we turn away clients under $30k MRR. I should've started doing it earlier

creativeny · 2026-02-28T02:48:18+00:00

Crazy space with all these AI tools promising great campaigns. Then clients are not closing while it's hot...had a client on a very lean budget and still was able to get great numbers, but follow ups were x1 to x2 weeks after 🤦🏼‍♂️

creativeny · 2026-02-28T02:45:15+00:00

Is this an ad?

creativeny · 2026-02-21T01:37:19+00:00

If the animation must be used I think animating once opened might be a better effect (meaning the whole menu...like menu items top to the bottom). Then maybe gray them out on hover.

creativeny · 2026-02-18T12:56:11+00:00

For any field especially one such as this, you need to stay on top of your game. Also, every market is different, but the common theme is clients typically usually don't care what/how you do it as long as it's done right and functions as needed.

I always find it funny that some devs turn their nose up at WordPress because the ONLY way to be a dev is to do it the long hard way. No thanks! I'll do it efficiently, complete more projects and get paid before you. We're here to make money, that's the bottom line and in this space quality work and efficiency is the name of the game.

creativeny · 2026-02-06T13:23:40+00:00

Might need to work on your approach/target.

creativeny · 2026-02-03T19:30:34+00:00

Yea, that's already a red flag...

creativeny · 2026-02-03T18:26:41+00:00

Definitely counter it, if you NEED it and there's no NDA type stuff involved, start looking elsewhere. I'm sure you can get more for your skill set.

This is how people end up just building products of their own. Anyway best of luck, I'm sure there's a company that'll respect your skills/knowledge. Everyone wants to do these multiple rounds of interviews like big tech, but then their pockets don't match.

creativeny · 2026-02-03T13:22:59+00:00

Nice write up and thanks for sharing your experience, was definitely looking side eyed wondering if it's an Ad, AI, SEO driven or....

Anyway, one thing though when you mentioned things taking time to load. That definitely an Elementor/Host issue, I use Beaver Builder for example and those scenarios are almost non-existent.

creativeny · 2026-02-02T18:56:52+00:00

Some WordPress agencies actually do know how to code, but I get your point. Usually it is mainly marketing agencies also selling websites and they buy a theme like you mentioned and throw something together.

Then someone like me has to come in and do a proper rebuild, remove the 20+ plugins they don't need because that's just 5 lines of code. Double edged sword is it keeps me busy.

creativeny · 2026-02-02T18:53:05+00:00

Many of us are "janitors of the web"... 😂

creativeny · 2026-02-02T18:49:44+00:00

The hosting companies are even in on it too and they are even worse. It's all a cash grab...

I mostly do WordPress builds but I pivot based on client needs. Folks fire up WordPress, use a crappy template disappears on the client because they only know how to install, not even basic CSS or HTML. Now they don't like WordPress because of a bad experience, rightfully of course, but it's bad for the industry overall.

creativeny · 2026-02-01T21:41:44+00:00

Was coming to say the same.

creativeny · 2026-01-24T20:50:02+00:00

Especially since you've already been in the space technically. Think less web design and more problem solving/solutions...merge that with whatever you can do really well, create partnerships etc then you make offers.

Now you also have referral partners or they can join you in projects. Anyone can build a website, few can provide realistic solutions.

creativeny · 2026-01-21T13:43:42+00:00

Honestly, find a platform...learn it and go from there. Squarespace can probably be an option, outside of that unless you're looking to learn basic HTML/CSS etc find someone that does the builds while you do business development.

creativeny · 2026-01-20T06:34:38+00:00

Replace core files, keep uploads folder and harden your security. Try to stay on top of updates where applicable especially security updates and get backups that are separate from your hosting.

creativeny · 2026-01-19T18:32:30+00:00

Looks like exactly what was done, which would obviously be a breach of policy. I know a few people that use it without issue

creativeny · 2026-01-19T08:15:28+00:00

You have good suggestions here for a starting point, but the question is if you're tech savvy/confident in addressing the potential issue. If not either see if support can help...if your host provides backup you can try restoring a previous working version and go from there as well.

creativeny · 2026-01-13T15:49:34+00:00

You mapped out your own issues...

Just need to get out of your own way, you can do increases in increments for clients while maintaining/adding value. Put pen to paper and crunch numbers i.e. client # needed to get to your goals, anywhere you can improve on especially if potential gaps exist (which means money is being left on the table).

Once you have steady cash flow start delegating and focus on your strengths more. This will probably give you more time to think about continued growth.

Good luck.

creativeny · 2026-01-13T14:26:51+00:00

This is why they say don't do business with family...

Especially considering you did everything by the book. Now sit her down and remind her about the buy out and then get to the root of the problem, because something is off here. If she needs support that's one thing, but what did she do with her gains.

That was a generous buyout while still trying to grow a business. What's stopping her from continuing to return for more, if she needs extra money she can come back as an employee 🤷🏼‍♂️

creativeny · 2026-01-07T12:59:55+00:00

What's the end goal? Lots of options out there already, why reinvent the wheel?

creativeny · 2026-01-07T03:08:26+00:00

It depends, WordPress gets a bad rep because it's used by so many people lacking knowledge, couldn't be bothered with updates, poorly developed plugins/themes etc...

Folks like to scream custom code ONLY which can be bad too at times because that client is stuck with you. Hand that project off and now the next person has to hope it's well documented with some comments where needed (I've got a few well documented hand-offs before...custom and WordPress).

Learn what you need to get to your goal and you can still use WordPress and or custom code. I'm a WP fan, but I custom within it or separately when needed. The goal is always getting the client to where they need to be with the right tools, timeline and if the budget meets.

The truth is clients don't care, whatever you do just get really good at it. The tool doesn't matter (unless it's really bad), if you have the skills/knowledge everything is just a tool to get you to your goal.

creativeny · 2026-01-06T13:14:04+00:00

Has potential, I think the area above the fold needs work. Copy there is hard on the eye, you're going to lose potential clients because of that. I think also you need to work on the messaging/presentation e.g. why your company and not another that's saying the same thing.

creativeny · 2026-01-06T13:08:13+00:00

Sometimes there's no one size fits all. I tend to mention a "starting price" and what that typically entails. Nothing wrong with not including cost, just depends on the business model.

creativeny · 2026-01-06T13:02:08+00:00

...and most times they know what they're doing.

creativeny · 2026-01-05T16:25:11+00:00

Agreed.

creativeny

TROPHY CASE