Post Status Podcasts

In this episode of the Post Status Happiness Hour, host Michelle Frechette interviews Katy Boykin, marketing manager at Kadence WP, discussing the upcoming Kadence Amplify event on October 25th. Katy shares her journey from using another page builder to Kadence WP, emphasizing its user-friendly features and new block releases. The episode highlights the importance of accessibility in web design, with Kadence WP's commitment to creating an inclusive platform. The speakers also touch on community engagement, learning opportunities, and upcoming promotions. Overall, the episode underscores Kadence WP's dedication to enhancing the WordPress experience and fostering a supportive community.Top Takeaways: Upcoming Kadence Features: Kadence is set to release five new blocks, including three for advanced header navigation, allowing users to create headers using blocks without relying on themes. This change is aimed at improving full-site editing, offering more customization options. An advanced search block and site icon block will also be part of this release, providing users with more flexibility without needing to touch code.Accessibility Focus: Kadence is prioritizing accessibility in its design, driven by the personal experiences of lead developer Ben Ritner, who has worked closely with people using screen readers. While Kadence is not 100% accessible, they are continuously working towards improving this aspect.Community and Events: Kadence will hold a free event called Kadence Amplify, with information available on their website and social media. It will include educational talks and demonstrations of the new features. Stellar WP and Kadence are also sponsors of WordPress Accessibility Day (October 9-10), promoting accessibility in the WordPress ecosystem.Learning and Discounts: Attendees of both Kadence Amplify and WP Accessibility Day can benefit from learning opportunities and potentially access Kadence discounts through event swag.Mentioned In The Show:Kadence WPStellar WPKadence AmplifyWP SpeakersSureCartJamie MarslandPootle PressSherif AbuzidMelissa LoveStyleCloudHéctor de PradaModular DSFernando CintraJeffrey CostaCathy MitchellWP BaristaJake PfohlStart Blogging 101Nathan IngramTimothy WoodJessica WangelinChristian TaylorPaul SokolKathy ZantBen RitnerWordPress Accessibility DayRobert AbelaMelapress🙏 Sponsor: WordPress.comBuild and manage professional sites with secure managed hosting on WordPress.com. Beautiful themes, built-in SEO, and payment tools, and access to over 50,000 plugins. Everything you need for your business, plus 24/7 support from WordPress experts. 🐦 You can follow Post Status and our guests on Twitter:Katy Boykin (Marketing Manager, Kadence WP)Michelle Frechette (Director of Community Relations, Post Status)Olivia Bisset (Intern, Post Status)The Post Status  podcast is geared toward WordPress professionals, with interviews, news, and deep analysis. 📝Browse our archives, and don’t forget to subscribe via iTunes, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Stitcher, Simplecast, or RSS. 🎧

In this episode of the Post Status Happiness Hour, host Michelle Frechette interviews Marcus Burnette to dive into the many exciting features of WP World, a community platform designed for WordPress professionals. Marcus, the creator of WP World, walks listeners through its dynamic features, including customizable profile pins that reflect user specialties, a robust hosting review system, and privacy options for those who prefer not to share their location.Top TakeawaysUser-Friendly Features in WP World: Marcus Burnette highlighted various user-friendly features in WP World, such as the ability to customize profile pins based on user specialties and the option to hide locations for privacy reasons. This ensures the platform remains flexible and inclusive, especially for those who prioritize privacy or are digital nomads.Community-Driven Feedback and Development: Michelle Frechette shared how user feedback directly influenced the development of WP World. For example, her suggestion to add "accessibility specialist" as an option was quickly implemented. Marcus encouraged users to request features, showing that the platform is shaped by the needs of its community.WP World’s Hosting Review Platform: Marcus introduced a comprehensive hosting review system where users can rate various aspects of hosting providers, such as performance and security. This community-sourced rating system provides valuable insights for people choosing WordPress hosts and ensures transparency by preventing paid listings.Playful and Engaging Design Aspects: Marcus, as a designer, has adding fun products like the "Capital P, dang it" mug. He also shared how events like WordCamps feature their own unique " u" mascots, contributing to the platform’s lighthearted and engaging atmosphere.Collaborative Community Spirit: Both Marcus and Michelle emphasized their close collaboration and support within the WordPress community. Their plans to meet at WordCamp US to further discuss ideas highlight the strong, community-driven spirit behind WP World and its events. They also invited the audience to connect with them and grab stickers at the upcoming event, showcasing their approachability.Mentioned In The Show:WP WorldWP Coffee TalkWP SpeakersSeriously Bud? PodcastBud KrausChatGPTHeroPressJavi GuembeTopher DeRosiaElementorDo the Woo PodcastWP WonderWomenWP Career PagesWordPress.orgNexcessKaty BoykinKadence Amplify🙏 Sponsor: A2HostingA2 Hosting offers solutions for WordPress and WooCommerce that are both blazing fast and ultra-reliable. WordPress can be used on ANY Web Hosting plan from A2.  You can deploy WordPress easily on Shared, VPS, or Dedicated Hosting plans. A2 also offers Managed WordPress and WooCommerce Hosting. Take a look at a2hosting.com today!🐦 You can follow Post Status and our guests on Twitter:Marcus Burnette (Creator, The WP World)Michelle Frechette (Director of Community Relations, Post Status)Olivia Bisset (Intern, Post Status)The Post Status  podcast is geared toward WordPress professionals, with interviews, news, and deep analysis. 📝Browse our archives, and don’t forget to subscribe via iTunes, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Stitcher, Simplecast, or RSS. 🎧

In this episode of the Post Status Happiness Hour, host Michelle Frechette interviews Alex Sandiford about his affiliate plugin, Siren Affiliates. Alex explains how the plugin simplifies the management of affiliate, loyalty, and royalty programs by centralizing various incentive structures. He discusses the development journey, challenges faced, and future plans for the plugin, including potential integrations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of building relationships with affiliates and providing them with the necessary tools and support to succeed. The episode concludes with insights into the ethical and collaborative aspects of affiliate marketing.Top Takeaways:The Power of Affiliate Relationships: Alex emphasizes that successful affiliate programs are built on strong partnerships and personalized support. Providing affiliates with both the right tools and fair compensation can lead to mutually beneficial success. It's not just about the percentage they earn, but about helping them market effectively.Siren's Pricing Structure: Alex outlines Siren's pricing tiers as very affordable, with a focus on bringing in early adopters. The initial pricing is $59 for the first year, renewing at $79. This pricing will likely increase as the plugin stabilizes and grows.Challenges in Affiliate Marketing Perception: Alex is focused on shifting the negative stigma around affiliate marketing by showing that it can be honest, impactful, and built on genuine partnerships. He contrasts the negative view of affiliates with the popular trend of influencer marketing, highlighting their similarities.Platform Migration and Customization: Siren offers platform migration support for users switching from other affiliate plugins like Affiliate WP. This feature has proven popular, and Alex plans to streamline the migration process to make it more efficient, showing a focus on enhancing user experience and meeting customer needs.Future Development Plans: While Siren does not yet have built-in tools for providing affiliates with marketing resources like images and copy, this is on Alex’s roadmap. He recognizes the importance of giving affiliates the resources they need to succeed, although existing tools like Google Drive and the block editor can partially solve this for now.Mentioned In The Show:LifterLMSUdemyPayPalStripeKadenceAffiliate WPWooCommerceEasy Digital DownloadsLearnDashNorth CommercePersonalized WPRestrict Content ProGoogle DrivePartnerShip PodcastWP WorldMarcus BurnetteWordCampUS🙏 Sponsor: WordPress.comBuild and manage professional sites with secure managed hosting on WordPress.com. Beautiful themes, built-in SEO, and payment tools, and access to over 50,000 plugins. Everything you need for your business, plus 24/7 support from WordPress experts. 🐦 You can follow Post Status and our guests on Twitter:Alex Standiford (Owner, Siren Affiliates)Michelle Frechette (Director of Community Relations, Post Status)Olivia Bisset (Intern, Post Status)The Post Status  podcast is geared toward WordPress professionals, with interviews, news, and deep analysis. 📝Browse our archives, and don’t forget to subscribe via iTunes, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Stitcher, Simplecast, or RSS. 🎧

