David Prochaska
- David Prochaska
- Founder/President of MarketRiser
- MarketRiser
- @DavidProHQ
How were you first introduced to WordPress?
I was introduced to WordPress 4 years ago. I created a website to help college students with homework. I have created 20+ WordPress websites since then (it’s sort of part of my job).
What do you like about it?
I like how easy it is to set up. I’ve been creating websites since 2004, and back then it was all HTML and CSS by hand. I still have to get in the back end here and there, but for the most part, I don’t have to worry about the coding. I can focus more on driving results for my business rather than writing code.
What do you do with WP now?
I have my own business, MarketRiser, which I use WordPress on. All clients that I have built websites for are on WordPress. I also do SEO professionally, so I jump into WordPress on a daily basis.
How has the WP community (local and beyond) helped you?
Wordpress Codex has definitely been a life saver. The forums on the WordPress website are very helpful as well. Early on using WordPress, it’s easy to be totally confused on simple things like setting up a child theme. The WP community is more than helpful on solving any problems I have.
Did learning WP lead to any significant professional, personal, creative changes in your life?
Wordpress allowed me to build websites a lot faster than coding HTML, which led to being able to generate more money. WordPress now allows me to host my website where I generate a small amount of affiliate income.
What would you tell a brand new user?
Don’t get plugin happy. Plugins are essential for a WordPress site, but it’s easy to install every “bright shiny object.” For any website you have, no matter what it is, set up an opt-in form to gain subscribers to your email list. This goes beyond just WordPress because you have to have an email marketing provider, but it’s so essential for every website and business to have an email list. Pro tip: get a plugin like Visual Composer to create pages in a drag and drop format. It saves a TON of headaches.
Anything else we should we know?
I’m a husband and a father of 4 kids. My favorite quote, “Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson