Say thanks and learn more about our podcast sponsor Omnisend.

In this episode of WP Minute+, host Matt Medeiros interviews Emmanuel, a WordPress agency owner and community organizer from Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

My conversation with Emmanuel was truly enlightening and left me feeling optimistic about the state of WordPress in Nigeria. It was refreshing to hear how WordPress is thriving in his part of the world, powering an impressive 65% of websites in the country.

I was particularly impressed by the vibrant WordPress community Emmanuel described in Port Harcourt. The mix of students and professionals, ranging from 17 to 40 years old, actively participating in meetups and events speaks volumes about the platform's appeal across generations.

Emmanuel's insights into running a WordPress agency in Nigeria were fascinating. Despite the competitive landscape, it's clear that there's a strong demand for WordPress services.

The upcoming first WordCamp in Port Harcourt is an exciting development, and it's great to see the WordPress community growing and organizing larger events. This progress bodes well for the future of WordPress in the region.

Key Takeaways for WordPress Professionals:

1. The WordPress ecosystem in Nigeria is competitive but thriving, with WordPress powering about 65% of websites in the country.
2. Word-of-mouth and referrals play a crucial role in acquiring clients for WordPress agencies in Nigeria.
3. The WordPress community in Nigeria is growing, with a mix of students and professionals aged 17-40 participating in meetups.
4. Open source aspects of WordPress are less important to end-users in Nigeria, but the community values the ability to customize and learn from the platform.
5. Elementor is popular for client projects due to its customization capabilities, but there's interest in Gutenberg's evolving features.
6. WordPress events, including meetups and hackathons, are gaining traction in Nigeria, with plans for the first WordCamp in Port Harcourt.
7. Blogging is still relevant in Nigeria, especially in the entertainment sector, but faces competition from social media platforms.

Important URLs mentioned:

1. Brela
2. thewpminute.com/subscribe

Chapter Titles with Timestamps:

1. [00:00:00] Introduction and Recent WordPress Hackathon
2. [00:02:00] WordPress Business Landscape in Nigeria
3. [00:06:00] WordPress Usability and Client Onboarding
4. [00:09:33] Elementor vs. Gutenberg: Feature Comparisons
5. [00:13:42] Open Source Significance in the Nigerian Market
6. [00:16:16] WordPress User Demographics in Nigeria
7. [00:18:28] WordPress Meetups and Events in Port Harcourt
8. [00:22:01] Blogging Trends and WordPress Adoption
9. [00:24:07] Future Plans: First WordCamp in Port Harcourt

Say thanks and learn more about our podcast sponsor Omnisend.

In this livestream recording of our impromptu "emergency" episode, host Matt Medeiros and guest Mark Szymanski dive into recent discussions and frustrations within the WordPress community. The conversation was sparked by a live stream hosted by Paul Charlton, also featuring several prominent WordPress content creators.

The episode provides an in-depth look at the complexities of WordPress development, community dynamics, and the challenges faced by both users and contributors. Matt and Mark explore various aspects of WordPress governance, the role of Automattic, and the importance of understanding the open-source nature of the project. They also discuss the responsibilities of content creators in the WordPress ecosystem and the need for better communication between different stakeholders.

Key Takeaways for WordPress Professionals:

1 The ongoing debate between open source and ownership in WordPress

2 The complexity of Automattic's role in WordPress development

3 Challenges in contributing to WordPress and understanding the decision-making process

4 The nuances of WordPress's leadership structure and the concept of "benevolent dictatorship"

5 The importance of understanding GitHub, Trac, and other development tools used in WordPress

6 The balance between criticism and constructive feedback in the WordPress ecosystem

7 The need for better communication and transparency in WordPress development

8 The challenges of implementing user suggestions and feature requests

9 The role of content creators and influencers in the WordPress community

Important URLs mentioned:
WP Minute Youtube

Paul Charlton's live stream (moved to Web Squadron channel)

WordPress.org/data-liberation

Core.trac.wordpress.org

Github.com/WordPress/gutenberg

Chapter Titles with Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction and Context

[00:05:23] Open Source vs. Ownership Discussion

[00:15:39] Automattic's Role and Contributions

[00:27:46] Understanding Gutenberg and Decision Making

[00:42:39] Core Contributors and Leadership

[00:54:05] Navigating Open Source Contributions

[01:05:00] The Data Liberation Project

[01:20:21] Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Say thanks and learn more about our podcast sponsor Omnisend.

In this episode of WP Minute+, host Matt Medeiros sits down with Cory Miller, founder of iThemes and current owner of Post Status. Cory shares insights about his new role at A2 Hosting, the challenges of burnout in the WordPress ecosystem, and how Post Status continues to operate without his day-to-day involvement.

This episode provides valuable insights for WordPress professionals on navigating career transitions, managing burnout, and contributing to the WordPress ecosystem. Cory’s experience as both an entrepreneur and now an employee at a hosting company offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the WordPress community.

Key Takeaways for WordPress Professionals:

• The importance of recognizing and addressing burnout in entrepreneurship
• Transitioning from being a full-time entrepreneur to working for a company
• The challenges of running community-focused businesses in the WordPress ecosystem
• The value of in-person events like WordCamps for community building
• The need for sustainable funding models for WordPress media and events
• The importance of detaching personal identity from business roles
• Recognizing the changing demographics of WordPress users and community members
• The balance between taking from and giving back to the WordPress ecosystem

Important URLs mentioned:

1. A2 Hosting
2. Post Status
3. iThemes
4. Cory on X

Chapter Titles with Timestamps:

1. [00:00:00] Introduction and Cory’s WordPress Background
2. [00:04:00] WordCamp Canada and Community Building
3. [00:12:00] Cory’s Experience with Burnout
4. [00:23:51] Transitioning from Entrepreneur to Employee
5. [00:29:00] Cory’s Role at A2 Hosting
6. [00:38:00] Hosting Companies’ Role in the WordPress Ecosystem
7. [00:43:00] The Future of Post Status
8. [00:46:00] Changing Demographics in the WordPress Community
9. [00:49:00] Giving Back to WordPress

Say thanks and learn more about our podcast sponsor Omnisend.

In this episode of WP Minute+, host Matt Medeiros sits down with Kevin Geary, founder of Geary.co and creator of the Automatic CSS product. Kevin, known for his strong opinions on WordPress and Gutenberg, shares his insights on the current state and future of WordPress, focusing on several key areas that are crucial for developers and agencies.

Key Takeaways for WordPress Professionals:

• The importance of adhering to web design fundamentals, even when using page builders
• Concerns about the direction of the Gutenberg editor and its departure from traditional web design practices
• The value of education in elevating web design skills and understanding
• The potential risks and benefits of using various page builders
• The importance of data portability and avoiding vendor lock-in
• The need for clear communication and vision in WordPress development
• The role of AI in web design and its current limitations

Important URLs mentioned:

1. Kevin Geary's website: geary.co
2. Kevin's YouTube channel: youtube.com/@gearyco
3. Automatic CSS: automaticcss.com
4. Kevin's Twitter: twitter.com/thekevingeary
5. Digital Gravy (Kevin's agency): digitalgravy.co

Chapter Titles with Timestamps:

1. [00:00:00] Introduction and Kevin's WordPress Background
2. [00:07:31] Criticisms of Gutenberg and WordPress Leadership
3. [00:14:21] Page Builders vs. Core WordPress Development
4. [00:23:51] The Vision for the Block Editor and Its Challenges
5. [00:35:28] WordPress.org vs. WordPress.com and Serving Different Markets
6. [00:46:14] Scaling Businesses with Page Builders
7. [00:54:00] Technical Challenges with the Block Editor
8. [01:04:26] The Future of WordPress and Competition
9. [01:18:02] Gutenberg's Potential Beyond WordPress
10. [01:21:50] AI's Impact on Web Design and Development

Say thanks and learn more about our podcast sponsor Omnisend.

In this episode of WP Minute+, we sat down with Brendan O’Connell, a WordPress agency employee, freelancer, and content creator. Brendan shared his journey in the WordPress ecosystem, from his early days with Divi to his current role at an agency and his transition to using the Bricks builder.

Brendan’s story is a testament to the evolving landscape of WordPress development and the challenges faced by agencies and freelancers in adapting to new tools and technologies. He offers valuable insights into the world of page builders, the importance of community involvement, and the future of WordPress.

Key Takeaways for WordPress Professionals:

• Transitioning between page builders can be challenging but may lead to improved workflows and client satisfaction.
• Staying up-to-date with core WordPress developments, including Gutenberg and site editor improvements, is crucial.
• Creating content (like YouTube tutorials) can lead to unexpected business opportunities and community growth.
• Attending local WordPress meetups can provide valuable insights into user struggles and needs.
• Balancing multiple roles (agency work, freelancing, content creation) requires careful time management and focus.
• The WordPress ecosystem benefits from a healthy third-party plugin and theme community.
• AI will likely impact the industry, but human interaction and interpretation remain essential in web development.

Important URLs mentioned:

1. Brendan’s YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@BrendanOConnellWP
2. Brendan’s Website: brendan-oconnell.com
3. Bricks Builder: bricksbuilder.io
4. Pine Grow (Custom Block Builder): pinegrow.com/wordpress

Chapter Titles with Timestamps:

1. [00:00:00] Introduction and Brendan’s WordPress Journey
2. [00:04:00] Transitioning from Ruby on Rails to WordPress at the Agency
3. [00:08:00] The Shift from Divi to Bricks Builder
4. [00:15:00] Page Builders vs. Core WordPress Development
5. [00:20:00] Evaluating and Choosing Page Builders
6. [00:24:00] WordPress Onboarding and Hosting Considerations
7. [00:27:00] Brendan’s YouTube Channel and Content Creation
8. [00:31:00] Future of WordPress and Exciting Developments
9. [00:32:42] AI in Web Design and Development

Say thanks and learn more about our podcast sponsor Omnisend.

In a recent episode of the WP Minute+ podcast, Matt Medeiros sat down with Nyasha Green, a WordPress developer, course creator, and podcaster, to discuss her new podcast, "The Hopeful Workspace." Nyasha shared her experience of being laid off twice within a year and how she turned this challenging situation into an opportunity to create a support system for others facing similar circumstances.

Nyasha's decision to start "The Hopeful Workspace" podcast stems from her desire to create a space where people can share their experiences, find support, and know they are not alone in their struggles. By choosing a podcast format, Nyasha aims to reach a wide audience and provide a platform for in-depth conversations and storytelling.

Despite the challenges of editing and producing a podcast on her own for the first time, Nyasha found the experience rewarding and fulfilling. Her goal is for "The Hopeful Workspace" to be a place where people can turn when they feel tired, frustrated, or on the verge of giving up, knowing that there is a supportive community ready to lift them up.

As the WordPress community continues to navigate the challenges of the current job market, stories like Nyasha's serve as a reminder of the importance of building connections, supporting one another, and finding innovative ways to showcase our skills and passions.

Key Takeaways for WordPress Professionals:

• Building a strong network within the WordPress community can help you find job opportunities during difficult times
• Social media can be a valuable tool for connecting with others and finding support
• Consider creating a side hustle or a portfolio of work to showcase your skills and passion
• Employers should consider normalizing and supporting employees' side projects as a way to foster growth and provide a safety net
• Sharing your story and experiences can help others feel less alone and more supported during challenging times

Important URLs Mentioned:

• The Hopeful Workspace
• Nyasha Green on Twitter
• Nyasha Green on LinkedIn

Say thanks and learn more about our podcast sponsor Omnisend.

In a recent episode of the WP Minute+ podcast, Matt Medeiros sat down with Kim Coleman, co-founder of Paid Memberships Pro, to discuss the often-challenging topic of raising prices for WordPress plugins. Kim shared valuable insights into why WordPress companies should consider price increases, how her team prepared for the change, and the market's reaction to the move.

Kim emphasized the importance of finding the right balance between providing value to customers and ensuring the long-term sustainability of your business. By carefully considering pricing strategies and communicating changes effectively, WordPress companies can successfully navigate price increases while maintaining customer loyalty.

As the WordPress ecosystem continues to evolve, plugin and theme developers must adapt their pricing strategies to remain competitive and support their ongoing development efforts. Kim Coleman's experiences with Paid Memberships Pro serve as a valuable case study for WordPress professionals looking to make informed decisions about their own pricing models.

Key Takeaways for WordPress Professionals:

• Regularly evaluate pricing against inflation, market competitors, and your target audience
• Slowly increase prices over time to avoid a significant jump that may deter customers
• Align pricing with the value your product provides and the type of customer you want to attract
• Experiment with different pricing models, such as introductory pricing, to find the best fit for your product
• Communicate price changes to customers in advance, honoring legacy prices and offering a grace period
• Consider offering an enterprise-level plan to cater to larger organizations and agencies
• Diversify your marketing efforts by attending events outside the WordPress community to reach a broader audience

Important URLs Mentioned:

• Paid Memberships Pro: https://www.paidmembershipspro.com/
• LifterLMS: https://lifterlms.com/
• Kim Coleman on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ColemanK83

Say thanks and learn more about our podcast sponsor Omnisend.

n this episode of the WP Minute+, Matt Medeiros interviews Alex Standiford, the creator of Siren Affiliates, a new affiliate plugin for WordPress. Standiford explains that Siren Affiliates is designed to help businesses create diverse affiliate programs that go beyond traditional affiliate marketing, enabling collaboration and partnerships in various ways.

Standiford addresses the negative perception often associated with affiliate marketing, emphasizing the importance of building authentic relationships between businesses and affiliates. He believes that by focusing on sincerity and creating valuable products, businesses can develop successful affiliate programs that benefit both parties.

The conversation also highglights how service-based businesses, such as freelancers and agencies, can leverage Siren Affiliates to grow their client base and revenue. Standiford suggests creating affordable, fixed-scope products or services that affiliates can easily promote, which can lead to long-term client relationships and more substantial projects.

Standiford shares his strategy for finding affiliates, starting with networking within the WordPress community and gradually expanding to other verticals. He also discusses the plugin’s unique features, such as the ability to create multiple affiliate programs and a blog content bonus program that rewards contributors based on traffic and conversions.

Key Takeaways:

• Siren Affiliates enables businesses to create diverse affiliate programs that foster collaboration and partnerships.
• Building authentic relationships between businesses and affiliates is crucial for successful affiliate marketing.
• Service-based businesses can use Siren Affiliates to grow their client base by creating affordable, fixed-scope products or services for affiliates to promote.
• Networking within the WordPress community and expanding to other verticals is a key strategy for finding affiliates.
• Siren Affiliates offers unique features like multiple affiliate programs and a blog content bonus program.

Important URLs Mentioned:

• Alex on X
• Siren Affiliates website: https://sirenaffiliates.com/
• Alex Standiford’s interview on LMSCast