Daniel Espinoza is a web developer based in San Antonio TX. He builds plugins for fun and profit, and is a WooCommerce Support Ninja with WooThemes.
He blogs about being a Digital Tentmaker at LifeWithAMission.com, and he’s preparing to slow travel the world with his wife and kids.
He’ll be presenting Creating and Selling Premium WordPress Plugins.
Interview
Why do you use WordPress?
I used WordPress because it was (is) the best blogging platform available.
When and how did you start using WordPress?
I quit my corporate IT job in early 2008 and started freelancing. I would build ecommerce sites for clients using Magento and they usually wanted a WordPress blog to go along with it.
What tips or resources would you recommend to a new WordPress user?
1. Read
Read blog posts, read tutorials, read books, read tweets, read the Codex. There is so much information freely available.
2. Connect
Connect with other WordPress users. Go to WordCamps. Go to Meetups. Follow WordPress folks on Twitter. Start following and having conversations about WordPress and you’ll glean a lot of information.
3. Experiment
The best way to learn by doing. Setup a WordPress site. Install plugins and themes. Try to modify settings and code. Set a goal to have certain functionality on a site then figure out how to do it. If you’ve done #2 then you’ll have some people you can ask for help if you get stuck 😉
What advice would you give someone who’s building a business around WordPress design or development?
Don’t quit your day job!
This is for anyone who thinks they can replace an income instantly by building a WordPress business. It takes time to built a business and you need to make sure the boat can handle your weight before you jump off the dock.
How do you stay informed about WordPress (news, tips, etc.)?
I follow a lot of WordPress people on Twitter and pay attention to the links they share (podcasts, blog posts, new sites).
What’s a cool WordPress-based site you’ve seen recently?
I like what Jonathan Christopher did with searchwp.com.
It’s just a ThemeForest theme, but the organization of the site for the purpose of selling a premium plugin is top notch.
What do you like most about WordCamps?
The community! It’s so much fun going to WordCamps and connecting in person with people you only know online and meeting new people.
Where can we find you online?
I’m @d_espi on Twitter, and I blog at danielespinoza.me about WordPress and lifewithamission.com about being a Digital Tentmaker.
