more robust platforms like WixStudio, WebFlow, and Duda seem to be where young whipper-snapper web designers jump to first.
So it begs the question…is WordPress just for old people nowadays?
To dive into this topic and to explore both the challenges and opportunities ahead for WordPress, I’m pleased to bring on a young web designer and thought leader Mark Szymanski who, despite being a young whipper snapper web designer, decided to choose WordPress over all the options above.
We explore:
What made Mark decide on WordPress over more user-friendly builders
The challenges in competition WordPress has moving forward
How WordPress can market better to young web designers
How important it is to have a lean tool stack as an agency owner
The key ingredient that continues to keep WordPress leading as the most popular platform
Note: we recorded this conversation before the recent WordPress vs WPEngine drama happened so that is not discussed in this one.
If you have anything to add on this topic - feel free to drop us a comment on the show notes at joshhall.co/349
The Web Design Business Podcast is available on:
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View all Web Design Business Podcasts with show notes and full transcriptions at: https://joshhall.co/podcast
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