WebCami Podcast Cami MacNamara

Posted on WebCamiCafe.com on March 21,2024

In this episode, I share the invaluable lessons learned from a year of weekly podcasting, reflecting on the challenges, growth, and unexpected joys of connecting with the WordPress community through the WebCami Podcast.

The original post can be found here: https://webcamicafe.com/a-year-on-the-mic-lessons-from-podcasting-weekly/

About the author: Cami MacNamara, otherwise known as WebCami, has 22 years of experience running a small, profitable, one-person web design business, so she can walk her dog whenever she likes. She has co-hosted a beginner WordPress Meetup in Seattle since 2018 and has been an active member of the Seattle WordPress community since 2013. Cami has designed nearly 600 websites, provides services to 350 active clients, and manages over 200 websites monthly as a solopreneur.

More WebCami links:

Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/webcamicafe/

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter for web designers: https://webcami.myflodesk.com/webcami-cafe-newsletter

To view my business website, visit: https://webcami.com/

Transcript of Cami's Commentary:

That's a wrap for Season 1 of the WebCami Podcast. What season 2 holds is still up in the air—whether it brings change or continues as is, time will tell. Thank you to everyone whose blog posts I've enjoyed sharing; your insights have been invaluable, and I'll keep reading.


Michelle Frechette

Bob Dunn

D.J. Billings

Kerri Marvel

Judith Kallos

Tara Claeys

Amy Masson

Rene Morozowich

Kathy Zant

Bud Kraus

Erik Karkovach

Brian Coods

Ann Marie Gill
I regret not getting to feature many other talented voices in the WordPress community. The wealth of knowledge out there is incredible, and it's been an honor to highlight content that supports both new and seasoned web designers.

For now, my focus shifts to the HabitsWP.com newsletter, a project that I find rewarding and enriching. It's a practice of sharing good habits for web designers and actively engaging in and recommitting to them myself.

I'm also continuing to moderate WebCami Cafe, a Facebook group for web designers. It's a small but mighty community where support and connections thrive.

My hope with the podcast has always been to offer support and ideas to those starting or running their web design businesses. The content is designed to be evergreen and easy to listen to, whether while taking a leisurely walk or hitting the gym.

Thanks to all who've tuned in. I'll return in a few months after I take this break.

I want to give a special nod to my friend Bob Dunn for introducing me to the world of podcasting at WordCamp Portland 2017. I'm happy I'll see Bob for a Northwest reunion in September at WordCamp US.

Thank you, everyone, for supporting and participating in this adventure.

NEW HABITS NEWSLETTER FROM WEBCAMI:

New year, new habits! Starting January 1st, 2024, I'm launching a weekly newsletter for WordPress web designers. Each week, get a fresh habit to supercharge your business, straight to your inbox. Ready to level up? Head to habitswp.com to sign up, and let's make 2024 our most productive year yet! https://habitswp.com/

Posted on CascadeVallyDesigns.com on February 29th, 2024

In this episode, In this episode, Ann Marie Gill shares five key strategies for decluttering your website, emphasizing streamlined navigation, the use of white space, intentional imagery, content quality, and a moderate color palette to improve user experience and site professionalism.

The original post can be found here: https://cascadevalleydesigns.com/cleaning-up-website-clutter/

About the author: Ann Marie Gill is the heart and soul behind Cascade Valley Designs, a business she started in 2001 out of her love for web design and a desire to boost small businesses online. She's not just a skilled designer; she's one of us—a dedicated mom and a small business owner who knows all too well the challenges of balancing work and family life. Her company is a testament to her commitment, guiding a wide array of clients, from interior designers to music educators and from food bloggers to online retailers. With Ann Marie, it's all about making things simple, clear, and practical, ensuring every business she works with gets a shot at shining online. She's a dear friend to me and responsible for introducing me to Beaver Builder. Something I will always have enormous gratitude for. Ann Marie is my web design hero and I'm so happy to have her in my life.

