Post Status Podcasts

In this episode, Michelle Frechette and Corey Maass delve into their experiences with product marketing for a WordPress plugin focused on open graph images. They highlight the significance of customer feedback, better onboarding processes, and innovative marketing strategies inspired by Spotify's year-end wrap-up feature. The discussion is peppered with personal anecdotes and humor, creating a light-hearted yet informative atmosphere. They explore ideas like using AI for targeted landing pages, conducting visitor interviews, and improving their website design to better reflect their brand. The episode concludes with a sense of camaraderie and optimism for their ongoing projects.Top Takeaways:Focus on the Problem and Solution: Corey emphasized the importance of clearly defining the problem OMGIMG solves. This includes addressing specific pain points, like the "image roulette" problem, where inconsistent images affect branding and engagement. Focusing on the problem in copy helps ensure users immediately see OMGIMG’s relevance to their needs.Strategic Use of AI as a Creative Partner: Corey is using AI as a tool for creating, organizing, and refining content. This iterative approach—from generating headlines to drafting entire plugins—allows him to quickly put ideas on paper, then tweak them. Michelle also mentioned wanting to lean more on AI, which could further help streamline content creation and brainstorming.Customer-Specific Landing Pages: Corey mentioned creating landing pages targeted at specific customer types, like bloggers, to highlight relevant features and value propositions. This strategy makes it easier for users to see exactly how OMGIMG fits their needs and helps make the messaging more personalized and effective.Interactive Feedback with Visitor Interviews: The idea of using visitor interviews and live feedback sessions with WordPress community members (like Cameron and Marcus) was discussed as a way to gather insights on the product in real-time. This feedback could be essential for fine-tuning both the product and its messaging.Mentioned In The Show:Mark WestguardThis Week In WordPressNathan WrigleyIPA WPJustin WelschSaturday Solopreneur Otter AI Alan FullerFullworks PluginsSet AppBeaver builderClaude AIChris LemaCameron Jones🙏 Sponsor: WordPress.comBuild and manage professional sites with secure managed hosting on WordPress.com. Beautiful themes, built-in SEO, and payment tools, and access to over 50,000 plugins. Everything you need for your business, plus 24/7 support from WordPress experts. 🐦 You can follow Post Status and our guests on Twitter:Corey MaassMichelle Frechette (Director of Community Relations, Post Status)Olivia Bisset (Intern, Post Status)The Post Status  podcast is geared toward WordPress professionals, with interviews, news, and deep analysis. 📝Browse our archives, and don’t forget to subscribe via iTunes, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Stitcher, Simplecast, or RSS. 🎧

In this episode of the Post Status Happiness Hour, host Michelle Frechette interviews Topher DeRosa, founder of Hero Press, about his journey and the platform's impact on the WordPress community. They discuss HeroPress's origins, challenges, and successes, highlighting its role in amplifying diverse voices through published essays. Topher shares inspiring stories from contributors worldwide and touches on fundraising efforts and the community's support. The episode underscores the importance of inclusivity and the transformative power of sharing personal experiences within the WordPress ecosystem. The conversation concludes with reflections on community events and the significance of connection and support.Top TakeawaysCommunity and Connection at Events: They discuss the importance of events like WordCamp as spaces for learning, networking, and finding belonging. Michelle emphasizes that these gatherings reinforce the idea that the WordPress community is friendly, welcoming, and eager to support each other.Language as a Tool for Inclusion: Topher talks about making HeroPress content available in multiple languages to cater to non-English speakers. He learned that people, even if fluent in English, often prefer reading in their native language, feeling a stronger connection to the content. His approach shows how inclusive language access can make individuals feel valued.Genuine Diversity Efforts: Topher initially counted contributors by gender to ensure balance, but he eventually stopped tracking as inclusivity became natural. This shift demonstrates that diversity efforts, when sustained, can evolve into an ingrained organizational culture.Personal Stories as Inspiration: Michelle highlighted how HeroPress stories provide valuable insights into people’s journeys, which can be inspiring and informative for others, especially when considering hiring or collaborating. These stories create a sense of community by showcasing the resilience and achievements of individuals across different backgrounds.Mentioned Links:Topher DeRosaHero PressAndrey ShevchenkoWordCamp PuneSlackTwitterNexcessLiquidWebHuman MadeWP Coffee TalkAutomatticCollins AgbonghamaTijana AndrejicThabo TswanaRobert CheleukaWordPress.orgMorten Rand-HendriksenJosepha Haden ChomphosyWeglotYoastBlackPress🙏 Sponsor: A2HostingA2 Hosting offers solutions for WordPress and WooCommerce that are both blazing fast and ultra-reliable. WordPress can be used on ANY Web Hosting plan from A2.  You can deploy WordPress easily on Shared, VPS, or Dedicated Hosting plans. A2 also offers Managed WordPress and WooCommerce Hosting. Take a look at a2hosting.com today!🐦 You can follow Post Status and our guests on Twitter:Topher DeRosa (Founder, HeroPress)Michelle Frechette (Director of Community Relations, Post Status)Olivia Bisset (Intern, Post Status)The Post Status  podcast is geared toward WordPress professionals, with interviews, news, and deep analysis. 📝Browse our archives, and don’t forget to subscribe via iTunes, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Stitcher, Simplecast, or RSS. 🎧

In this episode of the Post Status Happiness Hour, host Michelle Frechette interviews David Johnson, product owner at Solid WP, to discuss the launch of  Backups Next Gen a rebranded version of Backup Buddy. David shares his background and the evolution of WordPress backup solutions, emphasizing the need for modern, cloud-based infrastructure to enhance performance and security. They delve into the features of Backups Next Gen including its user-friendly interface and incremental backup capabilities. The episode also highlights the importance of reliable backups and the supportive WordPress community. Michelle concludes by encouraging listeners to explore Solid WP's offerings.Top Takeaways:Backup Solutions and Features: David Johnson gives an in-depth overview of Backups Next Gen, highlighting its ability to perform incremental backups by only saving changed files daily, while backing up the entire database. Users can restore backups with a single click, and they can generate downloadable zip archives for specific moments in time. This makes it easier to choose the right backup and manage storage effectively.Integrated Cloud Storage in Pricing: Backups Next Gen now includes cloud storage in its pricing. Previously, storage was sold separately, but the new pricing structure offers more storage per site as users increase their licenses. This simplified pricing model is designed to offer generous and cost-effective cloud storage.Solid Suite and Black Friday Deals: SolidWP is offering a Black Friday sale for both Backups Next Gen and the Solid Suite, a bundle that includes Solid Security Pro, Solid Central, and the Solid Academy. The Solid Suite offers significant value for WordPress users by bundling multiple tools to enhance security, backups, and site performance.Solid Academy: The Solid Academy, run by Nathan Ingram, offers extensive training resources with live streams and a decade’s worth of courses on topics such as AI email, WordPress plugins, and how to run a successful freelance or agency business. It’s designed for developers and agencies looking to grow and increase their revenue.Mentioned Links:Solid WPSolid BackupsElegant ThemesWoothemesDiviKadence WPSolid CentralDropboxGoogle DriveStashNexcessWP-CLIJohn HooksSolid SuitePatchstackSolid Security ProSolid AcademyNathan IngramGive WPBen MeredithTopher DeRosaHero Press🙏 Sponsor: WordPress.comBuild and manage professional sites with secure managed hosting on WordPress.com. Beautiful themes, built-in SEO, and payment tools, and access to over 50,000 plugins. Everything you need for your business, plus 24/7 support from WordPress experts. 🐦 You can follow Post Status and our guests on Twitter:David G. Johnson (Product Owner, SolidWP)Michelle Frechette (Director of Community Relations, Post Status)Olivia Bisset (Intern, Post Status)The Post Status  podcast is geared toward WordPress professionals, with interviews, news, and deep analysis. 📝Browse our archives, and don’t forget to subscribe via iTunes, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Stitcher, Simplecast, or RSS. 🎧

In this episode, Michelle Frechette and Corey Maass engage in a detailed discussion about their latest WordPress plugin development and marketing strategies. They introduce a new plugin designed to take website screenshots and save them to the media library, emphasizing its user-friendly features and accessibility standards. The conversation shifts to marketing plans for Black Friday, reflecting on past sales and contemplating pricing adjustments to create urgency and exclusivity. They also discuss the importance of email campaigns, social media content, and community feedback. The episode blends technical insights with strategic planning, highlighting their collaborative and thoughtful approach to product development and marketing.Top Takeaways:Black Friday Co-Marketing Plan: The IPAWP initiative is gearing up for a Black Friday co-marketing campaign where participants will be paired to promote each other’s products. This involves visiting their partner’s website, checking for Black Friday deals, and sharing it via social media, with an easy and light effort on the participants’ part.Engaging and Humorous Marketing Approach: Michelle and Corey are using lighthearted, humorous content in their marketing for OMGIMG, including showcasing a personal photo of Corey with a playful caption about "embarrassing photos" and tying it to the product's purpose. This approach not only captures attention but also makes the marketing relatable and fun for potential users.Open Feedback Loop for OMGIMG: The team is actively seeking feedback from users about the product and its homepage. They are open to ideas and suggestions, highlighting their commitment to continuous improvement and ensuring OMGIMG meets user needs and expectations. This openness encourages user involvement and helps shape the platform's development.Progress on IPAWP's First Version: A developer is working on the first version of the IPAWP co-marketing tool. It will allow businesses to be paired randomly for co-marketing tasks, with the team overseeing pairings to ensure compatibility. The tool will also help track whether participants have completed their marketing assignments.Mentioned In The Show:Admin Menu Editor ProTypingMindClaud.aiKatie KeithAlex StandifordUnderrepresented in TechSamah NasrStellar WPDense DiscoveryJames Lau🙏 Sponsor: WordPress.comBuild and manage professional sites with secure managed hosting on WordPress.com. Beautiful themes, built-in SEO, and payment tools, and access to over 50,000 plugins. Everything you need for your business, plus 24/7 support from WordPress experts. 🐦 You can follow Post Status and our guests on Twitter:Corey MaassMichelle Frechette (Director of Community Relations, Post Status)Olivia Bisset (Intern, Post Status)The Post Status  podcast is geared toward WordPress professionals, with interviews, news, and deep analysis. 📝Browse our archives, and don’t forget to subscribe via iTunes, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Stitcher, Simplecast, or RSS. 🎧

