![\"Adam](\"https:\/\/mllj2j8xvfl0.i.optimole.com\/cb:c5QE.37290\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/themeisle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/adam-connell-1-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nIf you’ve been part of the WordPress community for a while now, you’ve probably encountered Blogging Wizard<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s one of the greatest resources about blogging not only for WordPress users but also for any person who wants to start a blog<\/a> on their own. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Adam Connell<\/a> is the man behind this project. Initially, he was using his site to share what he was learning as a marketer, the job title he had at that time. But his initiative has grown into a professional blog ever since, where millions of readers come every year to get their dose of information about blogging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Adam writes most of the content that you will see on Blogging Wizard, but he also collaborates with other bloggers<\/a> from around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a fun fact, he has degrees in Music Technology and Music Marketing, plays guitar, and found fame in college when his music was downloaded 3 million times after being promoted on a blog. The power of blogging, huh? \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this interview, we won’t be talking about music (you’ll find a few references, though). We’ll focus on content writing, WordPress, a bit of marketing, and other diverse and inspiring tips to get your work done better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let’s go!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t When and how did you start working with WordPress? Is there an interesting story here?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Adam Connell:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a weird one. I never set out to use a specific CMS and I definitely didn\u2019t intend to start a blog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back when I was in college, I started an online record label and I built the site using Dreamweaver but damn, was it a pain to keep updated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Around 2009, I noticed an unassuming app by the name of WordPress sitting in my host\u2019s dashboard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Without knowing too much about it, I installed it to my server and took it for a spin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I was already familiar with platforms like vBulletin so it didn\u2019t take much getting used to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While I didn\u2019t realize it at the time, that afternoon was probably one of the most life changing moments in my entire life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since that time, WordPress has empowered me to create so much that I wouldn\u2019t have been able to before. It has become quite literally, the beating heart of my business.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n What’s your technique for staying productive throughout the day?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Adam Connell:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Everyone is different but what works for me is a strict routine. This includes meditation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before breakfast, I\u2019ll orientate myself and write out my tasks on a notepad. The process of taking these tasks out of the digital domain and writing them down on an actual notepad is something that I find critical to my routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the tasks I have lined up, or how I\u2019m feeling at the time, I\u2019ll arrange my day in different ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally, I like to get creative tasks done as soon as possible (e.g. writing) and leave more tedious tasks till the afternoon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Other times I\u2019ll either work on smaller tasks first. This is ideal for gaining momentum. The more I can scratch off, the more momentum I\u2019ll build up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And if there\u2019s a big task that I\u2019ve been putting off, I\u2019ll make that the first thing I do so I can kick off the day with a big win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After breakfast, I\u2019ll come back to my desk and work through my tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the morning, I like to work while listening to relaxing music – especially when writing. My go-to is this Future Garage<\/a> playlist on Spotify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the afternoon, I usually switch up my playlist and listen to something more energizing. This is helpful particularly for those moments when I feel I\u2019m losing steam. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This can range from classic rock to something heavier like Architects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most effective things I use is a timer. I like the Pomodoro 30 minute thing but I\u2019ve found taking short breaks every 45 minutes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n How do you define “being successful”?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Adam Connell:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n I think everyone is going to have a different idea of what it means to be successful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For me, success means being able to earn a living doing what I live. It\u2019s more about the journey than the destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Life is to be lived.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n What do you wish more people knew about WordPress?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Adam Connell:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n I wish more people understood that WordPress is made possible because of an incredible group of volunteers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These kind folks aren\u2019t paid. They give up their free time so an enormous amount of people can benefit from the platform.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Describe the WordPress community in one word.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Adam Connell:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n One word? That\u2019s a tough one!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The WordPress community is incredibly generous and supportive. Let\u2019s just stick with fantastic<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n What’s the one thing you’d like to change about WordPress?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Adam Connell:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n If I could change one thing, I\u2019d probably change how Gutenberg was rolled out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It needed to be done but at the beginning, the new editor definitely wasn\u2019t ready for prime time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n How do you see the evolution of WordPress compared to, say, ten years ago? Is it on the right track?