More Ann Marie Gill links:

https://cascadevalleydesigns.com/

https://www.youtube.com/user/CascadeValleyDesigns

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annmariegill/

https://twitter.com/cascadevdesigns

Transcript of Cami's Commentary:

While reading Ann Marie's blog post, I found myself reflecting on my own home, which has been in the throes of a basement remodel for nearly a year. Walking into my house means navigating between storage shelves and boxes that have taken permanent residence in my living room. It's far from calming. Yet, stepping into the tiny condo I rented to work in during construction brings me an immediate sense of relief.

Ann Marie is my go-to for web design wisdom. In her bio, which I've shared in this post, I dub her my web design hero, and I mean every word. Whenever I'm stuck, she's the one I call, always ready to share her knowledge with warmth and generosity.

Her experience as a web designer has sharpened her focus on what truly matters to clients. The challenge of explaining to customers why cluttering a website, especially the homepage, isn't wise is all too familiar. Yet, Ann Marie has mastered this, advocating for simplicity and clarity.

I'm inspired to adopt Ann Marie's house clutter analogy to help my own clients understand why overloading their website's homepage is a misstep. It's an effective way to communicate the importance of a clean, welcoming digital space.

A big thank you to Ann Marie for being more than just a colleague and a mentor to me. She's my web design BFF and a constant support. I'm so thankful for her friendship and her willingness to share her wisdom when I need it the most. Thanks, Ann Marie! I love you dearly!

NEW HABITS NEWSLETTER FROM WEBCAMI:

New year, new habits! Starting January 1st, 2024, I'm launching a weekly newsletter for WordPress web designers. Each week, get a fresh habit to supercharge your business, straight to your inbox. Ready to level up? Head to habitswp.com to sign up, and let's make 2024 our most productive year yet! https://habitswp.com/

SUBMIT YOUR BLOG POST FOR NARRATION: https://webcamipodcast.com

More WebCami links:

Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/webcamicafe/

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter for web designers: https://webcami.myflodesk.com/webcami-cafe-newsletter

To view my business website, visit: https://webcami.com/

Posted on briancoords.com on January 10th, 2024

In this episode, Brian Coords discusses the distinct functions and audiences of the block editor and page builders in WordPress, emphasizing that the block editor is not intended to replace page builders but offers a unique approach for creating and editing content with a focus on restraint and efficiency.

The original post can be found here: https://www.briancoords.com/the-block-editor-is-still-not-a-page-builder/

About the author: Brian Coords is the Technology Director at HDC and editor of MasterWP and he actively contributes to WordPress. On his blog, briancoords.com, he merges tech insights with personal anecdotes, reflecting a career journey from English teacher to tech expert. Residing in Orange County, California with his family, Brian's diverse background—from academia to music—enriches his WordPress and tech endeavors, making him a distinctive voice in the WordPress community.

More Brian Coords links:

https://www.briancoords.com/

https://twitter.com/briancoords

https://masterwp.com/author/brian-coords/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCqvxKqiwxupjn9t0Ztvu-A

Transcript of Cami's Commentary:

Since the introduction of the block editor, the WordPress community has seemingly divided into two distinct groups: those who embrace the block editor wholeheartedly and those who remain loyal to page builders. Personally, I find value in both approaches.

I believe that as freelance web designers, the choice of tools should primarily hinge on what feels most natural and efficient for us. It’s about selecting a method of building websites that not only instills confidence in our abilities but also ensures we can effectively meet our clients' needs.

Additionally, it's important to consider the level of technical proficiency our clients possess, especially if they plan on updating their websites themselves. Some clients might not be interested in managing their site updates, which can influence the tools and platforms we choose to use.

What I appreciate about the article in question is its clear message: the block editor isn’t attempting to replace page builders but rather to offer a different approach to website construction. For developers who find the block editor to align with their workflow, it opens up new avenues for delivering value to their clients.

Of course, if you’re more comfortable working with a page builder, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. It's all about finding what works best for you and your clients.

I strongly encourage you to explore the links in the show notes and watch Brian’s demonstration on using the block editor for web design. I found it both informative and inspiring, and I hope you will too.

NEW HABITS NEWSLETTER FROM WEBCAMI:

New year, new habits! Starting January 1st, 2024, I'm launching a weekly newsletter for WordPress web designers. Each week, get a fresh habit to supercharge your business, straight to your inbox. Ready to level up? Head to habitswp.com to sign up, and let's make 2024 our most productive year yet! https://habitswp.com/

SUBMIT YOUR BLOG POST FOR NARRATION: https://webcamipodcast.com

More WebCami links:

Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/webcamicafe/

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter for web designers: https://webcami.myflodesk.com/webcami-cafe-newsletter

To view my business website, visit: https://webcami.com/

Posted on Speckyboy.com on October 13, 2023

In this episode, Eric Karkovack shares the unpredictable nature of the job where client requests can instantly disrupt a well-planned schedule, and offers strategies for managing such disruptions, highlighting the importance of prioritizing tasks and maintaining mental health amidst the chaos.

The original post can be found here: https://speckyboy.com/unpredictable-life-freelance-web-designer/

About the author: Eric Karkovack is a freelance web designer, writer and author, with a focus on WordPress. He has over two decades of experience in web design and has long been involved in the WordPress community. Eric is the founder of Eric Karkovack Web Design Services, LLC, which he launched in 1999. In addition, Eric contributes as an editor and author at Speckyboy Design Magazine, and writes for TheWPMinute, where he shares his insights and expertise on web design, WordPress, and related topics.

More Eric Karkovack links:

https://www.karks.com/

https://speckyboy.com/author/erickarkovack/

https://thewpminute.com/author/ekarks/

https://twitter.com/karks88

Transcript of Cami's Commentary:

Picking just one article from Eric's vast collection of blog posts was challenging, especially since they are so insightful. The piece I settled on resonated deeply with me as a freelancer, perfectly capturing the essence of a freelance web designer's day. It serves as an invaluable reminder for newcomers and seasoned professionals alike that our days are inherently unpredictable. Adapting to the ebb and flow of client requests and demands is crucial for both success and personal satisfaction.

Eric's observation about the sudden influx of client communications had me nodding in agreement. It's a familiar scenario: clients I haven't heard from in ages suddenly flood my inbox with urgent tasks right before a vacation. Over time, I've learned the importance of setting boundaries and telling clients I'm about to leave on vacation and their requests will have to wait. Surprisingly, most are understanding.

The WordPress community is a treasure trove of wisdom and authenticity, and Eric stands out as a key contributor. His articles foster a sense of camaraderie within the community, offering guidance akin to that of a mentor, even to those he hasn't met personally.

I've long followed Eric's writing and recommend others to do the same. Follow him on social media, subscribe to his blog, and tap into his wealth of advice. His writings offer practical tips and remind us of the value of embracing imperfections in our structured days.

NEW HABITS NEWSLETTER FROM WEBCAMI:

New year, new habits! Starting January 1st, 2024, I'm launching a weekly newsletter for WordPress web designers. Each week, get a fresh habit to supercharge your business, straight to your inbox. Ready to level up? Head to habitswp.com to sign up, and let's make 2024 our most productive year yet! https://habitswp.com/

SUBMIT YOUR BLOG POST FOR NARRATION: https://webcamipodcast.com

More WebCami links:

Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/webcamicafe/

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter for web designers: https://webcami.myflodesk.com/webcami-cafe-newsletter

To view my business website, visit: https://webcami.com/

Posted on WebCamiCafe.com on February 12, 2018

In this episode, I share how establishing a morning routine can revolutionize your entire day, emphasizing its profound impact on productivity and mental clarity.

The original post can be found here: https://webcamicafe.com/why-a-morning-routine-can-change-your-whole-day/

About the author: Cami MacNamara, otherwise known as WebCami, has 22 years of experience running a small, profitable, one-person web design business, so she can walk her dog whenever she likes. She has co-hosted a beginner WordPress Meetup in Seattle since 2018 and has been an active member of the Seattle WordPress community since 2013. Cami has designed nearly 600 websites, provides services to 350 active clients, and manages over 200 websites monthly as a solopreneur.

More WebCami links:

Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/webcamicafe/

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter for web designers: https://webcami.myflodesk.com/webcami-cafe-newsletter

To view my business website, visit: https://webcami.com/

Transcript of Cami's Commentary:

I woke up at 2:30 a.m. today and, by 3:30 a.m., realized sleep was a lost cause. So, at 4:00 a.m., I drove to the temporary office I've rented while my home undergoes renovations. It's shaping up to be a long day.