In this episode of the Post Status Happiness Hour, host Michelle Frechette interviews Robert Abela from Melapress to discuss WordPress security. They emphasize the importance of adopting security best practices, the challenges faced by website administrators, and the critical role of user training in preventing breaches. Robert shares insights from a survey by Mala Press, revealing common security issues and misconceptions. They explore authentication methods like two-factor authentication (2FA) and passkeys, stressing the need for continuous education and awareness. The episode underscores that human error often contributes to vulnerabilities, highlighting the necessity of proactive security measures.Top Takeaways:Use Password Managers for Stronger Security: Both emphasize the importance of strong, unique passwords across different platforms. Using a password manager simplifies this  process, generating and securely storing passwords, which helps users avoid the common mistake of reusing passwords across multiple accounts.Auto-Updates Are Essential but Need Careful Implementation: Auto-updates in WordPress, especially for minor updates, are crucial for keeping websites secure. However, using a staging environment to test updates before applying them to a live site is a best practice. It ensures that any potential issues can be resolved without affecting the live site.Backups Are a Must-Have: Regular backups are vital for website security and recovery. Although backups are not always seen as part of security, they play a crucial role in recovering from incidents like hacking or failed updates. Many web hosts offer backup services, making it easy to implement.Outsourcing Security Can Be Beneficial for Non-Technical Users: Businesses without technical expertise (e.g., small shops or bakeries) may benefit from outsourcing website management to agencies. These agencies have experience with hundreds of websites and can handle security updates and maintenance more efficiently, reducing the risk of security breaches.Proactive Security Measures Are Key: The conversation stresses the importance of proactive security practices. Having security solutions, policies, and a recovery plan in place before a security breach occurs is critical. Waiting until after a breach happens can result in higher costs, operational downtime, and damage to reputation.Mentioned In The Show:WordCampWordPressKathy Zant Nathan Ingram Black HatGive WPLiquid WebWP Accessibility DayTopher DeRosiaCate DeRosiaHero Press🙏 Sponsor: A2HostingA2 Hosting offers solutions for WordPress and WooCommerce that are both blazing fast and ultra-reliable. WordPress can be used on ANY Web Hosting plan from A2.  You can deploy WordPress easily on Shared, VPS, or Dedicated Hosting plans. A2 also offers Managed WordPress and WooCommerce Hosting. Take a look at a2hosting.com today!🐦 You can follow Post Status and our guests on Twitter:Robert Abela (Founder, Melapress)Michelle Frechette (Director of Community Relations, Post Status)Olivia Bisset (Intern, Post Status)The Post Status  podcast is geared toward WordPress professionals, with interviews, news, and deep analysis. 📝Browse our archives, and don’t forget to subscribe via iTunes, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Stitcher, Simplecast, or RSS. 🎧

