The WP Minute

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute Today’s episode features a segment from Eric’s interview with WordPress Executive Director Mary Hubbard. Mary stopped by to fill us in on the project’s big picture goals for 2026 and her experiences in project leadership. You can catch the entire interview over on our WP Minute+ channel. Visit thewpminute.com for all the details: https://thewpminute.com/the-future-of-wordpress-with-mary-hubbard/ Watch the full interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1VTPHtXvEM Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute Today’s episode features a segment from Eric’s interview with WordPress contributors Alex Kirk and Brandon Payton. They stopped by to show off the new my.WordPress.net project, which runs a local WordPress install in your web browser. You can catch the entire interview over on our WP Minute+ channel. Visit thewpminute.com for all the details: https://thewpminute.com/wordpress-in-your-browser-how-my-wordpress-net-makes-the-cms-personal/ Watch the full interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbsFmIqP0_g Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute Today’s episode features a segment from Eric’s interview with GoDaddy’s Adam Warner. Adam stopped by to discuss the company’s AI tools, its agency program, and what the future has in store. Be sure to catch the entire interview over on our WP Minute+ channel. Visit thewpminute.com for all the details: https://thewpminute.com/how-godaddy-is-using-ai-to-improve-the-wordpress-ux/ Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute This episode features a segment from Eric's interview with Mary Job. Mary stopped by to discuss community leadership and building sustainable practices. You can catch the entire interview on our WP Minute+ channel. Visit thewpminute.com for all the details: https://thewpminute.com/the-keys-to-a-sustainable-wordpress-community/ Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute Today’s episode features a segment from Matt’s interview with Ben Pines. Ben stopped by to chat about his experience with founder-led marketing. You can catch the entire interview on our WP Minute+ channel. Be sure to visit thewpminute.com for all the details: https://thewpminute.com/do-founders-make-great-marketers/ Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute Today’s episode features a segment from Matt’s interview with Olly Feldman, the Head of Global Sales at Hosting.com. Olly shared some winning strategies for agencies looking to grow their business. You can catch the entire interview over on our WP Minute+ podcast: https://thewpminute.com/proven-sales-strategies-for-your-wordpress-agency/ Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute Today’s episode features a segment from Matt’s interview with LaunchBay co-founder Sam Chlebowski. Sam stopped by to discuss the challenges of client onboarding and provide a live demo of LaunchBay’s platform. Be sure to check out the entire interview over on our WP Minute+ channel. Visit thewpminute.com for all the details: https://thewpminute.com/the-right-way-to-onboard-your-agency-clients/ Watch the full interview on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sRhD7R2Ad0 Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute This episode of The WP Minute podcast features a segment from Eric Karkovack’s interview with Isotta Peira, head of the WordPress Credits Program. Isotta filled me in on the educational initiative aimed at connecting students with the open-source community. You can access the entire interview over on our WP Minute Plus podcast. Visit thewpminute.com for all the details: https://thewpminute.com/how-wordpress-is-reaching-the-next-generation-of-contributors/ Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute Today’s episode features a segment from Matt’s talk with Gabriella Laster, Director of Product Marketing at Elementor. Gabriella stopped by to discuss the new Elementor One subscription package and the plugin’s use of AI. You can catch the entire interview over on our WP Minute+ channel. Visit thewpminute.com for all the details: https://thewpminute.com/can-elementor-one-accelerate-the-page-builders-growth/ Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute Today’s episode features a segment from Eric Karkovack’s interview with Rachel Berry. Rachel is the Head of Client Services at Filter and shared her experience working with WordPress enterprise clients. She offered some terrific advice for agencies and freelancers looking to enter this segment of the market. You can catch the entire interview over on our WP Minute Plus podcast. Visit thewpminute.com for all the details: https://thewpminute.com/the-secrets-to-selling-wordpress-as-an-enterprise-solution/ Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute Today’s episode features a clip from Eric's in-depth interview with Jason Adams. Jason is a member of the WordPress AI Team and filled us in on the team’s mission, the challenges they’ve faced, and what’s in store for WordPress 7.0. Be sure to catch the entire discussion over on our WP Minute+ podcast: https://thewpminute.com/inside-the-ai-teams-big-plans-for-wordpress-7-0/ Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute Today’s episode features a segment from Matt’s interview with Kevin MacGillivray, Pressable’s Chief Marketing Officer. Kevin stopped by to fill us in on his role at the hosting company and what the brand has in store for 2026. You can catch the entire interview over on our WP Minute+ channel. Be sure to visit thewpminute.com for all the details: https://thewpminute.com/a-sneak-peek-at-pressables-plans-for-2026/ Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute This episode of The WP Minute podcast features a segment from Matt's interview with The WP Weekly's Davinder Singh Kainth. Davinder provides an inside look at The WP Awards and how the annual event has evolved. You can catch the entire episode on The WP Minute+: https://thewpminute.com/how-marketing-and-engagement-impact-the-wp-awards/ Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute Today's episode of The WP Minute podcast features a segment from Matt Medeiros's conversation with WordPress performance expert Remkus de Vries. Be sure to catch the entire discussion over on our WP Minute+ podcast. Visit thewpminute.com for all the details. Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute This episode of The WP Minute podcast features a segment of our interview with Steve Burge, founder of Ramble Ventures. Steve shares his journey into open source and his background in teaching. The discussion also touches on the challenges of publishing with WordPress. Catch the entire interview on our WP Minute+ podcast: https://thewpminute.com/creating-better-publishing-workflows-in-wordpress/ Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute This episode of The WP Minute podcast features a segment from Eric Karkovack’s chat with senior software developer Ian Svoboda. Ian discusses his shift to a monthly web development model for client work. He shares the reasons for making the change and why it makes sense for clients. Catch the entire interview on our longform podcast, The WP Minute+: https://thewpminute.com/how-to-build-a-web-development-business-that-works-for-you/ Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute This episode of The WP Minute podcast features a segment from Eric’s talk with Steve Deckert, who handles Strategic Technology Partnerships for Automattic. The discussion examines the new WooCommerce integration with Reddit. Catch the entire interview on The WP Minute+ podcast: https://thewpminute.com/harnessing-social-media-for-e-commerce-growth/ Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute Today's episode of The WP Minute podcast features a segment from Matt Medeiros's conversation with Elementor's Miriam Schwab. Be sure to catch the entire discussion over on our WP Minute Plus Podcast. Visit thewpminute.com for all the details. Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute Today's episode features a segment from my interview with Cami MacNamara. Cami is a freelance web designer and the author of the Web Designer habits newsletter. She provides great advice for web professionals.Check out the entire interview over on The WP Minute+ podcast: https://thewpminute.com/how-daily-habits-can-transform-your-freelance-business/ Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute Read the full post here: https://thewpminute.com/state-of-the-word-2025-its-a-vibe/ Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute Listen to a segment of Eric Karkovack's interview with Brad Williams, Partner and Co-Founder of Web Dev Studios.Check out The WP Minute+ podcast to hear the interview in its entirety: https://thewpminute.com/adapting-your-agency-to-ai-and-modern-wordpress-workflows/ Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute Listen to a segment of Eric Karkovack's chat with Rodolfo Melogli, the founder of Business Bloomer and organizer of the Checkout Summit. The event is scheduled to take place on April 23-24, 2026, in Palermo, Sicily.Check out the entire interview on The WP Minute+ podcast: https://thewpminute.com/checkout-summit-signals-a-return-to-woocommerce-events/ Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute Listen to a segment of Eric Karkovack's interview with Devin Walker. Devin is the co-founder of GiveWP and was recently named the head of Automattic's Jetpack plugin.To hear the entire interview, check out The WP Minute+ podcast: https://thewpminute.com/creating-a-better-user-experience-for-jetpack/ Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute Listen to a segment of Eric's wide-ranging interview with Koko Analytics founder Danny van Kooten. Here, Danny discusses the importance of starting small with your site's analytical needs. Check out the full interview on The WP Minute+: https://thewpminute.com/taking-a-simple-approach-to-analytics/ Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute Every industry evolves. New tools and techniques will inevitably take hold. It’s safe to say that the web moves faster than most career paths. We must be prepared to change in the blink of an eye.Consider the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Apps like Copilot and ChatGPT rocked our world without prior notice. All of a sudden, web professionals not using these technologies were behind the curve. Many of us are still trying to understand how AI fits into our workflows and service offerings.Most changes aren’t that massive. Yet, they still require us to adapt. New versions of WordPress often introduce additional features to master, best practices for writing code change with each PHP release, and website security is a moving target.It all underscores the importance of continued learning. The ability to do more and do it more efficiently is key to a successful career – one that lasts a lifetime. However, it’s not always so simple.We have limited time and resources, and there is an endless array of subjects and courses to consider. Which ones fit your needs? And how do you know if you’re spending your time wisely?Let’s examine the role learning plays in your freelance growth. Along the way, we’ll help you determine the best opportunities and how they can impact your business. Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute In this episode of The WP Minute podcast, Eric Karkovack discusses the importance of web accessibility with experts Adrienne Grace and Isla Waite. They preview the upcoming WP Accessibility Day (October 15-16, 2025) and share its diverse lineup of sessions. They also examine common mistakes in web accessibility, the challenge of finding accessible themes and plugins, and why AI can’t replace human oversight. Adrienne and Isla emphasize the role of education and training for clients to maintain accessible websites and learn best practices.Takeaways:Web accessibility is both a moral and legal obligation.WP Accessibility Day is a global event focused on accessibility education.Color contrast is a common issue in web design.Forms should have visible labels, not just placeholder text.Accessibility should be considered from the beginning of the design process.AI can assist but should not replace human judgment in accessibility.Training clients is essential for maintaining accessible websites.Accessibility Checker plugins can help identify issues.Inclusive design benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities.Education about accessibility can lead to better business outcomes.Important Links:WP Accessibility Day 2025Connect with Adrienne GraceConnect with Isla WaiteThe WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute Freelancers love to book new clients. However, we shouldn't forget about the value of existing ones. This episode examines the untapped potential of your legacy WordPress clients. We'll show you how to improve their websites and strengthen your relationships. Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute n this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt Medeiros speaks with Oliver Sild from Patchstack about the evolution of WordPress security, the challenges of managing plugin vulnerabilities, and the implications of the Cyber Resilience Act. They discuss the role of AI in development, the importance of vulnerability management, and how hosting security measures often fail to protect against exploits. Oliver emphasizes the importance of compliance and proactive security measures in the WordPress ecosystem.Takeaways:Patchstack has evolved from a simple scanning tool to a leader in WordPress security research.Half of the team at Patchstack focuses on security research and vulnerability management.30% of security vulnerabilities in plugins are not patched in time.The Cyber Resilience Act will require compliance for digital products sold in Europe.Vulnerability management will become mandatory for agencies and plugin developers.AI is being used to create plugins, but it also poses security risks.Many websites are hacked without the owners’ knowledge.Hosting security measures often fail to protect against application-level vulnerabilities.Patchstack provides a managed vulnerability disclosure program for plugin developers.Continuous maintenance is essential for WordPress websites.Important Links:The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribePatchstackConnect with Oliver Sild:LinkedIn | Twitter/X Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute Eric Karkovack looks at the freedom afforded by running a freelance WordPress business. Along the way, he examines the process of finding your place in the industry and finding happiness. Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute Our Matt breaks down Matt Mullenweg’s keynote at WordCamp US 2025! Get the highlights and honest reactions to the most important moments, including:The evolving role of the WordPress community and the “four freedoms” at the heart of open source.Addressing the “elephant in the room” and the impact of recent legal and industry challenges.WordPress’s push to be more present on YouTube and across platforms, and why authentic community engagement matters.The future of AI in WordPress, including hands-on impressions of new tools like Telex and thoughts on browser-based AI.Predictions for the next 10 years of WordPress and Automattic, and what it means for users, professionals, and the open web.Whether you missed the keynote or want a thoughtful recap, this episode covers the key takeaways and what they mean for the future of WordPress. Subscribe to The WP Minute for more insights, news, and community updates!Matt's video on Telex AI by Automattic https://youtu.be/t5dRm70FnSgMullenweg's Keynote WCUS https://youtu.be/45HRzzc0waU?si=DIhxDiqwGNzAPWTL Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute Register for FREE. Monday August 18th at 1PM EST The Dog Daze of Agency Summer is a live, interactive webinar for WordPress agency owners looking to beat the late-summer slump. Matt Medeiros, Kurt von Ahnen, and Toby Cryns will share strategies to keep momentum high when client decisions slow down, contracts stall, and teams drift into vacation mode. We’ll explore how to use this seasonal downtime to prepare for a strong fall season. From internal planning to energizing your team and sharpening your sales pipeline.Key Takeaways+ Turn downtime into prep time – Use the summer lull to refine processes, update proposals, and revisit client strategies.+ Reignite team motivation – Tactics to keep staff engaged and productive before the busy fall rush.+ Jumpstart stalled sales – How to nurture leads and tee up contracts so they’re ready to sign after Labor Day.+ Plan for Q4 success – Align your marketing, sales, and project delivery for a strong close to the year.+ Engage with peers – Live Q&A and open dialogue with other agency owners facing the same seasonal challenges.\ Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute In this episode of The WP Minute Podcast, Eric Karkovack welcomes Zachary Hamed and Matthew Achariam, co-founders of Clay, a personal relationship management tool recently acquired by Automattic. They examine how Clay unifies fragmented contact data from various platforms, like Gmail, iMessage, Notion, Facebook, and ChatGPT, into a beautifully designed and user-owned system for managing relationships.Zachary and Matthew discuss Clay’s origin story, their strong focus on design, data ownership, and privacy, and how AI features like Nexus are transforming personal outreach. They also share how their deep-rooted history with WordPress and open-source culture helped make the acquisition by Automattic feel like a natural evolution. Looking ahead, they tease potential WordPress integrations focused on people and relationships, and how Clay can amplify identity and CRM use cases across the Automattic ecosystem.Key Takeaways:Clay is a personal relationship manager built around privacy, portability, and thoughtful design.The product consolidates contacts from fragmented platforms and enhances memory and outreach with AI tools.Automattic’s acquisition aligns with Clay’s mission to build human-centric, long-lasting software.Possible future integrations with WordPress include features centered around people and identity.Clay’s team will remain intact and continue development with increased velocity and support from Automattic.Important Links:The WP Minute Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribeClay’s WebsiteAcquisition coverage:– Accelerating Clay’s mission with Automattic– Automattic Welcomes Clay– Play With ClayClay’s co-founders on LinkedIn:– Matthew Achariam– Zachary Hamed Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute It’s a tough time to be a WordPress freelancer. The entire ecosystem seems to be shifting beneath us, as we’ve witnessed legal battles and community drama. Not to mention a newfangled technology – artificial intelligence (AI) – taking over the planet. None of this is good for stability or our confidence. It’s natural to wonder what it all means for the future of freelancing. Are we doomed or just in a time of transition? I know my business has changed in the past year. Leads for new site builds have morphed into requests for maintenance. It feels like we’ll never get back to the way things were. Perhaps that’s true. It doesn’t mean the future isn’t bright, though. There’s still value in what we do. Recognizing it is the first step to finding success in a new era. So, consider this a pep talk for you, my fellow freelancer. Let’s have a collective mental reset to help us focus on what’s next. Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, I unpack the big announcement behind FAIR — the Federated and Independent Repository — a new package manager initiative under the Linux Foundation. Scooped by The Repository and launched during WordCamp Europe week, FAIR promises decentralized plugin and theme distribution for WordPress, reducing reliance on wordpress.org and introducing a new governance model for the ecosystem. On paper, that’s a huge shift.But I’ve got more questions than answers. Why the Linux Foundation? Is this really just for WordPress? And what does “a replacement for the ecosystem” even mean? For freelancers, agency owners, and power users like you and me, the pitch feels abstract. FAIR might offer technical insurance, but what does it actually do to help us build faster, better, more sustainable sites today?This episode is less about hot takes and more about critical thinking — exploring FAIR from the lens of a working professional in WordPress, not someone living in contributor Slack channels. I want to know how this changes our day-to-day, and whether FAIR will drive real innovation… or just become another layer of complexity.Key Takeaways:“This isn’t a fork of WordPress — it’s a backend distribution layer, a replacement for the plugin update plumbing we all rely on.”“I have more questions than clarity: is this really just about stability, or is it something much bigger?”“Adoption is everything. Without host and agency support, FAIR is just another plugin.”“WordPress has a packaging problem. FAIR needs to solve that — not just technically, but with messaging that speaks to the average power user.”“We want open source to thrive. But we also want clarity, transparency, and solutions that actually make WordPress better for our clients.”URLs Mentioned:FAIR press release from the Linux FoundationThe Repository's FAIR coverageAspirePressWPCCAlt Ctrl Org livestream ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute founder of 10up and now a Partner at Fueled, to talk about a major agency evolution. Jake shares the journey from founding 10up in 2011 to its merger with Fueled in 2023, culminating in a rebrand that sees the combined entity operating under the Fueled name. He explains the motivations behind the merger, including the desire for diversification, access to broader resources, and positioning for enterprise-level digital transformation projects.Jake also discusses the continued investment in open-source plugins such as ElasticPress, ClassifAI, and Distributor, which reflect Fueled’s commitment to supporting the WordPress ecosystem while solving real client problems. The conversation touches on the shift toward full site editing (FSE), the agency’s custom internal toolkit, and how AI and no-code tools are transforming the web development landscape. Jake’s new role allows for a better work-life balance and a renewed focus on brand storytelling and strategic initiatives.Key Takeaways:10up merged with Fueled in 2023, with the unified brand now operating as Fueled; 10up remains