Hey there 🙋♂️
🎉 Happy Friday!
I want you to grab your favourite cup of tea (or coffee, if that’s your jam) and prepare for some nuggets of wisdom that will turbocharge your freelance journey. Today, we’re talking about the number one mistake new WordPress freelancers often make – and no, it’s not forgetting to use that capital “P” in WordPress (though that’s a biggie, too!).
👀 The Mistake of the Century (Okay, Maybe Just the Year)
Let’s cut to the chase: Underestimating Planning and Client Communication is the big oopsie. Sounds simple, right? But oh boy, can it lead to a rollercoaster of chaos!
Let’s try to avoid that!
Scope Creep Creeping Up
Have you ever had a project that started as a tiny sapling and grew into an unruly forest? That’s scope creep. It’s when “just one more little thing” becomes a daily mantra. Solution? Nail down that project scope like it’s the last piece of your IKEA furniture.
Scope Creep – it’s sneakier than a ninja in your project’s backyard. 🥷Here’s a quick guide to keep it at bay:
Craft a Crystal-Clear Scope: Like a recipe for your grandma’s secret pie, outline every ingredient (task) and step (milestone) of your project. Make it so detailed that there’s no room for extra cherries on top!
Chit-Chat Wins: Keep the lines with your client as open as a 24/7 diner (maybe 9-5). Regular updates are the secret sauce to ensure everyone’s expectations are on the same page.
Change Requests? Make ’em Official: When clients want to add ‘just one more thing’, have a process. Think of it as a polite “Hold on, let’s think this through” button. 🤔
And there you have it – your mini-shield against the mightiest of scope creeps. Keep it simple. Keep it clear.
Realistic Timelines: Your Secret Superpower
Staying grounded with realistic timelines. Overpromising is like saying you’ll swim with the sharks at the Great Barrier Reef by dawn – exciting, but not exactly doable. Let’s keep our feet (and projects) firmly on the Aussie shores, shall we? 🌊
Here’s how to craft timelines that are as dependable as a kangaroo’s hop:
Break It Down: Divide the project into smaller, manageable chunks. It’s like enjoying a Tim Tam – one delicious bite at a time.
Include Buffer Time: Always add a cushion for those unexpected snags. It’s like carrying sunscreen in the Outback – always prepared!
Set Milestones with Client Dates: Sync your milestones with important client dates. It keeps everyone in rhythm like the beats of a didgeridoo.
Regular Check-Ins: Schedule weekly or bi-weekly meetings to review progress. It’s like checking the surf report – staying ahead of the waves!
Be Transparent with Clients: If delays happen (and they might), communicate clearly and promptly. Straight talk is the way to go.
Prioritise Tasks: Tackle the most crucial tasks first. It’s like snagging the best spot at Bondi Beach – know your spot and claim it.
Remember, setting realistic timelines is not just about dodging stress; it’s about crafting a project you and your client will proudly call a ‘ripper’.
The Need for Speed (and SEO!)
Speed and SEO. The Dynamic Duo. Think of Speed and SEO as Batman and Robin of the web world. Ignoring them? Well, that’s like being the Joker at a Batman convention. Not cool. Keep your site zipping along faster than the Batmobile, and watch as your client’s joy (and Google rankings) soar to the skies!
SEO: Start at the Proposal: Include basic SEO optimisation like it’s your superpower when crafting your client’s proposal. Ask for their top 5 SEO keywords right off the bat (pun intended!) and weave them into the WordPress site like a web of strategic genius.
Image Size: The Kryptonite to Speed: When clients send you those 6000-pixel-wide images for their WooCommerce product thumbnails, it’s time to channel your inner superhero. Let them know gently but firmly: either they send images that won’t slow down a snail, or it’s time to discuss the ‘resize and compress’ service fee. Remember, a speedy site is a happy site!
Test, Test, and Test Again
Let’s chat about a step in our project journey as essential as a proper cuppa: Testing! 🕵️♂️🔍
Testing: Not Just Once, But Thrice!: Not rigorously testing your site across various devices and browsers? That’s akin to sporting socks with sandals at a fancy garden party. Sure, it’s a choice, but we’re aiming for stellar, not just passable!
Allocate Time for Testing in Your Proposal: Here’s the crux – when drafting your proposal, don’t just pencil in testing; highlight it, underline it, and put a neon sign around it! Allocate ample time for both your testing and client feedback cycles. This ensures that when you say your site runs smoother than a Rolls-Royce on desktop and mobile, you’ve got the tests to back it up.
Client Testing: An Essential Chapter: Remember, testing isn’t a solo marathon; it’s a relay race. After your meticulous testing, pass the baton to your client for their feedback loop. Their insights can be as valuable as finding a needle in a haystack – crucial for that final polish!
Wrap up your projects with a bow of thorough testing. This showcases your professionalism and ensures that your websites are as flawless on the outside as they are on the inside.
🎉 The Afterparty: Crafting Stellar Site Care Plans
Wrapping up a project is just the start of the celebration – welcome to the afterparty, aka Site Care Plans! 🥳
Here’s your quick list of essentials to include in your monthly maintenance plans:
Regular Updates: Keep everything up-to-date – plugins, themes, and WordPress core. It’s like ensuring the buffet table is always stocked with the freshest snacks!
Security Monitoring: Vigilantly monitor for any unwanted party crashers (read: security threats). Better safe than sorry!
Performance Checks: Regularly check the site’s speed and performance. It’s like keeping the dance floor smooth and groove-worthy.
Backup Regularly: Regular backups are your safety net. If things go south, you’ve got a backup plan (literally).
SEO Monitoring: Keep an eye on SEO trends and make necessary tweaks. Stay ahead of the game!
Client Reports: Send out monthly or yearly reports to your clients. Show them how well the party’s going!
Remember, a good Site Care Plan keeps the party going long after the project’s completion. Keep those sites sparkling!
The Takeaway: Master the WordPress Freelance Fiesta!
Alrighty then, as we wrap up this wisdom-packed journey, remember:
🥷 Banish Scope Creep: Clear those project scopes and open communication channels. Like a secret recipe, every detail matters.
🌊 Realistic Timelines: Navigate your project timelines with the precision of an Aussie surfer. Break down tasks, buffer up, sync with clients, and keep the dialogue as clear as the waters of Bondi Beach.
💨 Speed and SEO – Your Digital Superheroes: Make your websites zip like the Batmobile with top-notch speed and SEO. Remember, a slow site is a no-go, and SEO is your cape in the digital sky!
🔍 Testing – A Triple Treat: Allocate ample time for testing in your proposals. It’s not just about making it work; it’s about making it shine on every device and browser. And don’t forget the client’s turn to take the wheel for feedback.
🎉 The Afterparty – Stellar Site Care Plans: Keep the party rocking with regular updates, security checks, performance monitoring, backups, and SEO watchfulness. Your care plans are the afterparty that keeps the main event memorable.
So there you have it, folks – your guide to thriving in the WordPress freelance world. Stay clear, stay connected, and above all, keep those projects sparkling with excellence!
Until next time, keep thriving!
Wil.
P.S. Got a burning WordPress question or a fun story? Hit reply – I love hearing from you!
