The WP Minute+

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What happens when AI can build a website in minutes—and WordPress is no longer the obvious choice?

In this episode of The WP Minute, Matt Medeiros talks with Nathan Tyler, co-founder of Simply Schedule Appointments, about why he moved his own sites away from WordPress and launched Blink Pages, a platform built around AI-powered website management and static sites.

Nathan explains why he believes AI is changing the value of the WordPress plugin ecosystem, why simple brochure websites may no longer need a traditional CMS, and where WordPress still has an advantage. Matt pushes back on some of those ideas, making the case for WordPress's community, flexibility, and role in more complex projects.

They also dig into what this shift means for agencies and freelancers. If AI can build a website in 15 minutes, where does the value—and the revenue—come from? Nathan argues that agencies have an opportunity to move beyond building websites and focus on solving bigger business problems, from SEO to ongoing growth.

Plus, Nathan explains how Blink Pages helps agencies migrate sites to Astro, give clients a familiar editing experience, and use AI without handing over complete control.

Is this the beginning of a new era for WordPress—or a reminder that the best tool depends on the job?

Takeaways

• AI is challenging the value of simple WordPress plugins and traditional CMS workflows.
• Simple websites may no longer need the overhead of a full WordPress installation.
• WordPress still has a place in complex projects like membership sites and LMS platforms.
• AI-generated websites can be quick to launch but still need structure and maintainability.
• Agencies may need to shift from building websites to delivering measurable business results.
• AI is best used to handle repetitive implementation work, not replace a business's unique voice.
• Static sites and Git-based workflows can offer stronger version control and staging options.
• Client-friendly editing tools are essential when developers and marketers work differently.
• Agencies can use AI to expand their services, including SEO and ongoing optimization.
• Blink Pages aims to combine AI-powered workflows with guardrails and familiar editing tools.

Important Links

• Blink Pages —https://blinkpages.com/
• Simply Schedule Appointments —https://simplyscheduleappointments.com/
• Astro —https://astro.build/
• Cloudflare —https://www.cloudflare.com/
• GitHub —https://github.com/
• Nathan Tyler on LinkedIn —https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathantyler13/
• The WP Minute Newsletter —https://thewpminute.com/subscribe/

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This episode of The WP Minute takes a closer look at the state of WordPress security with Robert Abela, founder and CEO of Melapress, who joins Eric Karkovack to discuss the findings from Melapress’s annual WordPress security survey.

The conversation starts with a surprising reality: security is a major concern for WordPress professionals, but many still don't have a plan for what happens when a site gets hacked. Robert explains why simply restoring a backup isn't enough, how attackers can leave backdoors behind, and why figuring out how a site was compromised needs to happen before recovery.

Robert and Eric also dig into how WordPress professionals actually discover security incidents. Too often, it's a client, a search engine, or someone noticing strange behavior. By the time that happens, the damage may already be done. Logs, user monitoring, session management, and alerts can help catch problems much earlier.

The episode also covers why smaller websites shouldn't assume they're safe, how AI is making targeted attacks easier, why security requires more than one tool, and the biggest security improvement agencies and freelancers can make right now: educating themselves and their teams.

Takeaways

• Installing a security plugin isn't a complete security strategy.
• Restoring a backup won't fix the vulnerability that caused a hack.
• Logs can help uncover how a WordPress site was compromised.
• Early detection can dramatically reduce the damage from an attack.
• Small websites are still targets because most attacks aren't personal.
• AI is making targeted attacks easier to create.
• MFA and strong passwords don't protect against every attack.
• Security needs prevention, detection, and recovery working together.
• Many WordPress professionals still don't have a breach recovery plan.
• User education may be the most important security control of all.

Important Links

• The full survey results discussed in the episode — Melapress WordPress Security Survey 2026
• Real-world stories of WordPress security incidents and what it took to recover — Melapress Security Stories
• Robert's company and the WordPress security plugins discussed in the episode — Melapress
• Connect with Robert — Melapress Robert Abela on LinkedIn
• Robert's personal site — Robert Abela's website
• Subscribe to The WP Minute and join the community — The WP Minute Newsletter

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This episode of The WP Minute follows Eric Karkovack through his first experience releasing a WordPress plugin with a little help from AI.

