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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric Karkovack speaks with Rodolfo Melogli, the founder of Business Bloomer and organizer of the Checkout Summit. Rodolfo discussed the need for in-person WooCommerce conferences and shared his successful blogging journey. He also shared insights on the evolution of WooCommerce, its competition, and the vision behind the Checkout Summit. He emphasized the significance of networking and personal connections in the e-commerce space.

Takeaways:

• Rodolfo’s journey into WooCommerce began unexpectedly after a career shift.
• Business Bloomer has been a vital resource for WooCommerce customization.
• Rodolfo has been advocating for in-person WooCommerce conferences for years.
• The Checkout Summit aims to foster real-life connections among WooCommerce enthusiasts.
• The event will focus on a small, intimate setting to encourage networking.
• Rodolfo believes in the flexibility and potential of WooCommerce compared to competitors.
• Rodolfo aims to create a relaxed atmosphere for speakers and attendees alike.
• The event is scheduled to take place on April 23-24, 2026, in Palermo, Sicily.

Important Links:

• Checkout Summit
• Business Bloomer
• Connect with Rodolfo Melogli:
  LinkedIn | Twitter/X
• The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric is joined by Devin Walker, the new head of Jetpack. They discuss his transition from GiveWP to Jetpack, the acquisition process by Liquid Web, and his vision for Jetpack’s future. Devin shares insights on the challenges faced at Liquid Web, the importance of user experience, and the need for community engagement. He emphasizes the potential of AI in enhancing Jetpack’s onboarding process and the importance of gathering user feedback to drive product improvements.

Takeaways:

• Devin Walker transitioned from GiveWP to Jetpack, bringing valuable experience with him.
• GiveWP’s acquisition by Liquid Web was thorough and focused on team welfare.
• Jetpack aims to redefine its value proposition in the WordPress ecosystem.
• User experience and onboarding are critical for Jetpack’s success.
• Community engagement will be a priority for Devin at Jetpack.
• AI integration is seen as a game changer for user onboarding.
• Devin plans to reach out to users to learn their needs.
• The future of Jetpack includes enhancing its product offerings and user experience.
• Devin aims to build a 10x product for Jetpack.
• Transparency in user feedback and product updates is essential.

Important Links:

• Jetpack
• Devin Walker’s Website | A New Chapter: Joining Automattic to Lead Jetpack
• Connect with Devin: LinkedIn | Twitter/X
• The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric Karkovack chats with Danny van Kooten, creator of popular WordPress plugins Mailchimp for WordPress (MC4WP) and Koko Analytics. Danny shares his unique journey into plugin development, which began during a hospital stay for appendicitis. He discusses the evolution of Koko Analytics, its focus on simplicity and user experience, and the strategic decision to build on the WordPress platform. They also examine the challenges of competing with Google, the importance of user feedback in product development, and why AI may not be a fit for every plugin.

Takeaways:

• Danny’s journey into plugin development began during a hospital stay.
• Koko Analytics was created to simplify analytics for WordPress users.
• Koko Analytics aims to provide essential data without complexity.
• User feedback drives most of Koko’s development decisions.
• Danny prefers direct communication with users over AI interactions.
• Future updates will include advanced tracking features.
• Privacy-friendly analytics is a priority for Koko Analytics.

Important Links:

• Danny van Kooten’s website
• Koko Analytics
• Mailchimp for WordPress (MC4WP)
• The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt Medeiros chats with Roger Williams, Partnerships and Community Manager at Kinsta. They discuss the importance of hosting education for WordPress users and the nuances of service-level agreements (SLAs) in hosting. They also examine the significance of building strong client relationships through transparent hosting choices and the evolving role of AI in web development and SEO. The conversation also touches on Kinsta’s recent updates and the future of hosting and AI tools.

Takeaways:

• Hosting education is crucial for WordPress users.
• SLAs are important to understand when choosing a host.
• AI tools enhance productivity but do not replace fundamental skills.
• The hosting environment is foundational to website performance.
• Transparency in hosting costs fosters better client relationships.
• Events like CloudFest provide valuable networking opportunities.
• Kinsta focuses on support and education for its users.
• The move to bandwidth-based pricing can alleviate frustrations with bot traffic.
• AI is reshaping how we approach web development and SEO.

Important Links:

• Kinsta
• Connect with Roger Williams on LinkedIn
• The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

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Become a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/support

On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt Medeiros interviews Zach Stepek, Director of Partner Programs at BigScoots. They discuss the importance of transparency in agency partnerships, the definition of true partnership in hosting, and the ideal customer for BigScoots. They explore the infrastructure capabilities of BigScoots, the transition to enterprise-level hosting, and the associated costs of hosting e-commerce websites. The conversation also touches on the value of open-source solutions and the sales process for enterprises.

Editor’s note: BigScoots is a Foundation+ sponsor of The WP Minute

Takeaways:

• Transparency with customers is crucial for agency partnerships.
• BigScoots offers a true partnership program, not just vendor services.
• The company has a high net promoter score, indicating excellent customer satisfaction.
• BigScoots can deploy custom hardware solutions for clients.
• Growth in agency business often requires taking risks.
• Hosting costs can vary significantly based on business needs.
• Open source solutions provide more control and ownership for businesses.
• The enterprise sales process is complex and requires strategic navigation.
• BigScoots is actively participating in various industry events to connect with partners.

Important Links:

• BigScoots
• The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

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In this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt Medeiros welcomes Brian Coords back to discuss his experiences at Automattic and WooCommerce. They explore the current state of WordPress, the importance of cohesion within the platform, and the role of community feedback in shaping its future. Brian shares insights on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in e-commerce, the introduction of the MCP (Model Context Protocol), and the marketing strategies being employed to position WooCommerce against competitors like Shopify. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between teams and the significance of community contributions in driving innovation within WooCommerce.

