January 9, 2019 — Do you constantly feel like you are hacking code together? Do you find it difficult to maintain, adapt or even read code you’ve written previously? Chances are, you are not taking into consideration some of the basic principles of software architecture. Come learn how some simple habits and changes in perspective can transform you from a 1x developer to a 10x developer!

Takeaways:

How to keep your code simple and straightforward
How to reduce bugs in your code
How to become a more productive developer

Presentation Slides »

January 9, 2019 — Discover how one Mom’s tips, tricks & curriculum led to her daughters and their friends engaging in tech beyond Pokémon and Minecraft. Learn how they earned the ability to land job opportunities at agencies while attending university, due to their skills in writing and WordPress development. If you’re new to WordPress and wondering how to get started or trying to build a team at your company, you won’t want to miss this session! Gain resources to learn/teach WordPress. Learn how to convert teens into agency assets. Discover the value of mentorship and building a legacy business.

January 9, 2019 — In this talk, we’ll dip our toes into the relatively new javascript framework called Vue.js. We’ll go over how to integrate Vue.js into a custom theme and use WordPress as the backend that powers a simple directory with an ajax search feature and Google Maps. We’ll cover a few basic concepts of Vue and why it can be a nice alternative to using jQuery.

Takeaways:

You’ll know what Vue.js is!
You’ll have a basic understanding of how to get started with Vue.
You’ll see how to use the WordPress API in order to use that data with Vue.js

January 9, 2019 — A discussion on the best practices for creating a well designed responsive theme on WordPress.

Takeaways:

Key elements that make a beautiful responsive design.
How to choose the best responsive theme for you.
Best practices for managing logos, photos, colors, patterns and font styles on WordPress. “

January 9, 2019 — We all like to learn some handy tips and tricks, right? How about a huge list of all the ways I have personally improved my workflows, processes, production quality, and even lifestyle?

I’ve been building WordPress sites, working remotely, and generally doing all things WordPress for years now and I’ve discovered a whole lot of cool stuff in that time.

Come see the curtain get pulled back and learn which tools I value the most and the good habits I’ve developed which have made the biggest impact on my life.

Takeaways:

Shiny object syndrome is real!
Save time by attending this presentation to hear what tools work in the day to day of running my WordPress business.

Presentation Slides »

January 9, 2019 — This is a completely updated version of the talk given at WordCamp Asheville 2015, modified to reflect the massive changes in local SEO in the past three years. Learn how local search engine optimization (SEO) differs from traditional SEO, and why it is so important to local businesses. I’ll outline the key components of local SEO and explain how you can use your WordPress site to strengthen each of them.

Takeaways:

Why many consider Google to be the new home page for your business
How to get reviews
How local SEO differs from traditional website SEO

Presentation Slides »

January 9, 2019 — There are many different ways to store information in WordPress, and choosing the right method for specific data can be a daunting task. In this talk, we’ll go over the various storage structures that are provided by WordPress and popular WordPress plugins, and discuss when to use each, and what pitfalls to watch out for. We’ll cover Settings, Theme Mods, Post Types, Taxonomies & Terms, Meta Fields, Post Formats, Attachments, Post_Content, Gutenberg Blocks, Page Builders, Custom Tables, and post-to-post relationships.

January 8, 2019 — I will discuss how to secure your 2nd client using three techniques: your family/friend, your 1st client, and the WordPress Community.

Takeaways:

How to secure clients
Ways to grow your business
Take some of the stress out of getting more clients

January 8, 2019 — You’ve set a date: your first design meeting for your website! Everything is so exciting and full of possibilities! By doing some simple homework before your meeting, you can make sure your business relationship starts off on the right foot. We’ll talk about how to make sure you’re on the same page, and how to gather the information your designer will need to start your project properly.

January 8, 2019 — Search engines are always changing, just like other kinds of technology. Keyword content and architecture is important for any website, but that’s not all you have to do in order to increase your authority, credibility, and rankings. Come find out what the search engines want in 2018 and how you can leverage your WordPress website to create content that matters and has an impact.

Takeaways:

Tips for link building
Best practices for website usability
Local SEO tips

Presentation Slides »