Episode 592 An InfluenceWp Update With Ryan Logan
Show Highlights
This podcast episode features Rob Cairns interviewing Ryan Logan about Influence WP, a platform initially conceived as a broad WordPress directory that has since refined its focus to exclusively assist WordPress product creators. Logan explains that Influence WP aims to boost the presence of these creators and help them reach more customers, while simultaneously helping consumers find trusted deals and save money. The discussion highlights the challenge within the WordPress community of reaching beyond “echo chambers” and connecting directly with end consumers, rather than solely communicating among creators. They also explore the growing trend of WordPress businesses diversifying into non-WordPress platforms and the potential for Influence WP to offer an alternative for expanding reach through its partnerships, giveaways, and planned community features, including its unique “concierge listings” service.
Show Notes
Episode Summary
In this episode, Rob and Ryan catch up and dive into the evolution of Influence WP on its one-year anniversary. Ryan explains his decision to pivot the platform’s focus from a broad WordPress directory to a more specialized community dedicated to WordPress product creators. The conversation explores the challenges and benefits of this niche focus, the importance of reaching consumers, and the broader issue of “echo chambers” within the WordPress community. They also discuss the need for a shift in mindset from selling WordPress as a solution to selling tangible results for customers. Ryan touches on his future plans for Influence WP, including a new, more integrated community platform and a recently launched product review service.
Key Discussion Points
Influence WP’s New Direction
The Pivot: Ryan shares that Influence WP has shifted its focus to exclusively help WordPress product creators. The goal is to boost their presence, help them reach more customers, and assist consumers in finding trusted deals and saving money.
From All-Encompassing to Specialized: Ryan realized that trying to be “everything to everyone” in the WordPress space was difficult. The new, focused messaging makes it easier to understand Influence WP’s mission and purpose.
The Echo Chamber Problem: Both Rob and Ryan agree that the WordPress community often gets stuck in “echo chambers,” with product creators and developers only communicating with each other. They emphasize the need to cross-pollinate and reach a broader consumer audience to grow the ecosystem.
The WordPress Community’s Mindset
Selling Results, Not Just WordPress: Rob argues that developers and designers should focus on selling results (e.g., generating leads, increasing sales) rather than just “a WordPress website.” The CMS should be a tool to achieve a business goal, not the primary selling point.
Solving Problems: Ryan adds to this point, stressing that creators should focus on building products that solve a specific problem for users, not just something they build for themselves.
Diversification: They highlight examples of major WordPress companies like Yoast and Barn2 Plugins that have expanded into other platforms like Shopify. They view this as a smart business move to diversify and expand their reach beyond the limits of the WordPress space.
The Future of Influence WP
Relaunching the Community: Ryan’s next big project is to relaunch the Influence WP community using a WordPress-based product (Fluent Communities) for a more seamless user experience.
Open and Respectful Promotion: He envisions a community where partners can respectfully promote their products without strict “gatekeeping,” which he feels is a problem in many existing WordPress groups.
Value of Paid Services: Ryan introduces his new on-demand product review service, explaining that charging even a small fee helps weed out “tire kickers” and ensures that those who participate are truly invested. They agree that people tend to value things more when they have a financial investment, no matter how small.
Notable Quotes
“We need to break out of [echo chambers] to reach more people as a WordPress community in general.” – Ryan Logan
“What devs need to start selling and designers is the results and insert CMS name here.” – Rob Cairns
“People don’t see value in free. I’m sorry. No matter what we do.” – Rob Cairns
How to Support Influence WP
Visit the website: Go to InfluenceWP.com to explore the partner and consumer perks.
Join as a partner: If you’re a WordPress product creator, check out the free partnership opportunities.
Engage with the community: Stay tuned for the relaunch of the Influence WP community platform.
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