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/supportIn this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Kurt and Toby discuss various aspects of running a WordPress agency, including productivity, work-life balance, client communication, emotional intelligence, and the importance of setting clear expectations with clients. They explore the challenges of maintaining websites, the significance of emotional deposits and withdrawals in client relationships, and the balance between personal passions and professional responsibilities. The conversation also touches on hiring strategies, the tools used for communication within agencies, and the cultural sensitivities that arise when working with clients from various backgrounds. Ultimately, the guys emphasize the importance of building relationships, understanding client needs, and navigating the complexities of agency life.Takeaways:Early mornings can set a productive tone for the day.Self-awareness is key to recognizing when to take breaks.Client communication should set clear expectations from the start.Emotional deposits with clients can lead to better relationships.Website maintenance often requires band-aid solutions.Following your passions can enhance overall life satisfaction.Building community and friendships is important for personal growth.Choosing the right communication tools can improve agency efficiency.Hiring strategies should consider the loyalty and commitment of employees.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyThe 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/supportIn this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Kurt and Toby discuss various challenges and responsibilities in the WordPress development space, including user error, software design, and the importance of client education. They explore innovative business ideas, the valuation of agencies, and the impact of SaaS and subscription costs on operations. They also consider the importance of communication in business, the role of AI in development, and the balance between risk and innovation. They conclude with thoughts on building relationships with clients and the future of AI in the business world.Takeaways:User error is often the root cause of support issues.Software designers have a responsibility to make things user-friendly.Client education is crucial for reducing misunderstandings.Innovative business ideas can stem from existing services.Valuing a business involves understanding potential income streams.SaaS costs can add up quickly; consider lifetime deals.Effective communication is key to client relationships.AI is changing the landscape of business and development.Balancing risk and innovation is essential for growth.Friction in the sales process can lead to more committed clients.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyThe 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/supportIn this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Kurt and Toby discuss the complexities of pricing, client relationships, and ethics in agency work. They explore the balance between offering expertise and competing with cheaper alternatives, the importance of discipline and motivation in business, and the evolving landscape of marketing strategies. The conversation also touches on the value of SEO and the need for agencies to adapt their pricing models to reflect the true worth of their services.Takeaways:Navigating client relationships can be challenging, especially when price becomes a deciding factor.Expertise should be valued over cheaper alternatives, even if it means losing a client.Ethics play a crucial role in how agencies handle client cancellations and refunds.SEO strategies must align with client expectations to avoid negative feedback.The value of results should be prioritized over the processes used to achieve them.Discipline is essential for maintaining motivation in agency work.Community engagement can lead to unexpected opportunities and connections.Agencies must adapt their marketing strategies to attract the “right” clients.Understanding the market perception of pricing can help agencies position themselves effectively. ★ 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/supportIn this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt is joined by Sandra Kurze to discuss the unique offerings of Greyd, a comprehensive suite of tools designed for web agencies and enterprises. They review the challenges of enterprise projects, the importance of pricing and value in WordPress tools, and how Greyd streamlines labor and enhances efficiency in web development. The role of AI in future web development is explored, along with the significance of building strong client relationships. Greyd’s support and onboarding process are highlighted, and the conversation concludes with insights into Greyd’s expansion into the U.S. market and future goals.Key Takeaways:Greyd is a comprehensive suite of tools for web agencies.The all-in-one approach helps streamline complex projects.Enterprise projects often require centralized management of multiple sites.Pricing in WordPress tools should reflect their value and efficiency.Streamlining labor can significantly enhance agency productivity.AI is set to transform the web development landscape.Building strong client relationships is crucial for project success.Greyd offers personalized support and onboarding for new users.The WordPress community and its users often have different perspectives.Greyd is expanding into the U.S. market to tap into new opportunities.Important Links:GreydThe 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/supportIn this episode of The WP Minute+ Podcast, Toby and Kurt discuss the complexities of client relationships, particularly focusing on handling refunds, emotional intelligence in communication, and the importance of setting boundaries. They explore the dynamics of good versus bad clients, the impact of personal relationships on business, and the evolving landscape of pricing strategies in agency work. The conversation also touches on the integration of AI tools in agency processes and the fear of success that many entrepreneurs face. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of empathy, direct communication, and the art of negotiation in maintaining healthy client relationships.Takeaways:Clients often change their minds without considering the financial implications.It’s important to set clear boundaries regarding refunds and project expectations.Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in business communication.Direct communication is often more effective than written correspondence.Understanding client dynamics can help in managing expectations.Good clients are those who are invested in the project and have the authority to make decisions.The fear of raising prices can hinder business growth.AI tools can enhance agency processes, but should not replace human creativity.Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.Navigating personal and professional relationships requires empathy and understanding.