Wordcamp Roundup

April 7, 2014

wordcamp atlanta 2014

What is Wordcamp?

WordCamp is a conference that focuses on everything WordPress. WordCamps are informal, community-organized events that are put together by WordPress users like you. Everyone from casual users to core developers participate, share ideas, and get to know each other.

In a nutshell, Wordcamp is an opportunity to learn what the best and brightest in our WordPress community have so say on a variety of digital marketing issues. We had a great time hanging out with the wonderful people in this community and have compiled several blog posts outlining each of the sessions we attended. You can also enjoy pictures of the event here. But first…

Here are a few notes from the Wordcamp Keynote address presented by Syed Balkhi (@syedbalkhi):

Consider including the idea of FREE in your business plan — think of the prize in a box of cereal. It adds little cost and a lot of perceived value. “Free is an indirect path to revenue.” Free builds trust. By giving away something as small as advice or as large as an eBook, your time will be repaid in dividends.

This is karma for business — put yourself out there and engage with your community. Use Twitter search to provide advice, use sales trip lines (like giving away white papers in exchange for an email address), etc. Dropbox.com is a great example of using free accounts as a tool to build sales.

Interesting takeaway: the first email Syed sends in response to a newsletter sign up is “what is the one thing I can help you with right now?” — he answers these! (Note: his first email is NOT sales.)