Zoe Rooney’s business niche has evolved into being known as the designer’s developer. Shaping a narrower focus has helped Zoe’s business grow in a sustainable way and has allowed her to work on the problem solving part of website projects she really enjoys.

Zoe’s primary specialty is websites for eCommerce product sales. While most of Zoe’s work on informational websites is built on WordPress,the actual eCommerce transaction functionality is built using a non-WordPress solution. Zoe has a multi-point rationale for reaching outside of the WordPress ecosystem to help clients sell their products.

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What was discussed during the conversation between Matt and Zoe Rooney

(times correspond to video)

1:20 Give us your 2 minute elevator pitch.

2:30 How did you become the designer’s developer?

4:30 Do you still go to designer focused conferences today?

5:45 How does the process work between you, the designer and the client?

9:30 How do you negotiate getting paid up front?

10:15 What are the characteristics of the ideal freelance designer you like to work with?

13:00 What do you do when the client requests a change to the project mid-stream?

14:45 How do you scope out the project with the designer?

16:00 What tools do you use to manage projects?

18:25 Are you planning to grow your business into an agency?

21:45 Do you use WordPress for all client projects?

25:00 how do you explain to client about the pricing to customize low cost software?

30:00 How can WordPress get better in the area of E-commerce plugins/systems?

33:00 What advice can you give to freelancer developers?

Resources mentioned

zoerooney.com

@zoerooney

Shopify

Slack

Pancake Invoicing