Reflecting on nearly a year of weekly podcasting, I've noticed a pattern: many topics serve as reminders to myself. I'm podcasting to reinforce the advice I've been blogging about for six years.

One key insight from today's episode is how easy it is to stray from the habits that serve us best. Although I've maintained parts of my routine, my dedication has waned. Reminding myself of the success these habits brought me makes me eager to adopt them again.

Winter in Seattle challenges my commitment to a daily 30-minute outdoor walk, and often, I'm reluctant to drive to the gym. Adjusting routines is okay—I still walk my dog at lunch, though it's hardly a workout. Yet, the value of morning exercise is undeniable; its benefits linger throughout the day.

Routines and habits are central for business owners. Try one if you haven't established a morning routine. It could be as simple as a single push-up, reading for ten minutes over coffee, or a moment of quiet gratitude. Crafting a morning routine that primes you for the day can dramatically enhance your productivity and mindset.

NEW HABITS NEWSLETTER FROM WEBCAMI:

New year, new habits! Starting January 1st, 2024, I'm launching a weekly newsletter for WordPress web designers. Each week, get a fresh habit to supercharge your business, straight to your inbox. Ready to level up? Head to habitswp.com to sign up, and let's make 2024 our most productive year yet! https://habitswp.com/

SUBMIT YOUR BLOG POST FOR NARRATION: https://webcamipodcast.com

Posted on WebCamiCafe.com on April 16th, 2018

In this episode, I share how the power of collaboration and community over competition, especially in the business world.

The original post can be found here: https://webcamicafe.com/i-dont-have-competitors-i-only-have-colleagues/

About the author: Cami MacNamara, otherwise known as WebCami, has 20+ years of experience running a small, profitable, one-person web design business, so she can walk her dog whenever she likes. She has co-hosted a beginner WordPress Meetup in Seattle since 2018 and has been an active member of the Seattle WordPress community since 2013. Cami has designed nearly 600 websites, provides services to 350 active clients, and manages over 200 websites monthly as a solopreneur.

More WebCami links:

Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/webcamicafe/

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter for web designers: https://webcami.myflodesk.com/webcami-cafe-newsletter

To view my business website, visit: https://webcami.com/

Transcript of Cami's Commentary:

I've been good at making friends since I was a kid. I hung out with various groups in school, always finding something in common with everyone. This thing about being super competitive in business, especially with others in your field, never made sense to me. For 12 years, I was part of a BNI group where I met a bunch of other designers and graphic artists. Most of the time, it was great. Sure, there was one weird exception, but that's just one in 12 years.

About ten years back, I started working with a client who had a web designer from Duvall hosting her site. I called her to let her know I needed hosting access, and that's how I met Ann Marie Gill from Cascade Valley Designs. Fast forward to today, and she's one of my best friends. We help each other out all the time. She's been fantastic with coding advice and support, and I send clients her way whenever I can. She's been a real gem in my life.

We even attended a women's business retreat in Costa Rica last October. Since then, we've been co-working every Friday, focusing on our businesses and supporting each other. It's been super productive for both of us.

Even though I'm not in BNI anymore, I still attend local business events. Just this week, I sat next to another web designer from my neighborhood at a women's networking event. We talked on the phone a few years ago, so meeting in person was great. We're planning to grab coffee soon. I'm hoping we can refer clients to each other, especially for things one of us might not offer.

I've always believed in sharing knowledge and supporting colleagues, even just by showing up for them. Meeting your competitors can be a good thing. In my experience, they often turn into friends.

NEW HABITS NEWSLETTER FROM WEBCAMI:

New year, new habits! Starting January 1st, 2024, I'm launching a weekly newsletter for WordPress web designers. Each week, get a fresh habit to supercharge your business, straight to your inbox. Ready to level up? Head to habitswp.com to sign up, and let's make 2024 our most productive year yet! https://habitswp.com/

SUBMIT YOUR BLOG POST FOR NARRATION: https://webcamipodcast.com