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Adam Connell:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Looking back at how things were 10 years ago and it\u2019s amazing what progress has been made thanks to the hard work of volunteers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even just taking one small example like SSL. That used to be a pain to get right but now it\u2019s baked right into core as of WP5.7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What used to be thought of as just another blogging platform<\/a> can now power social networks, forums, job sites, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, with Gutenberg, is WordPress on the right track? I like to think so but I\u2019m not sure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My hope was that we\u2019d see full site building without the need for third-party plugins but that doesn\u2019t look to be the case. Especially given how certain functionality requires the use of Gutenberg addon plugins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That said, tremendous progress has been made with Gutenberg and while the transition is a bit messy, I believe it\u2019ll be worthwhile in the long-run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Will this replace the need for page builders? Doubtful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But that\u2019s what WordPress is all about isn\u2019t it? We can choose what\u2019s going to be a better fit for us. There will always be those who prefer a dedicated page builder. And there will be those that prefer to work natively within the platform.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n What’s the no. 1 thing a new business entering the WordPress space should do?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Adam Connell:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n I\u2019d consider risk assessment to be critical for any business. But since WordPress is going through a significant transitory stage due to Gutenberg, it\u2019s more critical for WordPress businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In business, we can\u2019t be thinking months or even a year ahead. We need to be thinking 5-10 years ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We need to understand the industry we\u2019re getting into. What are the risks? What market factors are critical to success? Can we do something to offer maximum value to our users? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Understanding potential risks is critical to ensure that if something happens to a platform or company we rely on, we can pivot and survive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, if I was launching an addon plugin or a template library for Elementor, I\u2019d want to figure out how to pivot the business if Elementor rolled out a feature that replaced the functionality we offered. Or what if Elementor didn\u2019t exist any more? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, this is an extreme example. I couldn\u2019t see Elementor going anywhere but thinking about these things is important. And it can get you thinking about other business opportunities that you otherwise wouldn\u2019t have been open to. Some of those, you\u2019ll be able to implement sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n What do you think is the most efficient way to market a new WordPress business at the moment?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Adam Connell:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n When you’re starting a business, you’ve got nothing. No audience, no reach, no customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s a bit like being a burned spy. Right, Michael?<\/p>\n\n\n\n You need a way to reach your ideal customer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best way to do that is to find the people who already have access to your ideal customer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m talking about Influencers<\/strong> – Bloggers, YouTubers, and other content creators with a relevant audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll probably want to start off reaching out to smaller influencers (micro\/macro influencers) until you build your brand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You could offer money for sponsored content which is fine for established businesses but that won\u2019t be an option for a bootstrapped startup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A great alternative is launching an affiliate program. That way you can get content creators to send you customers on a CPA (cost-per-action) basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You could use an external affiliate network<\/a> but a dedicated WordPress plugin such as AffiliateWP<\/a> would be more affordable and provide greater control.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s your personal definition of a \u201cquality piece of content\u201d?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Adam Connell:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m not quite sure I\u2019ve settled on my exact definition of quality content. It\u2019s changed a bit in recent years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But in general I think of quality content as being succinct content that lives up to its purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s written by someone who knows their stuff and can convey complex ideas in a simple way. (what if I don\u2019t have my decoder ring?)<\/p>\n\n\n\n It also needs to be balanced and professional, without relying on politicisation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n What are the key aspects you’re looking into when you build your content strategy?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Adam Connell:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n What I like to do is look beyond content strategy and understand how to keep certain components of a business in alignment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Actually, I covered this briefly in a recent post on blogging for photographers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Essentially, there are four key areas of a business. Your business model, audience, content, and marketing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a content strategy (and business in general) to thrive, these areas need to be in alignment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bloggers are a core part of my audience and one issue I see a lot is that some folks will develop a content strategy that doesn\u2019t fit their revenue strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, a blogger may choose to write gear reviews, then rely on CPC ads for revenue. Ads require a lot of traffic and reviews are not going to attract enough traffic.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Any tools you’re using often to streamline your work on a daily basis?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Adam Connell:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nAdam Connell Interview – “Creative Limitations Can Be Overcome. Creativity Is a Muscle, You Just Need to Flex It More”<\/h2>\n\n\n\n