In this episode of The WP Minute+, Kurt and Toby explore the shifting landscape of WordPress, sparked by Toby’s visit to a no-code meetup in Minneapolis. They discuss the rise of non-technical entrepreneurs building functional businesses with no-code tools and how that approach compares to the traditional WordPress ethos of craftsmanship, responsibility, and long-term support. They reflect on the decline of accountability in some corners of tech, where lifetime deals and fast-money SaaS platforms are more about hype than sustainability.

They also explore how AI is reshaping development, from creating unmaintainable codebases to confusing newer users into thinking AI can replace skilled developers. This naturally leads to the question: Are live WordPress meetups and local communities losing relevance in a world where new tech communities are buzzing with energy? Kurt and Toby share personal anecdotes and weigh the pros and cons of continuing traditional meetups versus embracing newer, more generalist tech conversations.

Rounding out the discussion, they touch on sales strategies, LinkedIn lead generation, and their experiences with marketing processes that move the needle, versus those that make noise.

Key Takeaways

• No-code tools are enabling business owners to skip traditional coding, but often at the cost of long-term stability.
• WordPress’s commitment to backward compatibility and responsibility contrasts sharply with fly-by-night SaaS products.
• AI-generated code can lead to maintenance nightmares. Human expertise is still irreplaceable.
• Local WordPress meetups may be fading, but the need for authentic community and knowledge-sharing persists.
• Sales and marketing processes like LinkedIn automation can yield real leads, but need refinement and balance.
• Speaking gigs, courses, and books remain valuable tools for agency owners to build authority and generate leads.

Important Links:

• Kurt’s Agency: Mañana No Mas
• Toby’s Agency: The Mighty Mo!
• Follow Kurt & Toby:
  LinkedIn: Kurt | Toby
• The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe