In this episode, I take a step back and reflect on what it means to support WordPress professionals in today’s fast-evolving landscape. We've seen the definition of a “WordPress professional” shift significantly since the Gutenberg days. Technology has moved forward, and many of us are finding our roles stretched across WordPress, AI, and other no-code and low-code platforms. The WP Minute is also shifting with that momentum—becoming a broader support network for freelancers, agencies, and builders trying to find their next step.

This episode unpacks one recurring pain point I’ve been hearing from folks in the trenches: paid discovery. Is it still a viable strategy? Has it gotten harder to pitch? Or are AI-savvy clients now walking in with their own ChatGPT-generated briefs? I share a bit about how I handled discovery back in my agency days and pose a few questions to you, the listener, about whether that model still works.

Plus, I highlight the important voices at the WP Minute—like Kurt, Toby, and Eric—who are publishing honest, from-the-ground insights that agency owners need more than ever. If you're building, billing, and battling with what it means to be a service provider in 2025, this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways

• “WordPress professional” now means more than just knowing how to build a site—it’s about adapting to new tech, especially AI.
• Paid discovery still confuses or frustrates clients—but it's a critical step that many agencies skip or undervalue.
• Your expertise is worth paying for, especially when it uncovers issues clients didn’t know they had.
• AI tools are beginning to change how clients approach scope, strategy, and expectations. How are you responding?
• The WP Minute is doubling down on serving the freelancers and agencies still out here doing the work—through podcasts, articles, and real-world representation.

Great Quotes

• “You're not just pushing pixels—you’re solving problems the IT guy forgot existed.”
• “Discovery isn’t a cost, it’s a plan.”
• “If you're building a house, wouldn't you want a blueprint first?”
• “Clients now show up with AI-generated outlines. So how do you insert your expertise into that?”
• “I want to help WordPress professionals and agency owners again—but not from the trenches, from the tower with a megaphone.”

Links & Resources

• The WP Minute Plus Podcast
• Subscribe to the WP Minute Newsletter
• Follow Eric Karkovack’s short-form WP Minute episodes