Takeaways:

• Brian says working at Automattic is impactful and collaborative.
• Cohesion in WordPress is essential for its future.
• AI is becoming a necessary tool in e-commerce.
• MCP offers a new way to interact with WooCommerce.
• Natural language processing can simplify e-commerce tasks.
• WooCommerce is focusing on extensibility and customization.
• Gutenberg improvements are crucial for WooCommerce’s ease of use.
• Community contributions enhance WooCommerce’s functionality.
• Engaging with the community helps identify pain points.

Important Links:

• Brian Coords’ website
• WooCommerce Developer Blog
• Connect with Brian: LinkedIn
• The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt Medeiros and Kestrel General Manager Ian Misner discuss the challenges and opportunities in the WordPress and WooCommerce space. They focus on the importance of video marketing, the evolution of Kestrel, and the dynamics of agency relationships. They also examine the impact of acquisitions on product development, the intricacies of professional services, and the future of WooCommerce in a changing market environment. In addition, they explore the challenges WooCommerce faces in gaining visibility and market share, the opportunities for growth, and the impact of AI on e-commerce and plugin development. The discussion emphasizes the significance of user experience, the necessity for improved educational content, and the evolving role of AI in shaping the future of online sales.

Takeaways:

• Video marketing is crucial for building trust and outreach.
• Many founders struggle with authentic video presentations.
• Kestrel has evolved by acquiring WooCommerce extensions.
• The market has become more competitive with the rise of Shopify.
• Agencies are key partners for plugin companies.
• Providing value to agencies can lead to word-of-mouth referrals.
• CheckoutWC has become a flagship product for Kestrel.
• The WooCommerce marketplace is a vital sales channel.
• Navigating professional services can distract from core business goals.
• Market dynamics are shifting, impacting WordPress and WooCommerce growth. Shopify has a significant impact on the e-commerce landscape.
• WooCommerce is more complex than competitors but offers unique advantages.
• The entry-level market favors WooCommerce due to its low cost.
• WooCommerce excels in custom solutions for businesses with specific needs.
• AI is changing the way e-commerce operates, but it’s not a threat to all plugins.
• The visibility of WooCommerce in the market needs improvement.
• Better educational content is essential for new users of WooCommerce.
• AI can enhance user experience but may not replace the need for browsing.
• The future of e-commerce will involve a blend of AI and traditional shopping experiences.
• User experience remains a critical factor in e-commerce success.

Important Links

• Kestrel
• The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt Medeiros and Pathfinder SEO’s Lindsay Halsey discuss the evolving landscape of SEO. They explore the importance of human connection in content creation, the challenges of attribution in SEO, and the emerging concept of Answer Engine Optimization. Lindsay emphasizes that while AI is reshaping search, genuine content and human expertise remain crucial for success. They also ponder the future of fractional work in the SEO industry and the ongoing debate between an open vs. closed web.

Takeaways:

• Creating genuine content is key to SEO success.
• AI is reshaping the landscape of search and SEO.
• Human connection is more important than ever in content creation.
• Answer Engine Optimization is a valuable strategy for SEO.
• Attribution in SEO is becoming increasingly complex.
• AI can be a tool for enhancing SEO, not a replacement.
• The best customers for SEO services are often local businesses.
• Fractional work is becoming more accepted in the SEO industry.
• Investing in a website remains crucial for brand identity.
• Showcasing the human element in content can improve engagement.

Important Links:

• Pathfinder SEO
• The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

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Become a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/support

On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt Medeiros interviews Justin Nealey, Principal Product Manager at GoDaddy. They discuss the recently launched Airo Site Builder™ and the challenges of developing products on the WordPress platform. They explore the role of AI in enhancing user experience, the importance of user feedback, and the future of WordPress in relation to AI technology. Justin shares insights on product management, the integration of AI, and the ongoing efforts to improve the Airo product line.

Takeaways:

• Justin describes his role as a Product Manager as having responsibility without power.
• Developing products on WordPress presents unique challenges due to its open-source nature.
• AI is seen as a tool to help users navigate WordPress more easily.
• User feedback is crucial for improving the Airo Site Builder.
• GoDaddy uses AI to enhance user experience and streamline processes.
• The integration of AI in WordPress is still evolving and presents growth opportunities.
• Justin emphasizes the importance of contributing back to the WordPress community.
• The Airo product line is designed to optimize user tasks with AI assistance.
• GoDaddy is focused on creating a unified system for its various AI tools.
• The future of WordPress may involve deeper integration with AI technologies.

Important Links:

• GoDaddy Blog
• Exploring GoDaddy’s Airo™ Site Designer
• The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

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Become a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/support

In this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt Medeiros and Kamil Rextin discuss the evolution of Kamil’s agency, 42 Agency, and its focus on demand generation and revenue operations. They explore the challenges and opportunities in the digital marketing landscape, particularly in relation to AI integration and client relationships. Kamil shares insights on the importance of website development as a marketing tool, the dynamics of agency-client interactions, and the future of AI in enhancing business operations. The discussion also touches on the tools and technologies that Kamil’s agency employs to streamline processes and improve efficiency.

Takeaways:

• Kamil’s agency focuses on demand generation and revenue operations.
• Websites are now considered table stakes in digital marketing.
• AI can enhance efficiency but cannot replace human intuition.
• Client relationships are crucial for agency success.
• Agencies need to adapt to the evolving digital landscape.
• AI tools can streamline operations and improve productivity.
• Kamil emphasizes the importance of positioning and messaging.
• The agency market is competitive but offers opportunities for smaller players.
• AI integration is still in its early stages for many clients.
• Kamil believes in the potential of AI to open new business avenues.

Important Links:

• 42 Agency
• Connect with Kamil on X
• The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe