Andrea will be presenting Getting Started: What you should do BEFORE you buy your first theme.
Interview
Why do you use WordPress?
WordPress has been around since 2003 and powers around one of every 6 websites on the Internet. WordPress sites are ideal due to their usability for first time users and flexibility for developers. You can carry out any vision you might have about your website. Best of all, because it’s an open source platform, you can do a simple search to find a treasure trove of online tutorials. Learning a few basics of WordPress is not that bad once you have a few tools and have someone to help you guide you on your way.
When and how did you start using WordPress?
I have a B.A. in International Relations – and then went back to get a certificate in Web Design & Development when I realized what the job market ACTUALLY looked like. I started using WordPress in 2010 when a client (non-profit) needed a site with a short turn around and had a very small budget – coding a site from scratch was daunting so I looked into WordPress and have been using it ever since.
What advice would you give someone who’s building a business around WordPress design or development?
Collaborate with as many different designers and developers as you can – every collaborative project I’ve worked on has pushed me to become a more proficient and equipped to keep pushing the limits of WordPress.
How do you stay informed about WordPress (news, tips, etc.)?
I really appreciate Smashing Magazine as a resource for tips and news to keep my WordPress sites relevant.
What’s a cool WordPress-based site you’ve seen recently?
homesofhopemi.org. Collaborating with Design for Good, the Homes of Hope website was definitely revitalized from what it used to be. The site is responsive, uses a great color palette and many custom design elements to highlight what Homes of Hope is accomplishing in Grand Rapids.
What do you like most about WordCamps?
First time attending!