The WP Minute+

Thanks Pressable for supporting the show! Get your special hosting deal at https://pressable.com/wpminuteBecome a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/supportOn this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric Karkovack is joined by Steve Deckert from WooCommerce about the new integration with Reddit. They discuss the importance of social media for merchants, the benefits of advertising on Reddit, and the ease of setting up the integration. Steve touts the value of reaching new customers through Reddit and AI’s potential to spur growth in advertising. The conversation also touches on future developments and the importance of user feedback in shaping the product. Takeaways:Social media platforms are crucial for discovery and purchasing.Reddit users are often not on other platforms.The WooCommerce Reddit integration is the result of a partnership between the platforms.Advertising on Reddit can reach new customer pools.Reddit is a trusted source for product recommendations.AI can optimize ad campaigns effectively.User feedback is essential for future improvements.WooCommerce has multiple advertising partnerships to explore.Important Links:Reddit for WooCommerceReddit for WooCommerce: Bringing high-intent shoppers to your storeConnect with Steve: LinkedIn | Twitter/XThe WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the show! Get your special hosting deal at https://pressable.com/wpminuteBecome a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/supportOn this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt is joined by Miriam Schwab, Head of WordPress at Elementor. They discuss the recent State of the Word event, the impact of AI on WordPress and web development, and the emerging trend of vibe coding. They also explore the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, the importance of accessibility in web design, and the future of Elementor’s products. Miriam emphasizes the importance of innovation and adaptability in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Takeaways:The State of the Word event inspired discussions about the future of WordPress.AI presents both opportunities and challenges for the web development community.Elementor is committed to integrating AI into its products for enhanced user experience.Vibe coding democratizes web development, allowing non-developers to create applications.Accessibility is a key focus for Elementor’s tools and products.Guardrails are essential for ensuring safe AI interactions in web development.The future of AI in WordPress is promising, with potential for significant advancements.Community feedback is crucial for improving AI tools and products.Important Links:Visit Elementor’s WebsiteConnect with Miriam: LinkedInThe WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the show! Get your special hosting deal at https://pressable.com/wpminuteBecome a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/supportOn this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt Medeiros hosts a panel discussion of WordPress predictions for 2026. Panelists Raquel Manriquez, Kurt Von Ahnen, and Eric Karkovack cover topics such as the restructuring of WordCamps, the rise of plugin suites, the impact of AI in hosting, and the future of community events. They also examine the implications of ongoing legal battles and share rapid-fire predictions, highlighting the evolving landscape of WordPress and its community. Takeaways:A restructuring of WordCamps might take hold in 2026.The community is seeing a push for more alternative WordPress events.AI will play a significant role in differentiating hosting companies.The rise of plugin suites may lead to agency dynamics changing.Legal battles may impact the direction of WordPress and its branding.The importance of community and user experience in WordPress is emphasized.AI could lead to a major shift in how users interact with WordPress.The panel expresses mixed feelings about the future of Facebook and OpenAI.The need for a cohesive community approach to WordPress is highlighted.Important Links:Connect with our panelists on LinkedIn:Matt | Raquel | Kurt | EricThe WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the show! Get your special hosting deal at https://pressable.com/wpminuteBecome a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/supportOn this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric Karkovack speaks with freelance web designer Cami McNamara. Cami discusses her journey into web design, the importance of client relationships, and how to adapt to changes in the industry. She also shares insights from her newsletter, Web Designer Habits, and discusses effective business practices, self-care routines, and the significance of communication with clients. Cami emphasizes the value of personal connections in freelancing and offers practical tips for managing a web design business. Takeaways:Cami aims to be a hero for her clients.Her journey into web design began with a desire to create a website for sharing pictures of her child.She has maintained a strong client base even during downturns.Cami offers care plan services and manages over 200 websites.Fostering personal relationships with clients is key to retaining them.AI tools have positively impacted Cami’s business operations.Cami emphasizes the importance of small habits for productivity.Annual payment plans make bookkeeping more efficient for freelancers.Self-care practices like daily walks help manage stress.Offering free strategy sessions can lead to new projects.Important Links:WebCamiWeb Designer HabitsConnect with Cami: Bluesky | LinkedInThe WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Brad Williams, co-founder of WebDev Studios and creator of popular plugins, dives into the intersection of AI and WordPress development. He reflects on nearly 18 years in the industry, discussing the evolution of web workflows and the significance of adapting to new technologies. Brad highlights how AI tools can enhance agency efficiency and address client needs, emphasizing accessibility automation and the use of AI as a collaborative assistant. His insights on navigating client expectations and continuous innovation illuminate the future of web development.