as the WordPress practice within the company.The merger was motivated by scalability, diversification, and the need for broader digital capabilities in the enterprise market.Fueled’s new website was built using WordPress full site editing and custom internal tooling, completed in just 8 weeks.Jake is now a Partner at Fueled, focusing on strategic marketing, brand storytelling, and select client projects.Plugins like ElasticPress, ClassifAI, and Distributor continue to reflect the team’s open-source contributions and enterprise-focused solutions.Important Links:FueledRelated Articles:Fueled Merges with 10up To Deliver Superior Customer ExperiencesFueled for the Future: A Renewed BrandHow Fueled Built Its New Website in 8 WeeksPlugins:ClassifAIDistributorElasticPressJake Goldman on LinkedIn Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute Being a freelance web designer often means dealing with disruption. Sometimes, it’s a client who needs a new feature built ASAP. But it can also come from a shakeup in the technology we use.Artificial intelligence (AI) has undoubtedly been a disruptive force. It has upended our workflows and made some of us wary of its presence. Are these apps here to help us or replace us?Perhaps AI site builders are the most cringe-inducing tools of them all. They claim to take the guesswork out of website creation. You don’t need to know code or how to pick a font pairing. Provide a few details, and you have a functioning website.Several companies have released AI-based site generators; WordPress.com is among the latest. Our own Matt Medeiros took it for a spin. He “chatted” with a friendly bot that wanted to know more about his website needs. Within minutes, he had a website powered by WordPress.These tools aren’t producing top agency-level websites just yet. Maybe they’re a novelty for the time being. But they’ll improve. With that comes the worry of their impact on freelancers. Will our potential clients choose a bot over a seasoned expert?Let’s explore what AI site builders could mean for the future of freelancing. Do they signal the end of an era? Or are they just another tool for the DIY crowd? Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute The web was once a bastion of free and cheap things. Free tools and services catering to professionals and novices were abundant. And even things that cost money were relatively affordable.This climate has been a boon to freelancers, agencies, and clients. WordPress and its ecosystem are prime examples of this in action. A free content management system (CMS) with a thriving market for themes and plugins has boosted many businesses. Meanwhile, third-party services like hosting and APIs allowed us to do more without spending a fortune.That meant lower costs to pass on to clients. It helped keep our services more affordable to small and medium-sized organizations and created the expectation of cheaper websites.Those days appear to be ending (if they haven’t already gone the way of the dodo). WordPress product pricing continues to increase, as do the other services we rely on. It’s all making for a difficult conversation with clients.No one wants to pay more for the same thing. But it’s an unavoidable part of the current landscape. So, how do you approach clients with the bad news?It’s all about preparation and communication. Let’s explore ways to take the sting out of the discussion. Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute Freelancers have plenty of options for leveraging artificial intelligence (AI). It seems like a new tool or five comes out each week. And that doesn’t include existing products with bolted-on AI features. The hype train has morphed into a rocket ship. This is great for OpenAI and other product makers, as they rake in cash and tons of publicity. But what about the rest of us? Specifically, those of us who make a living with WordPress. Are we gaining anything more than a few dog-and-pony tricks? Most importantly: Can AI help us make more money? There’s some debate to be had on that last question. Some fear that AI will replace humans or devalue what we do. That using the technology will lead to our untimely demise as designers and developers. But maybe there’s another way. Perhaps we can use AI to empower us rather than weaken our industry standing. I believe it’s possible. Let’s look at ways AI might help build our businesses. Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

Thanks Pressable for supporting the podcast! What hosting should feel like...nothing! https://pressable.com/wpminute The web design industry is maturing. New projects used to be the lifeblood of freelancing, and companies spent money on feature-packed websites to establish themselves online. But those opportunities seem fewer and farther between these days.Don’t get me wrong. New projects will continue to be a money-maker. But there are fewer gigs to go around and competition is fierce. Relying solely on this strategy is more challenging than ever.I’ve seen evidence of this in my business. Prospective clients are more likely to ask me about maintaining their existing WordPress site rather than building a new one.It’s a disappointing development on one hand. Building a new site is the “fun” part of this business as opposed to the messiness of working with one built by someone else. Even dealing with a site you built years ago is no picnic.This shift could have some long-term benefits, though. It may be key to a freelance business that thrives into the future. Let’s talk about why maintenance matters. Support our work at https://thewpminute.com/supportGet the newsletter at https://thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★