THE RIGHT CONSULTANT
Saturday, March 23, 13

CODY LANDEFELD
OWNER/DIRECTOR AT CODYL
10+ YEARS BUILDING FOR THE WEB
7+ YEARS BUILDING WITH WORDPRESS
PHOENIX, AZ // CODYL.COM // @CODYL
Saturday, March 23, 13

WHAT IS A WORDPRESS CONSULTANT?
codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd
Saturday, March 23, 13

PEOPLE WHO DO
AWESOME STUFF
WITH
...and talk on cell phones while wearing a suit.
codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd
Saturday, March 23, 13

THE WIDE WORLD OF WORDPRESSS
codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd
Saturday, March 23, 13

THE WIDE WORLD OF WORDPRESSS
•17% of the web uses WordPress
• WordPress is easy to use / This is good and bad
• WordPress has a vast community of developers contributing to it’s core
to make it better continually. (Please thank them today!)
codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd
Saturday, March 23, 13

START WITH THE BAD...
codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd
Saturday, March 23, 13

INCORRECT ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING
WORDPRESS
codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd
Saturday, March 23, 13

INCORRECT ASSUMPTIONS
REGARDING WORDPRESS
1. WordPress is free so it’s cheap or easy to develop with.
2. I can do anything I want to do with plugins!
3. I don’t need to hire a developer. I can develop my own site (maybe?)
4. WordPress is easy to set it and forget it! No need for updates.
5. All WordPress themes are created equal.
codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd
Saturday, March 23, 13

RUN AWAY FROM THESE GUYS!
codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd
Saturday, March 23, 13

NOW ON WITH THE GOOD...
codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd
Saturday, March 23, 13

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A WORDPRESS
CONSULTANT?
codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd
Saturday, March 23, 13

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A WORDPRESS
CONSULTANT?
• Above all - Adding value to your project / company
• Actual consultation. Project planning, discovery, organization, etc
• Proof of experience working with WordPress
• Advice regarding off - the - shelf WordPress themes
• Experience with different types of projects - E-Commerce / Mobile /
Applications, etc
codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd
Saturday, March 23, 13

GOOD QUESTIONS TO ASK A
WORDPRESS CONSULTANT?
codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd
Saturday, March 23, 13

GOOD QUESTIONS TO ASK A
WORDPRESS CONSULTANT?
• How long have you worked with WordPress?
• Do you or your team primarily work with WordPress?
• What is your speciality with WordPress? Themes? Plugins? Both?
You don’t need to be the expert, but good questions will help you gain
confidence in the right fit.
codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd
Saturday, March 23, 13

CONSEQUENCES OF NOT HIRING A
GOOD WORDPRESS CONSULTANT...
codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd
Saturday, March 23, 13

CONSEQUENCES OF NOT HIRING A
GOOD WORDPRESS CONSULTANT...
• You are left to be the expert of web development and projects when
you should be focused on being an expert.
• You miss your deadlines and have less time for Reddit and cat videos
on YouTube.
• And other things...
codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd
Saturday, March 23, 13

PRO TIPS FOR BEING A GREAT CLIENT!
codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd
Saturday, March 23, 13

PRO TIPS FOR BEING A GREAT CLIENT!
• Plan and schedule your project properly ;)
• Reference requirements in design - desktop / tablet / mobile, etc.
• Hire a killer designer, not a killer for a designer. Thank me later.
• Identify a clear time table for your project, so your consultant places
you in priority.
• Seek a collaborative approach with building your project.
codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd
Saturday, March 23, 13

QUESTIONS?
codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd
Saturday, March 23, 13

QUESTIONS?
codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd
Saturday, March 23, 13

THANKS!
codyl.com | @codyl #wcsd
Saturday, March 23, 13