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The WP Minute+

Matt Medeiros

For long-form interviews, news, and commentary about the WordPress ecosystem. This is the companion show to The WP Minute, your favorite 5-minutes of WordPress news every week.

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  • #177
    Wednesday · 39 min

    ACF Is Getting an AI Upgrade — But It’s Not What You Think

    Thanks Pressable for supporting the show! Get your special hosting deal at https://pressable.com/wpminute Become a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/support Advanced Custom Fields has been a developer favorite in WordPress for more than a decade. Now it’s getting ready for the AI era — without throwing away what made developers love it in the first place. In this episode of The WP Minute, Eric Karkovack sits down with Iain Poulson, Senior Product Manager for ACF, to talk about where the plugin is headed and how AI is changing the way WordPress sites are built. Iain breaks down what ACF 6.8 is laying the groundwork for, including the WordPress Abilities API, MCP, AI agents, and structured data with JSON-LD. He also explains how ACF can give AI tools a deeper understanding of a site's content model — potentially letting an agent create post types, taxonomies, field groups, and even populate content. But the bigger story may be what ACF isn't doing. Rather than bolting a chatbot onto the plugin just because “AI” is hot, the team is looking at specific developer workflows where AI can eliminate tedious work. One example: suggesting the fields you probably need when creating a new field group, getting you from a blank screen to something useful much faster. We also talk about the challenge of supporting ACF's massive existing user base while WordPress continues moving toward the block editor, why ACF Blocks 3 is important, and how the team is balancing innovation with backwards compatibility. If you're an agency, freelancer, or WordPress developer who relies on ACF, this is a look at where one of WordPress's most important developer tools is heading next. Takeaways: ACF is evolving for the AI era. ACF 6.8 lets AI tools interact with WordPress content. MCP could make managing WordPress sites with AI much easier. ACF is making structured content more useful to AI and search engines. ACF Blocks 3 gives developers more control over editing. ACF’s AI features will be opt-in and focused on real workflows. AI could make creating custom fields much faster. ACF still needs to support millions of existing sites. User feedback continues to shape the ACF roadmap. Important Links: Pillar Sponsor / ACF Owner: WP Engine Iain Poulson on X: @polevaultweb ACF (Advanced Custom Fields) on X: @wp_acf ACF User Survey: ACF Annual Survey ★ Support this podcast ★

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  • #173
    Monday · 29 min

    Let’s Debunk the WooCommerce Scaling Myth

    Thanks Pressable for supporting the show! Get your special hosting deal at https://pressable.com/wpminute Become a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/support There’s a narrative surrounding WooCommerce that it can’t scale as well as proprietary eCommerce platforms like Shopify. This episode of The WP Minute+ podcast aims to debunk that notion. Urumi AI CEO and co-founder Vedanshu Jain joined Eric to discuss the challenges and best practices for using Woo at scale. And it’s no surprise that AI has a role to play in keeping online stores running at peak performance. Vendanshu also fills us in on his experience as a technical lead at WooCommerce and his transition to Urumi. The conversation also looks at the importance of open-source solutions within the eCommerce landscape. Takeaways: WooCommerce can scale beyond perceived limits. Technical challenges in WooCommerce can be overcome with proper infrastructure. AI can significantly enhance performance and scaling. Caching is crucial for handling WooCommerce traffic. Bot traffic can be managed effectively with the right strategies. Urumi AI automates updates and maintenance for WooCommerce sites. Open-source platforms have advantages over closed systems. Dynamic scaling can reduce costs for eCommerce businesses. AI can identify and fix slow requests automatically. The future of eCommerce will heavily involve AI technologies. Important Links: Urumi AI Connect with Vedanshu: LinkedIn The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

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  • #174
    September 7 · 46 min

    The Agency Model Isn’t Dead. It’s Evolving.

    Thanks Pressable for supporting the show! Get your special hosting deal at https://pressable.com/wpminute Become a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/support Are agencies still relevant in the age of AI? On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt Medeiros and Cory Miller unpack the tension between AI, WordPress, and the future of agency work. They discuss why agencies still matter, how AI is changing client expectations, and how Hosting.com’s new agency partnership network aims to connect customers with trusted providers. From care plans to vertical specialization to the risk of losing curiosity in the AI era, this conversation explores what it means to be a technologist right now. Editor’s note: Hosting.com is a pillar sponsor of The WP Minute. Takeaways: AI is changing the sales process, but it has not eliminated the need for expertise. Agencies win by becoming guides, not just vendors. Industry specialization matters more as clients expect proof, not just promises. Care plans and ongoing support still have a strong role in the agency model. The best use of AI is to augment human judgment, not replace it. Hosting.com’s agency network is built to create referrals and relationships, not exclusivity. Important links: Hosting.com Hosting.com’s Agency Partnership Application Connect with Cory: LinkedIn | Twitter/X The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

