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, Matt welcomes Robert DeVore, a seasoned WordPress developer and entrepreneur, to discuss how open source changed his life. Robert shares his journey from launching a cannabis-related WordPress plugin in 2015 to rapidly developing AI-powered tools for the WordPress ecosystem today. He reflects on the challenges he faced in the cannabis industry, particularly being “debanked,” which ultimately pushed him to explore new opportunities in tech.Robert dives into his current projects, including Plugin Pal, an AI-powered WordPress plugin generator that helps developers quickly create and customize plugins. He and Matt also explore the broader impact of AI on development, the sustainability of WordPress in an evolving landscape, and the importance of continuing to innovate within open source. Throughout the conversation, Robert emphasizes how WordPress and open source provided him with a career path that transformed his life and enabled him to give back to the community.Key TakeawaysRobert’s Journey in WordPress & Open Source:Robert initially built a cannabis-related plugin but faced financial barriers due to industry regulations.He learned valuable lessons about business constraints and industry challenges.Pivoted to AI and rapid product development, releasing multiple WordPress tools.AI’s Role in WordPress Development:AI enables faster development, but human oversight is still crucial.Tools like Plugin Pal generate structured, modern WordPress plugins.AI is not replacing developers but augmenting their workflow for efficiency.Challenges & Opportunities for WordPress:WordPress remains a powerful platform for new developers and business owners.Competing with newer, AI-driven platforms requires emphasizing the flexibility of open-source solutions.Governance and leadership concerns in WordPress are ongoing but shouldn’t deter innovation.Building a Business with Multiple Products:Robert embraces a diversified product approach rather than focusing on a single flagship plugin.Rapid product development allows him to test ideas and iterate based on user feedback.Twitter/X plays a key role in his marketing and community engagement.Important LinksThe WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribeConnect with Robert DeVoreTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/DevioRobertWebsite: https://robertdevore.com/Plugin Pal: https://pluginpal.app/ ★ Support this podcast ★

Steve Burge, founder of PublishPress and expert in WordPress plugins, discusses why publishers continue to favor WordPress amidst competition from Substack and Ghost. He reflects on his journey through education and content management, emphasizing the strengths of WordPress as an open-source solution. The conversation dives into the challenges posed by simpler platforms, innovations like Newspack, and the role of AI in publishing. Burge also highlights the need for clearer governance in the WordPress ecosystem to ensure its future sustainability.

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 welcomes Nat Miletic, founder of Clio Websites, to discuss the challenges and strategies for scaling a WordPress agency in 2025. Nat shares insights into the evolution of WordPress development, the role of AI in agency workflows, and how agencies can adapt to a rapidly changing digital landscape. He emphasizes the importance of standardizing workflows, focusing on client relationships, and leveraging AI to streamline operations while maintaining the human touch.The conversation also covers the ongoing debate around page builders vs. custom development, why clients are drawn to platforms like Webflow, and how agency owners can differentiate themselves in a crowded market. Nat highlights the need for agencies to specialize, build efficient processes, and offer value beyond just website development. He also shares his experience growing Clio Websites from a solo venture to a thriving agency, including his hiring strategy and project management approach.Key TakeawaysWordPress Agency Challenges & Growth:WordPress remains a powerful CMS, but fragmentation in tools and workflows can be overwhelming.Specializing in a particular stack (like Elementor or Bricks) helps streamline development and improve efficiency.Scaling requires hiring the right people and removing bottlenecks in workflow management.AI & Automation in Web Development:AI is a valuable tool for SEO, content creation, and code assistance, but it won’t replace human creativity.Agencies should embrace AI to optimize processes, but client relationships remain a key differentiator.Future pricing models may factor in AI usage, with clients choosing between human-led and AI-assisted development.Competing with DIY Platforms & Other CMSs:Platforms like Webflow and Wix appeal to clients due to their branding and perceived simplicity.Education is key—agencies must communicate the long-term benefits of WordPress over closed ecosystems.Many businesses prefer expert-built solutions rather than relying on DIY website builders.Scaling a WordPress Agency:The key to agency growth is hiring strategically and standardizing processes.Transparent pricing and client pre-qualification save time and lead to better-fit projects.Implement clear project management structures and defined SOPs (standard operating procedures) to improve workflow efficiency.Important LinksThe WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribeConnect with Nat Miletic:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natmileticTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/NatMileticClio Websites: https://cliowebsites.com/ ★ 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 sits down with Tessa Kriesel, a seasoned expert in developer relations and founder of Built for Devs. Once deeply involved in WordPress, Tessa now works with developer-focused companies to help them engage technical audiences authentically. She shares insights on how companies can build trust, engage communities effectively, and think strategically beyond traditional marketing.The conversation examines challenges freelancers and agencies faced in 2024 and what to expect moving into 2025. Tessa discusses the shift in DevRel from casual relationship-building to strategic engagement, the evolving role of AI in development, and how the tech industry is tightening budgets while demanding clear ROI. She also shares advice for WordPress product makers on pricing, sustainability, and community-building. She encourages them to challenge outdated practices like underpricing plugins and relying solely on Black Friday sales.Key TakeawaysThe Role of Developer Relations (DevRel)DevRel isn’t just about attending WordCamps and networking; it requires strategy and delivering value.Companies must build authentic relationships with developers while aligning with business objectives.WordPress has a strong community, but other ecosystems also foster deep connections.Challenges in 2024 & Looking Ahead to 2025Economic pressures are causing tech companies to scrutinize spending and demand clear ROI.VC funding has shifted focus from user adoption to revenue generation.The lack of trust in marketing and business interactions makes it harder for companies to gain traction.WordPress & Business GrowthMany WordPress companies still underprice their products, following outdated open-source pricing models.Product makers should focus on value-based pricing rather than low-cost models with limited revenue potential.Relying on Black Friday discounts as a primary sales strategy is shortsighted. Products should be priced for sustainability year-round.The Role of AI in Development & BusinessAI is a powerful tool for efficiency but still requires human oversight.Companies investing in AI-driven solutions must balance automation with trust-building.Developers who integrate AI into their workflows will gain a competitive edge but won’t be replaced entirely.Important LinksThe WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribeConnect with Tessa KrieselLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessak22/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/TessaK22Learn more about Built for Devs: BuiltFor.Dev ★ 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 welcomes Laurence Bahiirwa, a WordPress developer at Freemius and the creator of the TechiePress YouTube channel. Laurence shares his journey from being a high school ICT teacher to freelancing and eventually landing a role at Freemius. He discusses how his YouTube channel played a crucial role in securing his current job, acting as both a portfolio and proof of his expertise.The conversation explores content creation challenges, the importance of balancing a full-time job with a YouTube channel, and how AI is transforming WordPress development. We also explore the role of WordPress in education, how it serves as a gateway for aspiring developers, and how AI tools like ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot make coding more efficient. He also gives insights into Freemius’ latest initiatives, including improvements in data portability for plugin and theme sellers.Key TakeawaysWordPress as a Career Path:Laurence started as a high school teacher before transitioning to freelancing and Freemius.His YouTube channel helped him stand out in job applications.WordPress serves as a foundation for learning broader web development skills.Content Creation & YouTube Journey:Laurence started creating videos to fill gaps in WordPress development content.Balancing content creation with a full-time job is a challenge.Technical videos require significant preparation and editing time (6+ hours for a 15-minute video).AI & WordPress Development:Using AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot for development efficiency.AI accelerates problem-solving but still requires human oversight.Laurence sees AI as a tool for educators to enhance learning, not replace it.Freemius & Data Liberation:Works on improving data export options for Freemius users.Freemius has trained an AI-powered bot to assist with documentation searches.Emphasizes transparency and control over user data.Important LinksThe WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribeLaurence’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@techiepressConnect with LaurenceTwitter/X: https://x.com/omukiguyBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/omukiguy.bsky.socialWebsite: https://omukiguy.com/Freemius: https://freemius.com/ ★ Support this podcast ★

The podcast dives into the overuse and misinterpretation of 'open source,' especially within WordPress. It discusses the nuanced differences between open source code and brand value, alongside the evolving dynamics of WordPress governance. Concerns are raised about Matt Mullenweg's control and the growing appeal of closed-source alternatives. The conversation questions whether society is transitioning toward proprietary solutions, influenced by real-world business needs and the sustainability challenges of open-source models.

