October 11, 2024 — This session will discuss the intricate world of pricing strategies, a critical factor in the growth and success of WordPress-based businesses. It is ideally suited for freelancers and small web agencies that focus on WordPress and related web services such as online marketing, SEO, and security. Discussions will focus on both the advantages and challenges of traditional pricing models, as well as the introduction of innovative ways to charge clients by leveraging current relationships and exploring new opportunities. Emphasis will be placed on pricing techniques that are particularly effective among the most successful WordPress service providers. Building a pricing strategy that grows with your business means you can develop flexible pricing strategies that evolve as the business grows, a concept that aligns with successful scalability and adaptability in pricing.

November 13, 2023 — Whether you’re a freelancer or run a small agency, growing a business in the web industry can be daunting. Waiting to find new clients often leads to desperation as revenue dries up between projects. One of the biggest mistakes that you can make is to take on just anyone as a client during these discouraging times. This talk will reveal the best tips on how to filter out the clients you don’t want while attracting better ones. This leads to better relationships with clients and generates more revenue.

December 25, 2019 — Few topics make people nervous like asking to get paid and discussions of money. Maintaining clients can be one of the most intimidating aspects of working in the WordPress community, especially among freelancers and small businesses. This talk will discuss approaches to charging clients, how to filter out the clients you don’t want while attracting better ones, how to get them to agree to more money, and the idea of a more balanced lifestyle and how it relates to payment.

December 28, 2018 — The basics behind search engine optimization (SEO) and high rankings in Google haven’t changed much in the last decade. While both on-site SEO and off-site SEO tactics remain important, newer areas of focus have come into play. Topics such as content quality, website speed, security, design, the Knowledge Graph, artificial intelligence, algorithm updates and Google mandated changes should be considered by anyone looking to stay up to date with SEO. This session will discuss some of the latest trends that site owners and managers should be aware of.

December 1, 2017

October 12, 2017 — WordPress is software like no other. Businesses harness its versatility. Creative skills are mastered with it. It unifies individuals from diverse backgrounds. Yet to so many, it remains “just” software. As a blogger, web designer, marketer, educator, and entrepreneur since long before its existence, I’ve watched it grow into a worldwide phenomenon. My own path to success is intertwined with a decade of WordPress use. Clearly, there’s more to this software than just a free install. Discover how WordPress will completely change your personal and business life for the better, if you let it! This is an introduction to my concept of The WordPress Lifestyle (#wplife) which is all about community. It goes far beyond merely using WordPress to support one’s livelihood. It includes education, inspiration, art, experiences, relationships, and so much more.

October 2, 2017 — This is a panel discussion meant to help anyone (such as freelancers, content creators, and small business owners) with questions about WordPress-related business issues.

August 5, 2017 — This is meant to be a blunt and straight-forward talk on the challenges of entering the WordPress space. This space is not all unicorns and rainbows – at least not anymore. Business and ideas fail in this space just like any other. Panelists should come with pros and cons of being in the WordPress space, and what they would do if WordPress’s dominance in the CMS/etc. space decreases. This is not mean to be a negative subject but a realistic one, and panelists represent different viewpoints (freelancer, small, large businesses, plugin/theme shops).

August 5, 2017 — This panel helps to convey what it takes to build an agency from scratch or a few freelancers. How does one get an agency started? What are the things you need before or as you start? What are the biggest keys to success and the toughest lessons to remember?

March 24, 2017 — WordPress is software like no other. Businesses harness its versatility. Creative skills are mastered with it. It unifies individuals from diverse backgrounds. Yet to so many, it remains “just” software. As a blogger, web designer, marketer, educator, and entrepreneur since long before its existence, I’ve watched it grow into a worldwide phenomenon. My own path to success is intertwined with a decade of WordPress use. Clearly, there’s more to this software than just a free install. Discover how WordPress will completely change your personal and business life for the better, if you let it!