After any WordPress project a client will have a number of questions about their new site so it is the freelancer’s best interest to include documentation.
The WP Help plugin by Mark Jaquith makes it easy to add documentation via custom posts that exist internally within the WordPress admin. The plugin also includes the ability to sync documentation that exists in another WP Help installation. This is really useful if the same documentation is used across a number of sites.
I get A LOT of requests for assistance. While I prefer that people ask for help with a topic in an article I’ve already written and leave a comment, I am not adverse to people emailing me or filling out the contact form. Calling for free help, however, is pushing it.
Some say that I shouldn’t offer any free assistance but I disagree. People have answered my questions and helped me out, especially Jeff Starr and Stratos. When I first contacted Jeff Starr, however, it was about an article he had written – I didn’t just ask him random questions and expect him to answer. I was also very grateful and thanked him repeatedly. And Stratos helps me out quite a bit and, although he doesn’t want me to, I frequently pay him. And someone that you answer a quick question for might become a paying customer.
But, here’s the deal. There needs to be limits, respect and patience. And here’s an example of what not to do.
My second installment of ugly WordPress themes.
I scour the internet for these so you don’t have to ;-) Actually and unfortunately, I really don’t have to search very hard for them. But hey, I save the links and take screenshots and give them to you in a nice tidy package. That counts for something, right?
I’ve frequently mentioned that I get most of my freelance work from Twitter. It’s not hard but it will take some time to build credibility and to be viewed as providing value. It doesn’t cost anything except for your time.
Keep in mind that this is geared toward locating WordPress work but it can be adapted for whatever you do; writing, coaching, SEO, etc.
Here’s how I do it.
I’m not very religious but do believe in the Bill and Ted “just be excellent to each other” philosophy. Well, at least, I try. Of course, there was the Blade Runner compliment debacle and the time I was snippy rather than reflecting on what was being said to me. But, I really think it’s easier to be kind.
Recently, for fun or because I am a masochist – I’m not really sure, I’ve being helping people on the WordPress forums. I get excited when I know the answer and I also learn a lot. People have encountered issues that I’ve never even heard of or are using really cool code that I hadn’t even considered using.
What I’ve found though is that some of the other members, while knowledgeable, are really unpleasant. They are rude, sarcastic and snarky.
Subscribe to the (Anti) Social Newsletter for WordPress Tutorials, Recommendations, Special Offers and More