In this episode, Michelle Frechette and Corey Maass reflect on their experiences at WordCamp US, discussing marketing strategies, product development, and the significance of open graph images for online representation. They share anecdotes from the conference, including interactions with attendees and the challenges of presenting. The conversation delves into personal branding, promotional swag, and the importance of effective image generation for social media. They also explore using AI for content creation and strategize for upcoming Black Friday sales. The episode emphasizes the importance of persistence, effective communication, and balancing professional and personal commitments.  Top Takeaways:Black Friday Planning: Michelle and Corey are focusing on creating a strategy for a Black Friday sale. This includes discussing potential discounts, such as testing lower pricing or offering a limited lifetime deal to attract more customers. The goal is to use Black Friday as an opportunity to experiment with pricing and boost sales.Product Positioning and Pain Point Clarity: There's a recognition that OMGIMG addresses a pain point many users don't realize they have. The challenge is to effectively communicate the value of the tool—how it can save time and effort—even though it's not seen as a core necessity like security or SEO plugins.Steady Progress and Commitment: Michelle and Corey both emphasize a long-term commitment to the project, even if the progress has felt gradual. You acknowledge that building momentum takes time, and it's important to avoid self-criticism while continuing to push forward.Marketing Efforts and Automation: There’s a desire to step up the marketing efforts, including improving the website, running more ads, automating marketing, and exploring new strategies, such as using creative content like songs or humorous posts on social media to draw attention.Balanced Expectations and Persistence: Corey reflected on not being overly attached to the immediate success of projects, aiming instead to adopt a more measured approach by consistently pushing the product forward without seeing it as all-or-nothing. The goal is to build the flywheel, recognizing that it will take time for sales and growth to self-perpetuate.Mentioned In The Show:WP Accessibility DayEqualize DigitalWordPressWordCampUSAutomatticChatGPTDall-EStellar WPGreen GeeksYoast ClaudeEmail OctopusCanvaPhotoshopSetappTypingMindBartender CleanshotXThe RepositoryAppsumoSocial Link PagesWP BuildsMark WestergaardWS Forms🙏 Sponsor: A2HostingA2 Hosting offers solutions for WordPress and WooCommerce that are both blazing fast and ultra-reliable. WordPress can be used on ANY Web Hosting plan from A2.  You can deploy WordPress easily on Shared, VPS, or Dedicated Hosting plans. A2 also offers Managed WordPress and WooCommerce Hosting. Take a look at a2hosting.com today!🐦 You can follow Post Status and our guests on Twitter:Corey MaassMichelle Frechette (Director of Community Relations, Post Status)Olivia Bisset (Intern, Post Status)The Post Status  podcast is geared toward WordPress professionals, with interviews, news, and deep analysis. 📝Browse our archives, and don’t forget to subscribe via iTunes, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Stitcher, Simplecast, or RSS. 🎧

In this episode of the Post Status Happiness Hour, host Michelle Frechette interviews Katy Boykin, marketing manager at Kadence WP, discussing the upcoming Kadence Amplify event on October 25th. Katy shares her journey from using another page builder to Kadence WP, emphasizing its user-friendly features and new block releases. The episode highlights the importance of accessibility in web design, with Kadence WP's commitment to creating an inclusive platform. The speakers also touch on community engagement, learning opportunities, and upcoming promotions. Overall, the episode underscores Kadence WP's dedication to enhancing the WordPress experience and fostering a supportive community.Top Takeaways: Upcoming Kadence Features: Kadence is set to release five new blocks, including three for advanced header navigation, allowing users to create headers using blocks without relying on themes. This change is aimed at improving full-site editing, offering more customization options. An advanced search block and site icon block will also be part of this release, providing users with more flexibility without needing to touch code.Accessibility Focus: Kadence is prioritizing accessibility in its design, driven by the personal experiences of lead developer Ben Ritner, who has worked closely with people using screen readers. While Kadence is not 100% accessible, they are continuously working towards improving this aspect.Community and Events: Kadence will hold a free event called Kadence Amplify, with information available on their website and social media. It will include educational talks and demonstrations of the new features. Stellar WP and Kadence are also sponsors of WordPress Accessibility Day (October 9-10), promoting accessibility in the WordPress ecosystem.Learning and Discounts: Attendees of both Kadence Amplify and WP Accessibility Day can benefit from learning opportunities and potentially access Kadence discounts through event swag.Mentioned In The Show:Kadence WPStellar WPKadence AmplifyWP SpeakersSureCartJamie MarslandPootle PressSherif AbuzidMelissa LoveStyleCloudHéctor de PradaModular DSFernando CintraJeffrey CostaCathy MitchellWP BaristaJake PfohlStart Blogging 101Nathan IngramTimothy WoodJessica WangelinChristian TaylorPaul SokolKathy ZantBen RitnerWordPress Accessibility DayRobert AbelaMelapress🙏 Sponsor: WordPress.comBuild and manage professional sites with secure managed hosting on WordPress.com. Beautiful themes, built-in SEO, and payment tools, and access to over 50,000 plugins. Everything you need for your business, plus 24/7 support from WordPress experts. 🐦 You can follow Post Status and our guests on Twitter:Katy Boykin (Marketing Manager, Kadence WP)Michelle Frechette (Director of Community Relations, Post Status)Olivia Bisset (Intern, Post Status)The Post Status  podcast is geared toward WordPress professionals, with interviews, news, and deep analysis. 📝Browse our archives, and don’t forget to subscribe via iTunes, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Stitcher, Simplecast, or RSS. 🎧

In this episode of the Post Status Happiness Hour, host Michelle Frechette interviews Marcus Burnette to dive into the many exciting features of WP World, a community platform designed for WordPress professionals. Marcus, the creator of WP World, walks listeners through its dynamic features, including customizable profile pins that reflect user specialties, a robust hosting review system, and privacy options for those who prefer not to share their location.Top TakeawaysUser-Friendly Features in WP World: Marcus Burnette highlighted various user-friendly features in WP World, such as the ability to customize profile pins based on user specialties and the option to hide locations for privacy reasons. This ensures the platform remains flexible and inclusive, especially for those who prioritize privacy or are digital nomads.Community-Driven Feedback and Development: Michelle Frechette shared how user feedback directly influenced the development of WP World. For example, her suggestion to add "accessibility specialist" as an option was quickly implemented. Marcus encouraged users to request features, showing that the platform is shaped by the needs of its community.WP World’s Hosting Review Platform: Marcus introduced a comprehensive hosting review system where users can rate various aspects of hosting providers, such as performance and security. This community-sourced rating system provides valuable insights for people choosing WordPress hosts and ensures transparency by preventing paid listings.Playful and Engaging Design Aspects: Marcus, as a designer, has adding fun products like the "Capital P, dang it" mug. He also shared how events like WordCamps feature their own unique " u" mascots, contributing to the platform’s lighthearted and engaging atmosphere.Collaborative Community Spirit: Both Marcus and Michelle emphasized their close collaboration and support within the WordPress community. Their plans to meet at WordCamp US to further discuss ideas highlight the strong, community-driven spirit behind WP World and its events. They also invited the audience to connect with them and grab stickers at the upcoming event, showcasing their approachability.Mentioned In The Show:WP WorldWP Coffee TalkWP SpeakersSeriously Bud? PodcastBud KrausChatGPTHeroPressJavi GuembeTopher DeRosiaElementorDo the Woo PodcastWP WonderWomenWP Career PagesWordPress.orgNexcessKaty BoykinKadence Amplify🙏 Sponsor: A2HostingA2 Hosting offers solutions for WordPress and WooCommerce that are both blazing fast and ultra-reliable. WordPress can be used on ANY Web Hosting plan from A2.  You can deploy WordPress easily on Shared, VPS, or Dedicated Hosting plans. A2 also offers Managed WordPress and WooCommerce Hosting. Take a look at a2hosting.com today!🐦 You can follow Post Status and our guests on Twitter:Marcus Burnette (Creator, The WP World)Michelle Frechette (Director of Community Relations, Post Status)Olivia Bisset (Intern, Post Status)The Post Status  podcast is geared toward WordPress professionals, with interviews, news, and deep analysis. 📝Browse our archives, and don’t forget to subscribe via iTunes, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Stitcher, Simplecast, or RSS. 🎧

In this episode of the Post Status Happiness Hour, host Michelle Frechette interviews Alex Sandiford about his affiliate plugin, Siren Affiliates. Alex explains how the plugin simplifies the management of affiliate, loyalty, and royalty programs by centralizing various incentive structures. He discusses the development journey, challenges faced, and future plans for the plugin, including potential integrations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of building relationships with affiliates and providing them with the necessary tools and support to succeed. The episode concludes with insights into the ethical and collaborative aspects of affiliate marketing.Top Takeaways:The Power of Affiliate Relationships: Alex emphasizes that successful affiliate programs are built on strong partnerships and personalized support. Providing affiliates with both the right tools and fair compensation can lead to mutually beneficial success. It's not just about the percentage they earn, but about helping them market effectively.Siren's Pricing Structure: Alex outlines Siren's pricing tiers as very affordable, with a focus on bringing in early adopters. The initial pricing is $59 for the first year, renewing at $79. This pricing will likely increase as the plugin stabilizes and grows.Challenges in Affiliate Marketing Perception: Alex is focused on shifting the negative stigma around affiliate marketing by showing that it can be honest, impactful, and built on genuine partnerships. He contrasts the negative view of affiliates with the popular trend of influencer marketing, highlighting their similarities.Platform Migration and Customization: Siren offers platform migration support for users switching from other affiliate plugins like Affiliate WP. This feature has proven popular, and Alex plans to streamline the migration process to make it more efficient, showing a focus on enhancing user experience and meeting customer needs.Future Development Plans: While Siren does not yet have built-in tools for providing affiliates with marketing resources like images and copy, this is on Alex’s roadmap. He recognizes the importance of giving affiliates the resources they need to succeed, although existing tools like Google Drive and the block editor can partially solve this for now.Mentioned In The Show:LifterLMSUdemyPayPalStripeKadenceAffiliate WPWooCommerceEasy Digital DownloadsLearnDashNorth CommercePersonalized WPRestrict Content ProGoogle DrivePartnerShip PodcastWP WorldMarcus BurnetteWordCampUS🙏 Sponsor: WordPress.comBuild and manage professional sites with secure managed hosting on WordPress.com. Beautiful themes, built-in SEO, and payment tools, and access to over 50,000 plugins. Everything you need for your business, plus 24/7 support from WordPress experts. 🐦 You can follow Post Status and our guests on Twitter:Alex Standiford (Owner, Siren Affiliates)Michelle Frechette (Director of Community Relations, Post Status)Olivia Bisset (Intern, Post Status)The Post Status  podcast is geared toward WordPress professionals, with interviews, news, and deep analysis. 📝Browse our archives, and don’t forget to subscribe via iTunes, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Stitcher, Simplecast, or RSS. 🎧

In this episode, Michelle Frechette and Corey Maass  discuss their preparations for WordCamp US, including finalizing presentation slides and enhancing their product's homepage for better user engagement. They explore offering personalized onboarding sessions and the complexities of different plugins. The conversation highlights the importance of educational content and clear communication about their product's benefits, especially for users unfamiliar with WordPress. They also celebrate a successful classified ad in a newsletter and share experiences with user engagement and marketing strategies. The episode concludes with plans for future events and a light-hearted discussion about time management.Top Takeaways:Working on IPA WP Features: Michelle and Corey discussed their progress on developing features for IPA WP. They plan to refine these features and update the homepage to have a product ready to showcase at WordCamp US.Networking and Relationships at WordCamps: Corey and Michelle both emphasize the importance of attending WordCamps and smaller WordPress events. These events have allowed them to build strong professional relationships and friendships, like Corey’s connection with Alex Standiford and others. They both miss the frequency of smaller, more intimate WordCamps, which foster closer interactions and connections.Productivity and Time Management: Both expressed the challenge of balancing multiple responsibilities, including work, hobbies, and preparations for upcoming events. They joked about the idea of creating a plugin to add more hours to the day, highlighting the ongoing struggle with time management.Mentioned In The Show:YoastRank MathStellar WPStreamYardMorgueFileDense DiscoverySeattle MagazinePaws of CoronadoSquirrelly Dall-E FiverrMastermind GroupAlex StandifordMarcus Burnette🙏 Sponsor: WordPress.comBuild and manage professional sites with secure managed hosting on WordPress.com. Beautiful themes, built-in SEO, and payment tools, and access to over 50,000 plugins. Everything you need for your business, plus 24/7 support from WordPress experts. 🐦 You can follow Post Status and our guests on Twitter:Corey MaassMichelle Frechette (Director of Community Relations, Post Status)Olivia Bisset (Intern, Post Status)The Post Status  podcast is geared toward WordPress professionals, with interviews, news, and deep analysis. 📝Browse our archives, and don’t forget to subscribe via iTunes, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Stitcher, Simplecast, or RSS. 🎧

In this episode of the Post Status Happiness Hour, Michelle Frechette Danielle Zarcaro, and Isla White discuss their roles and experiences with WordPress Accessibility Day. Michelle, the lead organizer for marketing, expresses her excitement and facilitates the conversation. Danielle, a web developer, emphasizes the importance of web accessibility for all users and shares insights from her three-year involvement. Isla, the project manager, highlights the event's global impact and the collective responsibility of ensuring web accessibility. The speakers also discuss the significance of the 24-hour event format, the practical aspects of implementing accessibility, and the importance of community and sponsorships in making the event successful.Top Takeaways:Register Early for WP Accessibility Day: The event registration is open, and participants are encouraged to sign up early, even before the speaker list is finalized. This allows attendees to receive updates and stay informed about the event.Seek Guidance and Explore Accessibility: Danielle Zarcaro emphasizes the importance of seeking help and asking questions when starting with accessibility. She encourages exploring different aspects of web design and accessibility to enhance knowledge and skills.Diverse Perspectives on Accessibility: Isla Waite highlights the value of attending talks from international speakers. Gaining perspectives from around the world can greatly enrich understanding and appreciation of accessibility work.Accessibility and Aesthetics: The discussion challenges the misconception that accessible websites are inherently unattractive. Both Danielle and Isla argue that accessibility does not preclude beauty and creativity in design. They stress that accessibility can be integrated with design principles to create functional and appealing websites.User Control and Preferences: There’s a focus on allowing users to control their experience, such as providing options for dark mode or animation toggles. This approach respects users' preferences and improves accessibility by accommodating different needs and settings.Mentioned In The Show:WP Accessibility DayLainey FeingoldStructured NegotiationLinkedInUnderrepresented In Tech🙏 Sponsor: A2HostingA2 Hosting offers solutions for WordPress and WooCommerce that are both blazing fast and ultra-reliable. WordPress can be used on ANY Web Hosting plan from A2.  You can deploy WordPress easily on Shared, VPS, or Dedicated Hosting plans. A2 also offers Managed WordPress and WooCommerce Hosting. Take a look at a2hosting.com today!🐦 You can follow Post Status and our guests on Twitter:Danielle Zarcaro (Founder, Overnight Website)Isla White (Brand Strategist, Marketing by Design)Michelle Frechette (Director of Community Relations, Post Status)Olivia Bisset (Intern, Post Status)The Post Status  podcast is geared toward WordPress professionals, with interviews, news, and deep analysis. 📝Browse our archives, and don’t forget to subscribe via iTunes, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Stitcher, Simplecast, or RSS. 🎧

In this episode, Michelle Frechette and Corey Maass  engage in a lively conversation about their experiences at WordCamp US, their recent t-shirt purchases, and a collaborative project related to WordPress. They discuss the progress of their project, which involves creating a directory for plugins or products, and the challenges of designing a logo that is clear and recognizable. They also brainstorm creative ideas for the logo and share their strategies for promoting their project. The episode highlights their enthusiasm for collaboration and their commitment to making the project a success.Top Takeaways: Iterative Brainstorming Process: Both Corey and Michelle value the process of "splashing around" in ideas, acknowledging that not every concept will be a winner, but it’s essential to explore and iterate to find the right solution. They emphasized the importance of keeping ideas alive and evolving them over time.IPAWP Rebranding: The Independent Plugin Alliance for WordPress was rebranded as the Independent Product Alliance for WordPress (IPAWP) to better reflect the broader scope of products they want to include. They’re still in the early stages of developing this alliance and are actively seeking input and collaboration from others.Grassroots Development: Both OMGIMG and IPAWP are in grassroots development phases, with Corey and Michelle being open to new ideas and contributions. They’re focused on building these initiatives in a collaborative, community-driven manner, emphasizing low-cost marketing strategies and mutual support among small WordPress product creators.Mentioned In The Show:Ross MorsaliSearch & FiltersIPA WPWP SpeakersWP Coffee TalksWP TavernWP Wonder WomanCanvaFiverr🙏 Sponsor: A2HostingA2 Hosting offers solutions for WordPress and WooCommerce that are both blazing fast and ultra-reliable. WordPress can be used on ANY Web Hosting plan from A2.  You can deploy WordPress easily on Shared, VPS, or Dedicated Hosting plans. A2 also offers Managed WordPress and WooCommerce Hosting. Take a look at a2hosting.com today!🐦 You can follow Post Status and our guests on Twitter:Corey MaassMichelle Frechette (Director of Community Relations, Post Status)Olivia Bisset (Intern, Post Status)The Post Status  podcast is geared toward WordPress professionals, with interviews, news, and deep analysis. 📝Browse our archives, and don’t forget to subscribe via iTunes, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Stitcher, Simplecast, or RSS. 🎧

In this episode of the Post Status Happiness Hour, Michelle Frechette talks with Nathan Ingram and Kathy Zant. They delve into the critical topic of online security, emphasizing the necessity of user education, particularly for WordPress users. Nathan from Solid WP and the Academy introduces Monster Secure, a new course designed to help agencies educate their clients on security best practices. Kathy, an online security expert, shares her experiences and stresses the importance of security education for overall business protection. The discussion highlights the challenges of online security, the evolving nature of cyber threats, and the need for proactive measures to safeguard digital assets.Top TakeawaysSecurity Awareness is Critical & Need for Vigilance: Effective security involves more than just technical measures; it requires continuous vigilance and education about potential threats. Kathy Zant and Nathan Ingram emphasize the importance of understanding and responding to security risks proactively.Education and Empowering Users: Both Kathy and Nathan stress the significance of educating users and clients about security. They argue that security knowledge should be accessible to everyone, not just experts.Security is for Everyone, Not Just Big Targets: Nathan explains that hackers don’t only target large, high-profile websites; they also exploit smaller, less-secure sites for resources. This underscores that security is a concern for everyone, regardless of the size or perceived importance of their websiteMentioned In The Show:Thomas RaefWeWatchYourWebsiteSolid WPSolid AcademyMonster SecureGo Safely OnlineLearnDashJack KitterhingYouTube🙏 Sponsor: WordPress.comBuild and manage professional sites with secure managed hosting on WordPress.com. Beautiful themes, built-in SEO, and payment tools, and access to over 50,000 plugins. Everything you need for your business, plus 24/7 support from WordPress experts. 🐦 You can follow Post Status and our guests on Twitter:Nathan Ingram  (Founder, MonsterSecure)Kathy Zant (Founder, MonsterSecure)Michelle Frechette (Director of Community Relations, Post Status)Olivia Bisset (Intern, Post Status)The Post Status  podcast is geared toward WordPress professionals, with interviews, news, and deep analysis. 📝Browse our archives, and don’t forget to subscribe via iTunes, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Stitcher, Simplecast, or RSS. 🎧

In this episode, Michelle Frechette and Corey Maass  dive into a whirlwind of creative brainstorming for OMGIMG's latest marketing campaign. They explore playful and engaging ideas, from whimsical scenarios involving iconic landmarks and beloved characters to inventive ways to offer value to potential customers. Listen in as they discuss how to craft compelling advertisements, balance creativity with professionalism, and explore innovative approaches like free trials and fun, interactive elements. Whether you're a marketer looking for inspiration or just enjoy a good brainstorming session, this episode is packed with actionable insights and a touch of humor.Top Takeaways:Creative Advertising Concepts: Michelle and Corey brainstorm various creative approaches for OMGIMG’s advertisements, including playful scenarios with iconic landmarks and fictional characters. They explore the idea of using humorous or memorable references to make their ads stand out, such as incorporating Wizard of Oz themes or classic Halloween elements.Engaging with AI Tools: Corey highlights the potential of AI to generate creative content and ideas. They consider using AI for tasks like creating random character scenarios and generating unique images for websites based on specific data points.Providing Value and Building Relationships: Michelle emphasizes the importance of presenting constructive feedback positively. They discuss offering free trials or samples, like generating initial images for a website for free, as a way to provide value and build rapport with potential customers.Integrating Fun and Professionalism: The discussion underscores the importance of balancing creativity with professionalism. Michelle and Corey aim to craft ads that are both engaging and respectful, ensuring they effectively communicate the benefits of OMGIMG’s services while avoiding negative or potentially problematic messaging.Mentioned In The Show:Ben LairWPWS FormsStellar WP Yoast Siren AffiliatesGiveWPHype EditChurch Plugins Dense Discovery WP Minutes Post Status 🙏 Sponsor: WordPress.comBuild and manage professional sites with secure managed hosting on WordPress.com. Beautiful themes, built-in SEO, and payment tools, and access to over 50,000 plugins. Everything you need for your business, plus 24/7 support from WordPress experts. 🐦 You can follow Post Status and our guests on Twitter:Corey MaassMichelle Frechette (Director of Community Relations, Post Status)Olivia Bisset (Intern, Post Status)The Post Status  podcast is geared toward WordPress professionals, with interviews, news, and deep analysis. 📝Browse our archives, and don’t forget to subscribe via iTunes, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Stitcher, Simplecast, or RSS. 🎧

In this episode of the Post Status Happiness Hour, Michelle Frechette sits down with Doc, a professional yo-yoer and creator of engaging content around the Fediverse. They delve into the evolution of social media platforms, exploring how different channels like Twitter, TikTok, and Mastodon offer unique ways to connect with various audiences. Doc shares insights on integrating WordPress with the Fediverse and discusses his work with Automatic, including the quirky and creative content he produces. They also touch on the importance of local community engagement and the future of social media platforms. Tune in to learn about the latest in WordPress, social media trends, and how to embrace the diverse digital landscape.Top Takeaways: Evolving Social Media Landscape: Social media platforms continually evolve, with newer platforms like TikTok and Mastodon offering different ways to connect and engage compared to older ones like Facebook and Twitter.Importance of Platform Diversity: Using a variety of social media platforms can help reach different audiences and fulfill different purposes. Doc Pop highlights the benefits of embracing both mainstream and niche platforms to connect with specific communities.Fediverse Integration: Connecting WordPress sites to the Fediverse through plugins like Activity Pub can enhance visibility and engagement within decentralized social networks, allowing content to reach broader, niche audiences.Creative Content Production: Doc Pop discusses the value of producing creative and engaging content, such as hand-drawn animations and cheesy puns, to make technical topics more accessible and enjoyable.Community Building and Local Engagement: Building and participating in local communities, whether through small events or local meetups, can be rewarding and impactful. Doc emphasizes the importance of fostering these connections in both the WordPress and yo-yo communities.Mentioned In The Show:Torque MagazineDoc PopularFacebook XTikTokMastodon ThreadsActivity PubBuddy Press FediverseReddit Automattic The VergeDoc Popular About PageFediverseThe Fediverse Files🙏 Sponsor: A2HostingA2 Hosting offers solutions for WordPress and WooCommerce that are both blazing fast and ultra-reliable. WordPress can be used on ANY Web Hosting plan from A2.  You can deploy WordPress easily on Shared, VPS, or Dedicated Hosting plans. A2 also offers Managed WordPress and WooCommerce Hosting. Take a look at a2hosting.com today!🐦 You can follow Post Status and our guests on Twitter:Doctor Popular Michelle Frechette (Director of Community Relations, Post Status)Olivia Bisset (Intern, Post Status)The Post Status  podcast is geared toward WordPress professionals, with interviews, news, and deep analysis. 📝Browse our archives, and don’t forget to subscribe via iTunes, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Stitcher, Simplecast, or RSS. 🎧