Kyle is the co-founder of a Jackson, Michigan based firm called Real Big Marketing which specializes in using WordPress to solve complicated problems for businesses. He is also the author of and a contributor to dozens of WordPress plugins, is the co-organizer of the Jackson WP meetup, is a co-organizer of WordCamp Ann Arbor, plays in a band and is an aspiring beer snob.
Kyle Maurer will be presenting “WP Battles: Webmaster vs. Hacker” on Saturday, October 15 at 1:55pm in the Amphitheatre.
Why do use WordPress?
I employ the WordPress software exclusively for web-based projects because it is by far the most well maintained, flexible and intuitive option. It is also what my clients are explicitly asking for which makes it an easy choice.
When and how did you start using WordPress?
I found myself working in the marketing department at a niche marketing agency, needing something to power our corporate blog. The rest of our infrastructure was a completely custom PHP setup. Someone introduced me to WordPress as an option that would make the blogging part easier. Shortly after I discovered that WordPress could actually be used to power the entire site and I’ve never really used anything else since.
What would you tell someone to convince them to attend a WordCamp?
There really is something for everyone. No matter how advanced you are, you will definitely learn valuable new things and meet people who will inspire and encourage you. And no matter how little you think you know, there will be sessions and people focused entirely on holding your hand and guiding you towards your goals. WordCamps are volunteer run events put on by people who passionately want to help others succeed. You just need to let them help you.
Tell us about something awesome you’ve experienced at a WordCamp in the past.
So many moments stand out! Last year I spoke about contributing to WordPress Meta at WordCamp US and afterwards, Otto came up and personally thanked me. Otto! Many other occasions I’ve received very meaningful and heartfelt comments about what a difference I made to someone else one on one or through a presentation I gave.
I do remember having a hilarious time hanging out with Cory Miller at the after party for WordCamp San Francisco 2014. He was…well you probably had to be there.
Give an example of a cool WordPress project you have worked on recently.
I just released another extension for Easy Digital Downloads called EDD Message. I don’t create as many plugins as I used to but I found myself on vacation a couple of months ago and just….felt like making one. So I checked my plugin idea Trello board and started making this one. It came out pretty well and I’m excited to continue working on it.
What is your favorite part of WordCamps?
There are a lot of parts of WordCamps that I LOVE. It is exciting to meet and talk in person with someone for the first time after knowing them online for a while. I also passionately love speaking, connecting with old friends, after parties and getting new t-shirts. But I think the best of all is actually having someone say that I really helped them in a significant way. I remember when I was getting started and I knew so little and other people taught me valuable lessons. To be able to turn around and help others like that is powerful.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to start or grow a WordPress based business?
Definitely don’t isolate yourself. Be involved in the broader community. You will encounter people who have tried similar things and learn from them. You will gain a better understanding of what the market needs and how viable your idea is. You will develop a better support network for when you inevitably need help.
Tell us something awesome about yourself that is not WordPress related.
I won Best Director at the annual Maurer Movie Awards three years in a row.
Name someone in the WordPress community that inspires you.
Pippin Williamson, Cory Miller, Ross Johnson, Michelle Schulp, Jake Goldman, Marc Benzekein, Adam Silver, Rich Robinkoff, Brian Richards, Brian Krogsgard, Rebecca Gill, Justin Ferriman and about 200 others.
What has been your biggest WordPress related accomplishment to date?
I believe organizing WordCamp Ann Arbor 2016 takes the cake.
How have WordCamps impacted you and your business in the past?
Admittedly, I’ve gained very few new customers directly through WordCamps. However, I have definitely been able to learn more, get more inspiration, form strategic partnerships and better my business in numerous other small, intangible ways. The value, looking back, is actually incredible.
Fill in the blank for other attendees: “If you ___________ then you should come talk to me at WordCamp.”
– Are local and interested in coming to our monthly meetups
– Are interested in learning about the first WordCamp Jackson which is coming next April
– Are interested in developing and selling some premium WordPress plugins
– Want to try some local A2 craft beer
– Have any problem, concern, suggestion, question or compliment relating to WordCamp Ann Arbor
– Captured an embarrassing photo of Adam Silver
What should someone learn before attending your talk at WordCamp Ann Arbor?
Our session will be pretty accessible to beginners but is really targeted towards people who actually have WordPress sites already and wish to better understand the security challenges we face when maintaining those sites.
What is your favorite WordPress related resource?
– PostStatus.com
– WPTavern.com
– KitchenSinkWP.com
– ManageWP.org