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 sits down with Victor Ramirez, an experienced technologist working at the intersection of WordPress and data analytics. The conversation explores the challenges WordPress professionals will encounter in 2025, from increasing competition in the CMS market to the impact of AI on development and marketing.Victor shares insights from his career working with enterprise organizations like News Corp, The Knot Worldwide, and Sotheby's. He discusses how AI is reshaping development workflows, making some roles obsolete while creating opportunities for those who learn to harness AI effectively. He also discusses the evolving WordPress landscape, including the shift toward headless WordPress, the potential decline in enterprise adoption, and how professionals can adapt by focusing on best practices and scalability.Matt and Victor also explore Upwork's role as a viable platform for high-level WordPress professionals and the increasing importance of SEO, metadata, and analytics in an AI-driven search landscape. They wrap up with a discussion on Gutenberg's impact on WordPress usability and the ongoing debate over whether WordPress should cater to end users or web professionals.## Key Takeaways### WordPress in Enterprise- Large organizations are questioning whether to continue investing in WordPress or transition to platforms like Webflow.- The strength of WordPress lies in its flexibility and open-source nature, but governance and product direction concerns are growing.### AI's Impact on WordPress Development- AI accelerates workflows but also threatens repetitive, low-level development jobs.- Developers who learn to integrate AI into their processes will have a competitive edge.- AI-generated code often lacks consistency and sustainability, reinforcing the value of WordPress as a structured platform.### Freelancing & Upwork Insights- Upwork can be a viable channel for high-level professionals, particularly in enterprise WordPress projects.- SEO plays a critical role in discoverability, with Upwork profiles often ranking higher than individual portfolios.### SEO & WordPress as a Publishing Platform- SEO is evolving beyond traditional keyword strategies into metadata and AI-driven search.- WordPress remains strong for content publishing but faces increasing competition from headless solutions and alternative CMS platforms.### Gutenberg & WordPress Usability- The WordPress Block Editor remains a divisive tool, praised for flexibility but criticized for its lack of structure.- Professionals and businesses need guardrails to prevent content management chaos.### Important Links- The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe- Connect with Victor Ramirez:Website: https://www.isvictorious.com/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/isvictoriousss- Learn more about WordPress Enterprise Solutions: https://wpvip.com/  ★ 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+, Matt chats with Katie Keith, co-founder of Barn2 Plugins, about her decision to diversify her WordPress-focused business by introducing Shopify apps. Katie shares insights into the challenges and opportunities of the WordPress ecosystem, touching on the increasing uncertainties surrounding WooCommerce and WordPress leadership. While Barn2 remains committed to its existing WordPress products, Katie discusses the strategic importance of venturing into Shopify to safeguard the future of her business.In addition, Katie shares the thought process behind expanding to Shopify, including her team's excitement about the technical challenges and opportunities. She highlights how leveraging her WooCommerce knowledge helps identify gaps in the Shopify app market. Katie emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach to diversification while continuing to deliver quality in both the WordPress and Shopify ecosystems.## Key Takeaways### Marketing & Content Strategy- Barn2's primary sales channels remain blog SEO and YouTube content.- Diversification in content platforms (e.g., live streams and videos) is critical for adapting to algorithm changes.- AI tools like ChatGPT are driving product awareness, with customers reporting purchases based on AI recommendations. ### The Decision to Diversify- Increasing uncertainty in WordPress, especially with WooCommerce's "more in core" policy, prompted Barn2 to explore Shopify.- Expanding to Shopify allows for greater business stability without compromising WordPress operations.### Challenges of Diversification- The Shopify ecosystem offers its own risks, including potential competition from core features.- Team enthusiasm and readiness for technical challenges were key factors in the decision to expand.### Community Insights- Katie appreciates the collaborative and welcoming nature of both WordPress and Shopify communities.- Leveraging networks on platforms like Twitter and insights from peers in both ecosystems have been vital for her business growth.## Important Links- *The WP Minute+* Podcast: [thewpminute.com/subscribe](thewpminute.com/subscribe)- Connect with Katie Keith on Twitter/X: [twitter.com/KatieKeithBarn2](twitter.com/KatieKeithBarn2)- Learn more about Barn2 Plugins: [barn2.com](barn2.com) ★ Support this podcast ★

Cory Miller, a key player in the WordPress community, shares insights from recent acquisitions at Post Status and A2 Hosting. He discusses the transition of ownership and the new nonprofit direction for Post Status, emphasizing the importance of trust and community engagement. Cory highlights that the recent acquisition by World Host Group aims for investment rather than cost-cutting, ensuring a stable experience for customers. With an experienced leadership team in place, he reassures the community about the future of their services and support.

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+*, Matt chats with Ariele Krantzow, the Marketing Lead at Pressable, a Managed WordPress Host. Ariele shares her journey from a design-focused background to a thriving career in content and marketing. She highlights her experience as a long-time WordPress user, the community's influence, and the rapid learning curve she faced when she joined Pressable just in time for her first WordCamp.The conversation covers the value of quality hosting, customer education, and marketing strategies tailored to the needs of WordPress users. Ariele describes how Pressable balances startup agility within the larger Automatic ecosystem and focuses on creating a superior user experience. The discussion also focuses on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in marketing and the WordPress ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of creativity, human connection, and innovation in a fast-evolving digital landscape.## Key Takeaways### Ariele's Journey to Marketing:- Started in design and community roles before transitioning into content marketing.- Values combining creativity and strategy to drive impactful results.### Marketing at Pressable:- Focus on customer education and simplifying the hosting experience.- Pressable is positioned as a premium, quality-driven host with a user-friendly dashboard and top-notch support.### WordPress Community Insights:- Ariele emphasized the value of WordPress in enabling diverse careers, from content marketers to developers.- Engaging with the community at WordCamps has been a cornerstone for learning and growth.### AI in Marketing:- AI is an assistant, not a replacement, for creativity in marketing.- Marketers must focus on producing unique, human-centric content to stand out amidst AI-generated content.### Video Strategy:- Pressable is expanding into video content to complement its robust blog and knowledge base.- Emphasis on relatability and authenticity in video production.### Important Links- *The WP Minute+* Podcast: [thewpminute.com/subscribe](https://thewpminute.com/subscribe)  - Connect with Ariele Krantzow: LinkedIn [linkedin.com/in/akrantzow/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/akrantzow/)- Learn more about Pressable: Pressable Website [pressable.com](https://pressable.com/)For more insights and updates, don’t forget to subscribe to *The WP Minute+*! ★ Support this podcast ★