Peter DeHaan produces magazines, newsletters, and informational websites. A published author and prolific blogger, owner of a dozen WordPress sites and author of 1,500 posts, Peter will share how to write effective website copy and produce posts that engage readers. Learn more at peterdehaanpublishing.com and authorpeterdehaan.com.
Peter will be presenting 12 Tips For Better WordPress Content Creation.
Interview
Why do you use WordPress?
I needed to find a replacement for the aging and obsolete FrontPage. WordPress was the ideal solution. I wish I had switched sooner!
When and how did you start using WordPress?
I moved eight blogs over to WordPress in 2011 and started moving my websites over in 2012. Migrating websites, especially large ones, can be time-consuming. I have fourteen moved and six waiting to be moved.
What tips or resources would you recommend to a new WordPress user?
Many people I talk with seek a totally free solution and go with WordPress.com. What they later end up doing is spending money anyway (to suppress ads, buy a domain name, etc), so I recommend they start with WordPress.org from the beginning. If offers greater flexibility and more options, while still being cost-effective.
What advice would you give someone who’s building a business around WordPress design or development?
Don’t do what everyone else is doing or offer what you think will make you the most money. Look at what you are good at and enjoy doing; then build your business around that.
How do you stay informed about WordPress (news, tips, etc.)?
I’m a big fan of Dustin Hartzler (who I met last year at Word Camp Grand Rapids). His weekly podcasts are invaluable, providing most of the information I need. Plus he has many other resources online: yourwebsiteengineer.com.
I’m also part of a WordPress Meetup group, which aided me greatly when I was just starting out.
What’s a cool WordPress-based site you’ve seen recently?
I’m going to plug my friend’s site: ambscallcenter.com. Aaron Boatin first encouraged me to check out WordPress, and when he told me his site used WordPress, I was amazed!
What do you like most about WordCamps?
Meeting other WordPress enthusiasts; I learn from most of them and look to help out others wherever I can.
I look to meet more people this year!
Where can we find you online?
My business is at peterdehaanpublishing.com and one of my blogs, authorpeterdehaan.com. They are good places to start; they will point people to my other sites and social media pages.