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyThe 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/supportIn this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt is joined by veteran writer Maddy Osman to discuss the evolving landscape of content creation in the age of AI. Maddy shares her journey, including her recent book and course launch, and reflects on the impact of AI on writing and content marketing. They explore the balance between leveraging AI tools and maintaining human creativity, the importance of personal experiences in writing, and the need for businesses to adapt to changing audience behaviors. The discussion also focuses on building trust and community in a digital world, as well as the future of WordPress in the context of AI advancements. Key Takeaways:Maddy discusses how becoming a parent has changed her career.She launched a LinkedIn Learning course based on her book, Writing for Humans and Robots: The New Rules of Content Style.AI is a tool that can't replicate everything yet.Content creators are among the first affected by AI.AI can enhance workflows, but shouldn't replace human thought.Human experience is crucial in writing and content creation.AI can create efficiencies, but may lead to a toxic hustle culture.Brands need to guide users through new technologies.Content marketing is evolving in response to shifting audience preferences.Building trust and human connections is essential in business. Important Links:Maddy Osman on LinkedInThe BlogsmithWriting for Humans and Robots: The New Rules of Content Style ★ 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/supportIn this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Kurt von Ahnen and Toby Cryns discuss the complexities of integrating AI into agency work, the challenges of managing client expectations, and the importance of effective project management. They explore the importance of clear communication with clients and the financial aspects of running an agency.The guys emphasize the importance of agency owners setting boundaries, managing client relationships, and recognizing when to delegate tasks to maintain a healthy work-life balance.Key Takeaways:AI is a tool that requires proper management and understanding.Clients often have unrealistic expectations about AI’s capabilities.Setting clear boundaries with clients is essential for agency success.Effective project management can significantly improve workflow and client satisfaction.Communication is key in managing client relationships and expectations.Emotional deposits and withdrawals impact client relationships.Agency owners should not hesitate to delegate tasks they find challenging.Financial management is crucial for sustaining your agency’s operations.It’s important to establish clear guidelines for client access to projects.Work-life balance is vital for long-term success in agency work.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyThe 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/supportIn this episode of The WP Minute+ Podcast, Kurt and Toby look at the practical and emotional challenges of managing WordPress agency projects. From sales pitfalls to client relationship dynamics and infrastructure transitions, the conversation is packed with firsthand lessons and agency wisdom.Toby kicks off the discussion with a cautionary tale about losing a major deal due to poor energy and overexposure to meetings, a common struggle in client-driven work. Kurt emphasizes the importance of emotional readiness and shares his go-to mantra: focus on the relationship, and the transaction will follow. They discuss strategies for rescheduling meetings professionally when you’re not at your best and the dangers of showing up unprepared.They also reflect on project management as the core skill of running a successful agency, noting that it often matters more than technical skills. They explore “the messy middle” of projects, sharing techniques for refocusing clients during chaotic phases. Kurt values minimal viable products and clear deliverables, while Toby relates these lessons to both web work and personal projects.Finally, they discuss when to let go of problematic clients or outdated tech stacks. Whether it’s walking away from HostGator or reconsidering tools like Divi or ManageWP, both hosts agree: trust your gut, set boundaries, and don’t let short-term financial needs sabotage long-term growth.Takeaways:Rescheduling a meeting when unprepared is better than pushing through and blowing the opportunity.Project management is often the most valuable agency skill, especially in larger contracts.In big projects, refocus clients by reiterating core business goals and pushing toward MVPs.Listen to your instincts when deciding whether to keep a client or tool, and don’t ignore red flags.Website migrations and infrastructure shifts should be carefully planned, ideally with internal expertise.Clients rarely care about minor aesthetic tweaks; they want results and functionality.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyThe WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Karim Marucchi, CEO of CrowdFavor and board member of the Captain Planet Foundation, joins longtime WordPress developer and instructor Carrie Dils, co-chair of the FAIR project. They dive into the FAIR Package Manager, discussing its potential to revolutionize WordPress plugin distribution with a decentralized system. The duo highlights the importance of resilience, transparency, and community governance in plugin management. They also tackle critical issues like data privacy and security, advocating for collaborative solutions that enhance the WordPress ecosystem.

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/supportIn this episode of The WP Minute+, Kurt and Toby explore the shifting landscape of WordPress, sparked by Toby’s visit to a no-code meetup in Minneapolis. They discuss the rise of non-technical entrepreneurs building functional businesses with no-code tools and how that approach compares to the traditional WordPress ethos of craftsmanship, responsibility, and long-term support. They reflect on the decline of accountability in some corners of tech, where lifetime deals and fast-money SaaS platforms are more about hype than sustainability.They also explore how AI is reshaping development, from creating unmaintainable codebases to confusing newer users into thinking AI can replace skilled developers. This naturally leads to the question: Are live WordPress meetups and local communities losing relevance in a world where new tech communities are buzzing with energy? Kurt and Toby share personal anecdotes and weigh the pros and cons of continuing traditional meetups versus embracing newer, more generalist tech conversations.Rounding out the discussion, they touch on sales strategies, LinkedIn lead generation, and their experiences with marketing processes that move the needle, versus those that make noise.Key TakeawaysNo-code tools are enabling business owners to skip traditional coding, but often at the cost of long-term stability.WordPress’s commitment to backward compatibility and responsibility contrasts sharply with fly-by-night SaaS products.AI-generated code can lead to maintenance nightmares. Human expertise is still irreplaceable.Local WordPress meetups may be fading, but the need for authentic community and knowledge-sharing persists.Sales and marketing processes like LinkedIn automation can yield real leads, but need refinement and balance.Speaking gigs, courses, and books remain valuable tools for agency owners to build authority and generate leads.Important Links:Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No MasToby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!Follow Kurt & Toby:LinkedIn: Kurt | TobyThe WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★