Historically, part of this ritual includes installing a ton of apps. I add the requisite Adobe design tools, the Microsoft Office suite for productivity, and a host of other software. Apps for email, FTP, media conversion, and a local web server environment remain staples.

My current system is now a few years old, and I have dozens (hundreds?) of these apps. They still serve their purpose. But it recently dawned on me that most of what I use could be replaced by a web browser. That will likely mean fewer apps to install on my next computer.

These are words I never thought I’d utter. My web design career began before the first release of Netscape. As such, I’ve had a love/hate relationship with browsers. For every benefit, there have been limitations and quirks to deal with.

These days, you can do pretty much anything within your chosen browser. That got me thinking: are traditional design apps still relevant? Should we abandon them for browser-based tools? I’m not so sure, but let’s figure this out together.

Modern Web Apps Break Boundaries

It used to be that most browser-based apps were inferior to their desktop counterparts. Common workflows like text and media editing felt clunky and minimally useful. I used them in a pinch and usually came away frustrated.

Meanwhile, desktop powerhouses like Excel, Photoshop, and Dreamweaver were infinitely more flexible. They were built for those who care about quality and require high-level functionality. Such professional-grade tools have always been worth the cost.

That narrative has been turned on its head by a combination of more powerful web standards and server technologies. There are now online video editing platforms that can produce top-notch results. Design tools like Figma make it easy to create and share interactive mockups. Google’s suite of productivity tools offers all the bells and whistles without compromise. Even Photoshop has an online version these days.

Collaboration might be the biggest selling point of all. You can keep clients and colleagues in the loop with minimal effort. This improves efficiency and saves us from the never-ending email chains of yesteryear.

And the appeal of these apps goes beyond functionality and convenience. They’re also cross-platform and device-agnostic. It used to be that you’d need a desktop app built specifically for your operating system. Using a browser means it works on Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS, and more.

Then there are the hardware requirements. Granted, you should still have a system with plenty of memory and a modern graphics processor. However, having a massive hard drive isn’t necessary when storing files in the cloud.

The old boundaries of software have vanished. Doing all the things within a browser isn’t a chore like it used to be. And these apps may be enough for most web designers.

Trust and Content Ownership Are Concerns

Software is always an investment, regardless of how you access it. There are also privacy and security risks to consider. Browser-based tools often amplify those concerns.

Companies like Adobe and Microsoft have some level of tracking within their desktop apps. And they do connect to the internet. So, this is nothing new. But working in a browser opens up a different (or, at least, a bigger) can of worms.

For instance, cloud storage is quite convenient. But what happens if the provider gets sold or goes out of business? Will you lose access to your data? Are policies in place to maintain account security in the event of a breach or server crash? The answers aren’t always clear, and you may not find out until something bad happens.

Then there is the matter of artificial intelligence (AI). It seems like every tool on the planet has an AI integration of sorts. How are these features used on your content? Does the provider train their models with your work? Could your sensitive information become exposed online?

Working online also opens you up to third-party tracking. It may be something relatively innocent, like an analytics suite. But ad networks and similar companies could be watching you – and there is no guarantee they’ll abide by the rules.

These are important questions to answer when thinking about your (and your client’s) data. Again, desktop apps aren’t immune to these issues. But an online app that shows up overnight deserves an honest assessment. The risks could far outweigh the benefits.

Desktop Apps Are Still Relevant When Control Matters

It’s truly amazing to see how far web technologies have come in the past decade. You can see it in both commercial and open-source software. Functionality once reserved for powerful desktop devices can now exist in the palm of your hand (and with responsive design, for that matter).

I still believe there’s a tradeoff, however. The work-from-anywhere tools we use have plenty of benefits (provided you really do want to work from your lawn chair). But you lose a measure of control along the way.

There’s something to be said for storing files locally (with routine backups, of course). Not to mention the ability to customize an app’s layout or tool set to match your workflow. There’s a level of personalization you don’t seem to get in a browser.

The reality is that you don’t need desktop software for every purpose. There are plenty of online tools that will do the job. But there are scenarios where these old-school beasts make sense.

For example, I can’t imagine Disney making their next hit movie solely within a browser. And web designers who want full control of their workflow might want to keep a few items installed on their hard drives. I know I will.

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 Are Browser-Based Apps Enough for Web Designers? 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.

That tendency fades as you build your business. You move on to the bigger fish in the pond in an effort to make more money and expand your reach. Any small fish left in your portfolio could potentially hold you back from leveling up.

Even so, you’ll still hear from potential clients who want you to take on their small project. Or you might be asked to undercut a competitor’s price on a large WordPress site. Either way, it may lead to mixed feelings. How should you respond?

Established agencies don’t need to take every project. It’s worth considering where you draw the line, however. How small is too small? Does a lower upfront cost mean there’s no potential for future profit? And, is it ever worth taking on a large project for a bargain price?

These are important questions to ask as your business evolves. Let’s explore the pros and cons of “going low”. We’ll also share some tips for determining the minimum requirements for accepting a project.

Does the Project Offer Any Additional Benefits?

Money is an important part of any project (we all need to keep the lights on and the AI tokens flowing). However, there are other potential benefits. That may be enough to make a small or heavily-discounted project worthwhile.

For example, consider working with a charity or other non-profit organization. These clients are often bootstrapped and have a limited budget. As such, the project is more about doing good than making a big profit. This is both a source of pride and something you can use in your marketing efforts.

Likewise, some projects can open the door to a specific industry or clientele level. If you don’t have experience in the enterprise WordPress space, offering a discount could increase your chances of booking the gig. You exchange a bit of money for prestige in your portfolio. Proving your worth to one such client could make others take notice.

This won’t be the case for every project. There will always be clients looking to cut costs however they can. Others won’t have the resources to work with your agency. Still, some opportunities are beneficial beyond money.

Consider the Potential for Future Profit

Just because a project starts with a smaller profit doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. There is usually a path to increasing your revenue in the long term.

Maintenance packages are a great vehicle for keeping clients in the loop while creating dependable income. WordPress requires routine software updates, security monitoring, and hosting. Clients may also want to add new features as their website evolves. These are all things you can and should charge for.

Such recurring revenue is important for every agency and freelancer. New projects are harder to come by, and budget-conscious clients may be wary of spending big on redesigns. Maintenance and related subscription services improve your business’s sustainability.

This strategy also mirrors what we see in other industries. Clients are acquired with a lower starting cost, while the “real” money comes in the form of future services.

Book enough of these arrangements and you won’t be as susceptible to the boom/bust cycle of new design and development projects. Note that this is part of a bigger plan, rather than something to do on a one-off basis. So, think about how it fits into your business before making a decision.

Find the Price Point of Diminishing Returns

Every agency should have a minimum project price. This helps you avoid losing money and gives you more room to focus on your goals. But how do you determine that number?

You could come up with an arbitrary amount. Some agencies won’t touch a project for under $5,000, for example. It sounds reasonable. However, you still risk losing money on the proposition. It’s better to study your workflow and resources before setting a minimum.

The first consideration is the cost of taking a project from start to finish. Time spent on design and development is a part of the equation. But don’t forget about client communication, the revision process, and testing. Commercial theme and plugin licenses can also be a factor.

If your agency has employees, think about who will do the work. Their salary counts toward the ultimate cost. You might also consider where else they could be spending their time. For instance, will a small project take them away from a bigger one?

The same thing applies to solo freelancers. Lesser projects don’t always mean less work. They can overwhelm your calendar and take time away from your top clients.

Don’t leave it to guesswork! Set a minimum price based on facts. The result should be a profit margin you’re comfortable with.

Accept WordPress Projects That Are Worth Your While

Experience will help you determine which projects to accept and which ones to turn down. Yet, there’s value in digging deeper before deciding. There could be more to the story than you think.

Some projects offer long-term benefits that are easy to miss. You may find opportunities to stabilize your agency via recurring revenue. They might also be a gateway to establishing a new niche. In some cases, it’s worth taking a leap of faith.

Understanding the time and resources involved is key to the decision-making process. This will put you in a position to say “yes” or “no” with confidence. You’re also less likely to experience regret after the decision!

Take time to figure out what makes the most sense for your business. That will free you to move onward and upward.

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 Low Will You Go for a WordPress Project? 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.

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.

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.

Sometimes, you end up where the opportunities are. For example, WooCommerce is a longtime staple of the WordPress ecosystem. The e-commerce plugin dominates its segment and continues to evolve. Recent developments include better database performance and the first steps toward AI integration.

Those factors make WooCommerce an interesting option for agencies and freelancers. It’s both familiar and future-focused. Plus, Woo’s large subsystem of extensions is still growing.

It all adds up to a niche that’s full of potential, enough to fill your schedule and bank account. That may convince you to jump in with both feet. However, there are also some challenges in running a WooCommerce-focused agency.

The following are considerations when making your decision. We’ll cover the pros and cons, along with a few items that aren’t readily apparent. Is Woo right for you? Keep reading to find out!

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WooCommerce Is Powerful and Flexible

WooCommerce mirrors WordPress in terms of flexibility. Just as you can use WordPress to build every type of website, Woo spans the spectrum of e-commerce genres.

The possibilities go well beyond standard retail sites. You can also focus on membership sites, selling digital goods, subscription content, auctions, and business-to-business (B2B) shops. You can also tie in with various third-party marketplaces. If you can dream it, you can sell it with WooCommerce.

That alone is an advantage over many proprietary platforms. You aren’t limited to a small set of functions. Instead, you have an entire ecosystem of prebuilt extensions to choose from. If something doesn’t exist or doesn’t match your project needs, you can build it yourself.

It’s a good fit if your agency offers custom development services. Woo’s core functionality and extensions can be endlessly tweaked. If you like to tinker and create detail-oriented workflows, you’ll feel right at home.

So, what’s the downside? WooCommerce can be overwhelming for some developers. There is no singular way to do things. Sometimes, there are simply too many ways to accomplish a goal.

A highly customized online store is also difficult to maintain. Refactoring custom code may be necessary as WooCommerce and WordPress evolve.

Building a Shop Is Like Putting a Puzzle Together

Like WordPress, a default WooCommerce installation only gets you so far. You’ll get basic shopping cart functions, a handful of product types, and the opportunity to connect to a payment gateway.

Extensions are required for advanced functions such as subscriptions, user-defined pricing, and shipping integrations. Those examples only scratch the surface of what’s possible. It doesn’t make for simplicity. And some of these items are already included in Woo’s proprietary competitor platforms.

Once again, it’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, you can pick and choose the items your clients need. That means you’re not stuck with features you’ll never use.

However, this piecemeal approach makes it harder to provide an accurate project estimate. Clients may be unaware of everything they need from the start. As such, there could be surprise costs in the development phase.

Experience is the only way to get around this issue. The more you work with WooCommerce, the better questions you’ll ask in the discovery phase of your projects. This takes time, though, and there’s still no guarantee you’ll get it right each time.

That level of expertise is valuable to clients. It’s something you can charge extra for. The pain is in getting to that point.

Success With WooCommerce Requires Investment

A focus on WooCommerce projects can be worthwhile, but it takes commitment. You’ll need to invest in learning the platform and how to extend it.

The decision may depend on your ability and willingness to do the hard work. If you’re overloaded with projects, shifting gears may not be feasible. The same applies if you’re already focused on another e-commerce solution.

The good news is that you don’t have to go all in right away. You can take time to experiment with WooCommerce on the side (a local WordPress installation is great for this purpose). Starting with a small project or two also makes sense. That will help you gauge your comfort level and provide a taste of the processes involved.

From there, it’s about building a portfolio and increasing your knowledge. You’ll be able to market your services and identify your audience. The opportunities are there if you’re up for a challenge.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post Should Your Agency Focus on WooCommerce Projects? appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

Sure, I’ve done plenty of “design” during the past three decades. However, I’ve also found myself doing things that have nothing to do with it. Things that are far outside the scope of a web geek. I’d argue that half of my time has gone to these other roles.

Perhaps that’s because web design is still a relatively new industry. Outsiders don’t know much about it. The early days were especially rough in that regard. Being a web designer requires a lot of hand-holding. We educate clients as we go through the design, development, and maintenance processes.

Looking back, here are a few unexpected roles I’ve played. Maybe I deserve an honorary degree or two?

Psychoanalyst

I enjoy trying to understand why people do what they do. It’s a good thing, as I’ve found myself digging into client behavior a lot.

Part of the role is figuring out what motivates people. It’s a helpful strategy when projects stall, or someone keeps changing their mind. Motivating someone results in getting things done – which is always a positive.

You can also use these skills to get people to hold up their end of the bargain. Sometimes, clients don’t do what they say they will (like paying an invoice).

It’s not that they are being cheap or stubborn. I’ve found that it happens with people who are being pulled in too many directions. Their website-related tasks get put on the back burner.

The trick is to know when and how to approach them with a task. Reaching them at a certain time of day, for instance, may make it easier to get their attention. It doesn’t always work – but I like a challenge!

Teacher/Motivational Speaker

Website owners often face a learning curve. Most aren’t familiar with the technologies that go into building and maintaining a site. That’s still true today.

However, it was even more pronounced when I started in the 1990s. Some people knew nothing about computers – even checking their email was an ordeal. Couple that with buggy hardware and slow internet connections, and you had a tech support nightmare.

Working with small businesses made this situation harder. These folks didn’t have the resources to hire an IT specialist. So, much of the technical work was passed on to the person building their website.

That led to a lot of teaching and pep talks. I helped clients set up their hardware and software and learn how to use them. I even tried to install broadband for somebody (it didn’t go well). The boundaries of web design were shattered.

The biggest hurdle is getting people to believe in themselves. I still run into that issue when training people to update their websites. The unfamiliarity with a tool leads to nervousness, which leads to doubt.

Regardless of the technological era, the goal is to simplify things. Show someone how to do a task and allow them space to ask questions. Provide a quick reference they can look at when you’re not around.

If they master a task, look out. They’ll have more confidence moving forward.

Researcher & Fact Checker

Let’s face it: the online world is a playground for scammers. It’s amazing our society functions at all, given the constant stream of people trying to take advantage of us.

A lot of scams seem to target website owners. Those domain registration letters US residents get in the mail are but one example. There are also emails about a site’s purported SEO troubles and payment gateway phishing attempts.

Some scammers are more skilled than others. Their work is harder to detect as a ruse. Thus, clients send these items to me looking for clarity. Is this a real message? Do I owe them money?

I’ve learned to spot likely scams. Knowing who each client purchases web-related services from helps. But there are cases when I need to do some detective work.

I believe things will only get worse. Artificial intelligence (AI) will make scams harder to identify. For instance, poor grammar is a telltale sign of a phishing scam. AI tools can help crooks improve their language and more easily fool victims.

Digital Forensic Scientist

Troubleshooting problems on the web is nothing new. However, the way we build websites has become more complex. And the technologies that make up our digital lives are vast.

That means retracing the footsteps of a task gone wrong. In practice, it’s pouring over access logs to track the source of a malware attack. Or determining how an email was rejected by an ambitious spam filter. There’s also examining WordPress post revisions to see how a page layout was broken. And I can’t forget checking an obscure web browser to see why a client’s site won’t display correctly.

It’s a tedious role that seems well above my pay grade. One can spend hours looking for the source of a problem, and there’s no guarantee that you’ll find it.

What’s more, there are often several links in a given chain. It could be the hosting company, the email provider, or a WordPress plugin. Maybe a client had their password stolen. There are so many places to look and so many things it could be. Determining the culprit is often a wild goose chase.

These tasks are becoming a bigger part of my day. Sometimes they span multiple days or even weeks. Much like internet scams, I don’t see it slowing down anytime soon.

Design and a Whole Lot More

Web designers tend to be a catch-all when working with clients. They’re as likely to ask us about an email delivery issue as they are about their website.

On the bright side, it keeps our days interesting. There is no shortage of problems to troubleshoot or technologies to teach. But it also takes precious time away from our core tasks.

It’s a reflection of the industry and of the difficulties facing small organizations. Clients need a team of experts to manage these disparate areas. That’s not realistic, though. The result is that things get passed over to web designers – the one expert they do have on hand.

It has always felt like a part of the job – one no one tells you about. The title certainly doesn’t do it justice.

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I have wrestled with what AI means for our industry during this time. There’s potential to make our jobs easier. However, there are also questions about where these large language models (LLM) get their data and how accurate they are. Not to mention the eerie feeling of replacing humans.

Is the glass half empty or half full? Perhaps we won’t know for a few more years. New tools and technical evolutions are sure to come.

One thing I can say is that AI has changed my workflow. And it’s about more than saving time. Tools like ChatGPT and GitHub’s Copilot have also changed how I approach development projects.

Here’s a look at how AI has impacted me so far. I hope you see a thing or two that resonates.

A Solution to Coding Challenges

I’ll admit it: I’m not the world’s best coder. My experience with PHP and JavaScript is riddled with fits and starts. I tend to make some progress – only to run into a debugging nightmare. It’s those little things that get in the way, you know?

AI tools have, for better or worse, saved me from scouring Google for solutions. I can paste the offending code snippet into ChatGPT, and it will explain where I went wrong. It will even provide a corrected version.

Issues such as syntax errors aren’t easy to spot with the naked eye. Code editors can point them out but don’t often provide easy-to-understand suggestions. AI acts like an extremely patient friend who holds your hand during these tough times.

I feel guilty for contributing to the decline of traffic to Stack Overflow and similar communities. On the other hand, finding quick answers has lowered my stress levels.

This feature is invaluable for freelancers who work solo. It’s like having a colleague on hand, 24/7. And even when the answers aren’t 100% accurate, they usually lead you in the right direction.

A More Holistic Approach to Development

Time is always of the essence when doing custom development work. Budgets are limited, and deadlines are short. Sometimes, this leads to a result that isn’t as good as it could be.

There’s also a tie-in with limited coding skills. It’s hard to build a top-notch feature when you spend most of your time debugging. I find myself rushing to get things done rather than polishing them.

AI has made a huge impact in this area. Its ability to quickly write code and solve problems allows me to approach projects differently. I can take a holistic view that encompasses how things should look and work.

The experience has been freeing. My focus has changed to implementing and then improving my code. There’s room to add details that make for a better user experience. I also have more time for quality control.

If anything, AI has brought some clarity to my usually-scattered mind. Working step-by-step through a project is easier than ever.

A Newfound Confidence in What’s Possible

Custom development has always scared me. I often doubted something was possible until I made it work. Funny as it sounds, having AI’s help at my disposal has improved my confidence. I no longer cringe as much when a client asks for something I haven’t done before.

That doesn’t mean the build process will be worry-free. There will still be bumps in the road and unexpected challenges. However, combining AI with my existing knowledge empowers me to determine the best way forward.

I think this is another side effect of working solo. Each task feels like climbing a mountain when doing it alone. Having access to the right resources helps to ease the burden.

To be clear, I don’t equate AI with a human developer. People are much better at things like planning and critical thinking.

Machines can’t yet compete in that realm. They provide an extra depth of knowledge and boost productivity, though. That makes a big difference when you’re used to doing it all yourself.

It makes me feel like I can take on projects I might have turned down before.

AI Provides a Helping Hand When I Need It

Believe it or not, I don’t use AI every day. Most of my web design and development work originates from my imperfect brain. As does 100% of my writing. I’m happy to keep it that way.

However, I have experienced numerous occasions where an extra bit of help is appreciated. That led to a lot of frustration in the past. Having neither the time nor money to hire an expert for small tasks caused a lot of headaches.

That’s where AI has been most useful. Writing a WordPress function or manipulating the DOM with JavaScript can be accomplished with minimal effort. They’re no longer sticking points that hold me back.

In the end, that’s what tools are supposed to do. We use them to do more in less time. The tools may change, but the concept remains the same. Maybe AI is just the latest in a long line of them.

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