Thanks Pressable for supporting the show! Get your special hosting deal at https://pressable.com/wpminuteBecome a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/supportOn this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric Karkovack speaks with Rodolfo Melogli, the founder of Business Bloomer and organizer of the Checkout Summit. Rodolfo discussed the need for in-person WooCommerce conferences and shared his successful blogging journey. He also shared insights on the evolution of WooCommerce, its competition, and the vision behind the Checkout Summit. He emphasized the significance of networking and personal connections in the e-commerce space. Takeaways:Rodolfo’s journey into WooCommerce began unexpectedly after a career shift.Business Bloomer has been a vital resource for WooCommerce customization.Rodolfo has been advocating for in-person WooCommerce conferences for years.The Checkout Summit aims to foster real-life connections among WooCommerce enthusiasts.The event will focus on a small, intimate setting to encourage networking.Rodolfo believes in the flexibility and potential of WooCommerce compared to competitors.Rodolfo aims to create a relaxed atmosphere for speakers and attendees alike.The event is scheduled to take place on April 23-24, 2026, in Palermo, Sicily.Important Links:Checkout SummitBusiness BloomerConnect with Rodolfo Melogli:LinkedIn | Twitter/XThe WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the show! Get your special hosting deal at https://pressable.com/wpminuteBecome a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/supportOn this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric is joined by Devin Walker, the new head of Jetpack. They discuss his transition from GiveWP to Jetpack, the acquisition process by Liquid Web, and his vision for Jetpack’s future. Devin shares insights on the challenges faced at Liquid Web, the importance of user experience, and the need for community engagement. He emphasizes the potential of AI in enhancing Jetpack’s onboarding process and the importance of gathering user feedback to drive product improvements. Takeaways:Devin Walker transitioned from GiveWP to Jetpack, bringing valuable experience with him.GiveWP’s acquisition by Liquid Web was thorough and focused on team welfare.Jetpack aims to redefine its value proposition in the WordPress ecosystem.User experience and onboarding are critical for Jetpack’s success.Community engagement will be a priority for Devin at Jetpack.AI integration is seen as a game changer for user onboarding.Devin plans to reach out to users to learn their needs.The future of Jetpack includes enhancing its product offerings and user experience.Devin aims to build a 10x product for Jetpack.Transparency in user feedback and product updates is essential.Important Links:JetpackDevin Walker’s Website | A New Chapter: Joining Automattic to Lead JetpackConnect with Devin: LinkedIn | Twitter/XThe WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the show! Get your special hosting deal at https://pressable.com/wpminuteBecome a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/supportOn this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric Karkovack chats with Danny van Kooten, creator of popular WordPress plugins Mailchimp for WordPress (MC4WP) and Koko Analytics. Danny shares his unique journey into plugin development, which began during a hospital stay for appendicitis. He discusses the evolution of Koko Analytics, its focus on simplicity and user experience, and the strategic decision to build on the WordPress platform. They also examine the challenges of competing with Google, the importance of user feedback in product development, and why AI may not be a fit for every plugin. Takeaways:Danny’s journey into plugin development began during a hospital stay.Koko Analytics was created to simplify analytics for WordPress users.Koko Analytics aims to provide essential data without complexity.User feedback drives most of Koko’s development decisions.Danny prefers direct communication with users over AI interactions.Future updates will include advanced tracking features.Privacy-friendly analytics is a priority for Koko Analytics.Important Links:Danny van Kooten’s websiteKoko AnalyticsMailchimp for WordPress (MC4WP)The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the show! Get your special hosting deal at https://pressable.com/wpminuteBecome a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/supportOn this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt Medeiros chats with Roger Williams, Partnerships and Community Manager at Kinsta. They discuss the importance of hosting education for WordPress users and the nuances of service-level agreements (SLAs) in hosting. They also examine the significance of building strong client relationships through transparent hosting choices and the evolving role of AI in web development and SEO. The conversation also touches on Kinsta’s recent updates and the future of hosting and AI tools. Takeaways:Hosting education is crucial for WordPress users.SLAs are important to understand when choosing a host.AI tools enhance productivity but do not replace fundamental skills.The hosting environment is foundational to website performance.Transparency in hosting costs fosters better client relationships.Events like CloudFest provide valuable networking opportunities.Kinsta focuses on support and education for its users.The move to bandwidth-based pricing can alleviate frustrations with bot traffic.AI is reshaping how we approach web development and SEO.Important Links:KinstaConnect with Roger Williams on LinkedInThe WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the show! Get your special hosting deal at https://pressable.com/wpminuteBecome a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/supportOn this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt Medeiros interviews Zach Stepek, Director of Partner Programs at BigScoots. They discuss the importance of transparency in agency partnerships, the definition of true partnership in hosting, and the ideal customer for BigScoots. They explore the infrastructure capabilities of BigScoots, the transition to enterprise-level hosting, and the associated costs of hosting e-commerce websites. The conversation also touches on the value of open-source solutions and the sales process for enterprises.Editor’s note: BigScoots is a Foundation+ sponsor of The WP MinuteTakeaways:Transparency with customers is crucial for agency partnerships.BigScoots offers a true partnership program, not just vendor services.The company has a high net promoter score, indicating excellent customer satisfaction.BigScoots can deploy custom hardware solutions for clients.Growth in agency business often requires taking risks.Hosting costs can vary significantly based on business needs.Open source solutions provide more control and ownership for businesses.The enterprise sales process is complex and requires strategic navigation.BigScoots is actively participating in various industry events to connect with partners.Important Links:BigScootsThe WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★