Eric joins Matt to talk about Karks CRM, an open-source CRM and invoicing plugin he built to replace his aging QuickBooks Desktop workflow. Claude did much of the coding, but Eric provided the direction, testing, revisions, and real-world business requirements.
The conversation gets into what AI can actually handle, where human judgment still matters, and what happens when AI-generated code meets the standards of the WordPress.org plugin repository. Eric shares what he learned from the review process, including an issue with CSV sanitization that required multiple rounds of changes.

Matt and Eric also talk about why WordPress's stability and community still matter, especially as developers rush toward AI-generated tools and frameworks. And with Karks CRM now open source, the next question is what happens when other WordPress users start asking for features.

Takeaways

• AI can build a working plugin surprisingly fast.
• The developer still has to direct, test, and validate the work.
• AI-generated code doesn't automatically meet WordPress standards.
• WordPress's plugin review process still catches problems AI misses.
• UI and usability can require more iteration than the code itself.
• Open source turns a personal tool into a community commitment.
• WordPress's stability is still valuable for long-term client work.
• Community is one of WordPress's biggest advantages.
• Client data makes hosting and security decisions especially important.
• AI may change how plugins get built, but judgment still matters.

Important Links

• Karks CRM:Karks CRM on WordPress.org
• Karks CRM website: Karks CRM
• Claude Code: Claude Code
• Plugin Check:.Plugin Check
• WP-CLI: WP-CLI
• Email delivery service Eric mentions:Mailgun
• Recommended security setup for a site containing client data:Cloudflare

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The days of clunky manual translation workflows and generic, brand-deaf automated output might finally be numbered. On this episode of The WP Minute+, host Eric Karkovack sits down with Augustin, CEO and founder of Weglot, to unwrap Weglot 2.0. They dive deep into how personalized AI models, live website data, and server-side infrastructure are rewriting the playbook for building high-converting, localized WordPress sites—without needing a native speaker on staff.

Key Takeaways

• Weglot 2.0 builds a bespoke AI translation model using your existing site data as a base, preserving your specific audience, tone, and brand identity.
• The updated dashboard allows users to choose their operational speed—ranging from total autonomous automation to explicit review workflows and agency validation stages.
• In-house testing across millions of prompts showed that multi-language sites appear up to 3x more frequently in Google AI Overviews and LLM search results.
• Translation isn't just plain text anymore; localized media, image alt tags, and video elements can now be detected, served, and managed directly.
• A simple 3-month strategy: deploy automated translations across ~12 candidate languages based on traffic data, analyze the conversion lift, and double down on top performers.

Important Links

• Weglot — Weglot.com
• Weglot on LinkedIn — @Weglot
• The WP Minute Subscribe — https://thewpminute.com/subscribe/

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt Medeiros sits down with Brian Richards to discuss the evolving economics of event sponsorship and the restructuring of LoopConf US. Brian shares why he is moving away from traditional corporate sponsorship models in favor of an attendee-funded approach, relying on early ticket sales to secure working capital. They also explore the value of intimate conference environments, pragmatic software choices, incorporating non-WordPress technologies into production pipelines, and why open-source software remains resilient during periods of community uncertainty.

Event Info & Ticket Details: LoopConf US

• Dates: June 16–17, 2027
• Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
• Website:https://loopconf.com/
• Pricing Tiers:

• Early Bird: $299
• General Admission: $349

• Refund Policy: Tickets are 100% fully refundable until January 31st, with transfer options available after that date.

Key Takeaways:

• Relying strictly on corporate sponsor budgets or standard affiliate links leaves creators and event organizers vulnerable to shifting corporate priorities.
• Selling tickets up to ten months in advance provides the working capital needed to run the event without corporate sponsor backing.
• LoopConf intentionally caps attendance between 100 and 200 people to preserve high-value hallway track conversations.
• The official LoopConf website is built as a lightweight static site rather than on WordPress to match the exact requirements of the project.
• Incorporating workflows and perspectives from outside WordPress, such as Ghost or Ruby on Rails, expands developer capabilities.
• GPL open-source licensing ensures that site codebases remain functional and community-supported regardless of corporate leadership shifts.

Important links:

• Register for LoopConf
• WPSessions
• The WP Minute+ Podcast:https://thewpminute.com/subscribehttp://thewpminute.com/subscribe

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This episode of The WP Minute brings together Alex Panagis, Brian Coords, Andy Peatling, and Mike McAlister to tackle a big question: How do we get AI agents to actually use WordPress?

The conversation starts with a problem that could have major implications for WordPress: when people ask AI agents to build a website, WordPress isn't always the recommendation. The group digs into why that is, what agents actually need from WordPress, and whether the platform is moving quickly enough.

They explore AI-generated websites, discoverability, public benchmarks, design systems, MCP, the WordPress Abilities API, WP-CLI, Gutenberg, and the growing tension between WordPress's flexibility and the simplicity agents are looking for.

The bigger question isn't just whether AI can build a WordPress site. It's whether WordPress can become a platform that AI agents actually want to build with.

Takeaways

• AI agents aren't consistently recommending WordPress.
• WordPress needs to become easier for agents to discover and use.
• AI-generated sites are changing what people expect from website builders.
• Public benchmarks could show whether WordPress is improving.
• Design systems give agents reusable building blocks.
• MCP could change how agents interact with WordPress.
• WordPress needs stronger opinions about how agents should use the platform.
• The Abilities API could become an important foundation for agentic WordPress.
• WordPress's open-source architecture creates both opportunities and challenges.
• The future may involve agents working alongside WordPress rather than entirely inside

Important Links

• WooCommerce Developer Resources:https://developer.woo.com/
• Ollie:https://olliewp.com/
• Miles:https://buymiles.ai/
• WordPress.com:https://wordpress.com/
• WordPress.org:https://wordpress.org/
• WP-CLI:https://wp-cli.org/
• Subscribe to The WP Minute:https://thewpminute.com/subscribe
• The WP Minute Slack:https://thewpminute.com/support

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This edition of The WP Minute’s member meetup focuses on best practices for your vibe coding projects. GridPane’s Patrick Gallagher joined Eric and Matt to discuss the good, bad, and ugly of vibe coding plugins and apps with AI.

Patrick shows off a slide deck he generated from a single prompt in Claude Design, explains recent leaps in AI capability since OpenAI’s o1 Pro reasoning model, and the rising power of local open models. He also points out that persistent hallucinations continue to be an issue, underscoring the need for human accountability and multi-model “red teaming” to verify code and security.

You’ll also find takes on why AI tools rarely default to WordPress for site building, how negativity and training data may influence model choices, and why real product value still depends on execution, responsibility, and serving specific customer needs.

It’s everything you need to turn vibe-coded projects into usable products!

Editor's Note: GridPane is a Pillar Sponsor of The WP Minute.

Takeaways:

• AI can create substantial code and content incredibly quickly.
• Human expertise is still essential for verifying AI-generated work.
• AI models can hallucinate confidently, even when told not to guess.
• Developers should use multiple AI models to inspect and refine code.
• AI makes execution easier, allowing us to focus on real customer issues.
• Narrow, specialized WordPress products can still succeed by serving a specific audience.
• AI may replace simple utility plugins, but established products with support remain valuable.
• In-person communities may become more important as online discourse gets noisier and more negative.

Important Links:

• GridPane
• Artificial Analysis
• Connect with Patrick:LinkedIn |Twitter/X
• The WP Minute+ Podcast: https://thewpminute.com/subscribe

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This episode of The WP Minute+ is a conversation with Raquel, the organizer behind PressConf, about bringing the event to Europe for the first time.

PressConf EU is coming to Barcelona October 27–30, and Raquel explains why she believes the European WordPress community needs a space where people can have more open conversations about business, money, risk, and the future of WordPress.

Matt and Raquel also talk about the pressure facing WordPress businesses, why leaders need to make deliberate choices instead of constantly reacting to the latest industry changes, and what attendees can expect from the European event — including speakers, networking, and the intentionally unrecorded conversations that make PressConf different.

Takeaways

• PressConf EU is coming to Barcelona.
• European WordPress businesses need more open conversations.
• PressConf creates space for honest business discussions.
• WordPress businesses are facing more uncertainty.
• Raquel wants attendees to leave with confidence in their choices.
• WordPress needs more people willing to lead.
• PressConf EU will feature mostly European speakers.
• The event will include unrecorded sessions and facilitated discussions.
• PressConf EU runs October 27–30.

Important Links

• PressConf EU:PressConf EU

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It’s fair to wonder how AI is impacting WordPress. Are people switching to AI-based solutions in massive numbers? This week’s episode of The WP Minute+ podcast examines the role AI is (and isn’t) playing in WordPress market share shifts.

Matt chats with Within WordPress’ Remkus de Vries about the pressure WordPress feels from AI, shiny new tools, and bottom-of-market site builders, and why the real story is more complicated than “WordPress is falling behind.” Remkus argues that the ecosystem is changing fast. Still, the shift is less about WordPress failing and more about agencies and builders needing stronger positioning, better specialization, and a clearer understanding of the platform.

They also look at why accurate market data is so hard to pin down in an open web ecosystem, how open-source platforms complicate measurement, and why the future of WordPress may depend less on hype and more on fundamentals, education, and principled implementation.

Takeaways:

• AI is changing expectations, especially for simpler site-building workflows and entry-level users.
• WordPress is still strong because it is more than a CMS; it is a flexible platform for complex, extensible projects.
• Agencies and freelancers need clearer positioning now that “we build websites” is no longer enough.
• Open-web platforms are harder to measure than closed ecosystems, so many market-share claims should be taken cautiously.
• The future of WordPress depends heavily on fundamentals like performance, security, and real-world implementation knowledge.
• The Guild is designed to help builders and agencies keep up with WordPress changes through practical, structured education.
• Principle-first teaching matters because tools change, but underlying concepts stay useful longer.
• Cloudflare and edge caching were highlighted as practical performance improvements worth understanding.

Important Links:

• Within WordPress
• The Guild Wait List
• Connect with Remkus: LinkedIn | Mastodon | Twitter/X
• The WP Minute+ Podcast:https://thewpminute.com/subscribe

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Advanced Custom Fields has been a developer favorite in WordPress for more than a decade. Now it’s getting ready for the AI era — without throwing away what made developers love it in the first place.

In this episode of The WP Minute, Eric Karkovack sits down with Iain Poulson, Senior Product Manager for ACF, to talk about where the plugin is headed and how AI is changing the way WordPress sites are built.

Iain breaks down what ACF 6.8 is laying the groundwork for, including the WordPress Abilities API, MCP, AI agents, and structured data with JSON-LD. He also explains how ACF can give AI tools a deeper understanding of a site's content model — potentially letting an agent create post types, taxonomies, field groups, and even populate content.

But the bigger story may be what ACF isn't doing. Rather than bolting a chatbot onto the plugin just because “AI” is hot, the team is looking at specific developer workflows where AI can eliminate tedious work. One example: suggesting the fields you probably need when creating a new field group, getting you from a blank screen to something useful much faster.

We also talk about the challenge of supporting ACF's massive existing user base while WordPress continues moving toward the block editor, why ACF Blocks 3 is important, and how the team is balancing innovation with backwards compatibility.

If you're an agency, freelancer, or WordPress developer who relies on ACF, this is a look at where one of WordPress's most important developer tools is heading next.

Takeaways:

• ACF is evolving for the AI era.
• ACF 6.8 lets AI tools interact with WordPress content.
• MCP could make managing WordPress sites with AI much easier.
• ACF is making structured content more useful to AI and search engines.
• ACF Blocks 3 gives developers more control over editing.
• ACF’s AI features will be opt-in and focused on real workflows.
• AI could make creating custom fields much faster.
• ACF still needs to support millions of existing sites.
• User feedback continues to shape the ACF roadmap.

Important Links:

• Pillar Sponsor / ACF Owner:WP Engine
• Iain Poulson on X:@polevaultweb
• ACF (Advanced Custom Fields) on X:@wp_acf
• ACF User Survey: ACF Annual Survey

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There’s a narrative surrounding WooCommerce that it can’t scale as well as proprietary eCommerce platforms like Shopify. This episode of The WP Minute+ podcast aims to debunk that notion. Urumi AI CEO and co-founder Vedanshu Jain joined Eric to discuss the challenges and best practices for using Woo at scale. And it’s no surprise that AI has a role to play in keeping online stores running at peak performance.

Vendanshu also fills us in on his experience as a technical lead at WooCommerce and his transition to Urumi. The conversation also looks at the importance of open-source solutions within the eCommerce landscape.

Takeaways:

• WooCommerce can scale beyond perceived limits.
• Technical challenges in WooCommerce can be overcome with proper infrastructure.
• AI can significantly enhance performance and scaling.
• Caching is crucial for handling WooCommerce traffic.
• Bot traffic can be managed effectively with the right strategies.
• Urumi AI automates updates and maintenance for WooCommerce sites.
• Open-source platforms have advantages over closed systems.
• Dynamic scaling can reduce costs for eCommerce businesses.
• AI can identify and fix slow requests automatically.
• The future of eCommerce will heavily involve AI technologies.

Important Links:

• Urumi AI
• Connect with Vedanshu: LinkedIn
• The WP Minute+ Podcast:https://thewpminute.com/subscribe

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Are agencies still relevant in the age of AI? On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt Medeiros and Cory Miller unpack the tension between AI, WordPress, and the future of agency work. They discuss why agencies still matter, how AI is changing client expectations, and how Hosting.com’s new agency partnership network aims to connect customers with trusted providers. From care plans to vertical specialization to the risk of losing curiosity in the AI era, this conversation explores what it means to be a technologist right now.

Editor’s note: Hosting.com is a pillar sponsor of The WP Minute.

Takeaways:

• AI is changing the sales process, but it has not eliminated the need for expertise.
• Agencies win by becoming guides, not just vendors.
• Industry specialization matters more as clients expect proof, not just promises.
• Care plans and ongoing support still have a strong role in the agency model.
• The best use of AI is to augment human judgment, not replace it.
• Hosting.com’s agency network is built to create referrals and relationships, not exclusivity.

Important links:

• https://hosting.com/
• Hosting.com’s Agency Partnership Application
• Connect with Cory: LinkedIn | Twitter/X
• The WP Minute+ Podcast:https://thewpminute.com/subscribe

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Are you stuck inside the WordPress bubble? In this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric talks with Maciek Palmowski, organizer of CMS Conf, about why CMS communities benefit from looking outside their own ecosystem. Maciek explains how working at Kinsta and expanding into application hosting helped push him to explore other platforms, conferences, and communities. They also discuss what CMS Conf aims to create in Gdynia, Poland: a space where WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, and newer API-first systems can learn from one another. The event takes place from November 12-14, 2026.

Takeaways

• Maciek became a “CMS tourist” after working at Kinsta and seeing the value of exploring beyond WordPress.
• CMS Conf is designed to bring together people from multiple CMS communities, including WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, and newer platforms.
• WordPress’s real strength is often the ecosystem around it: community, events, and shared culture.
• Systems like Astro and Statamic show how different CMS approaches can create better out-of-the-box experiences.
• The goal of CMS Conf is to help attendees break out of their bubble, stay curious, and learn from other communities.

Important links

• CMS Conf website (Click here for a 25% ticket discount)
• Why I'm Organizing CMS Conf
• Connect with Maciek: LinkedIn | Twitter/X
• The WP Minute+ Podcast:https://thewpminute.com/subscribe

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Our July 2026 WP Minute Member Meetup was dedicated to all things WooCommerce. Developer Advocate Brian Coords joined us to demonstrate a variety of new and experimental features. He also shared Woo’s plan to address the existing backlog of bugs and other issues. The goal is to produce a stable eCommerce platform that also meets modern demands.

We also looked at AI’s role in Woo and WordPress. Brian provided insight on the future of agentic commerce, store management features, and customer interactions.

Takeaways:

• WooCommerce is focusing on cleaning up backlog issues to improve user experience.
• AI submissions in open source can be both beneficial and challenging.
• The goal is to reduce the number of open issues significantly.
• User experience is crucial for retaining customers in WooCommerce.
• WooCommerce aims to improve UI consistency across its extensions.
• Block themes are being developed to enhance the WooCommerce experience.
• AI integration is being explored for better store management and analytics.
• The future of e-commerce may involve AI-driven purchasing experiences.

Important Links:

• Woo Developer Blog
• WooCommerce is the foundation of our entire ecosystem
• WooCommerce 11.0: What’s coming for developers
• Unifying extension settings in WooCommerce
• The WP Minute+ Podcast: https://thewpminute.com/subscribe

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt is joined by Jared Rethman, creator of WPSignal, a tool that adds real-time infrastructure to WordPress. It started as an idea for powering Google Docs-style collaborative editing. But Jared shares how this technology can transform WordPress development and what it means for the platform's evolution. He also reflects on the diminishing importance of technical hurdles for future developers and the opportunities for those willing to push boundaries.

Key Takeaways:

• Real-time infrastructure turns WordPress into a live, interactive app instead of a static site.
• Infrastructure is the real moat, not just the feature set.
• WordPress keeps evolving because its architecture is flexible and API-driven.
• AI speeds up building, but it also compresses the traditional learning curve.
• WordPress’s future depends on adaptability more than a fixed identity.
• Hype around AI can distract from the core technical skills that still matter.
• Reliable infrastructure will separate real solutions from flashy ideas.

Important Links:

• WPSignal
• WorldHouse
• Connect with Jared: LinkedIn
• The WP Minute+ Podcast: https://thewpminute.com/subscribe

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The web hosting industry is changing rapidly. On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt is joined by ScalaHosting CTO Vlad Georgiev. Vlad shares thoughts on the evolving role of hosting companies, the implications of AI in software development, and the significance of maintaining a solid grasp of programming fundamentals. You’ll learn why the company’s SPanel is key to their strategy. There’s also plenty of talk about the future of WordPress and open-source.

Editor’s Note: ScalaHosting is a Foundation+ of The WP Minute.

Takeaways:

• Relying on AI too heavily can create a knowledge gap, especially in development and security.
• Open-source AI models are likely to become important infrastructure as commercial AI gets more expensive, creating new opportunities for hosting companies.
• Faster performance comes from smart hardware choices, not just packing in more cores.
• Security should be treated as a core foundation of modern hosting and WordPress.
• Community-driven product development helps ensure tools evolve based on real user needs.
• Long-term wins come from investing in quality infrastructure and optimized stacks rather than chasing short-term cost cuts.
• WordPress remains well positioned for AI integration because of its maturity, flexibility, and ecosystem.

Important Links:

• ScalaHosting
• SPanel
• The WP Minute+ Podcast: https://thewpminute.com/subscribe

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This is a tough time to find development work, and Eric’s guest on The WP Minute+ podcast knows it all too well. Andrew Norcross is a seasoned developer, having run his own agency and led NASA’s transition to WordPress. These days, he’s looking for work. He doesn’t use AI, and at least one potential employer has turned him down because of it. Is that fair?

Eric and Andrew take a hard look at the job market for web professionals. You’ll find insights into what AI can and can’t do, the craft of coding, and the importance of critical thinking. They also examine how corporate culture often prioritizes speed over quality. It’s a much-needed discussion that impacts all of us.

Takeaways:

• The job market for web professionals is changing rapidly.
• AI is complicating the job search for developers.
• Andrew's journey into WordPress was accidental but transformative.
• Developers need to maintain critical thinking skills despite AI’s assistance.
• Job interviews are increasingly focused on AI usage.
• The balance between using AI and preserving coding craftsmanship is crucial.
• Understanding client needs is a key part of development work.
• The coding profession requires problem-solving and creativity.
• Some developers now prioritize paychecks over passion for coding.
• The WordPress plugin ecosystem is facing saturation and declining sales.
• The future of work in tech is unpredictable and challenging.
• Developers are navigating a complex landscape of opportunities and risks.

Important Links:

• Connect with Andrew: GitHub | LinkedIn | Website
• Flashback: Read the outline of Andrew’s WordCamp Philadelphia 2011 presentation
• The WP Minute+ Podcast: https://thewpminute.com/subscribe

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Some WordPress releases are more transformative than others. WordPress 7.1 looks to be a watershed moment, with long-awaited features like responsive styling coming to the Block Editor. But there’s much more to the story. This week’s episode of The WP Minute+ podcast provides a behind-the-scenes look at what’s new, as release lead Anne McCarthy joins Eric to demo new features.

You’ll also find tidbits on some items that didn’t make the cut, like collaborative editing, and how those decisions are made. Anne also shares her experience as a first-time release lead and the responsibilities involved. And you won’t want to miss a few hidden gems that Anne uncovers.

Takeaways:

• WordPress 7.1 introduces powerful and long-awaited features.
• Anne’s first experience as a release lead has been both challenging and rewarding.
• The new responsive styling feature allows for better control over how content appears on different devices.
• The command palette offers quality-of-life improvements for users.
• Classic Block deprecation is a thoughtful process, considering user needs and historical usage.
• Collaborative editing remains a challenge due to server technology limitations and legal responsibilities.
• User experience is a priority, especially in the age of AI.
• The evolution of WordPress aims to maintain familiarity while introducing new functionalities.
• The new media cropper simplifies image editing before uploading.
• Hidden features like the 'On This Day' widget encourage user engagement.
• Custom icons can now be registered for the icon block.
• Testing the beta version can prevent future issues at scale.
• Performance improvements save time for users across the platform.
• The collaborative effort in development is vital for WordPress's success.

Important Links:

• Try the latest version in WordPress Playground
• Collaborative Editing: Outreach Efforts | Research Summary and Insights
• Roadmap to WordPress 7.1
• Anne’s Experience as a Release Lead

Related:

The WP Minute’s Matt Medeiros shares a rundown of new features in WordPress 7.1.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoHdkzm6s6w

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You may have heard of WordPress Playground, but have you explored what it can do? WordPress developer and core contributor Elliott Richmond has some real-world examples that might surprise you. He joined Eric Karkovack on this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast to share his experience using Playground for a client training session. Elliott also digs into other potential use cases and how this browser-based WordPress install is changing his workflow. After this episode, yours may change too!

Takeaways:

• WordPress Playground allows for browser-based WordPress instances.
• Blueprints enhance the functionality of Playground for prototyping.
• Playground is useful for client training and reducing anxiety around new tools.
• Setting up Playground can be straightforward with proper documentation.
• Using GitHub for version control with Playground is powerful.
• Playground can be used for testing different PHP and WordPress versions.
• The drag-and-drop feature simplifies plugin and theme testing.
• Playground can speed up the process of sharing demos with clients.
• Elliot emphasizes the community aspect of sharing knowledge in WordPress.

Important Links:

• WordPress Playground
• Using WordPress Playground and Blueprints to Train Clients on Block Themes
• Connect with Elliott: LinkedIn | Twitter/X | YouTube
• The WP Minute+ Podcast: https://thewpminute.com/subscribe

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Thanks Pressable for supporting the show! Get your special hosting deal at https://pressable.com/wpminute
Become a WP Minute Supporter & Slack member at https://thewpminute.com/support

The WP Minute’s June 2026 member meetup asked a simple question: What’s the state of your business in 2026?

Eric Karkovack and Kurt von Ahnen led a discussion of what’s working, what’s not, and what’s changed this year. We dig into AI’s impact on the market, the importance of resilience, and why foundational knowledge is still valuable. It’s timely advice for freelancers, agencies, and product makers who want to stay ahead of the game.

Takeaways:

• The economy has seen ups and downs, affecting business operations.
• Resilience and consistent effort can lead to eventual success.
• AI is changing the landscape, but human expertise remains crucial.
• Building relationships and reputation is key to business growth.
• Freelancers should focus on their core competencies to thrive.
• AI can be a distraction from essential business practices.
• Foundational knowledge in web development is still important.
• Clients often prefer expert solutions over DIY approaches.
• Marketing strategies must adapt to changing consumer needs.
• The future of business looks hopeful with the right strategies.

Important Links:

• Agency Action Podcast: https://thewpminute.com/subscribe
• The WP Minute+ Podcast: https://thewpminute.com/subscribe

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