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This episode of The WP Minute podcast features a segment from Eric’s talk with Steve Deckert, who handles Strategic Technology Partnerships for Automattic. The discussion examines the new WooCommerce integration with Reddit.

Catch the entire interview on The WP Minute+ podcast: https://thewpminute.com/harnessing-social-media-for-e-commerce-growth/

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Today's episode of The WP Minute podcast features a segment from Matt Medeiros's conversation with Elementor's Miriam Schwab. Be sure to catch the entire discussion over on our WP Minute Plus Podcast. Visit thewpminute.com for all the details.

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Today's episode features a segment from my interview with Cami MacNamara. Cami is a freelance web designer and the author of the Web Designer habits newsletter. She provides great advice for web professionals.

Check out the entire interview over on The WP Minute+ podcast: https://thewpminute.com/how-daily-habits-can-transform-your-freelance-business/

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Read the full post here: https://thewpminute.com/state-of-the-word-2025-its-a-vibe/

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Listen to a segment of Eric Karkovack's interview with Brad Williams, Partner and Co-Founder of Web Dev Studios.

Check out The WP Minute+ podcast to hear the interview in its entirety: https://thewpminute.com/adapting-your-agency-to-ai-and-modern-wordpress-workflows/

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Listen to a segment of Eric Karkovack's chat with Rodolfo Melogli, the founder of Business Bloomer and organizer of the Checkout Summit. The event is scheduled to take place on April 23-24, 2026, in Palermo, Sicily.

Check out the entire interview on The WP Minute+ podcast: https://thewpminute.com/checkout-summit-signals-a-return-to-woocommerce-events/

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Listen to a segment of Eric Karkovack's interview with Devin Walker. Devin is the co-founder of GiveWP and was recently named the head of Automattic's Jetpack plugin.

To hear the entire interview, check out The WP Minute+ podcast: https://thewpminute.com/creating-a-better-user-experience-for-jetpack/

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Listen to a segment of Eric's wide-ranging interview with Koko Analytics founder Danny van Kooten. Here, Danny discusses the importance of starting small with your site's analytical needs. Check out the full interview on The WP Minute+: https://thewpminute.com/taking-a-simple-approach-to-analytics/

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Every industry evolves. New tools and techniques will inevitably take hold. It’s safe to say that the web moves faster than most career paths. We must be prepared to change in the blink of an eye.

Consider the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Apps like Copilot and ChatGPT rocked our world without prior notice. All of a sudden, web professionals not using these technologies were behind the curve. Many of us are still trying to understand how AI fits into our workflows and service offerings.

Most changes aren’t that massive. Yet, they still require us to adapt. New versions of WordPress often introduce additional features to master, best practices for writing code change with each PHP release, and website security is a moving target.

It all underscores the importance of continued learning. The ability to do more and do it more efficiently is key to a successful career – one that lasts a lifetime. However, it’s not always so simple.

We have limited time and resources, and there is an endless array of subjects and courses to consider. Which ones fit your needs? And how do you know if you’re spending your time wisely?

Let’s examine the role learning plays in your freelance growth. Along the way, we’ll help you determine the best opportunities and how they can impact your business.

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In this episode of The WP Minute podcast, Eric Karkovack discusses the importance of web accessibility with experts Adrienne Grace and Isla Waite. They preview the upcoming WP Accessibility Day (October 15-16, 2025) and share its diverse lineup of sessions. They also examine common mistakes in web accessibility, the challenge of finding accessible themes and plugins, and why AI can’t replace human oversight. Adrienne and Isla emphasize the role of education and training for clients to maintain accessible websites and learn best practices.

Takeaways:

• Web accessibility is both a moral and legal obligation.
• WP Accessibility Day is a global event focused on accessibility education.
• Color contrast is a common issue in web design.
• Forms should have visible labels, not just placeholder text.
• Accessibility should be considered from the beginning of the design process.
• AI can assist but should not replace human judgment in accessibility.
• Training clients is essential for maintaining accessible websites.
• Accessibility Checker plugins can help identify issues.
• Inclusive design benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities.
• Education about accessibility can lead to better business outcomes.

Important Links:

• WP Accessibility Day 2025
• Connect with Adrienne Grace
• Connect with Isla Waite
• The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe

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Freelancers love to book new clients. However, we shouldn't forget about the value of existing ones. This episode examines the untapped potential of your legacy WordPress clients. We'll show you how to improve their websites and strengthen your relationships.

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n this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt Medeiros speaks with Oliver Sild from Patchstack about the evolution of WordPress security, the challenges of managing plugin vulnerabilities, and the implications of the Cyber Resilience Act. They discuss the role of AI in development, the importance of vulnerability management, and how hosting security measures often fail to protect against exploits. Oliver emphasizes the importance of compliance and proactive security measures in the WordPress ecosystem.

Takeaways:

• Patchstack has evolved from a simple scanning tool to a leader in WordPress security research.
• Half of the team at Patchstack focuses on security research and vulnerability management.
• 30% of security vulnerabilities in plugins are not patched in time.
• The Cyber Resilience Act will require compliance for digital products sold in Europe.
• Vulnerability management will become mandatory for agencies and plugin developers.
• AI is being used to create plugins, but it also poses security risks.
• Many websites are hacked without the owners’ knowledge.
• Hosting security measures often fail to protect against application-level vulnerabilities.
• Patchstack provides a managed vulnerability disclosure program for plugin developers.
• Continuous maintenance is essential for WordPress websites.

Important Links:

• The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe
• Patchstack
• Connect with Oliver Sild:
  LinkedIn | Twitter/X

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Eric Karkovack looks at the freedom afforded by running a freelance WordPress business. Along the way, he examines the process of finding your place in the industry and finding happiness.

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Our Matt breaks down Matt Mullenweg’s keynote at WordCamp US 2025! Get the highlights and honest reactions to the most important moments, including:

• The evolving role of the WordPress community and the “four freedoms” at the heart of open source.
• Addressing the “elephant in the room” and the impact of recent legal and industry challenges.
• WordPress’s push to be more present on YouTube and across platforms, and why authentic community engagement matters.
• The future of AI in WordPress, including hands-on impressions of new tools like Telex and thoughts on browser-based AI.
• Predictions for the next 10 years of WordPress and Automattic, and what it means for users, professionals, and the open web.

Whether you missed the keynote or want a thoughtful recap, this episode covers the key takeaways and what they mean for the future of WordPress. Subscribe to The WP Minute for more insights, news, and community updates!

Matt's video on Telex AI by Automattic https://youtu.be/t5dRm70FnSg
Mullenweg's Keynote WCUS https://youtu.be/45HRzzc0waU?si=DIhxDiqwGNzAPWTL

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Register for FREE. Monday August 18th at 1PM EST

The Dog Daze of Agency Summer is a live, interactive webinar for WordPress agency owners looking to beat the late-summer slump.

Matt Medeiros, Kurt von Ahnen, and Toby Cryns will share strategies to keep momentum high when client decisions slow down, contracts stall, and teams drift into vacation mode. We’ll explore how to use this seasonal downtime to prepare for a strong fall season. From internal planning to energizing your team and sharpening your sales pipeline.

Key Takeaways

+ Turn downtime into prep time – Use the summer lull to refine processes, update proposals, and revisit client strategies.

+ Reignite team motivation – Tactics to keep staff engaged and productive before the busy fall rush.

+ Jumpstart stalled sales – How to nurture leads and tee up contracts so they’re ready to sign after Labor Day.

+ Plan for Q4 success – Align your marketing, sales, and project delivery for a strong close to the year.

+ Engage with peers – Live Q&A and open dialogue with other agency owners facing the same seasonal challenges.
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In this episode of The WP Minute Podcast, Eric Karkovack welcomes Zachary Hamed and Matthew Achariam, co-founders of Clay, a personal relationship management tool recently acquired by Automattic. They examine how Clay unifies fragmented contact data from various platforms, like Gmail, iMessage, Notion, Facebook, and ChatGPT, into a beautifully designed and user-owned system for managing relationships.

Zachary and Matthew discuss Clay’s origin story, their strong focus on design, data ownership, and privacy, and how AI features like Nexus are transforming personal outreach. They also share how their deep-rooted history with WordPress and open-source culture helped make the acquisition by Automattic feel like a natural evolution. Looking ahead, they tease potential WordPress integrations focused on people and relationships, and how Clay can amplify identity and CRM use cases across the Automattic ecosystem.

Key Takeaways:

• Clay is a personal relationship manager built around privacy, portability, and thoughtful design.
• The product consolidates contacts from fragmented platforms and enhances memory and outreach with AI tools.
• Automattic’s acquisition aligns with Clay’s mission to build human-centric, long-lasting software.
• Possible future integrations with WordPress include features centered around people and identity.
• Clay’s team will remain intact and continue development with increased velocity and support from Automattic.

Important Links:

• The WP Minute Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe
• Clay’s Website
• Acquisition coverage:
  – Accelerating Clay’s mission with Automattic
  – Automattic Welcomes Clay
  – Play With Clay
• Clay’s co-founders on LinkedIn:
  – Matthew Achariam
  – Zachary Hamed

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It’s a tough time to be a WordPress freelancer. The entire ecosystem seems to be shifting beneath us, as we’ve witnessed legal battles and community drama. Not to mention a newfangled technology – artificial intelligence (AI) – taking over the planet.

None of this is good for stability or our confidence. It’s natural to wonder what it all means for the future of freelancing. Are we doomed or just in a time of transition?

I know my business has changed in the past year. Leads for new site builds have morphed into requests for maintenance. It feels like we’ll never get back to the way things were.

Perhaps that’s true. It doesn’t mean the future isn’t bright, though. There’s still value in what we do. Recognizing it is the first step to finding success in a new era.

So, consider this a pep talk for you, my fellow freelancer. Let’s have a collective mental reset to help us focus on what’s next.

In this episode, I unpack the big announcement behind FAIR — the Federated and Independent Repository — a new package manager initiative under the Linux Foundation. Scooped by The Repository and launched during WordCamp Europe week, FAIR promises decentralized plugin and theme distribution for WordPress, reducing reliance on wordpress.org and introducing a new governance model for the ecosystem. On paper, that’s a huge shift.

But I’ve got more questions than answers. Why the Linux Foundation? Is this really just for WordPress? And what does “a replacement for the ecosystem” even mean? For freelancers, agency owners, and power users like you and me, the pitch feels abstract. FAIR might offer technical insurance, but what does it actually do to help us build faster, better, more sustainable sites today?

This episode is less about hot takes and more about critical thinking — exploring FAIR from the lens of a working professional in WordPress, not someone living in contributor Slack channels. I want to know how this changes our day-to-day, and whether FAIR will drive real innovation… or just become another layer of complexity.

Key Takeaways:

• “This isn’t a fork of WordPress — it’s a backend distribution layer, a replacement for the plugin update plumbing we all rely on.”
• “I have more questions than clarity: is this really just about stability, or is it something much bigger?”
• “Adoption is everything. Without host and agency support, FAIR is just another plugin.”
• “WordPress has a packaging problem. FAIR needs to solve that — not just technically, but with messaging that speaks to the average power user.”
• “We want open source to thrive. But we also want clarity, transparency, and solutions that actually make WordPress better for our clients.”

URLs Mentioned:

• FAIR press release from the Linux Foundation
• The Repository's FAIR coverage
• AspirePress
• WPCC
• Alt Ctrl Org livestream

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founder of 10up and now a Partner at Fueled, to talk about a major agency evolution. Jake shares the journey from founding 10up in 2011 to its merger with Fueled in 2023, culminating in a rebrand that sees the combined entity operating under the Fueled name. He explains the motivations behind the merger, including the desire for diversification, access to broader resources, and positioning for enterprise-level digital transformation projects.

Jake also discusses the continued investment in open-source plugins such as ElasticPress, ClassifAI, and Distributor, which reflect Fueled’s commitment to supporting the WordPress ecosystem while solving real client problems. The conversation touches on the shift toward full site editing (FSE), the agency’s custom internal toolkit, and how AI and no-code tools are transforming the web development landscape. Jake’s new role allows for a better work-life balance and a renewed focus on brand storytelling and strategic initiatives.

Key Takeaways:

• 10up merged with Fueled in 2023, with the unified brand now operating as Fueled; 10up remains as the WordPress practice within the company.
• The merger was motivated by scalability, diversification, and the need for broader digital capabilities in the enterprise market.
• Fueled’s new website was built using WordPress full site editing and custom internal tooling, completed in just 8 weeks.
• Jake is now a Partner at Fueled, focusing on strategic marketing, brand storytelling, and select client projects.
• Plugins like ElasticPress, ClassifAI, and Distributor continue to reflect the team’s open-source contributions and enterprise-focused solutions.

Important Links:

• Fueled
• Related Articles:
  Fueled Merges with 10up To Deliver Superior Customer Experiences
  Fueled for the Future: A Renewed Brand
  How Fueled Built Its New Website in 8 Weeks
• Plugins:
  ClassifAI
  Distributor
  ElasticPress
• Jake Goldman on LinkedIn

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Being a freelance web designer often means dealing with disruption. Sometimes, it’s a client who needs a new feature built ASAP. But it can also come from a shakeup in the technology we use.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has undoubtedly been a disruptive force. It has upended our workflows and made some of us wary of its presence. Are these apps here to help us or replace us?

Perhaps AI site builders are the most cringe-inducing tools of them all. They claim to take the guesswork out of website creation. You don’t need to know code or how to pick a font pairing. Provide a few details, and you have a functioning website.

Several companies have released AI-based site generators; WordPress.com is among the latest. Our own Matt Medeiros took it for a spin. He “chatted” with a friendly bot that wanted to know more about his website needs. Within minutes, he had a website powered by WordPress.

These tools aren’t producing top agency-level websites just yet. Maybe they’re a novelty for the time being. But they’ll improve. With that comes the worry of their impact on freelancers. Will our potential clients choose a bot over a seasoned expert?

Let’s explore what AI site builders could mean for the future of freelancing. Do they signal the end of an era? Or are they just another tool for the DIY crowd?