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  • #172
    August 31 · 31 min

    CMS Conf Takes You Outside the WordPress Bubble

    Thanks Pressable for supporting the show! Get your special hosting deal at https://pressable.com/wpminute Become a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/support Are you stuck inside the WordPress bubble? In this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric talks with Maciek Palmowski, organizer of CMS Conf, about why CMS communities benefit from looking outside their own ecosystem. Maciek explains how working at Kinsta and expanding into application hosting helped push him to explore other platforms, conferences, and communities. They also discuss what CMS Conf aims to create in Gdynia, Poland: a space where WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, and newer API-first systems can learn from one another. The event takes place from November 12-14, 2026. Takeaways Maciek became a “CMS tourist” after working at Kinsta and seeing the value of exploring beyond WordPress. CMS Conf is designed to bring together people from multiple CMS communities, including WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, and newer platforms. WordPress’s real strength is often the ecosystem around it: community, events, and shared culture. Systems like Astro and Statamic show how different CMS approaches can create better out-of-the-box experiences. The goal of CMS Conf is to help attendees break out of their bubble, stay curious, and learn from other communities. Important links CMS Conf website (Click here for a 25% ticket discount) Why I'm Organizing CMS Conf Connect with Maciek: LinkedIn | Twitter/X The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

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  • #171
    August 24 · 34 min

    What’s New With Woo? (July 2026 Member Meetup)

    Thanks Pressable for supporting the show! Get your special hosting deal at https://pressable.com/wpminute Become a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/support Our July 2026 WP Minute Member Meetup was dedicated to all things WooCommerce. Developer Advocate Brian Coords joined us to demonstrate a variety of new and experimental features. He also shared Woo’s plan to address the existing backlog of bugs and other issues. The goal is to produce a stable eCommerce platform that also meets modern demands. We also looked at AI’s role in Woo and WordPress. Brian provided insight on the future of agentic commerce, store management features, and customer interactions. Takeaways: WooCommerce is focusing on cleaning up backlog issues to improve user experience. AI submissions in open source can be both beneficial and challenging. The goal is to reduce the number of open issues significantly. User experience is crucial for retaining customers in WooCommerce. WooCommerce aims to improve UI consistency across its extensions. Block themes are being developed to enhance the WooCommerce experience. AI integration is being explored for better store management and analytics. The future of e-commerce may involve AI-driven purchasing experiences. Important Links: Woo Developer Blog WooCommerce is the foundation of our entire ecosystem WooCommerce 11.0: What’s coming for developers Unifying extension settings in WooCommerce The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

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  • #170
    August 17 · 35 min

    Why Real-Time WordPress Is the Future

    Thanks Pressable for supporting the show! Get your special hosting deal at https://pressable.com/wpminute Become a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/support On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt is joined by Jared Rethman, creator of WPSignal, a tool that adds real-time infrastructure to WordPress. It started as an idea for powering Google Docs-style collaborative editing. But Jared shares how this technology can transform WordPress development and what it means for the platform's evolution. He also reflects on the diminishing importance of technical hurdles for future developers and the opportunities for those willing to push boundaries. Key Takeaways: Real-time infrastructure turns WordPress into a live, interactive app instead of a static site. Infrastructure is the real moat, not just the feature set. WordPress keeps evolving because its architecture is flexible and API-driven. AI speeds up building, but it also compresses the traditional learning curve. WordPress’s future depends on adaptability more than a fixed identity. Hype around AI can distract from the core technical skills that still matter. Reliable infrastructure will separate real solutions from flashy ideas. Important Links: WPSignal WorldHouse Connect with Jared: LinkedIn The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

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  • #169
    August 10 · 37 min

    Building Smarter Hosting for the AI Era

    Thanks Pressable for supporting the show! Get your special hosting deal at https://pressable.com/wpminute Become a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/support The web hosting industry is changing rapidly. On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt is joined by ScalaHosting CTO Vlad Georgiev. Vlad shares thoughts on the evolving role of hosting companies, the implications of AI in software development, and the significance of maintaining a solid grasp of programming fundamentals. You’ll learn why the company’s SPanel is key to their strategy. There’s also plenty of talk about the future of WordPress and open-source. Editor’s Note: ScalaHosting is a Foundation+ of The WP Minute. Takeaways: Relying on AI too heavily can create a knowledge gap, especially in development and security. Open-source AI models are likely to become important infrastructure as commercial AI gets more expensive, creating new opportunities for hosting companies. Faster performance comes from smart hardware choices, not just packing in more cores. Security should be treated as a core foundation of modern hosting and WordPress. Community-driven product development helps ensure tools evolve based on real user needs. Long-term wins come from investing in quality infrastructure and optimized stacks rather than chasing short-term cost cuts. WordPress remains well positioned for AI integration because of its maturity, flexibility, and ecosystem. Important Links: ScalaHosting SPanel The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

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  • #167
    August 3 · 48 min

    Don’t Use AI? You Might Not Get the Job.

    Thanks Pressable for supporting the show! Get your special hosting deal at https://pressable.com/wpminute Become a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/support This is a tough time to find development work, and Eric’s guest on The WP Minute+ podcast knows it all too well. Andrew Norcross is a seasoned developer, having run his own agency and led NASA’s transition to WordPress. These days, he’s looking for work. He doesn’t use AI, and at least one potential employer has turned him down because of it. Is that fair? Eric and Andrew take a hard look at the job market for web professionals. You’ll find insights into what AI can and can’t do, the craft of coding, and the importance of critical thinking. They also examine how corporate culture often prioritizes speed over quality. It’s a much-needed discussion that impacts all of us. Takeaways: The job market for web professionals is changing rapidly. AI is complicating the job search for developers. Andrew's journey into WordPress was accidental but transformative. Developers need to maintain critical thinking skills despite AI’s assistance. Job interviews are increasingly focused on AI usage. The balance between using AI and preserving coding craftsmanship is crucial. Understanding client needs is a key part of development work. The coding profession requires problem-solving and creativity. Some developers now prioritize paychecks over passion for coding. The WordPress plugin ecosystem is facing saturation and declining sales. The future of work in tech is unpredictable and challenging. Developers are navigating a complex landscape of opportunities and risks. Important Links: Connect with Andrew: GitHub | LinkedIn | Website Flashback: Read the outline of Andrew’s WordCamp Philadelphia 2011 presentation The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

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  • #168
    July 27 · 37 min

    Why WordPress 7.1 Will Improve Your Workflow

    Thanks Pressable for supporting the show! Get your special hosting deal at https://pressable.com/wpminute Become a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/support Some WordPress releases are more transformative than others. WordPress 7.1 looks to be a watershed moment, with long-awaited features like responsive styling coming to the Block Editor. But there’s much more to the story. This week’s episode of The WP Minute+ podcast provides a behind-the-scenes look at what’s new, as release lead Anne McCarthy joins Eric to demo new features. You’ll also find tidbits on some items that didn’t make the cut, like collaborative editing, and how those decisions are made. Anne also shares her experience as a first-time release lead and the responsibilities involved. And you won’t want to miss a few hidden gems that Anne uncovers. Takeaways: WordPress 7.1 introduces powerful and long-awaited features. Anne’s first experience as a release lead has been both challenging and rewarding. The new responsive styling feature allows for better control over how content appears on different devices. The command palette offers quality-of-life improvements for users. Classic Block deprecation is a thoughtful process, considering user needs and historical usage. Collaborative editing remains a challenge due to server technology limitations and legal responsibilities. User experience is a priority, especially in the age of AI. The evolution of WordPress aims to maintain familiarity while introducing new functionalities. The new media cropper simplifies image editing before uploading. Hidden features like the 'On This Day' widget encourage user engagement. Custom icons can now be registered for the icon block. Testing the beta version can prevent future issues at scale. Performance improvements save time for users across the platform. The collaborative effort in development is vital for WordPress's success. Important Links: Try the latest version in WordPress Playground Collaborative Editing: Outreach Efforts | Research Summary and Insights Roadmap to WordPress 7.1 Anne’s Experience as a Release Lead Related: The WP Minute’s Matt Medeiros shares a rundown of new features in WordPress 7.1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoHdkzm6s6w ★ Support this podcast ★

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  • #166
    July 20 · 24 min

    Using WordPress Playground for Serious Business

    Thanks Pressable for supporting the show! Get your special hosting deal at https://pressable.com/wpminute Become a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/support You may have heard of WordPress Playground, but have you explored what it can do? WordPress developer and core contributor Elliott Richmond has some real-world examples that might surprise you. He joined Eric Karkovack on this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast to share his experience using Playground for a client training session. Elliott also digs into other potential use cases and how this browser-based WordPress install is changing his workflow. After this episode, yours may change too! Takeaways: WordPress Playground allows for browser-based WordPress instances. Blueprints enhance the functionality of Playground for prototyping. Playground is useful for client training and reducing anxiety around new tools. Setting up Playground can be straightforward with proper documentation. Using GitHub for version control with Playground is powerful. Playground can be used for testing different PHP and WordPress versions. The drag-and-drop feature simplifies plugin and theme testing. Playground can speed up the process of sharing demos with clients. Elliot emphasizes the community aspect of sharing knowledge in WordPress. Important Links: WordPress Playground Using WordPress Playground and Blueprints to Train Clients on Block Themes Connect with Elliott: LinkedIn | Twitter/X | YouTube The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

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  • #165
    July 13 · 33 min

    What’s the State of Your Business in 2026? (June 2026 Member Meetup)

    Thanks Pressable for supporting the show! Get your special hosting deal at https://pressable.com/wpminute Become a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/support The WP Minute’s June 2026 member meetup asked a simple question: What’s the state of your business in 2026? Eric Karkovack and Kurt von Ahnen led a discussion of what’s working, what’s not, and what’s changed this year. We dig into AI’s impact on the market, the importance of resilience, and why foundational knowledge is still valuable. It’s timely advice for freelancers, agencies, and product makers who want to stay ahead of the game. Takeaways: The economy has seen ups and downs, affecting business operations. Resilience and consistent effort can lead to eventual success. AI is changing the landscape, but human expertise remains crucial. Building relationships and reputation is key to business growth. Freelancers should focus on their core competencies to thrive. AI can be a distraction from essential business practices. Foundational knowledge in web development is still important. Clients often prefer expert solutions over DIY approaches. Marketing strategies must adapt to changing consumer needs. The future of business looks hopeful with the right strategies. Important Links: Agency Action Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

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  • #163
    July 6 · 40 min

    How To Teach WordPress Like a Pro

    Thanks Pressable for supporting the show! Get your special hosting deal at https://pressable.com/wpminute Become a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/support Teaching is the focus of this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast. Allie Nimmons joined Eric to share her tips for helping others learn WordPress. Allie’s journey has been unique, moving from studying theater to becoming a web designer. She leaned on those experiences to teach others via a series of LinkedIn Learning courses and one-on-one coaching. Tune in to get an inside look at Allie’s teaching methods and her advice for technically-minded professionals working with clients. Takeaways: Allie's background in theater enhances her public speaking skills. Clients often feel intimidated by WordPress; empathy is key. Identifying common client questions can improve teaching methods. Creating courses requires understanding the audience's perspective. Clients often struggle with maintaining design consistency on their sites. Page builders can be overwhelming due to the multitude of options available. It's crucial to educate clients on the differences between WordPress.com and self-hosted WordPress.org. Training should start early in the client relationship, even during the proposal phase. Understanding a client's learning style can enhance the training process. Providing ongoing support and reassurance helps build client confidence. Documentation and video resources can be beneficial for client training. Building a strong relationship with clients can lead to referrals and repeat business. Clients need to feel comfortable asking questions without fear of judgment. Investing time in client education can lead to better website management and satisfaction. Important Links: Connect with Allie: Website | LinkedIn Web Pro Geeks WordPress Essentials Course on LinkedIn Learning The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

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  • #164
    June 29 · 51 min

    Hosting Providers Have Become Strategic Partners

    Thanks Pressable for supporting the show! Get your special hosting deal at https://pressable.com/wpminute Become a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/support JetHost’s Metodi Drenovski joins Matt on this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast to discuss all things hosting. Metodi shares the importance of understanding customer needs and AI’s role in providing support. He also offers insight into educating users and the opportunities for agencies within the WordPress hosting ecosystem. In addition, Metodi tackles the competition between WooCommerce and Shopify, AI’s fitness for site building, and the role hosting companies play in the landscape. It’s an episode packed with valuable perspective! Note: JetHost is a Pillar Sponsor of The WP Minute. Takeaways: JetHost is a key player in the WordPress hosting market. Understanding customer needs is crucial for hosting companies. AI can assist but should not replace human support. Educating customers about hosting limitations is challenging. Agencies can thrive by adapting to new technologies. WooCommerce needs better integration with WordPress. Shopify's ease of use is a significant advantage. Users often realize the limitations of their AI-built solutions. WordPress may become more appealing after a site owner experiments with AI. Agencies need reliable hosting support to avoid crises. AI tools can lead to unexpected costs and complexities. Trust and communication are key in the hosting industry. Important Links: JetHost Connect with Metodi: LinkedIn The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

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  • #162
    June 22 · 32 min

    From Plugin Security to Better AI Workflows with Zack Katz

    Thanks Pressable for supporting the show! Get your special hosting deal at https://pressable.com/wpminute Become a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/support On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, GravityKit’s Zack Katz joins Eric to discuss his company’s forward-thinking features, including cryptographic signing on plugin updates and the new Block MCP tool. Zack shares that the recent plugin supply chain attacks inspired a more secure method for product distribution – potentially the first for a commercial plugin. Meanwhile, Block MCP fills a gap in the current WordPress AI landscape by working within the native block structure, rather than raw HTML. This episode provides you with the inside scoop on making WordPress safer and more user-friendly. Takeaways: Cryptographic signing ensures plugin updates are secure. Supply chain attacks are a real concern for plugin developers. GravityKit is the first to implement cryptographic signing in WordPress plugins. The Block MCP tool addresses frustrations with existing MCPs. AI can significantly enhance the editing experience in WordPress. Granular editing is simplified with the Block MCP tool. The Block MCP tool can automatically identify and use the best blocks. Internal linking can be improved using AI with the Block MCP. The plugin allows for non-destructive edits and easy rollbacks. Important Links: GravityKit products now give you a stronger reason to trust what you install Introducing Block MCP: the WordPress MCP we built because nothing else worked Block MCP: GitHub | Plugin The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

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  • #161
    June 8 · 44 min

    Can WordPress Keep Up With AI?

    Thanks Pressable for supporting the show! Get your special hosting deal at https://pressable.com/wpminute Become a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/support This episode of The WP Minute+ podcast features Matt’s chat with Beaver Builder’s Robby McCullough. They discuss the evolution of Beaver Builder, including its recent AI integrations. You’ll find takes on the current sentiment within the WordPress community, the importance of open source, and how to adapt in the age of AI. Robby also shares his thoughts on user expectations and the future of web design. Takeaways: Beaver Builder is evolving with AI integration. The Assistant Pro plugin is still operational but has been integrated into Beaver Builder. The WordPress community often engages in ‘drama farming’ with negative narratives. AI is being explored in WordPress core, showing a new direction. Open-source ethos remains strong in the WordPress community. User expectations for AI tools need to be managed effectively. AI can enhance design but should not replace human creativity. The baseline for web design is improving compared to the past. Beaver Builder aims to provide a cohesive design experience with AI. Important Links: Beaver Builder: Twitter/X | Website Connect with Robby: Twitter/X The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

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  • #160
    June 1 · 34 min

    Inside the Surge of WordPress Supply Chain Attacks

    Thanks Pressable for supporting the show! Get your special hosting deal at https://pressable.com/wpminute Become a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/support On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Anchor Hosting owner Austin Ginder joins Eric to discuss the recent surge in supply chain attacks affecting WordPress plugins. Austin shares his experiences managing security for thousands of WordPress sites and how AI has transformed his approach to identifying vulnerabilities. It all led him to launch WP Beacon, a tool designed to uncover compromised plugins and enhance security measures. This episode is packed with actionable advice for keeping your WordPress websites safe and secure. Takeaways: Supply chain attacks are increasingly common in WordPress plugins. AI is revolutionizing the way developers approach security. Regular code audits are essential for maintaining site security. WP Beacon aims to identify and report compromised plugins. The cleanup process for hacked sites can be complex and challenging. Security measures must evolve to keep pace with AI advancements. Collaboration with security teams is crucial for effective responses. Identifying patterns in compromised plugins can help prevent future attacks. Site owners should prioritize vulnerability scanning and malware detection. The future of WordPress security relies on proactive measures and AI integration. Important Links: WP Beacon The Great Security Reset of 2026 Connect with Austin: LinkedIn | Twitter/X | Website The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

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  • #159
    May 25 · 35 min

    Why Passion Still Matters in WordPress Products

    Thanks Pressable for supporting the show! Get your special hosting deal at https://pressable.com/wpminute Become a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/support On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric sits down with Marcus Burnette, founder of WellPlayedWP, a new plugin membership service, and The WP World (a media partner of The WP Minute). Marcus fills us in on his journey in the WordPress community and the unique business model of WellPlayedWP. He shares insights into the included plugins, their use cases, and the importance of customer feedback in shaping the service. Marcus demonstrates his passion for the WordPress community and building useful tools. In all, it’s the same spirit that brought many of us to WordPress in the first place! Takeaways: WellPlayedWP is a plugin membership service offering a library of niche plugins. The service aims to simplify plugin management with a single license for multiple plugins. Marcus emphasizes the importance of side projects for learning and growth. The target audience for WellPlayedWP is primarily agencies and freelancers. Pricing strategies were carefully considered to ensure affordability and value. Customer feedback will play a crucial role in the development of new features. The plugins are designed to solve specific problems faced by users. The conversation reflects the passion and community spirit within the WordPress ecosystem. Important Links: WellPlayedWP The WP World Connect with Marcus: LinkedIn | Twitter/X | Website The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

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  • #158
    May 18 · 21 min

    Going In-Depth With Web Pioneer Jeffrey Zeldman: Part 2

    Thanks Pressable for supporting the show! Get your special hosting deal at https://pressable.com/wpminute Become a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/support This episode of The WP Minute+ podcast features part II of Eric’s conversation with Jeffrey Zeldman. This time around, Jeffrey discusses his transition to working at Automattic. He shares thoughts on company culture, the role of WordPress in maintaining an open web, and the challenges posed by AI in the digital landscape. Jeffrey also emphasizes the importance of accessibility and the need for continuous adaptation in the ever-changing web environment. Takeaways: Jeffrey says that working at Automattic offers a supportive and innovative environment. WordPress is a powerful tool for web creators. The future of the web is intertwined with AI advancements. Privacy concerns are paramount in the age of AI. The web's survival depends on adapting to new technologies. Community and collaboration are still essential in the tech industry. Important Links: Jeffrey Zeldman Presents A List Apart The Web Standards Project Connect with Jeffrey: Bluesky | LinkedIn The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

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  • #157
    May 11 · 35 min

    Going In-Depth With Web Pioneer Jeffrey Zeldman: Part 1

    Thanks Pressable for supporting the show! Get your special hosting deal at https://pressable.com/wpminute Become a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/support On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric sits down with Jeffrey Zeldman, a pioneer in web design and co-founder of the Web Standards Project and A List Apart. They discuss his journey into web design, the challenges of early web development, the birth of web standards, and the evolution of CSS and accessibility. Jeffrey shares insights on the collaborative nature of the web and the importance of creating a more inclusive digital space. This is the first in a two-part series. Takeaways: Jeffrey initially disliked web design but grew to love it. The early web lacked standards, leading to chaotic development. Jeffrey’s experience with the Batman Forever website is a prime example. Jeffrey played a key role in the Web Standards Project. The introduction of CSS revolutionized web design. Accessibility became a crucial focus in web development. Collaboration among developers was essential for the adoption of standards. The educational component of web design was lacking in the early days. The early web design community shared knowledge freely. The push for web standards was akin to the open-source movement. Important Links: Jeffrey Zeldman Presents A List Apart The Web Standards Project Batman Forever website: Web Design Museum Connect with Jeffrey: Bluesky | LinkedIn CSS Zen Garden The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

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  • #156
    May 4 · 31 min

    The Keys To Building a WordPress-Focused SAAS

    Thanks Pressable for supporting the show! Get your special hosting deal at https://pressable.com/wpminute Become a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/support On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric chats with Matt Schwartz, founder of CheckView, a SaaS focused on automated testing. The discussion focuses on challenges and insights of starting a SaaS product in the WordPress ecosystem. Matt fills us in on his agency roots, the decision to build a SaaS over a plugin, market research, customer insights, and advice for aspiring founders. Matt’s story is a great inspiration for anyone who wants to build a product from the ground up! Takeaways: CheckView was created to address checkout issues in e-commerce experienced by Matt’s agency clients. The decision to build a SaaS was based on minimizing resource use on client sites. Market research involved talking to agencies and validating the product idea. The challenges of WordPress-specific SaaS include managing plugin compatibility. Customer support is crucial for addressing user issues and misunderstandings. Founders should validate their market and customer needs thoroughly. SaaS products may take time to break even financially. Education about automated testing is essential for agency owners. The future of SaaS will involve more testing and trust in technology. Important Links: CheckView Inspry (Matt’s Agency) Connect with Matt: LinkedIn The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★

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Showing 1–20 of 22 episodes