Wordpress | Post Status Draft Podcast

In this episode of the Post Status Happiness Hour, Michelle Frechette chats with Mark Westguard, the creator of WS Form, a powerful and flexible form-building plugin for WordPress. Mark discusses WS Form's standout features, including its advanced conditional logic, breakpoint selectors for responsive design, and its capacity for complex customizations and integrations. They explore creative uses of the plugin, from dynamic MadLibs to WooCommerce product customizations, and reflect on their favorite WordCamp experiences, such as WordCamp Europe and WordCamp US. Mark also teases upcoming updates for WS Form and shares insights on making the most of WordPress events.Top Takeaways: WS Form's Flexibility and Power: WS Form is highlighted as a highly flexible and powerful form builder, capable of much more than just creating basic forms. It includes advanced features like conditional logic, dynamic content generation, integration with WooCommerce, and even the ability to handle complex calculations.Responsive Desi

In this podcast episode of the Post Status Happiness Hour, Michelle Frechette is joined by her friend and WordPress security expert, Kathy Zant. They delve into various aspects of website security, focusing on WordPress. Kathy discusses her recent security courses aimed at demystifying WordPress for beginners and emphasizes the importance of proactive security measures. They highlight the critical role of regular backups and the potential risks of automated updates. Kathy shares practical security tips, such as using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication. The episode is both informative and engaging, filled with personal anecdotes and humor, making it a valuable resource for listeners.Top Takeaways: Importance of Security: Both Michelle and Kathy emphasize the importance of understanding and implementing robust security measures to protect websites from hacks.Criminal Behavior: Kathy highlights that criminals (including hackers) often look for the easiest targets. If a website or home has vi

In this podcast episode, Michelle Frechette and Drew Griswold discuss the upcoming Stellar Spark event, a free gathering featuring 15 speakers on various WordPress-related topics. Highlighted speakers include Josepha Haden, Tammy Grant, and Nestor Angulo, covering subjects like WordPress security, SEO, and content creation. The event will have two tracks, with all sessions recorded for later access. Michelle and Drew emphasize the importance of registration for accessing recordings and networking opportunities. They also announce a 40% off sale on Stellar products for registrants. The episode reflects their enthusiasm for connecting with the WordPress community through this event.Top Takeaways: Stellar Spark details: The event is completely free.Videos will be recorded and available for viewing after the event.Registration encouraged for easy access to post-event materials.Networking Opportunities: Hallway track Zoom room staffed by the Customer Success team for networking and speaker interactions.Mentioned I

In this podcast episode, host Corey Maass and Michelle Frechette discuss a variety of topics, focusing on their recent travel experiences, encounters at the Canada border, and interactions with the WordPress community. The guest shares insights into their work with WordPress, including creating open graph images and developing tools for image cropping and batch multi-image generation. They also introduce Open Graph Online, a tool for archiving open graph data. The episode highlights the importance of user-friendly tools and previews an upcoming online conference where the guest will present on maximizing image engagement in WordPress.Top Takeaways: Use of Tools: Both Michelle and Corey emphasized the importance of using specialized tools like character counters and image generators to enhance efficiency and quality in their work processes.Product Development Insights: Corey discussed his approach to product development, highlighting the shift towards user-friendly features based on user feedback, rather than

In this podcast episode, Michelle Frechette and Corey Maass delve into their product's development and marketing strategies. They discuss the technical challenges of image management, including resizing and the potential for automated featured and open graph image placement. The conversation also explores the idea of creating media kits and the integration of their product with platforms like WordPress. The speakers consider customer-driven feature prioritization and the importance of aligning marketing and development efforts. Additionally, they mention using an app for plant identification, highlighting the diverse applications of their product and the continuous pursuit of enhancing user experience.Top Takeaways: Value of Customer Feedback: Recording all ideas, even seemingly insignificant ones, can lead to valuable insights and features that resonate with customers. Customer demand should guide product development.Importance of Collaboration: Collaboration between development and marketing teams is crucia

In this podcast episode, MIchelle Frenchette and Corey Maas discuss the plugin's features and user experience. They address user feedback, particularly issues with the onboarding process and interface design. The host demonstrates how to create a site and install the plugin, emphasizing the importance of template creation for image generation. They also consider improvements to the plugin's UI/UX and integration with WordPress, including the management of admin settings.Top Takeaways: Importance of Understanding User Experience: Corey emphasizes the significance of understanding how users interact with a product, especially for someone like Michelle, who is new to using it. This helps in refining the product's usability and functionality.User Feedback Drives Product Development: The conversation highlights the iterative nature of product development based on user feedback. Corey listens to Michelle's questions and feedback to better understand areas where the product can be improved or clarified.Clarity in Pr

In this podcast episode, Corey Maass and Michelle Frechette, co-hosts of a live marketing session, delve into the nuances of marketing a WordPress product. They explore the creation of customer personas, the differentiation between various customer types, and the importance of tailored marketing strategies. The discussion covers the challenges of targeting decision makers and users, the role of agencies, and the significance of language in marketing to diverse customers. They also emphasize the need for understanding the product's benefits from each persona's perspective and adjusting marketing efforts to effectively engage with each group.Top Takeaways:Understanding Customer Personas: Corey and Michelle emphasize the importance of understanding and defining different customer personas based on their roles and decision-making processes.Tailoring Marketing Language: They discuss the need to tailor marketing language and messaging to resonate with each customer persona, highlighting their unique motivations and

In this podcast episode, Michelle Frechette and Corey Maass delve into their experiences with design and technical challenges. They discuss the intricacies of using Beaver Builder for creating a 404 page, with Corey expressing frustration over camera issues and a desire to enhance brand representation. Michelle brings up an accessibility oversight in a newsletter and the necessity of attention to detail, exemplified by Google's logo updates. The conversation highlights the significance of accessibility and meticulous design in creating content that resonates with and is accessible to all users.Top Takeaways:Transparency in Business: Corey discusses how transparency has become more prevalent in the startup world, particularly with the rise of platforms like WordPress. He reflects on the value of transparency, even if he doesn't always agree with or fully understand its implications, suggesting that it fosters relatability and authenticity in business interactions.Continuous Improvement: Throughout the conversa

In this podcast episode, Michelle Frechette and Corey Maass dive into the intricacies of optimizing their website's homepage and refining their pricing strategy for their product, OMGIMG. They discuss the importance of incorporating captivating images above the fold to enhance user engagement and consider the visibility of pricing information in the website navigation menu. The conversation also delves into the value of lifetime deals and the potential for a secondary market. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the iterative nature of website development and the collaborative effort required to continuously improve user experience and drive conversions. Tune in for insights into effective homepage design and pricing strategies for online products.Top TakeawaysImportance of Homepage Optimization: They recognize the significance of having a captivating image above the fold on their website's homepage. Michelle suggests adding an image to make the page more visually appealing and engaging for visitors.Cons

In this podcast episode, Michelle Frechette and Corey Maass explore the intricacies of managing online communities within the WordPress ecosystem. Michelle shares insights from their involvement with a Mastermind group and moderating a Facebook group for LearnDash, emphasizing the importance of nurturing community connections. Corey discusses their experiences with various online platforms, including email groups, and the pursuit of the most effective platforms for WordPress community engagement, such as Twitter and Reddit. Together, they delve into the challenges of maintaining active and engaging communities, highlighting the significance of platform choice and community care in fostering a thriving WordPress network. Top Takeaways:Embrace Growth and Change: Corey and Michelle discuss how their approaches to work and life have evolved over time. They acknowledge that as they grow older, they become more selective about where they invest their time and energy, focusing on what feels right for them personally

In this podcast episode, Michelle Frechette and Corey Maass discuss their experiences at a WordPress Rochester April Meetup. Michelle recounts giving a talk on WordPress and image optimization, focusing on audience engagement and technical challenges. Corey reflects on the presentation's success and its technical and engagement aspects. They also explore broader topics like content management, SEO, accessibility, and the balance between technical and non-technical content. Additionally, they address the difficulties of organizing Meetups, the need for engaging content, and the nuances of marketing and self-promotion for introverts and small businesses. The conversation highlights the importance of community knowledge-sharing and the journey of building an online presence.Top Takeaways: Value of Incremental Growth: The participants recognize the importance of celebrating even small victories in their online presence, such as an increase in views on tweets or website traffic. They understand that consistent eff

In this podcast episode, Michelle Frechette and Corey Maass engage in a casual and candid conversation about the intricacies of marketing, public speaking, and community building within the WordPress and tech sectors. They touch upon their personal experiences with managing social media, attending WordCamp Asia, and the challenges of live broadcasting. The discussion also veers into the use of profanity in professional settings, with personal anecdotes about cultural differences in communication styles. The episode concludes with reflections on generating new projects and the power of sharing ideas within a community.Top Takeaways: Creativity in Marketing: The conversation emphasizes the importance of creativity in marketing strategies, particularly in the context of WordCamp events. They discuss unique ideas such as offering bespoke poems, using disposable branded cameras, and creating interactive experiences to engage attendees.Personalization and Engagement: Michelle and Corey highlight the value of person

In this podcast episode, Michelle Frechette and Corey Maass brainstorm strategies to enhance their product's appeal and visibility. They discuss adding engaging features to their website, similar to how children desire flashy bike accessories. They explore the idea of reframing their website to highlight the product's awesomeness, keeping an updated blog, and engaging in public speaking to be genuine and relatable. The conversation shifts to outreach for non-profits, suggesting giveaways, leveraging SEO, and integrating with other software. They consider sending products to post offices, aligning with national events for promotions, and sponsoring meetups. The episode concludes with excitement for future plans.Top Takeaways: Diversified Marketing Strategies: Corey and Michelle discuss a variety of marketing strategies to promote OMGIMG, including speaking at events, participating in podcasts, hosting giveaways, sponsoring meetups, and organizing discount events. This highlights the importance of diversifying

In this podcast episode,Cory Miller interviews Ian Peatey, a seasoned trainer in nonviolent communication (NVC). Ian  shares his journey with NVC and its profound impact on his life and work. He discusses the origins of NVC, developed by Marshall Rosenberg, and its emphasis on empathetic listening and honest self-expression. Ian and Cory, explore the challenges of emotional literacy and the importance of recognizing and expressing complex emotions nonviolently. They discuss the practical application of NVC in personal development, parenting, and business, highlighting the need for patience and supportive communities in practicing NVC. The episode underscores the transformative power of NVC in creating respectful and honest interpersonal connections across various life aspects.Top Takeaways:Nonviolent Communication (NVC): The conversation revolves around the principles of Nonviolent Communication, emphasizing its value in fostering empathy, honesty, and respectful dialogue in various aspects of life, including

In this podcast episode, Corey Maass and Michelle Frechette discuss plans for a future Rochester meetup presentation on images and open graph, with intentions to record and share the session on YouTube. They explore the idea of teaching using their own examples, similar to how a forum might demonstrate a product. The conversation also touches on reviewing the homepage for typos and excitement about making good plans. They encourage listener engagement through Slack, YouTube, and Twitter for ideas and feedback. The episode concludes with one speaker needing to prepare for a massage appointment and the other ensuring the next episode will proceed as scheduled.Top TakeawaysImportance of Alt Text: Michelle and Corey discuss the importance of alt text for images on websites, highlighting the need for proper descriptions to ensure accessibility.Utilizing Open Graph: Corey explains the limitations of Open Graph in describing images and the need for additional metadata like OG image alt to improve accessibility.Engag

In this podcast episode, Corey Maass and Michelle Frechette discuss the strategic pivot of the podcast to concentrate on marketing a WordPress product. They delve into the changes needed for their homepage, refining their messaging, and creating educational content tailored for their audience. They emphasize the importance of demystifying technical jargon like "open graph" for their customers. The episode also covers their business decisions, branding strategies, and the integration of image APIs into their plugin. They highlight the need for clear communication of the plugin's features and benefits, as well as the importance of a user-friendly website design.Top Takeaways:Importance of Homepage Design: The conversation underscores the critical role of a homepage in capturing visitors' attention within a few seconds and enticing them to explore further. Corey and Michelle discuss the significance of crafting compelling visuals and messaging to keep visitors engaged.Consideration of Target Audience: They empha

In this podcast episode, Michelle Frechette and Anne McCarthy discuss the development of a mentorship program and an empowerment grant aimed at supporting the LGBTQ+ community in the WordPress ecosystem. They highlight the need for a safe and inclusive environment, address financial barriers, and consider privacy for those not ready to come out. The episode covers the importance of genuine community support, the mentorship program's timeline, and expectations for engagement. They urge underrepresented groups to apply, offer information on the LGBTQ press website, and invite feedback to improve the initiative. The conversation underscores the value of lived experiences and the commitment to financially empower individuals within the WordPress community.Top Takeaways:Queeromattic Mentorship Program: Anne McCarthy discusses the launch of the Queeromattic Mentorship Program, aimed at supporting individuals in the queer community within the WordPress ecosystem.Financial Support for Queer Individuals: The program i

In this co-branded podcast episode, Cory Miller from Post Status and Matt Medeiros from WP Minute discuss the "WP drama" within the WordPress community, focusing on leadership challenges and the impact of internal conflicts. They share personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of civility and understanding towards leaders like Matt Mullenweg. They highlight the need to listen to diverse voices within the community, including agencies and businesses, and acknowledge external competition from other platforms. They stress the human aspect of leadership and community engagement, encouraging constructive dialogue and community contributions through platforms like Post Status and WP Minute.Top Takeaways:Passion and Emotion in the WordPress Community: The discussion emphasizes the passion that individuals in the WordPress community have for the project. However, it acknowledges that this passion can sometimes lead to heated debates and conflicts.Leadership and Decision-Making: The conversation delves into the

In this podcast episode, Cory Miller welcomes Greg Zakowicz from Omnisen to discuss the effectiveness of various marketing channels such as email, SMS, and web push messages. They explore the increasing impact of SMS marketing, especially during peak shopping periods, and the growing trend of automation in marketing communications. Greg shares insights from Omnisen annual report, emphasizing the success of behavior-based automated messages in driving sales. They also discuss the simplicity of starting with SMS marketing and the potential of web push notifications. The episode concludes with an offer for Post Status listeners to try Omnisen and a reminder of the accessibility and support provided by the Omnisen team.Link for 15% off first three months: our.omnisend.com/poststatusTop Takeaways:SMS Marketing Growth: SMS marketing is experiencing significant growth, with a 396% increase in 2021 over 2020. Greg emphasizes the importance of leveraging SMS as a valuable marketing channel.Web Push Notifications: Web

In this podcast episode, Corey Maass and Cory Miller discuss marketing a WordPress plugin, focusing on the use of open graph data across different platforms like Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. They emphasize the importance of customizing images and content for specific pages and posts, and the value of rich content for SEO. They also discuss the use of a social previewer tool and the necessity of a default image for every URL. The conversation includes the significance of educating clients on updating their websites and the need for a strong online presence.Top Takeaways:Strategic Approach to OG Images: The discussion emphasizes a strategic approach to Open Graph (OG) images, focusing on the main brand image, specific OG images for pages and products, and additional opportunities for content like blog posts.Importance of OG Images for Branding: OG images act as a visual representation of a brand when content is shared on various platforms. Ensuring a strong, visually appealing OG image is crucial for bra