This brings up an important question for WordPress agencies: How does using AI on client projects affect pricing?

On the surface, it feels like a tricky question. AI is supposed to improve efficiency. A more efficient process should take less time to complete, which means lower costs. But it’s not that simple.

The point of increased efficiency is to make more profit. Faster results and decreased overhead shouldn’t mean that your business takes a financial hit, right? If that’s the case, then agencies have no incentive to use AI for, well, anything.

So, should we reassess the value of our services in the age of AI? And how do we present it to clients? Let’s try to find the answers.

Time-Based Billing Is Outdated

The hourly rate has been a standard for many freelancers and agencies. We charge based on how much time we spend on a given task. This policy worked well enough when everything was done by hand. However, it doesn’t fit with how most of our work is done today.

Let’s take a custom WordPress plugin as an example. In this scenario, our client needs a niche plugin that adds functionality to their website.

This type of project could have taken several hours before AI came into the picture. Much depends on your level of expertise, but it’s safe to say you’d need to conduct research, write the code, then test. There would inevitably be bugs to fix and more tests to run. It’s easy to get stuck on an issue that delays progress.

An hourly rate could make sense here, as you risk getting burned by a project-based fee. What if the project takes longer than anticipated? You might lose money on the deal.

Using AI accelerates the entire process. You should still conduct research, and there will still be bugs to fix. You’ll also want to test for security. But the increased efficiency will likely lead to faster turnaround times.

Here, a project-based fee is a more reasonable solution. You’re charging based on the outcome, rather than time spent. And the result is the most important part of the equation – regardless of how long it took.

Using AI Requires Different Thinking and Communication

Working with AI also means a shift in our approach on both the project and client sides. Agencies and developers must focus on the big picture more than the process of getting it done. Again, the idea is that time isn’t the most relevant factor.

AI-based workflows often turn us into orchestra conductors, rather than old-school code jockeys. We’re using plain language to guide the tool in the right direction. We spend less time on the foundational aspects and more on the structure and feel. It’s a different role that can take time to grasp fully.

This also affects how we communicate with clients. We should emphasize the value in what we build. Clients must understand the benefits of a new feature and how it moves them closer to their goals.

In that regard, it doesn’t matter if building a new plugin took you five days or five hours. The only question worth asking is: Did we provide the best possible solution within their budget?

This isn’t much different than other service-based industries. You probably didn’t care what tools the carpenter used to build your new deck. You were likely more excited about how it looked and functioned.

AI is akin to the carpenter’s power tools. In the right hands, it becomes easier to achieve the desired outcome. You still need a certain level of expertise, however.

AI Should Increase Your Agency’s Revenue

The bottom line is that AI provides a path to do more with less. Perhaps the biggest hurdle for agencies and freelancers is embracing this philosophy.

Remember, there have been many changes in how we build websites. We went from hand-coding HTML to using content management systems (CMS) like WordPress. Tools like WYSIWYG editors and page builder plugins incrementally increased our productivity. Little by little, web professionals adopted these solutions and adapted their businesses to take advantage of them.

AI is more of a revolutionary technology, as it increases our output exponentially. Naturally, a change this big leads to questions about how we work and how much we charge.

You may run into a client who expects lower pricing because of your increased efficiency – don’t fall for it. Your knowledge and experience are still guiding the ship, and they are worth a premium. Once you realize this, you can use AI to encourage growth. These new tools simply offer a faster way to get there.

here. He recently started a writing service for WordPress products: WP Product Writeup. He also has an opinion on just about every subject. You can follow his rants on Bluesky @karks.com.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post Should Your Agency Charge Less for AI-Assisted Solutions? appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

I’ve experienced both scenarios. Sometimes, there’s no rhyme or reason why clients come and go. You can do everything right, and still a client looks elsewhere when it’s time for a redesign or new project. Perhaps they were swayed by a sales pitch. Or, a new person comes in and wants to shake things up. It’s an unfortunate part of this business.

Regardless, there’s still work to be done. Their website may need to be migrated to a different host. Credentials need to be created for the new freelancer. There are project assets and notes to share.

It’s an awkward situation at best. But never fear, I have some tips for making the transition as smooth as possible. Keep reading to learn the do’s and don’ts of working with that new (or old) developer!

Keep It Professional

Maybe it sounds obvious. However, it’s easy to become emotional when letting go of a project (and its revenue). The same thing applies when you’re the new developer. Some clients will paint an unfortunate picture of their previous agency. Don’t get caught up in it.

Odds are, neither you nor the other party is evil or inept. There are always two sides to a story, and you’ll probably only hear one of them.

As such, there’s no reason to be rude or unhelpful. Answer questions, document processes, and respond within a reasonable period of time. These are common courtesies that will speed up the transition. After all, no one wants this thing to drag on for too long.

The funny part is that you may encounter the same developer again. For example, I’ve gained and lost clients to the same local agency. It’s a reminder to keep it professional and avoid burning bridges.

We may be competitors, but we’re all in the same boat.

Get Paid Before Doing the Work

These transitions can be especially frustrating if a client owes you money. They may expect you to work with their new developer with a promise to pay later. Avoid this scenario at all costs!

A client who is always late with payment is unlikely to make good on their debt after you’re gone. As such, getting paid should be a condition for transferring the site to someone else.

Create an agreement (in writing) that outlines what you need from them before you can do the work. Don’t provide a single file or login until that condition has been met. This places the ball firmly in their court. If they want to move on, they’ll need to settle their outstanding debt. It’s a perfectly reasonable request.

If the client balks at the idea, you may need to bring a lawyer into the fold. It’s not ideal, but it may be the only way you’ll get your money.

Think Before You Share Sensitive Information

Sharing credentials is part of any website transition. There are logins for hosting, content management systems (CMS) like WordPress, and third-party SaaS applications. Not to mention API keys and software licensing details.

You may be tempted to send a laundry list of logins to the new developer. However, it’s worth taking a step back and ensuring you aren’t exposing yourself to risk.

If you manage a client’s hosting or domain name, for example, be sure that anything you share is specific to their website. You wouldn’t want someone to have access to other client data. If possible, create delegate accounts that provide only the necessary permissions.

Also, create a new administrator account for their CMS, rather than sharing your login. This takes you off the hook for any user activity or, worse yet, a hacked password. And make sure your account is deleted when you’re out of the picture.

Software licensing can be tricky, especially if they aren’t under your client’s name. If you have a developer license for a WordPress plugin, consider your comfort level with allowing a client to continue using it. It might be worth recommending they purchase a separate license.

If you’re inheriting the site from another developer, think about what you’ll need. Ask about all of the above and find out as much as you can. The goal is to avoid any surprises once you take over.

Transitions Are a Part of the Job

It’s safe to say that no one enjoys transitioning a website from one developer to another. It’s often a messy process and can raise your anxiety levels, regardless of which side you’re on. But there’s an opportunity to make the best of a difficult situation.

Maintaining a professional attitude is a must. Treat it as just another business transaction and do your best to leave personal feelings out of it. Work with integrity and aim to produce the best possible outcome.

It’s also important to protect your interests. A client who’s leaving must live up to their end of the bargain. Don’t allow them to walk away without paying their outstanding balance. Also, be careful about the information you share with a new developer.

The most positive aspect is the experience you’ll gain. Learning to manage clients coming and going will serve you well. Doing so will allow you to focus on the task at hand while avoiding all the negatives. That’s great, because you’re likely to need those skills again and again.

here. He recently started a writing service for WordPress products: WP Product Writeup. He also has an opinion on just about every subject. You can follow his rants on Bluesky @karks.com.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post How to Work With Your Client’s Next (Or Previous) Developer appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

However, AI also presents opportunities to broaden our horizons. We can use it to do things we haven’t tried before. Even better, we can experiment with ideas that seemed too ambitious a few years earlier. For example, consider projects that had a big learning curve or were time-consuming. Perhaps they don’t seem as daunting in the age of artificial intelligence.

The right tool could be the key to offering new and improved services to your clients. It’s a vehicle for increasing revenue and strengthening customer relationships. What’s not to love?

Let’s look at how AI can help you expand your agency’s service offerings. We’ll cover potential service ideas and considerations before presenting them to clients. You might even find the perfect growth opportunity for your business.

Find Tasks AI Can Do Faster and Better

Time is often the biggest barrier to creating new services. We’re busy enough without having to learn something new or focus on tedious work. More than anything, these are the tasks AI can help us tackle.

If you often find yourself knee-deep in code, you can use AI to lift the burden and increase productivity. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Performance and Security Audits

Is your client’s website running at peak performance? Is it chock full of vulnerable code? Some plugins can help you find general answers. However, a full audit is often the best way to diagnose and fix issues.

The problem is that it takes significant effort to go through each line of code. You also need to know what to look for during the inspection process. Not everyone has the depth of knowledge in PHP, JavaScript, and other languages found in a WordPress website.

AI tools can save you a ton of time. Even a relatively lengthy code audit can be performed in the background (freeing you to enjoy a cup of coffee or two). Plus, some models are adept at finding security issues and performance bottlenecks.

The big caveat here is that AI can point out issues, but you may not be able to fix every one of them. For example, avoid making changes to WordPress core or third-party plugins. Those changes would be overwritten during a software update. You could, however, alert a plugin author of what you found.

On the other hand, the results can lead you to find better options or use AI to build a custom solution. Regardless, it’s a service you can charge for.

Custom Plugin Development

There are two truths in agency life: No two projects are the same, and no WordPress plugin can cover every niche. That’s what makes custom development an appealing service.

Here again, we face limits on our time and coding abilities. But even an expert developer may not have enough room in their schedule for a complex plugin. Then there’s the future commitment to maintenance. It’s a lot to put on your virtual plate.

AI models make perfect development companions. They can use WordPress documentation to follow best practices and generate plugins with relative ease. Some more advanced apps can also create a logical file structure for you.

This opens multiple possibilities for your agency. You can create one-off plugins to cover client needs. You might also level up by creating more general-purpose plugins for use across multiple sites. A plugin with enough appeal could be sold in the marketplace.

In every case, there’s an opportunity to boost your revenue. Add custom plugin development to your project and maintenance fees.

Content Starters and Analysis

It seems like content is always a sticking point when working with clients. We’re either waiting for clients to deliver it or we’re tasked with cleaning it up. Then there is also the ever-evolving challenge of SEO.

We still don’t recommend using AI to generate production-ready content. It’s simply too generic and won’t reflect branding without human intervention. However, it can help in several areas.

For one, you can use it to create “starter” content. This is text clients can review and edit to match their needs. The final results might be completely different – but that’s not the point. Seeing content on their screen might be the impetus they need to keep the project moving forward. That saves you time and a few headaches.

AI can also analyze content for accessibility and SEO best practices. Use cases include simplifying language, determining keyword density, improving titles, and generating meta summaries. It’s also handy for researching competitors.

Now, these common tasks can be completed in a fraction of the time. Adding them to your service list provides more value to clients. In addition, the SEO analysis could be a source of recurring revenue.

AI Could Be Your Agency’s Growth Engine

Perhaps AI’s value to your business is all about perspective. Sure, you could use it to make less-good versions of what you’re already doing. Generating slop and calling it a day isn’t great for your long-term viability. We won’t argue that some people have chosen this path.

However, AI is also capable of helping you be the best version of yourself. It just requires a more thoughtful approach. Use these tools to tackle the busy work while keeping a close eye on the results. Most importantly, be the decision maker in what you build. In other words, don’t accept AI’s initial output as the final answer.

Treating this technology as a partner is a path to growing your agency. The extra time and mental bandwidth you gain will allow you to identify new revenue opportunities. The ideas above are just the tip of the iceberg.

Ask yourself: What can AI do better and faster? How can it strengthen what I do best? How can I use it to improve client services?

The answers might lead you to something great!

here. He recently started a writing service for WordPress products: WP Product Writeup. He also has an opinion on just about every subject. You can follow his rants on Bluesky @karks.com.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post How AI Can Help You Expand Your Agency’s Service Offerings appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

There are also opportunities to build professional relationships. We hire each other for coding tasks, marketing, support, or even business consulting. It’s a way to expand our capabilities and boost revenue, not to mention the new products and services that were launched as a result of these relationships.

Like everything else in our industry, artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to impact these professional bonds. We’re experimenting with this technology, looking for ways to make us leaner and more productive. Perhaps we’re in the early stages. But it’s reasonable to assume that there will be a human cost to adopting AI.

Let’s look at the potential benefits and drawbacks of going all-in on AI and its impact on our relationships.

Greater Productivity and Expanded Capabilities

If there’s one thing we’ve discovered about AI, it’s the relative ease with which it writes code. It can spin up a new WordPress plugin (or a framework for one) within a few minutes. It can also troubleshoot a code snippet in the blink of an eye.

These tasks used to take hours, days, or weeks to complete. AI has saved me from countless searches of support forums and blog posts. In some cases, I might have broadcast my pain points on social media, hoping for a kind soul to offer advice.

These days, AI generally points me in the right direction. There are several positive aspects to this arrangement.

For one, I feel more self-sufficient when working with code. Perhaps that’s ironic, as the machine is writing the code for me. Still, there’s something to be said about not placing my burden on anyone else.

AI also improves my productivity and expands my capabilities. Those client requests that used to drive me crazy aren’t as stressful these days. It’s not always easy, but I’m still producing solutions faster than ever.

What’s the downside? An individual working this way might not have a big impact. The problem arises when we use AI for all the things at scale.

Web Developers Working in Silos

The cumulative effect of “doing it ourselves” with AI is less collaboration. For example, why would I send a task to a fellow freelancer if I can perform it with AI? I’m saving time and money.

Agencies that rely on contractors will do the same thing. They’ll have less incentive to outsource all or some of a project because AI is cheaper and easier. Never mind that it potentially adds more to an employee’s plate.

This will result in fewer gigs for some of us. There will be an economic impact, as we’ll lose some of the recurring revenue we depend on. It will also require a shift to building our own things, rather than building for others.

The other potential side effect is becoming more insulated from the community around us. We might find ourselves interacting more with bots than people (it’s already the case for me). We could be less likely to share what we’re doing or explore what others have done.

If we’re not careful, it might also lead to less in-person interaction. AI won’t make conferences and WordCamps irrelevant. However, some may feel less desire to learn from other humans. Again, why travel and sit through a session when AI will do whatever I want?

Sharing knowledge is such a big part of what web professionals do. Once we’re past the experimentation phase of AI, we might have fewer tips to share – not to mention fewer people willing to listen.

Let’s Keep the Human Element in Web Design

For all the amazing things AI can do, it shouldn’t replace what makes the web design industry so unique. We are a community of thinkers and doers. We’re at our best when working together.

Just think, the open-source movement wouldn’t be where it is today without collaboration. People built the foundation of this work. Technologies like AI can contribute, but only humans can be the thinking and breathing stewards of such projects.

I hope we don’t lose sight of what we’ve accomplished. In the rush to use AI for this and that, we shouldn’t leave our traditions behind. If anything, we should use technology to create more time for human interaction.

Less time working, more time getting together. That sounds like a better future to me!

here. He recently started a writing service for WordPress products: WP Product Writeup. He also has an opinion on just about every subject. You can follow his rants on Bluesky @karks.com.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post How AI Could Change Collaboration for Web Designers & Developers appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

It’s more than just business as usual, though. WordPress also boasts a global community of users and contributors. As such, agencies don’t have to operate in a vacuum. There’s an opportunity to connect with people and pay it forward.

Community engagement is a win-win situation. First, you’re helping others learn and use WordPress more effectively. There’s a great sense of satisfaction that comes with getting involved.

There are also benefits to your business. It puts your name out there and helps you build relationships. That could result in booking more clients. At the very least, you’ll create goodwill and establish a strong reputation.

Giving back is also easier than you think. Here are a few ways to say thanks to the WordPress community!

Join or Host a Local Meetup

If you want to impact the WordPress community at a grassroots level, Meetups are a great place to start. They’re local get-togethers that welcome people of all skill levels, including beginners.

These events open up a world of possibilities. You might have meetings dedicated to a specific subject, guest presentations, or group projects. It’s also an opportunity for attendees to help each other with site issues or plugin suggestions.

Agencies are uniquely positioned to help. Your team of experts can give talks and connect with your local community. That makes you a trusted resource – one that prospective clients will remember when it’s time for a new website or other project.

Finding a place to hold regularly scheduled meetings is challenging in some communities. So, hosting a meetup at your office or another space is a huge help.

Plus, not every city has a meetup. In that case, you might consider establishing one. It brings people together and builds enthusiasm for the WordPress project.

Being part of the meetup space requires a commitment. However, connecting with others one-on-one is worth the effort.

Set Aside Time To Contribute to WordPress

The WordPress project includes several teams tasked with building and maintaining the software. There are also teams dedicated to providing technical support, writing documentation, language translation, and reviewing themes/plugins.

Joining one or more teams is an opportunity to improve WordPress and its community. This could include anything from fixing bugs, building new features, or improving the user experience. That’s only scratching the surface of the potential impacts.

Contributions of all kinds are welcome – even if they don’t involve writing code. So, think about which team(s) interest you and fit your skillset. It’s also worth considering how much time you can dedicate to the project.

The Five for the Future program is a compelling option for agencies willing to commit 5% of their time to the project. Individuals are also welcome to join.

However, the type or number of contributions you make isn’t as important as your willingness to participate. One way to look at it is that every contribution helps someone. That makes a difference!

Build Free Plugins, Themes, or Educational Resources

There’s also a more traditional approach to paying it forward. Your agency is likely building custom plugins or themes for your projects. And teaching is a key part of working with clients. Why not level up and share what you know?

Once again, this benefits everyone. The community receives something useful. Meanwhile, you increase your visibility across the WordPress ecosystem. It’s a way to generate leads while doing good.

What you share and how you share it are up to you. It might be as simple as posting your GitHub repository link on social media. Or, you might opt to distribute your work via the official WordPress theme and plugin directories.

We should note that some responsibilities are involved with either approach. Plugins and themes must be maintained and supported. Community engagement is part of the deal. It’s also a good idea to keep sales pitches to a minimum if your goal is to give back.

Offering educational resources, such as online courses or tutorials, is also a possibility. Being a guide to users or developers will showcase your expertise. Do it well, and you’ll have loyal visitors returning to your site or YouTube channel.

Say Thanks to WordPress and Its Community

If your agency builds websites with WordPress, it benefits from the open-source software. It also stands to reason that you’ve benefited from the knowledge shared by community members. Every code snippet or piece of advice is valuable.

Giving back is simply the right thing to do. It says that you care about the project and the people surrounding it. Consider the potential boost to your business as good karma.

It’s also a chance to connect with other people and organizations. You never know what may come of these relationships. Friendships, business ventures, and side projects could be in store.

So, think about ways to give back and pick one that’s right for you. It will help you grow as a person and a web professional.

here. He recently started a writing service for WordPress products: WP Product Writeup. He also has an opinion on just about every subject. You can follow his rants on Bluesky @karks.com.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post How WordPress Agencies Can Give Back to the Community appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

These days, it seems like everyone already has a website. And clients aren’t necessarily keen on spending large sums on building new ones. For many, it’s about improving what they have. This strategy makes sense, as websites have grown more complex by the year. Starting from scratch isn’t an attractive option.

It also leaves agencies and freelancers in a strange spot. We traditionally rely on new website projects as a major source of revenue. This model isn’t nearly as reliable as it used to be.

The emergence of WordPress and other open-source content management systems (CMS) also created a strong market for website maintenance. That continues, but is it enough to grow your business?

It’s time to look for new opportunities in the WordPress market. Here are a few ideas on how your agency can adapt to the time we live in.

Start Selling Solutions

Existing and prospective clients may already have a website. However, they still face challenges. Identifying their pain points and creating solutions is a natural extension of your business.

It’s an opportunity for your WordPress expertise to shine. For example, let’s say your clients using WooCommerce have a common issue with managing orders: perhaps they find the process confusing or it has too many steps.

You can use that knowledge and experience to build a better solution. It could be a custom plugin or even a dashboard that provides all the data your clients need. You can sell it as an add-on to your current customers. Even better, you might also sell it to the general public.

The key is to find a problem that needs solving. From there, you can create a repeatable process for addressing it.

This strategy can increase your revenue and diversify how you earn it. The result is no longer relying solely on new website projects to survive. Now, you’re proactively improving your business and connecting with clients.

Become a Resource for Client Education

Both the web and WordPress never stop evolving. There are always new tools and technologies to consider. It’s our job to learn about them to improve our workflow and better serve clients.

Why not share what you know? Even if you already have a newsletter or blog to serve this purpose, you can still level up.

Creating online courses is a way to attract new clients and engage with existing ones. It’s useful information for people outside of our industry. It also enables you to teach them at scale.

What’s more, WordPress is a great platform for creating online courses. There are several learning management system (LMS) plugins available to help. Find your favorite and use it organize lessons, create quizzes, and add multimedia content.

You don’t have to focus solely on new technologies. There are plenty of “evergreen” topics, like the Block/Site editors, accessibility, and security best practices. Look for topics that interest your audience.

On the business side, you can follow up with students to collect feedback. There may also be an opportunity to book projects based on your course topics.

It’s worth noting that educational content is a long-term investment in your business. You may not see an immediate impact. But it can position you as an expert clients can turn to when they’re ready to move forward.

Adapt to What’s Next With WordPress

Technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) are changing rapidly. Not only is it impacting how we build sites, but it also changes how we manage them.

New features coming to WordPress will also make it easier for developers to add AI to any website. It could fundamentally change how people work with the platform. We’re likely to see changes in everything from content creation to security.

SEO is a prime example. These days, search engines are prioritizing AI-generated summaries on results pages. Maintaining a solid ranking may require a different approach, even if we don’t have all the answers yet. Tools and strategies to optimize client websites will be in demand.

This is another opportunity for agencies to both create solutions and educate clients. It may also be something more. AI and other technological advancements offer agencies the opportunity to reinvent themselves. It’s a chance to branch out into new service areas and gain expertise.

Learning to leverage AI could improve your efficiency and capabilities. That means you can accomplish complex tasks faster than before. Plus, our clients will need someone to guide them during this shift.

Your Agency Can Still Thrive in a Changing Landscape

It seems like the agency business model changed in the blink of an eye, or at least in the past few years. Technological and economic shifts have kept us on our toes and changed client expectations. At least it hasn’t been boring!

The challenge is to keep up with the times and find ways to make the most out of what’s changing. It’s daunting, but far from impossible. The good news is that we have options.

By combining smart technology use with old-fashioned creativity, we can deliver greater value to our clients. It’s a sustainable way to grow into the future.

Surely, more shifts are on the horizon. But navigating this one will help us prepare for whatever comes next.

here. He recently started a writing service for WordPress products: WP Product Writeup. He also has an opinion on just about every subject. You can follow his rants on Bluesky @karks.com.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post Finding New Opportunities for Your WordPress Agency appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

These projects didn’t do much for my bank account. However, I learned a lot about web development and building professional relationships. It was a time and place to experiment and find what worked (and what didn’t).

Starting small seemed like a rite of passage for new designers and students. It was a way to get our feet wet in a growing industry. The goal was to “graduate” to something more lucrative and sustainable.

This is now a market targeted by artificial intelligence (AI) applications. We’re seeing new build tools that generate websites from a prompt. AI agents are now helping users navigate their content management system (CMS) and make changes. We’re at the beginning of a new era.

So, where does that leave the bottom portion of the web design market? Will AI destroy opportunities for new designers? Let’s try to make sense of what’s happening and what it means.

Is the Low End a Dead End?

Web technology has evolved over the past two decades. This means that even the simplest modern website is more complex than we could have dreamed of back in the day. For instance, old-school sites rarely required databases or languages beyond HTML. Now, we’re building brochure websites with PHP and various JavaScript flavors.

Client expectations have also trended upwards. The web is a mature platform, and features like e-commerce and automation are now commonplace. The costs of adding them have gone down considerably. As such, website owners across all market segments expect this sort of functionality.

Meanwhile, DIY website-building tools are becoming more capable. They’re now easier to use and more powerful than earlier versions. Perhaps the results aren’t at a professional level, but that’s good enough for a sizeable portion of the market.

This was becoming the case before AI entered the picture. The landscape was already flooded with web designers trying to undercut each other on price. AI site generators have accelerated the diminishing returns in this race to the bottom.

In that way, AI is yet another competitor that makes it harder to build a business on the lowest rungs of the ladder. Even so, new freelance designers have to start somewhere. So, what’s the alternative?

Identify Ways To Use AI to Your Advantage

Perhaps the answer lies in making the most out of these newfangled AI tools. After all, the results they produce are only as good as the person writing the prompts.

AI may reduce some technological barriers, but it’s not yet capable of reading your mind. It’s also unlikely to “think” of every need and niche use case. These tools work best when the user has a strong foundational knowledge. In other words, the more you know about building websites, the better the outcome.

In addition, web professionals don’t have to settle for what AI produces. We can take those initial results and expand on them. This scenario employs AI as a starting point – not the sole decision maker. And that’s where the potential lies for designers.

Your knowledge still holds value. Clients should still be informed about the consequences of using specific tools and technologies. They also need an expert to guide them on topics such as website performance and accessibility. Putting their business on autopilot is risky.

There’s an opportunity to help others get the most out of AI and other site-building tools. Thus, it’s worth experimenting with these apps, rather than dismissing them outright. They may help you serve the next generation of clients.

This also underlines the importance of learning (and continuing to learn) the fundamentals of web design and development. They will continue to serve as your advantage, no matter which tools you use.

New Web Designers Can Still Start Small

Yes, things are quite different from when I started my web design business. Everything seems to be on an accelerated pace these days. It’s enough to sow the seeds of doubt in your mind.

The positive of this blink-and-you’ll-miss-it landscape is that you’re forced to adapt. You’ll need that skill to survive in this industry. You may as well get used to it early in the game!

There are still opportunities to get your feet wet building websites for clients. As ever, it’s all about learning everything you can and applying it to your work. AI is just another stepping stone in your journey. Make it a point to experiment and become an authority.

The goal isn’t to stay at the bottom of the pricing scale forever. So, the more experience you gain, the faster you’ll move up the ladder.

That last part hasn’t changed a bit.

here. He recently started a writing service for WordPress products: WP Product Writeup. He also has an opinion on just about every subject. You can follow his rants on Bluesky @karks.com.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post How Will AI Impact the Bottom of the Web Design Market? appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

WordPress plays a key role in this strategy. The content management system (CMS) and its ecosystem are vehicles for helping us adapt to what’s next. Features like connecting to third-party APIs and implementing artificial intelligence (AI) come to mind.

It all adds up to an exciting time to build websites and related applications. However, it’s possible to go a little too far with technology – particularly when it comes to customer service.

Sometimes, the way we choose to use technology pushes us away from our clients. That’s a shame, because having a personal touch is vital for long-term success. It could be the very thing that separates your agency from competitors.

With that in mind, let’s look at ways to create and maintain connections with clients. Along the way, we’ll share advice for using technology to enhance (rather than hinder) those relationships.

Humanize Technical Support

We understand: supporting clients is challenging. And we’re not just talking about the technical aspect of troubleshooting issues. Keeping communications organized becomes more difficult as your business grows.

That’s why busy developers often turn to technology for help. Things like support ticket systems and AI chatbots are common solutions for serving clients. The idea is to handle small requests automatically while keeping the complicated stuff in a tidy thread.

The intent is noble. However, it’s all about how we execute these processes. There’s a right way to do things, and there’s a wrong way.

Consider your own experiences. For example, let’s say you need technical support from a WordPress plugin author. But instead of receiving help from a human, you get canned responses from a bot and then days of silence. How does that make you feel? We wouldn’t blame you for feeling frustrated.

The same principles apply to your agency. Clients need to know that you are there when they need you. Automation can be a helpful tool, but it’s not an excuse to ignore your clients.

A quick response from you or a team member goes a long way toward building trust. Even if you can’t immediately resolve an issue, a message to say “we’re looking at it” is meaningful.

Avoid AI-Generated Content for Your Blog and Newsletter

Publishing a blog and newsletter is a great way to stay in touch with clients. It’s an opportunity to educate them on new service offerings, security issues, or industry trends.

Creating such content requires time – a finite resource. As such, it’s tempting to use AI to generate what you need and keep your publishing schedule humming along. That could be a mistake.

AI-generated content is less likely to connect with your audience. And its ability to produce mountains of text doesn’t make your blog any more useful or in-depth.

Clients hire us for our WordPress experience and expertise. They rely on our knowledge to help them navigate the online world. Why would we cede our thoughts to a bot?

The truth is, you don’t have to be a prolific or gifted content creator. The secret sauce is in sharing what you know in a relatable form. A personally written paragraph or two will be more welcome than a generic 2,000-word essay from ChatGPT.

Plus, your personality and ethos are key ingredients to a successful relationship. It’s something AI can’t match.

This doesn’t mean AI should be avoided at all costs. You can use it to flesh out ideas or create outlines. Just don’t let it take the words out of your mouth.

Use Technology To Improve Client Relationships

We all love shiny things. AI and automation are fascinating subjects whose potential we’ve yet to realize. Thus, it’s natural to experiment with them and learn how they can help your business. WordPress makes it easier than ever to take advantage of them. However, it pays to be selective about how and why you use these tools.

A good rule of thumb is to avoid anything that makes it harder for clients to reach you. Doing so creates more distance in your relationship and will lead to frustration. An unsatisfied client is likely to leave for an agency that offers more personalized service.

It’s an important consideration as you attempt to boost efficiency and lower costs. Saving a few minutes a day is nice, but not if it inconveniences your clients.

A better alternative is finding technology that improves your relationships. For example, implementing tools that make communication more convenient and better organized. Or using AI to handle routine tasks, so you have more time to focus on clients.

You might also choose to ignore high-tech solutions altogether and rely on old-fashioned customer service. It has worked before.

It’s a reminder that no matter how far we advance, a personal touch is still the best way to retain clients and attract new ones.

here. He recently started a writing service for WordPress products: WP Product Writeup. He also has an opinion on just about every subject. You can follow his rants on Bluesky @karks.com.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post Why the Personal Touch Matters to WordPress Agencies of All Sizes appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

On the other hand, no one has your back when things go wrong. There are no team members to ensure that you’re treated fairly or paid for your work. Raise your hand if a client ever skipped town without paying their bill. Yes, we see you!

This also extends to mundane tasks, such as onboarding to your client’s workflow. For example, working with an agency client and being dropped in the middle of an unfamiliar website. You don’t always get the benefit of a guided tour on how everything works.

It’s easy to become overwhelmed, and remaining silent only exacerbates the situation. The result is more stress and less money in your bank account. That’s not what freelancing is supposed to be about.

The reality is that freelancers are mostly on their own when it comes to advocacy. Here are some tips for standing up for yourself when the going gets tough.

Be Clear About Your Policies From the Beginning

The best way to avoid being taken advantage of is by being assertive from the start of your client relationships. Setting the appropriate boundaries lets clients know what’s important to you. The desired result is a mutual understanding of what is expected.

What sorts of boundaries should you outline? You’ll find plenty of small (and not-so-small) items to communicate, including:

• Payment policies: This includes when and how you want to be paid for projects. Also, be transparent about any transaction or late fees that you charge.
• Lead time for project assets: Some clients have a habit of providing project assets the day before launch. One way to avoid such chaos is to communicate the amount of lead time you require. You may also want to note that the project could be delayed if materials aren’t delivered on time.
• Business hours: Do you enjoy working 24/7? No, we don’t either. Share your business hours with clients and only respond to messages during this time. Not everything is an emergency.
• Things that cost extra: Each project has a scope to stay within. Ensure that clients understand that items outside the scope will incur additional costs.
• Your responsibilities: Modern web projects often require working with third-party providers. Think web hosting, content delivery networks, and plugin developers. Inform clients of what you can and can’t do when there’s a problem.

These items can be placed in contracts or even “welcome” guides. Clear documentation can make a difference. The more clients know ahead of time, the better the chance they’ll work within your policies.

Speak up When Necessary

Even the most detailed contracts can’t cover every possible problem. The truth is that various issues can arise when working with clients.

Perhaps you don’t have the necessary resources to perform your job. Or you’re receiving conflicting instructions from stakeholders. You could also be asked to perform tasks outside of your expertise or service offerings.

Such situations can be uncomfortable and unproductive. However, the more timid among us may try to simply “get along” and move on. This is a recipe for disaster. You’ll eventually need to get things off your chest.

Why wait until then? Nip these issues in the bud by speaking up. Bring any concerns to your client’s attention. Explain what’s wrong and/or what you need. Offer them actionable advice to resolve the issue.

The mere act of sharing your feelings will benefit your mental health. You’ll feel like the world has been lifted off your shoulders. It also keeps your focus on the task at hand, rather than the stress and anxiety.

We’d like to believe that most clients will take your concerns seriously. We’re all human and don’t always realize the nature of what’s happening. Most will want to make things right.

If they don’t listen, it’s a sign they’re not the right fit. All information is helpful.

Freelancers Must Look Out for Themselves

Freelance web designers face a special set of challenges, and there’s no one to help us. If you’re not careful, you could find yourself in a series of bad client relationships. From there, it’s an uphill climb to keeping your sanity.

Seriously, it can take years to untangle yourself from such messes. Meanwhile, you’ll struggle to get by and miss out on better gigs.

That’s why self-advocacy is so important. We must set our own boundaries to prevent a rogue client from making life miserable. We must also maintain an open line of communication. That helps to prevent small problems from becoming big ones.

Sure, it sounds like a heavy burden. On the bright side, it’s all in our hands. The key is finding the courage and resolve to look out for ourselves.

here. He recently started a writing service for WordPress products: WP Product Writeup. He also has an opinion on just about every subject. You can follow his rants on Bluesky @karks.com.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post How Freelance Designers & Developers Can Be Their Own Advocate appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

Websites built with WordPress are no exception. Backwards compatibility is indeed a hallmark of the WordPress core software. However, themes and plugins can still fall behind. Their functionality may no longer be up to snuff. They could become abandoned by their author and no longer see updates. Or, they may struggle with responsive design and accessibility.

Redesigning an older website has been the go-to method for modernization. This allows us to start from near scratch and fix any shortcomings. But what if that’s not in your client’s budget? What if the site isn’t quite old enough?

A “website rehab” may be the best option in this case. It’s not a full-on redesign, but it provides an opportunity to make measurable improvements.

I’ve added these mini-projects to my service offerings. The results have been positive so far. Keep reading to learn what’s involved and how a website rehab benefits everyone.

How To Identify Potential Candidates

The first step of the process is to determine which clients are a fit for a website rehab. To find out, review your portfolio and consider the following criteria:

• Age of the website: The older the website, the more likely it is to need some attention. Even websites built within the last two or three years could be a candidate.
• Compliance requirements: Laws related to privacy and accessibility are being introduced and enforced in many locales. They also evolve as requirements change. Websites that must adhere to strict guidelines are always candidates for rehab.
• PHP version: Is your client’s website stuck on an older version of PHP? Upgrading is also an opportunity to reassess the site’s overall health.
• Plugins and themes: Sites running old or abandoned plugins or themes are behind the times. They are due for a refresh.
• Website niche: Technology and best practices move quickly. Websites that specialize in e-commerce, memberships, and public service (aka government) can benefit from some fine-tuning.

Put simply, any website of a certain age is worth considering for a website rehab. There is always room for improvement.

However, a website that has too many shortcomings is probably better suited for a traditional redesign. The key is to determine the amount of work required to bring the site to modern standards. Small changes aren’t always enough.

The Anatomy of a WordPress Website Rehab

So, what does a website rehab entail? Much depends on the details of what needs improvement. For example, it sometimes requires swapping an old plugin for a new one. Or it might involve refactoring some incompatible code snippets.

We can also look at a real-world use case. I’ve focused my efforts on client websites that were using an outdated theme framework incompatible with PHP 8.

These sites were typically built in the 2010s and haven’t seen many new features since then. The WordPress core and plugins were maintained, but the theme was past its useful life. Plugins that required newer versions of PHP couldn’t be used.

My version of a website rehab includes the following:

• Replicating the current look with a new theme: A website rehab is more about improving what’s there rather than a drastic change. As such, I replicate the client’s current design in a new starter theme that’s actively maintained and compatible with the latest versions of PHP. The Block Editor makes it easy to replicate custom layouts, and I can often copy CSS from the existing site.
• Improvements to performance and accessibility: Older websites tend to fall short of performance and accessibility best practices. A modern theme can help in both areas. I also audit the site’s color contrast ratios, keyboard navigation, and font legibility.
• Identify and replace abandoned plugins: An abandoned plugin is a security risk. It also degrades the site’s user experience. I implement a suitable replacement when necessary.
• Improve the mobile experience: Responsive design, specifically CSS, has come a long way in the past decade. The new theme provides a great starting point for improving mobile compatibility.

So, how long does it take? I’ve adopted some tools and processes that limit the amount of manual labor involved. In most cases, the job can be done within a week or two.

Create a workflow that helps you complete tasks efficiently and lowers costs. It’s a win for you and your clients.

Small Improvements That Make a Big Difference

It’s fair to wonder if you’re better off waiting for your client to approve a redesign project down the road. Or you might sell them on a redesign instead of the more incremental changes outlined above.

Beyond budgetary concerns, there are reasons why a website rehab is a net positive. First, it keeps you in contact with your client between major project cycles. It demonstrates that you are thinking of their best interests and is an opportunity to share your expertise. That bodes well for the future of your relationship. You’re also boosting your revenue in the process.

The other big benefit is that, when it’s time for a redesign, your client’s website will be in better shape. Addressing issues now means less-intensive technical work later. It allows you to focus on other aspects, such as design and content strategy.

As for your clients, they have a website that works and performs better. It saves them money and extends the life of their site. They can also take advantage of new features without worrying about compatibility.

All things considered, a website rehab may be just the thing to improve your business and client relationships. It’s a service worth adding to your freelance business or agency.

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here. He recently started a writing service for WordPress products: WP Product Writeup. He also has an opinion on just about every subject. You can follow his rants on Bluesky @karks.com.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post When a WordPress Site Needs a Rehab Instead of a Full Redesign appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

How fragile? Try to get things done when the likes of Amazon, Cloudflare, Akamai, or Microsoft have an outage. These behemoths can take out large swaths of the internet, including time-wasters like social media.

Web hosts can also run into problems, albeit on a smaller scale. Servers are bombarded with bot traffic and are always a target for hackers. A website can go down at any time.

Taken together, perhaps we should feel fortunate to get any work done at all. Still, outages put web designers in an awkward position. We’re stuck between a failed service provider and our clients.

What should we do? Here are a few tips for handling the inevitable service outages that plague the interwebs.

Something Went Wrong, Now What?

Perhaps you noticed a client’s website wasn’t loading during your morning routine. A downtime monitoring service might have pinged you. Or, maybe your client sent you a panicked message about it. Regardless, you’ve found yourself in a stressful situation.

The first thing you need (beyond a pot of coffee) is an answer. Look for clues regarding what’s happening and who’s responsible.

Sometimes, the answer is obvious. For example, a Cloudflare outage is often accompanied by an error page. Other issues aren’t so easy to diagnose.

When that happens, check the provider’s status page. That will provide details on any ongoing problems and often includes an archive of past issues. The caveat is that there can be a lag between when you notice an issue and when a provider acknowledges it.

What if a provider doesn’t have a status page? Some web hosts still don’t keep a public log of outages or maintenance. In that case, the best course of action is to contact their support staff.

Communicating With Your Clients

Effective client communication is crucial to running a successful web design business. It takes on even more importance when there’s a problem.

We often serve as the link between our clients and third-party service providers. In many cases, clients aren’t fully aware of what these providers do for their website. Thus, it’s up to us to fill them in.

Start by sharing what you know about the situation. Try to avoid technical jargon unless your client is comfortable with the terminology.

You’ll also want to make clients aware of who’s responsible for fixing it. Clients may assume we have some say in the process, but provider outages are beyond our control. That needs to be clear.

It’s also unlikely that you’ll have all the details. So, attempt to answer their questions with the information you have. Offer to contact technical support if necessary, but note that you may not receive an immediate response.

Unless the provider offers an estimate, it’s impossible to predict when the service will be back online. As such, avoid making a guess. It will only lead to disappointment if things don’t get resolved in time.

The better approach is to provide status updates as you receive them. This demonstrates your commitment to helping your clients and keeps them informed.

Is It Time To Change Providers?

Repeated issues, or a prolonged one, will lead clients to ask if it’s time for a change. The answer isn’t always easy, as much depends on the situation.

First, there’s a danger in rushing to judgment. An impatient client may call for a change after a few minutes of downtime. It might lead to a hurried migration that puts you in the same boat when the new place inevitably has problems.

You might empathize with your client’s feelings. Downtime can cost sales and conversions, while also hurting their reputation. However, jumping from service to service may increase their risk.

On the other hand, there may be times when the best option is to change. For example, a web host that has frequent problems will cost everyone time, undue stress, and money. There are only so many chances for a provider to prove itself worthy.

Patience is still advisable when making a switch. Identifying the right option requires research. Review historical data to see past incidents a provider had and how they responded.

Clients should also be aware of any risks involved. Downtime isn’t limited to a single provider. Plus, there could be technical hurdles when migrating elsewhere.

Remain Steady During Technical Difficulties

Try as we might, downtime is a part of life. Think of it this way: If the world’s biggest companies can’t prevent every issue, what chance do the rest of us have?

Our clients may not see it that way. However, communicating what we know can help them better understand these situations. This provides comfort and confidence that someone is looking out for them.

Good or not, you’ll have many opportunities to practice these skills. The web will continue to experience technical difficulties. Remaining calm and steady will help you and your clients get through it.

here. He recently started a writing service for WordPress products: WP Product Writeup. He also has an opinion on just about every subject. You can follow his rants on Bluesky @karks.com.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post How Should Web Designers Deal With Service Outages? appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

Pricing has confounded many a small business owner. Choosing what to charge for your service is only one part of the equation, however. You must also decide how to communicate those figures with others.

Here’s a common challenge: Should you have a pricing page on your portfolio website? This information is a staple for many industries. For instance, everyone expects to know the price of a cup of coffee at their neighborhood shop. People looking for a salon will want to see a price list, as will those booking a cleaning service.

But creative fields like web design are different. We don’t traditionally sell one-size-fits-all commodities, although the industry is shifting. Even so, there are endless ways to build a website. Website maintenance pricing can also vary based on multiple factors.

However, that hasn’t stopped some web professionals from advertising their pricing. That alone makes it a topic worth discussing. An ever-changing industry and evolving client expectations also play a role.

With that, here’s a look at the good and bad of upfront pricing.

Pricing Doesn’t Need to Be Exact

Odds are that no two types of web projects will be priced the same. For example, a five-page brochure website costs less than a 100-site WordPress Multisite network. Adjacent services, such as web hosting, also depend on the project’s size and scope.

That’s a challenge for all but the narrowest of niches. As such, it seems nearly impossible to advertise exact pricing. Perhaps that’s not such a big deal.

There’s something to be said for advertising “ballpark” figures, ones that provide a price range. For one, it helps to weed out low-budget clients. Think of all the time you’ll save!

A price range, or even a “starting at” price, sets the right expectations. Potential clients will have a better idea of costs, while you’ll benefit from a buffer to work within. Just be sure to set a starting price that offers a comfortable profit margin.

In all, transparency is a good thing for your business. This is one way to demonstrate your commitment to being open with clients.

The Pitfalls of Publishing Your Prices

There are a few notable downsides to publicly sharing your pricing. For one, it’s information that competitors can use to their advantage.

If you’re charging $5,000 for a WooCommerce build, then another agency could undercut your price. Even a small discount could cause a client to go with your rival. From there, it becomes a race to the bottom. You might lower your price until there’s little margin to work with.

Public pricing may also complicate things when working on a project estimate. A client may not understand why their estimate is higher than what you advertised. That requires a delicate conversation about the factors involved.

The alternative is to eat the extra cost and hope that things even out. Some projects may require less work, while others take more resources. That’s a dangerous way to live, as you might be leaving money on the table.

Client perception is also a concern. There’s a risk to being seen as too expensive or too cheap. For instance, lower pricing may make some clients see you as inexperienced or low quality. It’s not fair, but people have been known to make snap judgments.

So, if you’re going to publish your prices, be aware of the potential pitfalls. Perhaps they’re worth it, or not. That’s for you to decide.

Is It the Right Move for Your Web Design Business?

The decision to publish your pricing comes down to your individual goals. For instance, making them public might be a way to advertise a new service or a flash sale. That won’t apply to every business, however.

Before you hit the “publish” button, ask yourself the following questions:

• How does pricing fit into my overall marketing strategy?
• Will it give me an advantage in attracting new clients?
• What are the potential downsides?

The important thing is to know why you’re publishing your pricing. Doing so should serve a purpose, even if it’s a temporary experiment. You’ll also want to acknowledge the risks involved.

In all, upfront pricing is still a difficult subject for freelancers. There’s no universally right or wrong answer.

Our best advice is to consider your options carefully and go with what makes sense for your business.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post Should Freelancers Advertise Their Pricing? appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.