solutions before development: creating wordpress products that actually sell

Rebecca GillWeb Savvy Marketing

solutionsbefore

developmentCreating WordPress Products That Actually Sell

The Internal FightTo launch a theme store or not? That was the question.

The Concept Was SimpleCreate premium themes designed for the Genesis Framework.

In the beginning…We were completely and utterly clueless.I thought we were doing great. Then I realized we could triple sales.And we did.

At First We Were Just Another WordPress Theme Store

We failed to create solutions, therefore we failed to attract buyers or sell themes.

Find Your NicheCreate solutions designed around specific target markets and buyers.

It’s more than features and functions. It’s an industry specific solution.Wait - is it really industry specific?

Holy Cow, It Worked!People started to buy themes

and more themesand customizations

and developer licensesand more customizations.

And then they startedto refer other buyers.

Start With a PlanEvaluate the entire process from conceptthrough development, sales, and support.

The Small Town SolutionTiny towns in the middle of nowhere defined what we would build.

Develop a Marketing StrategyEach theme starts with a review of search volumes.

Then we analyze actual search results and evaluate competitors.

Know That GoodDesign is Critical

If you don’t see ugly, hire someone who does.

If you need pretty, hire someone who can create it.

Structured Code Was KeyBy using the Genesis framework, we had clearly defined best practices. This allowed multiple programmers to play well in the same sandbox.

Pay for a True Code AuditHire an independent, respectedexpert to audit your code.Our review with Gary Joneswas invaluable.

It’s a Team Effort So HaveClearly Defined Roles and Assignments

Concept creation

Market research

Requirements defintion

Wireframes

Graphic design

Theme coding

Demo data

Set up instructions

Theme audit

File assembly and change logs

Sales pages

Promotion via posts and social media

Affiliate management

Pre-sales inquiries

Store management

Ongoing support

Paid customizations, support, and training

Accounting

Use the Right ToolsBasecamp, Github, WooCommerce, Premium Plugins

Understand Your CostStructure and ROI

Research

Graphic designers

Coders

Demo data entry

Stock images

Marketing

Pre-sales inquiries

Credit card fees

Payment gateways

Refunds

Affiliates

SaaS software

WordPress plugins

Ongoing support

Success Formulaawaiting your arrival.

Plan for Troubleand Protect YourselfBuyers don’t read.Software breaks.People steal.

Expect the Unknown

What you think people will buyand what they actually buy

are sometimes completely out of sync.

Just learn from it and move on.

What’s your product idea?What WordPress magic will you create?

Rebecca GillWeb-Savvy-Marketing.com

Sell solutions, not products. @WebSavvyMrkting #wcchiThink marketing strategy and not promotion. @WebSavvyMrkting #wcchiMake magic with WordPress! @WebSavvyMrkting #wcchi