As an award-winning podcaster, I help others launch and improve their own podcasts for sharing their passions and finding success. I create training resources and podcasting tools (like My Podcast Reviews); I offer one-on-one consulting and group training; I am a keynote speaker on podcasting and social media; and I host a network of award-nominated shows covering how to podcast, clean-comedy, and the #1 unofficial podcast for ABC’s hit drama Once Upon a Time. I also write about entrepreneurship and technology.
Why Do You Use WordPress?
WordPress has always been easy and beautiful to me. I’ve spent time with other content-management systems and I always saw WordPress as my oasis.
It’s simple to use, yet extremely powerful to create any website I can imagine!
When and How Did You Start Using WordPress?
I started my first website in 2003 with Microsoft FrontPage. I added a blog in 2004 with Movable Type, but I found Movable Type quite cumbersome. I had dabbled a little with WordPress 1.2. Then, in late 2005, I redesigned my website (this time, using Dreamweaver) and I converted my blog to WordPress 1.5.
Then, when I launched my first podcast in 2007 (the Ramen Noodle clean comedy), I knew that I would use WordPress because of its great power for podcasters.
I’ve been using WordPress ever since then and it is now my only choice for creating and managing websites.
What Tips or Resources would you recommend to a new WordPress User?
Don’t go crazy with plugins and widgets on your site. Keep everything simple and focused on providing a great experience for you and your visitors.
Whether you blog, podcast, or sell products and services, post new content to your site regularly. The easiest way to make this a habit is to schedule it into your week.
What advice would you give someone who’s building a business around WordPress design or development?
First, focus on a niche market. Learn it so well that you can become the best WordPress designer or developer for that niche because you understand the needs and audience.
Then, look for products you can create from the tasks you regularly repeat. For example, a WordPress plugin for a specific niche, or a training series on how to use WordPress for that niche, or a collection of themes designed for effectiveness within that niche.
How do you stay informed about WordPress (news, tips, etc)?
I subscribe to popular web-design and WordPress-specific blogs via RSS. I read these with Mr. Reader on my iPad, or Feedly for my iPhone or desktop browser. From these, I learn about new plugins, trends in web design and development, and amazing things people can do with WordPress.
What do you like most about WordCamps?
I love networking with other people doing great things with my favorite website platform! I also enjoy speaking and opening people’s eyes to what they can do with WordPress.
Where can we find you online?
Web: DanielJLewis.net
Twitter: @theRamenNoodle
Google+: +DanielJLewis
Subscribe to my podcast about podcasting: TheAudacitytoPodcast.com
Subscribe to my clean-comedy podcast: CleanComedyPodcast.com
Subscribe to my Once Upon a Time podcast: ONCEpodcast.com