In an episode on Do the Woo, Mark Westguard from WS Form talked about his journey and what it means to run a successful plugin shop single-handedly.
Here are 12 tips taken from that episode.
Community Involvement
Engage with the WordPress community by attending events like WordCamps, and consider sponsoring these events to build a network and gain support from other developers and users.
Documentation
Develop a comprehensive knowledge base for your plugin. Write articles for frequently asked questions to reduce support requests and provide instant answers to users.
Customer-Driven Development
Focus on customer feedback to guide the development of new features. Use a feature request page where users can submit and vote on new ideas.
Support Automation
Automate support as much as possible. Use tools to recommend knowledge base articles based on user queries and streamline the support process.
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Efficient Time Management
Prioritize tasks by balancing between reactive updates (e.g., API changes) and proactive development of new features based on customer demand and potential business impact.
Collaborate with Third Parties
Work with third-party developers and services to extend the functionality of your plugin. This helps in managing integrations and keeping your plugin up-to-date.
Profitability Focus
Maintain a high level of profitability by being cautious about hiring. Consider hiring only when the workload becomes unmanageable and impacts personal life significantly.
Multi-Function Roles
When hiring, look for individuals who can handle multiple roles, including support, development, and representation at events, to maximize efficiency and reduce costs.
Self-Service Tools
Develop tools that allow users to solve their problems without contacting support. This includes automated responses and a robust support form that guides users to the right resources.
Selective Feature Development
Not all feature requests should be built. Focus on those that benefit a broader audience and align with your plugins primary use cases. Niche or highly specific requests can often be handled through custom code or third-party services.
Marketing and Visibility
Actively market your plugin by demonstrating its capabilities and forming relationships within the WordPress community. Participate in podcasts, write articles, and engage on social media.
Balance Work and Personal Life
Ensure your work does not negatively impact your personal life. Be mindful of your working hours and make adjustments when necessary to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
