Sarah Pressler

Sarah Pressler hated WordPress the first time she downloaded it! But eventually she came to love it and today she runs a handful of WordPress-based businesses. Sarah keeps busy building and maintaining ServerPress, CodeBrain Media, and her newest project, Optimalist WordPress Plugin.

Although Sarah is a successful WordPress developer, she didn’t always picture herself working online. In fact, as a child she wanted to be an orchestra conductor. Sarah loved the idea of being in a leader. Although she doesn’t work in the music industry, Sarah is certainly plays the role of leader in her work.

Sarah started spending time on the Internet when her children were babies. She began blogging as a means to occupy herself during their naptime. Sarah also created a group for mothers in her area in order to socialize and network.

Eventually, Sarah learned HTML and CSS by tinkering with features on her blog. Her proficiency in writing online grew, and soon a friend asked Sarah to write promotional web copy. That helped Sarah realize the potential to make money online and opened her eyes to new possibilities.

Today, Sarah dedicates the majority of her time to working on business development and communicating with clients. She also keeps busy collaborating with her team on product development, as well as working on social media.

In addition to being a successful product developer, Sarah also teaches ballet. When she’s not working, Sarah loves spending her time outdoors with her children.

Join us on today’s show to hear Sarah explain why DesktopServer is a must-have tool, how being a stay-at-home-mom got her interested in the internet, and building WordPress websites and plugins on this week’s WP Elevation Podcast!

Elevation Round

Q: What’s the #1 thing any freelancer needs to know?
A: Manage your time.

Q: What’s the best thing you’ve done to find new customers?
A: Twitter campaigns.

Q: How do you stop competing on price?
A: Absolutely stop comparing yourself to others.

Q: Any tips for writing better proposals?
A: Take your time, be thorough, and actually spend time with your clients.

Q: What’s your favorite CRM tool?
A: We love the team behind the UKUU People, which is a plugin for WordPress.

Q: Any ideas for getting referrals from existing clients?
A: Ask for them.

Q: What’s the #1 thing you can do to differentiate yourself?
A: Specialize.