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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt Medeiros welcomes LaunchBay co-founder Sam Chlebowski. They discuss the evolution of agency models, the importance of finding a niche, and how LaunchBay serves as a client onboarding automation platform. They also explore the challenges agencies face in a competitive market, the significance of standardization versus productization, and the role of effective onboarding in agency success. Sam shares insights on the importance of community and expertise, as well as the need for visibility in project management. You’ll also find a live demo of LaunchBay’s features.

Takeaways:

• Finding a niche is crucial for agency success.
• Standardization can drive profitability without sacrificing quality.
• Onboarding processes are key to client satisfaction.
• Community and expertise are essential in a competitive market.
• Automation can streamline tasks like invoicing and feedback.
• Visibility in projects helps prevent client complaints.
• Agencies should focus on their unique strengths.
• LaunchBay offers solutions for effective client onboarding.

Important Links:

• LaunchBay’s website (includes a special offer for fans of The WP Minute) 
• Connect with Sam: LinkedIn
• The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric Karkovack is joined by Isotta Peira, head of the WordPress Credits Program, an initiative aimed at connecting students with the open-source community. Isotta shares how the program was developed to provide students with practical WordPress skills while contributing to the community. 

The episode also provides an in-depth look at onboarding students, assigning mentors, and providing a comprehensive learning experience that culminates in a certificate of completion. The program is designed to be inclusive, welcoming students from various academic backgrounds, and aims to foster a sense of community and collaboration among participants. There’s also a look into the future of the program, its expansion goals, and the potential impact on students’ careers and contributions to the open-source world.

Takeaways:

• The Campus Connect initiative is bringing WordPress education to universities worldwide.
• The WordPress Credits program partners with institutions to add a WordPress curriculum.
• Mentorship is a key part of helping students succeed.
• Empowering teachers will help keep the educational initiative going strong.
• The education initiatives aim to reach students interested in WordPress, regardless of their major.
• Students build personal websites and learn about open-source contributions.
• Students are encouraged to continue as members of the WordPress community and become mentors.

Important Links:

• WordPress Education
• WordPress Credits Program
• The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt is joined by Gabriella Laster, Director of Product Marketing at Elementor. Gabriella shares her journey into the WordPress ecosystem and discusses the launch of Elementor One. The discussion covers the importance of user feedback, the challenges of product development, and the integration of AI into Elementor’s offerings. She also offers insight on the need for clear communication with users and the balance between technical features and user experience. The conversation also touches on the philosophical implications of AI in WordPress and how it can empower users to create customized websites.

Takeaways:

• Gabriella joined Elementor in 2021, driven by passion for the product.
• Understanding user personas is an ongoing learning process.
• Balancing user feedback with technical constraints is challenging.
• Elementor One consolidates multiple features into a single package.
• The credit system in Elementor One offers flexibility for users.
• Educating users on technical aspects is essential for their success.
• AI integration is a significant focus for Elementor’s future.

Important Links:

• Elementor One
• Introducing Elementor One: one experience to power it all
• 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, Eric is joined by Rachel Berry, Head of Client Services at Filter. Rachel fills us in on the role of WordPress as an enterprise solution. The discussion also looks at the importance of client relationships, the benefits of WordPress in the enterprise space, and the challenges of changing perceptions about the platform. Rachel shares insights on leveraging AI in client services and offers advice for agencies working in the enterprise market.

Takeaways:

• Filter is a digital-first agency focusing on UX, UI design, and WordPress development.
• Rachel’s role bridges the gap between client needs and solution delivery.
• AI is transforming client servicing by simplifying communication and project management.
• WordPress offers flexibility and cost-effectiveness for enterprise clients compared to proprietary solutions.
• Changing perceptions about WordPress is crucial for its adoption in enterprise environments.
• Clients often prioritize outcomes over technical features in their solutions.
• Building strong client relationships is essential for long-term success.
• Effective communication and trust are key to client retention.
• Agencies should focus on understanding client pain points holistically.
• The future of AI in client services is promising but requires careful implementation.

Important Links:

• Filter’s website
• Connect with Filter: LinkedIn | YouTube
• Filter AI Plugin
• 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, Eric Karkovack interviews Jason Adams, a contributor to the WordPress AI Team. They discuss the mission of the AI Team, the various AI initiatives at Automattic, and how the technology is being integrated into WordPress. Jason explains the building blocks for AI in plugins, the role of plugin developers, and the future of AI in web hosting. They also touch on the roadmap for WordPress 7.0 and the importance of creativity within the WordPress ecosystem.

Takeaways:

• The WordPress AI Team aims to make AI accessible to users without deep technical knowledge.
• The Abilities API is a foundational piece for integrating AI into WordPress.
• The MCP adapter allows communication between AI models and WordPress applications.
• Plugin developers can use the WPAI client to integrate AI features into WordPress.
• Web hosts should simplify AI setup for users to enhance WordPress functionality.
• The goal is to empower the entire WordPress ecosystem with AI capabilities.
• WordPress 7.0 will include “under-the-hood” AI features for developers to leverage.
• Creativity in the WordPress ecosystem is essential for leveraging AI effectively.
• AI should be a choice for users, not a forced integration.

Important Links:

• Announcing the Formation of the WordPress AI Team
• AI Building Blocks for WordPress
• AI for WordPress Hosts
• WordPress AI Team
• Connect with Jason: LinkedIn
• Jason’s Website
• 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 welcomes Kevin MacGillivray, the Chief Marketing Officer at Pressable. Kevin discusses his transition from Shopify to the WordPress ecosystem, the challenges of marketing in a flexible environment, and the impact of AI on marketing strategies. They also explore how Pressable positions itself within the Automattic ecosystem, the importance of agency partnerships, and the company’s plans for community building and knowledge sharing in 2026.

Takeaways:

• Marketing in WordPress requires specificity to connect with users.
• AI is changing how marketers operate and interact with products.
• Trust is built through human connection, not automation.
• Pressable aims to provide a seamless experience for agency partners.
• Community building is essential for knowledge sharing and growth.
• Differentiation in product marketing is key to success.
• Pressable is focused on co-marketing and storytelling with agencies.
• The company is expanding its presence at industry events.

Important Links:

• Pressable
• Connect with Kevin: 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 and The WP Weekly’s Davinder Singh Kainth discuss the challenges and opportunities in plugin development, the importance of sponsorships, and insights from the annual WP Awards. They also explore the dynamics of plugin marketing, the significance of community engagement, and the future of WordPress, particularly in relation to AI advancements.

Takeaways:

• Davinder encouraged Matt to start the first iteration of The WP Minute.
• Rebranding can be essential for clarity and marketability.
• Sponsorships are vital for sustaining WordPress projects.
• Marketing is crucial for plugin developers, not just development.
• AI is influencing plugin development positively.
• The WP Awards have evolved to ensure fair voting.
• Categories in awards can be contentious and require careful management.
• Community engagement is key to successful nominations.
• Transparency in voting is crucial for integrity.
• WordCamp events continue to grow internationally, even as they shrink in the US.
• We’ll see more AI integrations in WordPress.

Important Links:

• The WP Weekly
• The WP Awards 2025
• Plugins Daily
• Connect with Davinder: LinkedIn | Twitter/X
• The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt Medeiros and Remkus de Vries discuss the WordPress ecosystem, including the recent State of the Word address, the roadmap to better site performance, AI integrations, and the challenges faced by their respective businesses. They also examine community engagement, the secrets behind their WordPress-related courses, and the need for collaboration. Remkus shares insights into his business, Scanfully, and the evolution of his courses, which aim to enhance WordPress performance and understanding. The discussion also explores the role education plays in building a healthy community.

Takeaways:

• AI is becoming an integral part of WordPress development.
• Performance improvements in WordPress have been significant over recent versions.
• The integration of AI in WordPress needs careful consideration and guardrails.
• Scanfully is evolving to address content health and performance monitoring.
• Courses are being developed to fill gaps in WordPress education.
• Community engagement is crucial for the growth of WordPress.
• There is a need for a better understanding of the WordPress ecosystem among newcomers.
• Collaboration within the WordPress community can lead to better outcomes.
• Content creators should prioritize value over views in their work.

Important Links:

• Scanfully
• Within WordPress
• Connect with Remkus: LinkedIn | Twitter/X
• 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, Eric Karkovack interviews Steve Burge, founder of Ramble Ventures. Steve shares his journey in open source and looks at the evolution of WordPress. They also explore the challenges and opportunities in the publishing space within WordPress, the integration of AI in development and customer support, and the future direction of PublishPress as a brand. The discussion highlights the significance of collaboration tools and the ongoing development of WordPress features, particularly in relation to the Gutenberg editor. 

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In this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric Karkovack chats with Ian Svoboda, a senior software engineer and web developer specializing in WordPress. Ian shares his journey from being a novice in coding to a proficient developer. He discusses the evolution of WordPress development, the importance of learning from mistakes, and the role of AI in enhancing productivity. He also explores innovative business models for freelancers, emphasizing the value of providing business solutions over hourly billing. Ian also shares his aspirations for the future and his commitment to delivering quality work.

Takeaways:

• Ian started his career in web development with no coding experience.
• He learned coding to understand the products he was selling.
• Ian aims to create a theme development course that reflects real-world scenarios.
• Sharing knowledge and experiences helps others avoid common mistakes.
• AI can assist in development but requires a solid understanding of the subject.
• Freelancers can benefit from subscription models over hourly billing.
• Providing business value is more important than tracking hours worked.
• A smaller, focused client list allows for better service and attention.
• Ian emphasizes the importance of client communication and expectations.
• Continuous learning and adaptation are key in the tech industry.

Important Links:

• Ian Svoboda’s Website
• Learn WP Theme Dev
• Connect with Ian: LinkedIn | Twitter/X
• The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe