Introduction to the Jukebox Podcast

The Jukebox Podcast from WP Tavern is dedicated to all things WordPress, covering topics such as people, events, plugins, blocks, themes, and more.

About the Podcast and Host

The podcast is hosted by Nathan Wrigley, who has been involved in the WordPress community for several years. In this episode, Nathan interviews Katie Keith, the founder and CEO of Barn2 Plugins, a company that specializes in creating WordPress plugins, particularly for WooCommerce.

Katie Keith’s Background and Experience

Katie Keith has a background in project management and marketing, while her husband, Andy, has a background in software development. They started their business as a WordPress agency, building websites for clients, but eventually transitioned into creating WordPress plugins.

Transition from Agency to Plugin Development

Katie explains that they started building plugins as a way to create a more scalable and flexible business model. They initially built a theme, but it didn’t work out as planned, and they eventually focused on building plugins. Their first plugin, WooCommerce Protected Categories, was a success, and they have since built 19 premium plugins, many of which extend the functionality of WooCommerce.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

Katie discusses the challenges they faced when building their first plugin, including the complexity of WooCommerce and the need to balance plugin development with client work. She also talks about the importance of market research and customer feedback in shaping their product development.

Current Focus and Future Plans

Katie mentions that they are currently focusing on improving their existing plugins and expanding into the Shopify market. She also discusses the potential for growth in the e-commerce market and the importance of staying agile in a rapidly changing industry.

Reflections on the WordPress and WooCommerce Landscape

Katie reflects on the current state of the WordPress and WooCommerce landscape, noting that while WordPress may not be growing as rapidly as it once was, the e-commerce market as a whole is still expanding. She also discusses the importance of marketing and promoting WooCommerce as a platform.

Advice for New Entrants

Katie advises new entrants to the WordPress plugin market to focus on finding gaps in the market and creating products that meet the needs of their target audience. She also emphasizes the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry and being prepared to adapt to changes in the market.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Katie Keith’s story is an inspiring example of how a business can transition from a traditional agency model to a successful plugin development company. Her experiences and insights offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to enter the WordPress plugin market or expand their existing business into new areas.

Getting in Touch with Katie Keith

If you would like to get in touch with Katie Keith or learn more about Barn2 Plugins, you can visit their website at Barn2.com or follow Katie on Twitter at katiekeithbarn2.