Posted on briancoords.com on January 10th, 2024

In this episode, Brian Coords discusses the distinct functions and audiences of the block editor and page builders in WordPress, emphasizing that the block editor is not intended to replace page builders but offers a unique approach for creating and editing content with a focus on restraint and efficiency.

The original post can be found here: https://www.briancoords.com/the-block-editor-is-still-not-a-page-builder/

About the author: Brian Coords is the Technology Director at HDC and editor of MasterWP and he actively contributes to WordPress. On his blog, briancoords.com, he merges tech insights with personal anecdotes, reflecting a career journey from English teacher to tech expert. Residing in Orange County, California with his family, Brian's diverse background—from academia to music—enriches his WordPress and tech endeavors, making him a distinctive voice in the WordPress community.

More Brian Coords links:

https://www.briancoords.com/

https://twitter.com/briancoords

https://masterwp.com/author/brian-coords/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCqvxKqiwxupjn9t0Ztvu-A

Transcript of Cami's Commentary:

Since the introduction of the block editor, the WordPress community has seemingly divided into two distinct groups: those who embrace the block editor wholeheartedly and those who remain loyal to page builders. Personally, I find value in both approaches.

I believe that as freelance web designers, the choice of tools should primarily hinge on what feels most natural and efficient for us. It’s about selecting a method of building websites that not only instills confidence in our abilities but also ensures we can effectively meet our clients' needs.

Additionally, it's important to consider the level of technical proficiency our clients possess, especially if they plan on updating their websites themselves. Some clients might not be interested in managing their site updates, which can influence the tools and platforms we choose to use.

What I appreciate about the article in question is its clear message: the block editor isn’t attempting to replace page builders but rather to offer a different approach to website construction. For developers who find the block editor to align with their workflow, it opens up new avenues for delivering value to their clients.

Of course, if you’re more comfortable working with a page builder, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. It's all about finding what works best for you and your clients.

I strongly encourage you to explore the links in the show notes and watch Brian’s demonstration on using the block editor for web design. I found it both informative and inspiring, and I hope you will too.

NEW HABITS NEWSLETTER FROM WEBCAMI:

New year, new habits! Starting January 1st, 2024, I'm launching a weekly newsletter for WordPress web designers. Each week, get a fresh habit to supercharge your business, straight to your inbox. Ready to level up? Head to habitswp.com to sign up, and let's make 2024 our most productive year yet! https://habitswp.com/

SUBMIT YOUR BLOG POST FOR NARRATION: https://webcamipodcast.com

More WebCami links:

Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/webcamicafe/

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter for web designers: https://webcami.myflodesk.com/webcami-cafe-newsletter

To view my business website, visit: https://webcami.com/

Posted on Speckyboy.com on October 13, 2023

In this episode, Eric Karkovack shares the unpredictable nature of the job where client requests can instantly disrupt a well-planned schedule, and offers strategies for managing such disruptions, highlighting the importance of prioritizing tasks and maintaining mental health amidst the chaos.

The original post can be found here: https://speckyboy.com/unpredictable-life-freelance-web-designer/

About the author: Eric Karkovack is a freelance web designer, writer and author, with a focus on WordPress. He has over two decades of experience in web design and has long been involved in the WordPress community. Eric is the founder of Eric Karkovack Web Design Services, LLC, which he launched in 1999. In addition, Eric contributes as an editor and author at Speckyboy Design Magazine, and writes for TheWPMinute, where he shares his insights and expertise on web design, WordPress, and related topics.

More Eric Karkovack links:

https://www.karks.com/

https://speckyboy.com/author/erickarkovack/

https://thewpminute.com/author/ekarks/

https://twitter.com/karks88

Transcript of Cami's Commentary:

Picking just one article from Eric's vast collection of blog posts was challenging, especially since they are so insightful. The piece I settled on resonated deeply with me as a freelancer, perfectly capturing the essence of a freelance web designer's day. It serves as an invaluable reminder for newcomers and seasoned professionals alike that our days are inherently unpredictable. Adapting to the ebb and flow of client requests and demands is crucial for both success and personal satisfaction.

Eric's observation about the sudden influx of client communications had me nodding in agreement. It's a familiar scenario: clients I haven't heard from in ages suddenly flood my inbox with urgent tasks right before a vacation. Over time, I've learned the importance of setting boundaries and telling clients I'm about to leave on vacation and their requests will have to wait. Surprisingly, most are understanding.

The WordPress community is a treasure trove of wisdom and authenticity, and Eric stands out as a key contributor. His articles foster a sense of camaraderie within the community, offering guidance akin to that of a mentor, even to those he hasn't met personally.

I've long followed Eric's writing and recommend others to do the same. Follow him on social media, subscribe to his blog, and tap into his wealth of advice. His writings offer practical tips and remind us of the value of embracing imperfections in our structured days.

NEW HABITS NEWSLETTER FROM WEBCAMI:

New year, new habits! Starting January 1st, 2024, I'm launching a weekly newsletter for WordPress web designers. Each week, get a fresh habit to supercharge your business, straight to your inbox. Ready to level up? Head to habitswp.com to sign up, and let's make 2024 our most productive year yet! https://habitswp.com/

SUBMIT YOUR BLOG POST FOR NARRATION: https://webcamipodcast.com

More WebCami links:

Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/webcamicafe/

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter for web designers: https://webcami.myflodesk.com/webcami-cafe-newsletter

To view my business website, visit: https://webcami.com/

Posted on WebCamiCafe.com on February 12, 2018

In this episode, I share how establishing a morning routine can revolutionize your entire day, emphasizing its profound impact on productivity and mental clarity.

The original post can be found here: https://webcamicafe.com/why-a-morning-routine-can-change-your-whole-day/

About the author: Cami MacNamara, otherwise known as WebCami, has 22 years of experience running a small, profitable, one-person web design business, so she can walk her dog whenever she likes. She has co-hosted a beginner WordPress Meetup in Seattle since 2018 and has been an active member of the Seattle WordPress community since 2013. Cami has designed nearly 600 websites, provides services to 350 active clients, and manages over 200 websites monthly as a solopreneur.

More WebCami links:

Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/webcamicafe/

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter for web designers: https://webcami.myflodesk.com/webcami-cafe-newsletter

To view my business website, visit: https://webcami.com/

Transcript of Cami's Commentary:

I woke up at 2:30 a.m. today and, by 3:30 a.m., realized sleep was a lost cause. So, at 4:00 a.m., I drove to the temporary office I've rented while my home undergoes renovations. It's shaping up to be a long day.

Reflecting on nearly a year of weekly podcasting, I've noticed a pattern: many topics serve as reminders to myself. I'm podcasting to reinforce the advice I've been blogging about for six years.

One key insight from today's episode is how easy it is to stray from the habits that serve us best. Although I've maintained parts of my routine, my dedication has waned. Reminding myself of the success these habits brought me makes me eager to adopt them again.

Winter in Seattle challenges my commitment to a daily 30-minute outdoor walk, and often, I'm reluctant to drive to the gym. Adjusting routines is okay—I still walk my dog at lunch, though it's hardly a workout. Yet, the value of morning exercise is undeniable; its benefits linger throughout the day.

Routines and habits are central for business owners. Try one if you haven't established a morning routine. It could be as simple as a single push-up, reading for ten minutes over coffee, or a moment of quiet gratitude. Crafting a morning routine that primes you for the day can dramatically enhance your productivity and mindset.

NEW HABITS NEWSLETTER FROM WEBCAMI:

New year, new habits! Starting January 1st, 2024, I'm launching a weekly newsletter for WordPress web designers. Each week, get a fresh habit to supercharge your business, straight to your inbox. Ready to level up? Head to habitswp.com to sign up, and let's make 2024 our most productive year yet! https://habitswp.com/

SUBMIT YOUR BLOG POST FOR NARRATION: https://webcamipodcast.com

Posted on WebCamiCafe.com on April 16th, 2018

In this episode, I share how the power of collaboration and community over competition, especially in the business world.

The original post can be found here: https://webcamicafe.com/i-dont-have-competitors-i-only-have-colleagues/

About the author: Cami MacNamara, otherwise known as WebCami, has 20+ years of experience running a small, profitable, one-person web design business, so she can walk her dog whenever she likes. She has co-hosted a beginner WordPress Meetup in Seattle since 2018 and has been an active member of the Seattle WordPress community since 2013. Cami has designed nearly 600 websites, provides services to 350 active clients, and manages over 200 websites monthly as a solopreneur.

More WebCami links:

Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/webcamicafe/

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter for web designers: https://webcami.myflodesk.com/webcami-cafe-newsletter

To view my business website, visit: https://webcami.com/

Transcript of Cami's Commentary:

I've been good at making friends since I was a kid. I hung out with various groups in school, always finding something in common with everyone. This thing about being super competitive in business, especially with others in your field, never made sense to me. For 12 years, I was part of a BNI group where I met a bunch of other designers and graphic artists. Most of the time, it was great. Sure, there was one weird exception, but that's just one in 12 years.

About ten years back, I started working with a client who had a web designer from Duvall hosting her site. I called her to let her know I needed hosting access, and that's how I met Ann Marie Gill from Cascade Valley Designs. Fast forward to today, and she's one of my best friends. We help each other out all the time. She's been fantastic with coding advice and support, and I send clients her way whenever I can. She's been a real gem in my life.

We even attended a women's business retreat in Costa Rica last October. Since then, we've been co-working every Friday, focusing on our businesses and supporting each other. It's been super productive for both of us.

Even though I'm not in BNI anymore, I still attend local business events. Just this week, I sat next to another web designer from my neighborhood at a women's networking event. We talked on the phone a few years ago, so meeting in person was great. We're planning to grab coffee soon. I'm hoping we can refer clients to each other, especially for things one of us might not offer.

I've always believed in sharing knowledge and supporting colleagues, even just by showing up for them. Meeting your competitors can be a good thing. In my experience, they often turn into friends.

NEW HABITS NEWSLETTER FROM WEBCAMI:

New year, new habits! Starting January 1st, 2024, I'm launching a weekly newsletter for WordPress web designers. Each week, get a fresh habit to supercharge your business, straight to your inbox. Ready to level up? Head to habitswp.com to sign up, and let's make 2024 our most productive year yet! https://habitswp.com/

SUBMIT YOUR BLOG POST FOR NARRATION: https://webcamipodcast.com

Posted on WebCamiCafe.com on April 30th, 2019

In this episode, I dive into the heart of freelancing with a chronic illness, exploring strategies and personal insights on balancing work and well-being

The original post can be found here: https://webcamicafe.com/how-to-freelance-with-a-chronic-illness/

About the author: Cami MacNamara, otherwise known as WebCami, has 21 years of experience running a small, profitable, one-person web design business, so she can walk her dog whenever she likes. She has co-hosted a beginner WordPress Meetup in Seattle since 2018 and has been an active member of the Seattle WordPress community since 2013. Cami has designed nearly 600 websites, provides services to 350 active clients, and manages over 200 websites monthly as a solopreneur.

More WebCami links:

Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/webcamicafe/

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter for web designers: https://webcami.myflodesk.com/webcami-cafe-newsletter

To view my business website, visit: https://webcami.com/

Transcript of Cami's Commentary:

We all experience ups and downs in how we feel. While I've overcome the chronic illness that affected me for much of my adult life, I still have those off days. It could be a strained back from lifting something heavy, or neck pain that just won't quit. Recently, I overdid it by working through the first two weekends of the month, resulting in a severe case of tech neck.

This situation forced me to follow my own advice from this article: I needed to rest, work in short bursts, and inform my clients about delays in my work. I kept the details minimal, simply sharing that I was dealing with significant neck pain. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with nearly all my clients sending their best wishes. As I made progress, even if only in small tasks, I kept them in the loop.

Sometimes, tackling small tasks is enough. Whether you're dealing with illness, family loss, depression, or overwhelming stress, it's crucial to remember that working for yourself doesn't mean you forfeit sick days or breaks. Always allow yourself the time off when you need it.

NEW HABITS NEWSLETTER FROM WEBCAMI:

New year, new habits! Starting January 1st, 2024, I'm launching a weekly newsletter for WordPress web designers. Each week, get a fresh habit to supercharge your business, straight to your inbox. Ready to level up? Head to habitswp.com to sign up, and let's make 2024 our most productive year yet! https://habitswp.com/

SUBMIT YOUR BLOG POST FOR NARRATION: https://webcamipodcast.com

Posted on JoyofWP.com on January 8th, 2024

In this episode, Bud Kraus shares the importance of infusing personal style and leveraging tools to enhance writing, without losing the human touch.

The original post can be found here: https://joyofwp.com/how-to-write-original-content-and-beat-ai-while-doing-it/

About the author: Bud Kraus is a highly experienced web design and WordPress instructor who has been teaching since 1998. He has guided students from over 80 countries online and in person, including at institutions like Pratt Institute and the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Bud's dedication to teaching best practices in web design and WordPress is evident in his work. He's been a member of Meetups in NYC and NJ and he's been speaking at WordCamps since 2017. Bud's commitment to empowering individuals with web design and WordPress skills continues to impact a global community of enthusiasts.

More Bud Kraus links:

Joy of WP https://joyofwp.com/

Seriously, Bud? A new podcast is in the works!

https://joyofwp.com/podcast-interview-survey-for-seriously-bud/

Transcript of Cami's Commentary:

I found it amusing when Bud mentioned that readers hear his voice in his blog posts. Does this mean they'll hear mine too? Bud is spot on about embracing AI. It's not about fearing AI; it's about leveraging it to make our lives easier. As a web designer, I'm not yet convinced AI will take over my job, but it's definitely enhancing my workflow. By using ChatGPT version 4, I can analyze URLs to identify optimal SEO keywords and meta tags for my clients' local on-page SEO. It also assists me in drafting business communications, from onboarding emails to guides for client content sharing.

The key is to guide ChatGPT to produce content that reflects your style. I've found that instructing it to write in a conversational, spartan, tone with minimal tech jargon yields the best results. This approach keeps the content clear and to the point.

I also make it a point to replace words that aren't part of my usual vocabulary, avoiding repetitive terms that ChatGPT favors.

Using tools like Grammarly is crucial for refining AI-generated content. It not only helps avoid mistakes but also improves your writing skills. I highly recommend investing in it for error-free writing across emails and web browsers. And a big bonus, you can check your content for plagiarism if you've used AI to help you write, giving you the chance to correct that if needed.

Thanks to Bud for the reminder to embrace technology and integrate it into our workflow in a way that suits us best. Embracing AI doesn't mean losing our touch; it means enhancing our capabilities.

NEW HABITS NEWSLETTER FROM WEBCAMI:

New year, new habits! Starting January 1st, 2024, I'm launching a weekly newsletter for WordPress web designers. Each week, get a fresh habit to supercharge your business, straight to your inbox. Ready to level up? Head to habitswp.com to sign up, and let's make 2024 our most productive year yet! https://habitswp.com/

SUBMIT YOUR BLOG POST FOR NARRATION: https://webcamipodcast.com

More WebCami links:

Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/webcamicafe/

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter for web designers: https://webcami.myflodesk.com/webcami-cafe-newsletter

To view my business website, visit: https://webcami.com/

Posted on StellarWP.com on January 10th, 2024

In this episode, Michelle Frechette shares the enriching world of WordCamps and WordPress meetups, exploring how they can significantly enhance your skills and understanding of WordPress.

The original post can be found here: https://stellarwp.com/attending-wordcamps-and-meetups-can-increase-your-wordpress-game/

About the author:

Dubbed "The busiest woman in WordPress" by Matt Mullenweg at WCUS 2022, Michelle Frechette is the Director of Community Engagement for ⁠StellarWP⁠ at ⁠Liquid Web⁠. Beyond her primary role, Michelle wears many hats: She serves up insights as the Podcast Barista at ⁠WPCoffeeTalk.com⁠, champions diversity as the co-founder of ⁠underrepresentedintech.com⁠, created both ⁠wpcareerpages.com⁠ and ⁠wpspeakers.com⁠. Her leadership extends as the president of ⁠BigOrangeHeart.org⁠'s board, and she's a pivotal figure at ⁠PostStatus.com⁠ as the Director of Community Relations and contributor. Additional podcasting contributions include co-hosting ⁠Underrepresented in Tech⁠, ⁠WPMotivate⁠ and ⁠This Week in WordPress⁠. An author, business coach, and sought-after speaker at WordPress events, she resides near Rochester, NY, capturing its beauty through her nature photography. Dive deeper into her world at ⁠meetmichelle.online⁠

Transcript of Cami's Commentary:

I love this blog post by Michelle Frechette, who embodies the WordPress community's spirit. As I read through her journey from a novice to a central figure in the community, I couldn't help but think of her as the heart of WordPress.

Michelle's story may resonate with many of you, as it did with me. My first WordCamp was in Seattle in 2013. That year, I was invited by Kane Jameson of Content Harmony. Despite my fear of public speaking, watching him speak to a large audience left a lasting impression on me - I wanted to do that! It only took me ten years to get the courage to speak.

Over the years, attending WordCamps in Seattle allowed me to meet incredible people like Bob Dunn and other prominent figures in the local WordPress community. 2016-17, I volunteered at WordCamp, leading to even more connections.

I ended up co-hosting a Meetup from 2018-2023 and I've attended 17 official WordPress events. Thanks to GoDaddy, I have several WordCamp US conferences under my belt. As the first GoDaddy Pro Ambassador, I met many wonderful folks, like Michelle, while working in their sponsor booth in person and virtually. It is and will always be some of the most beautiful memories of my career.

To everyone in the WordPress community, regardless of your experience level, you are always welcome. I encourage all listeners to attend a WordCamp or a WordPress Meetup this year. It's not just a potential career booster; it can be a transformative personal experience. I finally got the courage to speak last year in Phoenix and Vancouver and the audience was warm and supportive in both cities.  WordPressers are good people.

Michelle's blog includes a collection of tweets from others detailing their experiences at WordPress meetups and WordCamps. I chose not to narrate these in my podcast due to permission concerns, but I highly recommend you check out her full post – you'll find the link in my show notes. Her post is not just a narrative; it's filled with valuable links for anyone interested in attending WordCamps or WordPress meetups.

NEW HABITS NEWSLETTER FROM WEBCAMI:

New year, new habits! Starting January 1st, 2024, I'm launching a weekly newsletter for WordPress web designers. Each week, get a fresh habit to supercharge your business, straight to your inbox. Ready to level up? Head to habitswp.com to sign up, and let's make 2024 our most productive year yet! https://habitswp.com/

SUBMIT YOUR BLOG POST FOR NARRATION: https://webcamipodcast.com

More WebCami links:

Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/webcamicafe/

To view my business website, visit: https://webcami.com/

Posted on KathyZant.com on January 9th, 2024

In this episode, In this episode, I read Kathy Zant's blog post "You Should Probably Log Out," where she highlights the growing threat of stolen authentication cookies in compromising WordPress sites, and shares some info on what motivates her.

The original post can be found here: https://kathyzant.com/posts/you-should-probably-log-out

About the author: Kathy Zant, a dynamic speaker and writer with over two decades of experience in technology, is passionate about empowering people to understand and leverage emerging tech. She has a diverse interest in honesty, meditation, and the joy of being present, complemented by her love for long walks with dogs and coffee. Kathy's journey includes inspiring global audiences, contributing to the WordPress community, and recently embracing a new Director of Content & Community role at Motivations AI. Deeply connected to Mount Shasta, her former home, Kathy values intuition and natural healing and has a particular fondness for golden retrievers.

More Kathy Zant links:

https://kathyzant.com/

https://www.zant.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@kathyzant

https://twitter.com/kathyzant/

Transcript of Cami's Commentary:

I first encountered Kathy on Twitter. I was a big fan of her posts, and back in 2021, she wrote this article about a rock wall at her home in Mount Shasta. I grew up in Northern California, and Mount Shasta was a place I was very familiar with. Later that year, in 2021, Kathy's husband had a stroke, and I marveled at her openness to sharing the challenges of her role as a caregiver. I had been going through a very different caretaker role with my mom and dad, but I sympathized with her words and felt some of the same feelings in my caregiving journey.

What resonates with me most about Kathy's content is that it's always from her heart. She wants everybody to log out for their own good. She wants to help you stay secure online. She's reminding all of us of the security vulnerabilities out there and how to stay protected. Kathy cares.

It's wonderful that Kathy has ended up at Motivations AI. I took my own motivation code evaluation last May. I am an Optimizer, Driver, and Achiever. It validated many things that have made me trust my gut in life. When I'm not doing that, I feel out of balance. I appreciate Kathy reminding me to review the outcome of the test I took last May.

At WordCamp Phoenix 2023, I had the opportunity to chat with Kathy in person for the first time. The WordPress Community is so grateful for Kathy's work and the information she has shared. Thank you, Kathy, for being who you are. Thank you for being a caregiver in the WordPress community. Thank you for sharing your vast security knowledge.

NEW HABITS NEWSLETTER FROM WEBCAMI:

New year, new habits! Starting January 1st, 2024, I'm launching a weekly newsletter for WordPress web designers. Each week, get a fresh habit to supercharge your business, straight to your inbox. Ready to level up? Head to habitswp.com to sign up, and let's make 2024 our most productive year yet! https://habitswp.com/

SUBMIT YOUR BLOG POST FOR NARRATION: https://webcamipodcast.com

More WebCami links:

Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/webcamicafe/

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter for web designers: https://webcami.myflodesk.com/webcami-cafe-newsletter

To view my business website, visit: https://webcami.com/

Posted on ReneMorozowich.com on December 7, 2023

In this episode, Rene Morozowich explores "The 12 Week Year", a system designed to help you achieve your goals by breaking the year into 12-week periods, creating urgency and focus.

The original post can be found here: https://renemorozowich.com/reaching-goals-with-12-week-year/

About the author: Rene Morozowich, based in Pittsburgh, PA, is a digital product strategist, WordPress developer, speaker, and instructor with a rich background in computer science and development. She also hosts the Your First Digital Product Podcast, Helping maxed-out service providers create their first digital product. Rene excels in assisting service-based businesses and creative entrepreneurs with website development and email marketing. Rene's professional experience encompasses roles in business intelligence development, systems analysis, and database development. Rene combines her technical expertise with teaching skills to empower clients with effective digital solutions.

More Rene Morozowich links:

https://renemorozowich.com/

https://scenicroutedigital.com/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-first-digital-product/id1665671574

Gumroad: https://renemzw.gumroad.com/

Transcript of Cami's Commentary:

I'm thrilled to talk about Rene's insightful blog post on the 12-week year. Like many others, I've found it challenging to stick to this system. But just last week, Renee gave me some game-changing advice during a training session, particularly on embracing imperfection. She has an incredibly effective method, and she even walked me through customized ClickUp and Google sheets templates she designed.

Rene has this amazing ability to cut through the clutter and make the 12-week year approach really accessible. In the past, I'd get lost in details and tasks, but Rene helped me focus. My main goal for the upcoming 12 weeks is to revamp all the template emails in my business, and Rene's tips were invaluable in making this seem manageable.

I highly recommend signing up for Rene's next training. Her resources are also available on GumRoad. And for a more detailed walkthrough, including a step-by-step guide to creating a spreadsheet, check out her blog post. I didn't narrate those details knowing I would get tongue tied reading off cell numbers.

It's a new year, a perfect time to embrace the 12-week year to achieve your goals. A huge shoutout to Rene for her guidance this week, and I'm excited to share my progress on Twitter.

NEW HABITS NEWSLETTER FROM WEBCAMI:

New year, new habits! Starting January 1st, 2024, I'm launching a weekly newsletter for WordPress web designers. Each week, get a fresh habit to supercharge your business, straight to your inbox. Ready to level up? Head to habitswp.com to sign up, and let's make 2024 our most productive year yet! https://habitswp.com/

SUBMIT YOUR BLOG POST FOR NARRATION: https://webcamipodcast.com

More WebCami links:

Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/webcamicafe/

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter for web designers: https://webcami.myflodesk.com/webcami-cafe-newsletter

To view my business website, visit: https://webcami.com/

Posted on WebCamiCafe.com on October 23, 2019

In this episode, I share how managing the small details for your clients can make a huge difference. From plugin updates to SSL certificates, keeping your clients informed and stress-free is all part of the service.

The original post can be found here:

About the author: Cami MacNamara, otherwise known as WebCami, has 21 years of experience running a small, profitable, one-person web design business, so she can walk her dog whenever she likes. She has co-hosted a beginner WordPress Meetup in Seattle since 2018 and has been an active member of the Seattle WordPress community since 2013. Cami has designed nearly 600 websites, provides services to 350 active clients, and manages over 200 websites monthly as a solopreneur.

More WebCami links:

Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/webcamicafe/

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter for web designers: https://webcami.myflodesk.com/webcami-cafe-newsletter

To view my business website, visit: https://webcami.com/

Transcript of Cami's Commentary:

I can hardly believe that this year marks the 9th anniversary of my care plan services. Life before having a care plan was a complete mess. There was a point when I was juggling a whopping 44 projects simultaneously, making it one of the worst months in my career, and I'm not exaggerating. I had 44 new websites to create or redesign, all in the pipeline, and I was at my wit's end.

When I started using managed WP, my clients were amazed by how many plugin updates I handled each month. However, these updates are just one aspect of my comprehensive service. I've mastered playing "whack-a-mole" with various tasks like PHP updates and SSL certificate renewals. Dealing with these little details has become second nature to me.

However, it became apparent that my clients needed to fully grasp the extent of these small tasks I was taking care of on their behalf. Only when I began to communicate and inform them about these efforts did they genuinely appreciate the value of my services.

Now, I don't suggest bombarding your clients with ten emails a day, but sending them a weekly recap can be beneficial, especially when you're handling numerous small tasks for their website that they might need to be made aware of.

Many services are included for clients enrolled in my care plan without additional charges. On the other hand, for clients not in a care plan, I do bill them for these services. I always take the opportunity to remind them that if they were to join a care plan, I would take care of all these essential services as part of that service.

Don't underestimate the value of your work simply because some of the tasks you perform are small. As a service provider, you're always doing some website work that lightens the load for your clients, which is incredibly valuable.

NEW HABITS NEWSLETTER FROM WEBCAMI:

New year, new habits! Starting January 1st, 2024, I'm launching a weekly newsletter for WordPress web designers. Each week, get a fresh habit to supercharge your business, straight to your inbox. Ready to level up? Head to habitswp.com to sign up, and let's make 2024 our most productive year yet! https://habitswp.com/

SUBMIT YOUR BLOG POST FOR NARRATION: https://webcamipodcast.com