Author: Julio Marchi

Competition in the WordPress space is fierce these days. Agencies and freelancers from every corner of the globe are looking for clients, and even those with a profitable niche aren’t immune from a saturated market.

Then there’s the evolving software and ecosystem. Just when you think you have the right workflow, it’s disrupted by AI, a change to Gutenberg, or another newfangled tool. And we can’t forget the responsibilities of managing website security, accessibility, and privacy. The challenges are never-ending.

That’s why long-term success isn’t a given. The things you’re doing today will undoubtedly change tomorrow. Some may disappear.

So, how can you improve your chances of being in business five or ten years from now? What separates the agencies that flame out from the ones that keep growing?

That’s what we’re here to discuss! Let’s look at some tried-and-true methods for thriving in a competitive industry. Each will help you build something that lasts.

Develop Expertise in Your Niche

Modern web development – even within WordPress – is a vast subject. Thus, being a generalist means keeping track of an enormous number of technologies. Who has time to do that and work with clients?

Narrowing your focus to a specific niche is better for your sanity and bottom line. And you don’t have to limit yourself to a single type of client or website. Picking a few related areas – WooCommerce and membership sites, for example – offers plenty of room for growth.

There are often similarities in these niches. Using our example, both WooCommerce and membership sites share things like:

• User/customer management;
• Payment processing;
• Sending customer communication via the website or a third-party service;
• Adding custom functionality to meet client needs;

Some solutions can be applied to multiple areas. That means using the same plugins or custom code across your projects. It’s better for efficiency and helps clients achieve their goals.

The other advantage is that you’ll develop a higher level of expertise. You’ll know what clients need and how to solve their pain points. That’s knowledge you can use again and again.

In addition, you’ll have the confidence to communicate what you’ve learned. For example, writing expert blog posts or speaking at events. Sharing your experience and depth of knowledge serves to enhance your reputation. Existing clients will recommend you, and new ones will want to work with you.

Identify the Right Opportunities to Level Up

There’s always something new in the world of WordPress. New features are added to the core app, while the plugin and theme market continue to expand. Plenty of artificial intelligence (AI) integrations are also part of the landscape.

It’s tempting to jump on the next big thing. You might see it as an opportunity to launch your business into the stratosphere. However, it’s important to consider how these tools and services fit into your plan.

Sometimes, going all-in on new technology distracts from your core mission. That results in stagnation for the other parts of your business.

On the other hand, the right opportunity adds to what you do best. Perhaps it’s a service that will benefit you and your clients or a technology that saves you time. These items help you level up rather than send you down a rabbit hole looking for gold.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider things that pique your interest. But it’s worth looking at how they impact your business – now and in the future. Identify the ones that will take you where you want to go.

Add Sources of Recurring Revenue

New clients are a big part of running a successful agency. They add to your portfolio and your bank account. But they’re also increasingly difficult to get.

The reality is that booking new clients can’t be your only source of income. You need something to keep you afloat during slow periods. For instance, an economic downturn may cause an organization to delay that fancy new project. What will you do then?

You can improve your business’ stability by adding recurring revenue. It’s a way to keep existing clients in the loop and improve your financial picture.

Services like website maintenance (WordPress sites need frequent updating) or search engine optimization (SEO) allow you to charge a monthly or yearly fee. It provides you with a steady income and keeps client websites healthy. It’s a win-win situation.

This arrangement works with clients of every size. You can create tiers of service based on need. So, a client with fewer needs pays a little less. Meanwhile, a larger client pays a higher fee for a more robust service.

The other benefit is it keeps an open line of communication with clients. They’ll stay more focused on their website and be more likely to spend on new features.

Find ways to add recurring revenue to your business. It will keep you busy and financially stable, year after year.

Put Your Clients First

Providing great customer service is a winning strategy in any era. It’s a quality that, when all else fails, separates you from the competition. And it’s not as difficult as you may think.

Customer service is all about honesty, integrity, and sincerity. Treat your clients with respect and common courtesy. Follow through on the promises you make. Go the extra mile to make sure their needs are taken care of. These little things add up to something big.

The relationships you build can be meaningful. Your clients will see you as a partner in their journey. That means they’ll stay with you – even if a competitor offers a lower price.

They’ll ask your advice on improving their website and trust your opinion. It’s an opportunity to help them grow while adding to your workload.

There’s nothing specific to WordPress with this strategy. However, think of it as providing a realistic view of tools and techniques. For example, you might explain the pros and cons of using a plugin or theme or assessing which web host is best for their needs.

Building such relationships takes time. But that’s perfect if you’re interested in long-term success.

A WordPress Agency That’s Built to Last

Whether you’re thinking about starting a WordPress agency or you’ve been around for a while – success is still possible. The keys are finding your place in the market and keeping an open mind. Opportunities to improve are always around the corner in this evolving industry.

Having top-notch design and development skills helps. However, they’re not the only factors. You’ll also need to focus on building great relationships with your clients. That can lead to a steady flow of recurring revenue.

In addition, don’t be afraid to set short and long-term goals. They give you something to work toward as you navigate your business.

Before you know it, years will have passed, and your business will continue to thrive. That’s the peace of mind and security agency owners and freelancers are looking for.

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