One of the top WordPress resource websites online, World of WordPress, is powered by a robust feed aggregator project. To understand the history of this company that aids WordPress users and bloggers, we present this interview. We’ll learn how they support WordPress users by providing a wealth of select good sources and by highlighting WP-bloggers’ content.
Interview with World of WordPress
Tell us about yourself and what you do.
My name is Ronald Heijnes, I’m 53 years old, and happily married. I divide my time between Gemert, a quaint village in the Netherlands, and a smaller village in France for part of the year. With nearly 30 years of experience as an application manager and almost a decade working with WordPress, my passion for this platform has led me to dedicate my free time to all things WordPress.
Currently, I manage several company websites and am deeply involved in my latest endeavor: World of WordPress. Through blogging, I share my insights and experiences with WordPress and WebID.
Is there a team behind your company?
It’s primarily a solo operation.
What motivated you to establish your business?
Back in 2005, I began managing my wife’s website, an HTML-based website website built and maintained using Dreamweaver. We sought a more manageable platform and explored alternatives. After experimenting with CMS Made Simple, I stumbled upon WordPress, marking the start of a lasting relationship with this versatile CMS, as you’ll discover in this World of WordPress Interview!
Initially, I envisioned a promising business opportunity designing and maintaining WordPress websites, potentially leaving my 9-to-5 job behind. While that didn’t fully materialize, I continue to manage websites, having undertaken exciting projects and gained invaluable knowledge about WordPress along the way. The learning never stops with the constant evolution of WordPress and its ecosystem.
World of WordPress
What was your biggest hurdle when starting your business?
The challenges were two-fold: competition and skill gaps. The abundance of talented designers and developers encouraged me to carve my niche by initiating unique projects, staying current with advancements, and sharing my knowledge with the WordPress community.
Did anyone support you in shaping your business direction?
My wife has been my pillar of support, assisting with design aspects and providing the freedom to pursue my passion. Additionally, feedback from individuals within the vast WordPress community has been instrumental. They highlighted that coding wasn’t my strength, leading me to focus elsewhere.
How long have you been involved in development/design? World of WordPress Interview
My journey spans over a decade, with eight years specifically dedicated to working with top-tier WordPress resource websites.
What’s your design/development ethos?
Simplicity is key. I believe in utilizing only what’s essential, avoiding feature bloat. Many websites are bogged down by unused elements that come bundled with themes or plugins. Selectivity is crucial.
What guidance would you offer aspiring designers/developers?
WordPress reigns supreme as the most widely used CMS, catering to everyone from hobbyists to multinational corporations, and powering websites of all sizes. Specialize in your strengths, embrace continuous learning, and recognize the multifaceted nature of crafting a functional, visually appealing, secure, discoverable, and engaging website. The competition is fierce!
Countless books delve into starting a business. Focus on your strengths, showcase them effectively, and demonstrate your value to potential clients.
How do you spend your free time? World of WordPress Interview
Given that most of my WordPress endeavors are pursued in my spare time, there isn’t much left! While I consider myself a WordPress professional, it’s not my primary source of income. When I’m not immersed in the world of WordPress, I enjoy listening to music, watching British detective shows, particularly NCIS, indulging my passion for cars, and escaping to France whenever possible.
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It’s inspiring to witness the impact and quality of work that can be accomplished by a single dedicated individual. Our entire nexus-security team applauds Ronald for his remarkable work! If you have any thoughts to share, feel free to leave a comment below. You can also connect with our friend from World of WordPress on their Twitter profile.