1. Business Models for
WordPress Designers & Developers
Brian Casel
@CasJam
casjam.com/wcbos

2. Brian Casel @CasJam
casjam.com freelancejam.com themejam.com

3. WordPress Market Share
% of all websites using a CMS Market Share
60
55%
45
30
14%
15
10%
6.2%
2.7% 1.6%
0
@CasJam w3techs.com, July 2011

4. Building a Business Around WordPress
Freelance Agency Products
Hosting Content
@CasJam

5. Freelancing
• Time-based model (even if you use
flat fees)
• Raising rates
• Specializing in WordPress
CodePoet.com
• Competition a non-issue (imo)
FreelanceSwitch.com
@CasJam

6. Freelancing: Niche Services
WordPress Setup Subcontracting Full Service Custom
& Theme Tweaking Specialized Services Web Design (with WP)
• New to freelancing • Focus your energy on your • Larger budget projects.
and/or web design core expertise.
• Less, longer, larger
• Lower fees, higher • Attract clients with higher projects.
quantity. budgets.
• Clients are site owners.
• Tap into themes market • Clients are other web pro’s
for clients. who “speak the language.”
• More project management.
• Specialize with a particular
theme provider.
@CasJam

7. Agency
• From freelancer to agency owner... From “technician” to “manager”.
• Time-based model, multiplied by staff.
• Superior deliverables when created by a team of specialists.
• Look to the WordPress community for new hires.
@CasJam

8. Products
• Proven market for WordPress products.
• Revenue is detached from time...
to an extent.
• Avenues for scalable growth.
• Customer support is a requirement.
@CasJam

9. Products: Different Ways To Sell
Independent E-Commerce Marketplaces
• Heavy competition • Focus on your products, not much else.
• Extensive startup time • High traffic exposure.
• The costs and profits are all yours. • Profits are not all yours.
• Good for building a brand • Limited control over pricing, marketing, etc.
@CasJam

10. Hosting
• Specialized WordPress web hosting.
• Requirements: Server tech expertise, investment in infrastructure, 24/7 support.
• Powerful recurring revenue model.
@CasJam

11. Content
• Abundance of content makes the WordPress community great.
• News, tutorials, podcasts, e-books, books...
• Multiple revenue options: advertising, product launches, premium content
• Significant time investment. Delayed ROI.
@CasJam

12. Business Models for
WordPress Designers & Developers
Brian Casel
@CasJam
casjam.com/wcbos