WP plugin and theme providers! Product + ongoing service... how is it going for you?

5 replies
This goes out to people who sell plugins, themes or provide a service that calls for intermittent but ongoing support.

I have coded a WP plugin that would be a killer in its category. It is much advanced and intuitive than the other products available in its category.

My main idea was to generate some seed money for my other ventures, otherwise, I am not a coder per-se and not at all interested in development services.

I have read some discussion about how most big WP plugin owners make close to nothing for their work (think AIO SEO - with over a million downloads... I believe its maintainer makes $200 at most a week in donations.)

So, I started thinking that I may be shooting myself in the foot releasing something that will probably break with every new upgrade to WP. On the other hand, I put almost 3 weeks working on it.

I realize I must have thought about this before, but I am not sure if I should go ahead and release it now or consider my time as a sunk-cost.

I would like to know how much other people make in providing plugins and themes but I understand that it a question frowned upon (please do go ahead and give some type of a pointer about possible revenues if you like to).

And, do you at times consider getting into a product + ongoing service business a mistake or not, and either case, why?
#ongoing #plugin #product #providers #service #theme
  • Profile picture of the author Tools For IM
    Plugin development in and of itself really isn't really a major moneymaker for us. Not directly, anyway. It's a great way to build valuable backlinks for your primary brand/offer, however. Additionally, it's a good lead-in for other opportunities and revenue. I follow a stepladder approach when considering certain plugin development opportunities, or anything else in that realm.

    Theme development is more profitable, but unless you've got a killer theme, the life on these aren't so great.

    You're right...keeping plugins updated is a hassle! We primarily develop plugins now for our own use, and since we run networks of sites using WPMU, it's more controllable than releasing in the wild.

    PM with any specific questions...would be glad to help!
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    • Developing and selling Wordpress Plug-ins aren't any different than selling any other software offering.

      You still have to keep up to date with the technology changes, bug fixes and continually add new features/options. You have to have a support system in place to help answer questions and provide technical support to your customers.

      It's a business and not something to take lightly if you are looking to make money doing it. There is a considerable amount of money in it if you do it right.

      If you are planning on offering the software for free, you still have to provide some level of support doing bug fixes and such, but you can do things like build a list or get your name out there so that when you do start to offer paid products you have a following of customers that already know your work and are willing to pay for it.

      I am a full time developer and I do all my own work, so for non-technical folks it is a bit different selling software that you don't know all the ins and outs of and provide support for it.

      Customer Service IS the most important aspect of selling software. It is just as important as the software itself. Provide stellar customer service and your customers will reward you for it.

      Selling your own product is VERY rewarding and lucrative but just like anything worthwhile, it is a LOT of work. I will say that the benefits far outweigh the negative aspects of it.

      Hope this helps.

      -Brad
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    • Profile picture of the author knowwow
      Originally Posted by Tools For IM View Post

      We primarily develop plugins now for our own use, and since we run networks of sites using WPMU, it's more controllable than releasing in the wild.
      WPMU makes you write your plugins after all, that is another world on its own. The security is much more complicated (you can't just put in PHP enabled text widgets for instance)...

      I understand that there is a code-merge in the horizon between WP and WPMU and that makes me go even more weary: I'd release my plugin today at WP 2.9.1 and write it again for WP 3.

      I guess I will end up calling it quits and perhaps release less complicated plugins, like those providing little helpful widgets. Huge time loss but at least I learned much about jQuery on the way...

      Welcome to WF by the way; I may take you up on your offer and consult other things as I have several projects that are suitable for WPMU but even wpmu.org plugins don't cover my needs exactly...
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  • Profile picture of the author knowwow
    @nichewebstrategies,

    Yeah I have come to those conclusions in the end, and I feel a bit dumb picking this avenue after deciding that "selling own products is the way to go (against affiliate marketing)", i.e if one can produce his own. Customer service is key as you say...

    I considered releasing it for free, but even then, (a lot more) people expect you to give quick support and with no limits at that(this won't work with Thesis, it looks a bit wide on my site etc. etc.).
    No show for a few days, and you are considered a jerk.

    I am out to establish a name in IM, so I considered the list building approach but after consideration this seems like a risky bet at a first step in promotion.

    Thanks a lot for your thorough analysis of the situation...
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