THE RIGHT CONSULTANT

Saturday, March 23, 13

CODY LANDEFELDOWNER/DIRECTOR AT CODYL

10+ YEARS BUILDING FOR THE WEB7+ YEARS BUILDING WITH WORDPRESS

PHOENIX, AZ // CODYL.COM // @CODYL

Saturday, March 23, 13

WHAT IS A WORDPRESS CONSULTANT?

codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd

Saturday, March 23, 13

codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd

PEOPLE WHO DO AWESOME STUFF WITH

...and talk on cell phones while wearing a suit.

Saturday, March 23, 13

codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd

THE WIDE WORLD OF WORDPRESSS

Saturday, March 23, 13

•17% of the web uses WordPress

• WordPress is easy to use / This is good and bad

• WordPress has a vast community of developers contributing to it’s core

to make it better continually. (Please thank them today!)

codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd

THE WIDE WORLD OF WORDPRESSS

Saturday, March 23, 13

START WITH THE BAD...

codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd

Saturday, March 23, 13

INCORRECT ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING WORDPRESS

codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd

Saturday, March 23, 13

codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd

1. WordPress is free so it’s cheap or easy to develop with.

2. I can do anything I want to do with plugins!

3. I don’t need to hire a developer. I can develop my own site (maybe?)

4. WordPress is easy to set it and forget it! No need for updates.

5. All WordPress themes are created equal.

INCORRECT ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING WORDPRESS

Saturday, March 23, 13

RUN AWAY FROM THESE GUYS!

codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd

Saturday, March 23, 13

NOW ON WITH THE GOOD...

codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd

Saturday, March 23, 13

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A WORDPRESS CONSULTANT?

codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd

Saturday, March 23, 13

• Above all - Adding value to your project / company

• Actual consultation. Project planning, discovery, organization, etc

• Proof of experience working with WordPress

• Advice regarding off - the - shelf WordPress themes

• Experience with different types of projects - E-Commerce / Mobile /

Applications, etc

codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A WORDPRESS CONSULTANT?

Saturday, March 23, 13

GOOD QUESTIONS TO ASK A WORDPRESS CONSULTANT?

codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd

Saturday, March 23, 13

• How long have you worked with WordPress?

• Do you or your team primarily work with WordPress?

• What is your speciality with WordPress? Themes? Plugins? Both?

You don’t need to be the expert, but good questions will help you gain

confidence in the right fit.

codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd

GOOD QUESTIONS TO ASK A WORDPRESS CONSULTANT?

Saturday, March 23, 13

codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd

CONSEQUENCES OF NOT HIRING A GOOD WORDPRESS CONSULTANT...

Saturday, March 23, 13

CONSEQUENCES OF NOT HIRING A GOOD WORDPRESS CONSULTANT...

codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd

• You are left to be the expert of web development and projects when

you should be focused on being an expert.

• You miss your deadlines and have less time for Reddit and cat videos

on YouTube.

• And other things...

Saturday, March 23, 13

PRO TIPS FOR BEING A GREAT CLIENT!

codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd

Saturday, March 23, 13

PRO TIPS FOR BEING A GREAT CLIENT!

codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd

• Plan and schedule your project properly ;)

• Reference requirements in design - desktop / tablet / mobile, etc.

• Hire a killer designer, not a killer for a designer. Thank me later.

• Identify a clear time table for your project, so your consultant places

you in priority.

• Seek a collaborative approach with building your project.

Saturday, March 23, 13

QUESTIONS?

codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd

Saturday, March 23, 13

QUESTIONS?

codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd

Saturday, March 23, 13

THANKS!

codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd

Saturday, March 23, 13