In this episode of the Post Status Happiness Hour, Michelle Frechette Danielle Zarcaro, and Isla White discuss their roles and experiences with WordPress Accessibility Day. Michelle, the lead organizer for marketing, expresses her excitement and facilitates the conversation. Danielle, a web developer, emphasizes the importance of web accessibility for all users and shares insights from her three-year involvement. Isla, the project manager, highlights the event's global impact and the collective responsibility of ensuring web accessibility. The speakers also discuss the significance of the 24-hour event format, the practical aspects of implementing accessibility, and the importance of community and sponsorships in making the event successful.Top Takeaways:Register Early for WP Accessibility Day: The event registration is open, and participants are encouraged to sign up early, even before the speaker list is finalized. This allows attendees to receive updates and stay informed about the event.Seek Guidance and Explore Accessibility: Danielle Zarcaro emphasizes the importance of seeking help and asking questions when starting with accessibility. She encourages exploring different aspects of web design and accessibility to enhance knowledge and skills.Diverse Perspectives on Accessibility: Isla Waite highlights the value of attending talks from international speakers. Gaining perspectives from around the world can greatly enrich understanding and appreciation of accessibility work.Accessibility and Aesthetics: The discussion challenges the misconception that accessible websites are inherently unattractive. Both Danielle and Isla argue that accessibility does not preclude beauty and creativity in design. They stress that accessibility can be integrated with design principles to create functional and appealing websites.User Control and Preferences: There’s a focus on allowing users to control their experience, such as providing options for dark mode or animation toggles. This approach respects users' preferences and improves accessibility by accommodating different needs and settings.Mentioned In The Show:WP Accessibility DayLainey FeingoldStructured NegotiationLinkedInUnderrepresented In Tech🙏 Sponsor: A2HostingA2 Hosting offers solutions for WordPress and WooCommerce that are both blazing fast and ultra-reliable. WordPress can be used on ANY Web Hosting plan from A2.  You can deploy WordPress easily on Shared, VPS, or Dedicated Hosting plans. A2 also offers Managed WordPress and WooCommerce Hosting. Take a look at a2hosting.com today!🐦 You can follow Post Status and our guests on Twitter:Danielle Zarcaro (Founder, Overnight Website)Isla White (Brand Strategist, Marketing by Design)Michelle Frechette (Director of Community Relations, Post Status)Olivia Bisset (Intern, Post Status)The Post Status  podcast is geared toward WordPress professionals, with interviews, news, and deep analysis. 📝Browse our archives, and don’t forget to subscribe via iTunes, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Stitcher, Simplecast, or RSS. 🎧

In this episode, Michelle Frechette and Corey Maass  discuss their preparations for WordCamp US, including finalizing presentation slides and enhancing their product's homepage for better user engagement. They explore offering personalized onboarding sessions and the complexities of different plugins. The conversation highlights the importance of educational content and clear communication about their product's benefits, especially for users unfamiliar with WordPress. They also celebrate a successful classified ad in a newsletter and share experiences with user engagement and marketing strategies. The episode concludes with plans for future events and a light-hearted discussion about time management.Top Takeaways:Working on IPA WP Features: Michelle and Corey discussed their progress on developing features for IPA WP. They plan to refine these features and update the homepage to have a product ready to showcase at WordCamp US.Networking and Relationships at WordCamps: Corey and Michelle both emphasize the importance of attending WordCamps and smaller WordPress events. These events have allowed them to build strong professional relationships and friendships, like Corey’s connection with Alex Standiford and others. They both miss the frequency of smaller, more intimate WordCamps, which foster closer interactions and connections.Productivity and Time Management: Both expressed the challenge of balancing multiple responsibilities, including work, hobbies, and preparations for upcoming events. They joked about the idea of creating a plugin to add more hours to the day, highlighting the ongoing struggle with time management.Mentioned In The Show:YoastRank MathStellar WPStreamYardMorgueFileDense DiscoverySeattle MagazinePaws of CoronadoSquirrelly Dall-E FiverrMastermind GroupAlex StandifordMarcus Burnette🙏 Sponsor: WordPress.comBuild and manage professional sites with secure managed hosting on WordPress.com. Beautiful themes, built-in SEO, and payment tools, and access to over 50,000 plugins. Everything you need for your business, plus 24/7 support from WordPress experts. 🐦 You can follow Post Status and our guests on Twitter:Corey MaassMichelle Frechette (Director of Community Relations, Post Status)Olivia Bisset (Intern, Post Status)The Post Status  podcast is geared toward WordPress professionals, with interviews, news, and deep analysis. 📝Browse our archives, and don’t forget to subscribe via iTunes, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Stitcher, Simplecast, or RSS. 🎧

In this episode, Michelle Frechette and Corey Maass  engage in a lively conversation about their experiences at WordCamp US, their recent t-shirt purchases, and a collaborative project related to WordPress. They discuss the progress of their project, which involves creating a directory for plugins or products, and the challenges of designing a logo that is clear and recognizable. They also brainstorm creative ideas for the logo and share their strategies for promoting their project. The episode highlights their enthusiasm for collaboration and their commitment to making the project a success.Top Takeaways: Iterative Brainstorming Process: Both Corey and Michelle value the process of "splashing around" in ideas, acknowledging that not every concept will be a winner, but it’s essential to explore and iterate to find the right solution. They emphasized the importance of keeping ideas alive and evolving them over time.IPAWP Rebranding: The Independent Plugin Alliance for WordPress was rebranded as the Independent Product Alliance for WordPress (IPAWP) to better reflect the broader scope of products they want to include. They’re still in the early stages of developing this alliance and are actively seeking input and collaboration from others.Grassroots Development: Both OMGIMG and IPAWP are in grassroots development phases, with Corey and Michelle being open to new ideas and contributions. They’re focused on building these initiatives in a collaborative, community-driven manner, emphasizing low-cost marketing strategies and mutual support among small WordPress product creators.Mentioned In The Show:Ross MorsaliSearch & FiltersIPA WPWP SpeakersWP Coffee TalksWP TavernWP Wonder WomanCanvaFiverr🙏 Sponsor: A2HostingA2 Hosting offers solutions for WordPress and WooCommerce that are both blazing fast and ultra-reliable. WordPress can be used on ANY Web Hosting plan from A2.  You can deploy WordPress easily on Shared, VPS, or Dedicated Hosting plans. A2 also offers Managed WordPress and WooCommerce Hosting. Take a look at a2hosting.com today!🐦 You can follow Post Status and our guests on Twitter:Corey MaassMichelle Frechette (Director of Community Relations, Post Status)Olivia Bisset (Intern, Post Status)The Post Status  podcast is geared toward WordPress professionals, with interviews, news, and deep analysis. 📝Browse our archives, and don’t forget to subscribe via iTunes, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Stitcher, Simplecast, or RSS. 🎧

In this episode of the Post Status Happiness Hour, Michelle Frechette talks with Nathan Ingram and Kathy Zant. They delve into the critical topic of online security, emphasizing the necessity of user education, particularly for WordPress users. Nathan from Solid WP and the Academy introduces Monster Secure, a new course designed to help agencies educate their clients on security best practices. Kathy, an online security expert, shares her experiences and stresses the importance of security education for overall business protection. The discussion highlights the challenges of online security, the evolving nature of cyber threats, and the need for proactive measures to safeguard digital assets.Top TakeawaysSecurity Awareness is Critical & Need for Vigilance: Effective security involves more than just technical measures; it requires continuous vigilance and education about potential threats. Kathy Zant and Nathan Ingram emphasize the importance of understanding and responding to security risks proactively.Education and Empowering Users: Both Kathy and Nathan stress the significance of educating users and clients about security. They argue that security knowledge should be accessible to everyone, not just experts.Security is for Everyone, Not Just Big Targets: Nathan explains that hackers don’t only target large, high-profile websites; they also exploit smaller, less-secure sites for resources. This underscores that security is a concern for everyone, regardless of the size or perceived importance of their websiteMentioned In The Show:Thomas RaefWeWatchYourWebsiteSolid WPSolid AcademyMonster SecureGo Safely OnlineLearnDashJack KitterhingYouTube🙏 Sponsor: WordPress.comBuild and manage professional sites with secure managed hosting on WordPress.com. Beautiful themes, built-in SEO, and payment tools, and access to over 50,000 plugins. Everything you need for your business, plus 24/7 support from WordPress experts. 🐦 You can follow Post Status and our guests on Twitter:Nathan Ingram  (Founder, MonsterSecure)Kathy Zant (Founder, MonsterSecure)Michelle Frechette (Director of Community Relations, Post Status)Olivia Bisset (Intern, Post Status)The Post Status  podcast is geared toward WordPress professionals, with interviews, news, and deep analysis. 📝Browse our archives, and don’t forget to subscribe via iTunes, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Stitcher, Simplecast, or RSS. 🎧

In this episode of the Post Status Happiness Hour, Michelle Frechette sits down with Doc, a professional yo-yoer and creator of engaging content around the Fediverse. They delve into the evolution of social media platforms, exploring how different channels like Twitter, TikTok, and Mastodon offer unique ways to connect with various audiences. Doc shares insights on integrating WordPress with the Fediverse and discusses his work with Automatic, including the quirky and creative content he produces. They also touch on the importance of local community engagement and the future of social media platforms. Tune in to learn about the latest in WordPress, social media trends, and how to embrace the diverse digital landscape.Top Takeaways: Evolving Social Media Landscape: Social media platforms continually evolve, with newer platforms like TikTok and Mastodon offering different ways to connect and engage compared to older ones like Facebook and Twitter.Importance of Platform Diversity: Using a variety of social media platforms can help reach different audiences and fulfill different purposes. Doc Pop highlights the benefits of embracing both mainstream and niche platforms to connect with specific communities.Fediverse Integration: Connecting WordPress sites to the Fediverse through plugins like Activity Pub can enhance visibility and engagement within decentralized social networks, allowing content to reach broader, niche audiences.Creative Content Production: Doc Pop discusses the value of producing creative and engaging content, such as hand-drawn animations and cheesy puns, to make technical topics more accessible and enjoyable.Community Building and Local Engagement: Building and participating in local communities, whether through small events or local meetups, can be rewarding and impactful. Doc emphasizes the importance of fostering these connections in both the WordPress and yo-yo communities.Mentioned In The Show:Torque MagazineDoc PopularFacebook XTikTokMastodon ThreadsActivity PubBuddy Press FediverseReddit Automattic The VergeDoc Popular About PageFediverseThe Fediverse Files🙏 Sponsor: A2HostingA2 Hosting offers solutions for WordPress and WooCommerce that are both blazing fast and ultra-reliable. WordPress can be used on ANY Web Hosting plan from A2.  You can deploy WordPress easily on Shared, VPS, or Dedicated Hosting plans. A2 also offers Managed WordPress and WooCommerce Hosting. Take a look at a2hosting.com today!🐦 You can follow Post Status and our guests on Twitter:Doctor Popular Michelle Frechette (Director of Community Relations, Post Status)Olivia Bisset (Intern, Post Status)The Post Status  podcast is geared toward WordPress professionals, with interviews, news, and deep analysis. 📝Browse our archives, and don’t forget to subscribe via iTunes, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Stitcher, Simplecast, or RSS. 🎧

In this episode, Michelle Frechette and Corey Maass  dive into a whirlwind of creative brainstorming for OMGIMG's latest marketing campaign. They explore playful and engaging ideas, from whimsical scenarios involving iconic landmarks and beloved characters to inventive ways to offer value to potential customers. Listen in as they discuss how to craft compelling advertisements, balance creativity with professionalism, and explore innovative approaches like free trials and fun, interactive elements. Whether you're a marketer looking for inspiration or just enjoy a good brainstorming session, this episode is packed with actionable insights and a touch of humor.Top Takeaways:Creative Advertising Concepts: Michelle and Corey brainstorm various creative approaches for OMGIMG’s advertisements, including playful scenarios with iconic landmarks and fictional characters. They explore the idea of using humorous or memorable references to make their ads stand out, such as incorporating Wizard of Oz themes or classic Halloween elements.Engaging with AI Tools: Corey highlights the potential of AI to generate creative content and ideas. They consider using AI for tasks like creating random character scenarios and generating unique images for websites based on specific data points.Providing Value and Building Relationships: Michelle emphasizes the