In this episode of the PublishPress Podcast, we talk with Andrew Wilder from NerdPress. His team specializes in WordPress support and maintenance for independent publishers, particularly in the food and travel blogging niches. 

Because he works with very high-traffic websites, Andrew and his team do things differently. For example, their plugin updates are always done manually, with very careful roll-outs that can take a week or more. They also spend a lot of time testing and optimizing for site speed. If there's something Andrew doesn't know about Google's Core Web Vitals, it's not worth knowing.

Andrew talks about the supportive community among food bloggers. The conversation also touches on the competitive landscape of blogging, the significance of niche marketing, and various revenue models that successful bloggers employ. Oh, and Andrew has some excellent recommendations for where to get the best food recipes!

Links for this show:

• https://www.nerdpress.net/
• https://tastemakerconference.com/
• https://travelcon.org
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/2582456548748766/
• https://unchartedterritories.tomaspueyo.com/
• https://hot-thai-kitchen.com/
• https://www.shockinglydelicious.com/
• https://cookingontheweekends.com/

Key points from the episode:

• NerdPress focuses on manual updates for WordPress sites.
• Building long-term relationships with clients is crucial.
• Food bloggers often support each other despite competition
• Email marketing remains a vital tool for publishers.
• Niche marketing can lead to clearer audience engagement.
• Display advertising is a primary revenue source for bloggers.
• Community events foster collaboration among blogger
• Successful bloggers often diversify their income streams.
• Maintaining a personal touch in client interactions is key.
• The blogging landscape is competitive but rewarding. 
• Diversification in revenue streams is essential for sustainability.
• Finding joy in publishing on specific platforms is crucial.
• Google's Core Web Vitals are a significant ranking factor.
• AI can assist in content creation but should not replace human input.
• Authenticity resonates with audiences and builds trust.
• Travel blogging has faced challenges due to the pandemic.
• WordPress remains the dominant platform for food bloggers.
• Technical support can enhance the performance of blogs.
• Community building is key to successful blogging.
• Engagement with audiences through social media is vital.