A common question I get in the WordPress and web design marketplace is where do I see the greatest opportunities. In my weekly talks with web designers and web developers, I have found quite a few areas that are in need of serious attention. If I were to consider launching a new business for WordPress services, it would definitely be in one of these areas.
CONTENT
How many times have we asked a client for their content only to see them look like a deer in headlights? Getting content is like pulling teeth and I know of several WordPress developers who have client sites sitting on their servers for months. And if your payment terms are that you don’t collect your final check until the website launches, you’re hurting your business and bank account.
I don’t blame the clients because trying to put their words onto paper can be a very daunting task. They also have busy schedules just like us and are likely wearing too many hats. Creating content is just one more thing to add to the plate. So why not launch a business to help them (and all the unhappy web developers) create content for their website? I have many clients who would love to hire a guide or writer – and pay well for these services. If you create a content business that takes a systematic approach at leading your clients across the finish line, I think you would have a long-term, sustainable company.
MAINTENANCE
I absolutely love that WP Engine offers WordPress updates and backups as a part of their service. It’s one less thing to worry about. I was excited when Shayne Sanderson launched Maintainn because I’ve been telling people for years this was a much needed service. In fact, I think you have more opportunity in this area than you do in development or theme design.
Clients need help maintaining their site. Most of them will never use WordPress beyond simple blogging or content updates. They need someone who can update plugins, ensure there are proper backups, and do clean up work. You could offer to take their content and photos and upload it for them. For most savvy entrepreneurs, time is money, and they don’t want to waste their time playing a “web master.” Yes, clients still live in the web master days … don’t chuckle!
TRAINING AND COACHING
Shawn Hesketh created a new category of business by launching WP101.com. It was an incredible idea and Shawn has done an AMAZING job! But even with WP101.com, there are plenty of people who don’t want to sit down to learn by a video.
There are business clients who will pay $75-$200 per hour for WordPress training and coaching. They want to get personal attention for their needs and to learn in real-time, with a real person. While the business model would require team members to scale up or the client may be more demanding, this is a valuable business offering and shouldn’t be overlooked.
GET STARTED!
If you love web design and WordPress, and you’ve been searching for a great business idea, I would strongly recommend one of these opportunities. The business is there. All you would need to do is hustle. And here’s one more thing to go with this … there are plenty of web design shops and web media agencies looking for help in these areas! If you were smart, you could offer your services through these shops and agencies, making life a lot better for the whole ecosystem.
I couldn’t agree more on the Maintenance front. I was tired of logging into clients’ sites and seeing everything out of date. I came up with the idea of launching The WP Butler (http://www.thewpbutler.com) and it’s been a great success so far.
Dave,
I think it’s great what you are doing and that you have found success by doing it. The need for these types of services will be ongoing and they can provide stable income, unlike design or development, which may be a one time deal.
Keep me in the loop on how things go for The WP Butler!
Absolutely. My hope has been to go full-time freelancing, but I currently have a proessional job with a decent salary, which is hard to give up for the uncertainty of development work which is very come and go. This was something of an attempt to bridge the gap.
Keep building that business and I’m sure at some point you will be able to transition to it full time! There is plenty of work in this marketplace.
Great post and so true. I have struggled finding good maintenance and support options for my clients. In the past I had offered both, but decided to focus more on training and coaching. What I find a lot of times is that clients are usually looking at VA’s and come away disappointed. I was also excited to see what Shayne had started and have already sent a few people his way. Will also check out Dave’s offerings as well.
Myself, I have been doing WordPress training for about 3 years, and in the last year moved to it full-time. Like you said, there are plenty of people who want that one-on-one training. They have fallen into the illusion that WordPress is so easy, and have done nothing but struggled with it. All I can suggest is that if anyone goes into individual training, make sure you have a lot of patience
Thanks again for the great post, found it on Twitter and I’m sure I’ll be coming back to your blog for some more WordPress goodness.
Bob,
I am excited for you and have tracked your blog for some time. I have heard great things about you (and it seems like we’ve talked in the past) and hope for continued success.
You’re right about how many people have struggled with learning WordPress. For some, figuring it out comes naturally, while others need a coach and training as you’ve provided. Patience for training others is key!
I hope we meet up at a WordCamp this year!
Hey James, thanks so much… and I wouldn’t be surprised that we have talked before. Hopefully we will run into each other at a WordCamp this year… cheers!
Although I practice these suggestions already, it’s good to have validation! Thanks for a great post.
P.S. Have to tip my hat to WP101 videos — good stuff!