importance of presenting constructive feedback positively. They discuss offering free trials or samples, like generating initial images for a website for free, as a way to provide value and build rapport with potential customers.Integrating Fun and Professionalism: The discussion underscores the importance of balancing creativity with professionalism. Michelle and Corey aim to craft ads that are both engaging and respectful, ensuring they effectively communicate the benefits of OMGIMG’s services while avoiding negative or potentially problematic messaging.Mentioned In The Show:Ben LairWPWS FormsStellar WP Yoast Siren AffiliatesGiveWPHype EditChurch Plugins Dense Discovery WP Minutes Post Status 🙏 Sponsor: WordPress.comBuild and manage professional sites with secure managed hosting on WordPress.com. Beautiful themes, built-in SEO, and payment tools, and access to over 50,000 plugins. Everything you need for your business, plus 24/7 support from WordPress experts. 🐦 You can follow Post Status and our guests on Twitter:Corey MaassMichelle Frechette (Director of Community Relations, Post Status)Olivia Bisset (Intern, Post Status)The Post Status  podcast is geared toward WordPress professionals, with interviews, news, and deep analysis. 📝Browse our archives, and don’t forget to subscribe via iTunes, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Stitcher, Simplecast, or RSS. 🎧

In this episode of the Post Status Happiness Hour, Michelle Frechette chats with Jess Frick to explore the latest advancements in the WordPress community, focusing on Pressable's newly redesigned website. Jess provides an inside look at the new features and improvements on Pressable’s site, including its enhanced user experience and functionality. The episode also covers the Independent Plugin Alliance for WordPress (IPAWP), a new initiative to support smaller plugin companies, Michelle’s new role at Post Status Executive Director and some new things they are up to. The episode also teases an upcoming conversation with Doc Popular about his innovative work with WordPress on the Fediverse.Top Takeaways: Pressable's Integration and Community Engagement: Pressable, as discussed by Jess, is committed to providing valuable hosting solutions and integrating with various community and plugin initiatives. Jess highlights how Pressable supports the WordPress community through partnerships and is open to exploring collaborative efforts with plugin developers, such as confirming compatibility and assisting with marketing strategies. This reflects Pressable's dedication to fostering a supportive ecosystem for WordPress users and developers.Pressable's Role in the WordPress Ecosystem: Pressable is actively involved in the WordPress community, offering robust hosting solutions and working closely with other organizations and plugin developers. Jess Frick emphasizes how Pressable is committed to providing high-quality service and support, and how it engages with the community by being a resource for plugin developers and exploring ways to collaborate on marketing and growth strategies. This involvement showcases Pressable’s dedication to both technical excellence and community support.Community Engagement and Support: Michelle and Jess discuss the importance of community support and engagement, highlighting how they’ve used platforms like Post Status and WP Coffee Talk to foster connections and growth within the WordPress community.Focus on Inclusivity: The conversation emphasizes the significance of inclusivity in content creation. Michelle and Jess appreciate tools like Yoast's inclusive language checker for helping writers avoid unintentional offense and promote better practices.Learning from Mistakes: Both Michelle and Jess share experiences where they learned from mistakes and used them as opportunities for growth. Michelle recounts instances where she acknowledged errors in accessibility and inclusion and took steps to improve.Mentioned In The Show:PressableKadenceYoastOmnisendUnderrepresented In TechOMGIMGIndependent Plugin Alliance for WordPressWS FormKathy ZantCory MillerCorey MaassDoc Popular🙏 Sponsor: WordPress.comBuild and manage professional sites with secure managed hosting on WordPress.com. Beautiful themes, built-in SEO, and payment tools, and access to over 50,000 plugins. Everything you need for your business, plus 24/7 support from WordPress experts. 🐦 You can follow Post Status and our guests on Twitter:Jessica Frick (VP of Operations for Pressable)Michelle Frechette (Director of Community Relations, Post Status)Olivia Bisset (Intern, Post Status)The Post Status  podcast is geared toward WordPress professionals, with interviews, news, and deep analysis. 📝Browse our archives, and don’t forget to subscribe via iTunes, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Stitcher, Simplecast, or RSS. 🎧