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.

Seriously, some of us are spending something close to a BMW’s (or perhaps a Ferrari’s) monthly payment on AI. What started as a small monthly fee to use ChatGPT, Claude, or Copilot has turned into something completely different. We have become the proverbial kids in the candy store.

It’s a bad case of consumerism fueled by our desire to experiment with new toys. It doesn’t help that AI companies are making it easy to spend significant money without a second thought. Integrating with your favorite SaaS or even WordPress is easy. Yet, the virtual cash register silently rings with each prompt and automation we create.

Perhaps all of this is happening too fast (maybe that’s the intention). We may be falling into an AI-powered trap that will be difficult to escape.

The Grumpy Designer likes to keep things rational. So, let’s hit the brakes, take a step back, and analyze what we’re doing. We’re the only ones who can stop the insanity, after all.

Your Monthly AI Plan Isn’t All-Encompassing

The early days of AI (a whole 2-3 years ago) were exciting. I had fun playing around with ChatGPT and seeing what silly or productive things I could accomplish.

Its coding abilities may pale compared to what we have today. But it was still incredibly handy for troubleshooting and building basic WordPress plugins. I decided that their $20-per-month Plus plan was a relative bargain. It offered access to the latest models and improved performance.

And it’s still a good deal, if you use it in your browser or their app. An individual performing occasional coding, image generation, or file analysis will get a lot for their money. It’s once you step outside of those boundaries that things become costly and confusing.

Such monthly plans typically don’t provide you with API access. For that, you’ll need to purchase tokens. It’s a common practice across the big AI companies.

I won’t argue with the premise of token-based usage. AI requires a lot of computing power to do its job. It must provide quick and accurate answers to user queries. Then there is the cost associated with training and improving each model.

The real problem lies in educating consumers on the differences. It’s not until you need an API key that you realize your monthly plan won’t cover you.

How Much Will That Task Cost?

Generating an API key and connecting your favorite AI model to a third-party service is simple. Figuring out how many tokens you’ll need isn’t so clear. That’s the downside of not having a good/better/best pricing model.

Reputable AI companies let you set spending caps and disable auto-purchasing once you hit your limit. This will save you from a massive bill. It’s also a good security measure, should your API key fall into the wrong hands.

However, experimentation is the only way to understand the costs of using AI tokens. Figure out what you want to do, ask AI to do it, and check your account dashboard to see how much you spent. The trick is to extrapolate that cost based on how many times you’ll perform a given task.

The other challenge is that some tasks will use more tokens than others. For example, generating a headline for your blog post will likely cost less than generating a featured image. Thus, you’ll want to watch your token usage carefully.

Setting a small spending limit may be fine for light-duty tasks. That strategy won’t work for organizations with multiple users who are highly dependent on AI, though. You’ll quickly run out of tokens and will have to go without the service or set a higher limit.

It appears that companies are beginning to realize that willy-nilly usage of AI is costly. Some will narrow the scope of what these tools do for them. It’s also an argument for developing local AI models. Maybe we still need humans after all?

Put AI in Its Place

Sure, AI can do just about everything. But the decision on when and how to use it is ours to make. The increasing and uncertain token costs are reason enough to scrutinize every task. Some of what we’re doing may not be worth the price.

There are other benefits to being less reliant on AI. Fewer tokens spent means less electricity (and less pollution). The environmental impact is real and only getting worse as more of us employ these models.

It’s also an opportunity to stay connected to our humanity. Imagine all the knowledge we might lose if we cede every task to machines. There is also the potential to lose personal and professional relationships. Do you want to trade that for efficiency?

All of this makes me want to treat tokens as something to spend wisely. From now on, I’ll ask myself: Is this task tokenworthy?

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 Cherish Your Tokens, Grumpy Designer appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

Then, just as you think you’ve figured it out, things become hectic. Your to-do list grows faster than you can complete tasks. Unexpected events, such as a broken site, force you into a panic. How will you ever keep up with the demand?

Hiring another developer or project manager can help. However, that’s not always feasible. Budgets only stretch so far.

This is where consistency swoops in to make life easier. By creating processes for getting things done, you’ll have proven steps to take. Better still, you can improve them as you go. The result is better efficiency and less chaos in your day.

The great thing is that you can make a process for just about anything. Tasks like design, troubleshooting, and even client communications are on the table. You can even personalize them to match your needs.

So, how does it work? We’ll show you a few examples of processes that will bring consistency to various parts of your business. Let’s get started!

Start With a Theme and Plugins You Trust

The design-and-build process starts with your chosen theme. Many themes tend to cater to a niche or try to be everything to everyone. The first option isn’t ideal for working with clients in different industries, while the latter may be too bloated and complex. Neither is right for scaling at an agency level.

Look for a theme you can use as the foundation of every new project. For example, starter themes offer handy features without an opinionated design. This flexibility lets you take the design and functionality anywhere you want to go. And there are options for both classic and block themes.

It’s also worth sticking with the same page builder plugin across the board. There are several on the market, and it’s tempting to try them all. But every tool has a learning curve. As such, you’ll spend too much time figuring out how things work instead of getting things done. Using multiple page builders also complicates future maintenance. Not to mention juggling several commercial licenses.

This approach extends to plugins that handle forms, SEO, e-commerce, and other common functionality. Using a set of preferred tools on your projects can lead to more predictable outcomes. Efficiency and expertise come from repeated use.

You’ll reduce friction throughout the project’s lifecycle and always have a solid starting point.

Create Processes To Organize Your Business Tasks

The more clients you have, the more you’ll benefit from organization. Using different billing policies, contract formats, or communication methods becomes messy. The right tools and processes can help you clean things up.

It’s time to simplify. Examples include limiting your maintenance fees to tiered packages, using a single app for billing and invoicing, and storing client information in a customer relationship management (CRM) app. The more you can consolidate these tasks, the better.

Client communication is another area where simple is better. Using email is fine if you have a small client roster. However, a ticketing system can make it easier to keep track of messaging. You could use an outside service or install one on your WordPress website. Take things a step further by designating times of the day for replying.

We can’t forget about your to-do list itself. Project management can be a nightmare without organization. Plenty of apps exist for staying on task, or you could vibe code your own. The point is to know where you stand with each project and have an archive of notes to reference as needed.

Since WordPress is our specialty, you might consider using it to build an admin portal. The free and low-cost options are budget-friendly, and you can tie everything into a single package. Imagine not having to visit multiple sites or download a bunch of apps to run your business!

Trust the Process

Creating consistent processes will turn your agency into a well-oiled machine. Doing things the same way and using the same tools allows you to focus on your clients. That’s a growth path you can’t build if you’re bogged down with menial tasks.

You can also pass this knowledge to new employees and contractors. It keeps everyone on the same page and avoids confusion. Onboarding becomes easier, and work happens faster.

Get started by examining how you work. Look for pain points and complicated tasks that you dread. Think about where you spend the bulk of your time.

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 Consistency Benefits Your WordPress Agency appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

We’re talking about website management. It’s all about keeping your client’s site in tip-top shape throughout its lifecycle. But there’s more to the process than hitting the “update” button every so often.

Modern websites are more complex than ever. Thus, there are also ongoing tasks for performance, accessibility, and security. The services and technologies surrounding websites also require regular attention.

Those responsibilities multiply for each site under your watch. So, how do you keep it all from going sideways? Keep reading to discover best practices for managing your client’s WordPress websites.

best hosting for WordPress agencies.

Take Note of Unique Features and Configurations

Every WordPress website has a story to tell. While some may be similar, some features make them unique.

For example, several clients may use the same theme. However, their websites could have key differences. Perhaps one uses WooCommerce and sells products online, while another might include a learning management system (LMS) plugin.

Seemingly similar websites can have many differences, including:

• Commercial licenses for plugins and themes (with differing expiration dates);
• Custom code that modifies WordPress behavior;
• Domain registrars;
• PHP versions;
• Plugins and custom modifications to them;
• Server resource requirements (storage, bandwidth, CPU cycles);
• Third-party library and script dependencies;
• Web hosting providers and packages;

These differences may be fresh in your mind when the site launches. However, it’s easy to forget them as time passes. You’ll be left searching for clues when it’s time to work on the site again.

The solution is to document the unique aspects of each site. Put them into a text or word processing file. It’s a handy reference for those little details and could save you a few headaches. Future maintenance will be that much easier.

Create a Website Maintenance Schedule

WordPress websites require frequent maintenance. Updates to the core software, themes, and plugins are plentiful. Thus, it pays to keep a watchful eye on each site you manage.

Updates play a key role in site security and stability. Missing a new version could mean exposing the website to hackers or a poor user experience. It’s not something to take lightly.

WordPress can perform automatic updates – and it’s a viable option. However, updates don’t always run perfectly. If something does go wrong, you won’t be around to notice. That could mean a buggy site or worse.

The better option is to create a website maintenance calendar. Pick a day each week (or two) and dedicate a portion to installing updates. It also helps to stay flexible – you never know when a critical security update will surface.

We get it – logging into every site you manage is tedious. Thankfully, you can streamline the process using a unified dashboard service like ManageWP or MainWP. You’ll have access to each site and can perform maintenance tasks – all from a single screen.

Regardless of how you do it, keeping a regular schedule will help this part of maintenance become second nature.

Stay Informed About WordPress and Web Development

Things change rapidly in web development. Software (such as WordPress), programming languages, and server technologies evolve. Like that iPhone you bought last year, things become obsolete before you know it.

These shifts impact your existing sites just as much as new ones. PHP versions are a prime example. Web hosts often stop supporting legacy releases. Thus, your website had better be compatible with a recent one. Wait too long, and you might have a broken site to repair.

Changes in WordPress are also worth paying attention to. New features are added to the core software, and some may benefit your clients. For instance, the Site Editor lets you build custom theme templates without knowing how to code. It may be the push your client needs to approve a redesign.

Meanwhile, themes and plugins come and go. It’s risky to leave abandoned software on your site. The sooner you know about a potential issue, the sooner you can address it.

And we can’t forget about third-party tools and services. Our sites often depend on them for functionality. A change to an API or even a billing policy could be impactful.

Such frequent changes make it more important than ever to stay informed. You don’t have to know everything – just the subjects relevant to the sites you manage. The project documentation we mentioned above can help you decide where to focus.

Put Security First

The burden of website security is a heavy one. It should be a top consideration in everything we do. The same goes for keeping client data safe.

In site management, that means not taking any risks. Ensure that software is updated, use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication (2FA), track user activity, and use security tools. They help defend against hackers and provide a little peace of mind.

Security at the server level is also critical. For instance, ensure the correct file permissions for your WordPress installation are set. Scan the server for any suspicious files. Your web host may take care of some items – but it doesn’t hurt to verify them.

Any sensitive client data (like passwords and payment info) should be stored securely. Use encrypted services, when possible, to keep prying eyes away.

Security may be the most difficult part of website maintenance. Do your best to keep your websites, clients, and yourself safe.

Manage Your Client Websites Like a Pro

There are many aspects to managing a WordPress website. But they all have a few things in common.

First, you’ll need a deep understanding of every website you manage. Note the details in what theme and plugins they use, their hosting configuration, and the services they depend on. Gather every bit of information you can for future reference.

Second, pay attention to what’s going on. Stay aware of what’s changing and how it impacts the sites under your care. That will help you catch potential problems before they strike.

WordPress maintenance isn’t rocket science. Some basic organizational skills are a must. From there, it’s about creating a workflow that makes sense for your business. Take advantage of any tools that save time and increase efficiency.

Follow the tips above, and you’ll become a pro in no time!

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The post The Best Practices for Managing Your Client’s WordPress Sites 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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