I have no idea why it still looks like a button set from 2001’s Dreamweaver. I really don’t. PayPal is huge. They can easily customize their button.
But they didn’t.
What is the alternative to PayPal?
I’m so glad you asked.
If your site is built on the WordPress content management system (not hosted on WordPress.com which is totally different), then you can install an online donation plugin, namely Give.
Of course, there are plugins in the WordPress repo to style the PayPal button and other donation plugins to choose from. I worked for ThoughtHouse and GiveWP was our client. Of course, I’m telling you about GiveWP. That’s my disclaimer and I’m proud of it.
The Give Donation Button and Form Looks Better.
The Give donation form looks better than the default PayPal button. Period.
To me this is the most compelling argument against PayPal donation button.
It may not be the best feature technically, but from a marketing standpoint, I think design matters.
PayPal is still the payment gateway if you’re using Give standard. Give’s forms are modern and stylish. Better yet, they inherit their design from your WordPress theme. What does this mean? It means your donation button will not clash with your website. Oh yeah, it’s mobile responsive, too.
Why does design matter?
When you’re asking people for money trust is involved.
Aesthetics matter. Branding matters.
Something that looks up-to-date is more trustworthy. Period.
Exhibit A. Artaxis Fellowship.
Artaxis used Give to fund a scholarship for a summer residency. You can read more about that story here.
They have a custom donation page with imagery, a description, and a modern, clean donation form on the site. This is the free version of Give. They are not paying for add-ons. They’re using PayPal.
So, it’s pretty obvious which looks better, right?
Exhibit B. WP Media Pro.
Jason Tucker used Give recently to crowdfund for video equipment to broadcast and archive local WordPress meetups.
Again. He could have easily used PayPal. He’s using the free version of Give — no fancy payment gateway add-ons, just PayPal standard.
He could have used PayPal’s button. But he didn’t.
Even better, go visit the site. He uses an image of himself, reinforcing his role in WordPress. He tells the story. Lists the need. Lists the equipment. It’s no wonder he met his goal in 24 hours.
Notice one of the features Jason took advantage of — the button color matches his site’s colors. This form looks different from the one on Artaxis. Same plugin, different themes and customizations.
Jason is using the progress bar, and is naming the donation levels with levels of appreciation: “$25 Thanks! $50 You are Awesome! $100 Thank you, thank you, thank you” and so on.
Sherlock and Moriarty. Batman and the Joker. Superman and Lex Luthor.
Every hero has a nemesis that taunts them and generally tries to hinder their good work.
Ideas come to me in the dark, subconscious hours of the night, teasing me with the promise of genius only to leave me when I’m fully awake.
Instead of relying upon my memory, when I’m inspired at 4:00 a.m., I need to become more disciplined about writing them down.
I had this great idea for a video about not tweeting in the third person. But I didn’t write it down. Not one to waste an opportunity, I turned my own mistake into a lesson.
How do you conquer and capture your ideas? Once written down, that’s just the beginning. (more…)
Sometimes we think that the older we are, the less likely we can change our careers — to a successful degree. But it simply isn’t true. And this is why I love WordPress.
I love WordPress because it allowed me to change the entire trajectory of my career — at 42 years old.
When else does an office manager suddenly have a career at a #WordPress plugin shop but by discovering #WordPress? #ilovewp
I grew up poor. I learned office skills in high school, after a disastrous bus boy position. I needed to learn to type. That trade served me well all of these years.
My mom and grandmother told me I had to get a college education. They were right to push me. It took me seven years, three major changes, and a student loan balance, but I have that degree.
Shortly after I was married, we lost our business. Accountants, am I right? No offense, but this guy stole money and ran away with it. We fell on hard times.
I got my multiple subjects teaching credential and ended up teaching junior high and high school math at a private school at a church.
When I went for teaching I never considered parents. Whoa! No one told me there’d be so many bosses. No matter what I did, they were unhappy.
One year later, the school closed and I was out of a job. The church offered me a secretarial position for the same salary. That was fine by me, I never wanted to teach again.
Except for two years while finishing my degree at San Diego State and a year teaching, I’d been some form of secretary since I was 14. That’s a lifetime for some.
Look, office work is honest work. I’m good at it. I enjoyed it. But the potential for career (read: salary) growth is limited at best. Since my husband is retired, I was the sole provider.
I was feeling trapped.
Social Media Guru
In 2009, I started tweeting for Riggins Construction — along with my Office Manager duties. The economy tanked. Something had to be done. So I did it.
You know, there are people who talk about being self-starters and then there are those of us who go forward and ask permission later.
People started asking me questions. They saw something that, at the time, I did not. I was good at this social media stuff. Joking, I started this whole blog/persona: You, Too, Can Be a Guru.
I didn’t start content marketing at my former job in order to leave it. I just wanted to do something positive. I learned a lot from 2009-2015.
The WordCamp Era
I started going to WordCamp because of my friend Pam of Pam Ann Marketing.
With Carol Stephen at WordCamp Orange County 2013 – My very first.
There were a group of us who got to know each other on Twitter. Each of us were in the construction or industrial sector trying to make B2B connections. A joke about us being “The Pink Ladies of Twitter” turned into a Facebook group and the rest is history.
So when Pam mentioned she planned to attend WordCamp Orange County back in 2013, I didn’t know what it was or entailed.
We wanted to hang out with Pam and for only $40 there was no reason not to go. So, my other pal Carol flew down from the Bay Area and we loved it. Pam didn’t make it that year. We started a fun tradition. If you want to know what a WordCamp is read this post.
Social Media Mastermind
If you want to level up your life, you have to hang around people who 1) think differently than you do; and, 2) are smarter than you are.
I started attending a meetup in January of 2014 that I’d seen people tweeting about: SMMOC.
This mastermind group is a facilitated discussion. The people who attend want to learn from one another. To say this is an amazing group of people is an understatement.
Some of us went to lunch afterward, we became Facebook Friends, etc.
We bonded and the hashtag kept us together. It’s no longer running but those people are still my peers and close friends.
Apply For A Crazy Job
Sometimes, you have to apply for a job you don’t think you can do. Maybe you think you can do it. But this post wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging Buffer’s role. When their job posting came up for a Happiness Hero (and they post the salary because of transparency) I knew that a career in social media could be a reality for me.
I ran into a snag. They required reading two books before you could apply. Not being a fast reader, my SMMOC girlfriends told me to listen to them on Audible. In two weeks, I had applied to a new job.
But that’s not the main point.
One of the books they required was Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh. Listening to it driving to work, I cried. And not just once.
I did not know people could be happy at work. I only knew that I needed a job — my happiness was not important. Someone had to pay the rent. That was my responsibility.
A few weeks later, I got an email from Buffer saying I didn’t fit. I was bummed, if I’m honest. They were right. If they had hired me, I wouldn’t have found my fit.
So, thank you, Buffer (I’m looking at you Nicole).
Change Your Career with Writing
The first step was believing what people kept telling me. It’s a sad commentary on my psyche, maybe, but true. I thought people were just being nice. They were being honest.
Now I knew I had the instinct for social media and marketing, but I didn’t have the business, journalism, or English degree. I lacked almost every requirement on any job posting I saw on LinkedIn. If that wasn’t that, it was a lack of remote work opportunity.
I knew that by building a self-hosted site I could build my brand — one post at a time. BridgetWillard(dot)com was going to be my resume.
I had to write my way out of secretarial work. I had to write my way into social media.
And so, because of my friends, my new-found experience, and some courage from DesktopServer, this site went live in April 2015.
I suppose it helps to have a super BFF who is an Admin in the Advanced WordPress Group on Facebook. She posted my debrief there and introduced me to Matt Cromwell through email. Thanks, Heather. You’re the best!
Matt (my Matt) from WordImpress sent me an email asking if I’d like to review plugins. Sure he asked the wrong person, I gave him the top ten list for why I’m not a good match but I’m super flattered.
Seriously, he wouldn’t take “no” for an answer. I did try to get out of it. I’m glad he didn’t give up on me.
What I didn’t realize is that he wanted a series written by a non-developer with a background in business-to-business. That’s how the Normal People Great Plugins series was born.
Volunteering at a WordCamp was totally under-rated by me. I am way too shy to ever have volunteered on my own.
I’m thankful that Alex reached out to me because people I’d only seen on Twitter a few times, I had a chance to talk with more substantively. Of course, I got to meet the speakers and some of the sponsors. and that enriched my experience, too.
Jason Tucker, of WPwatercooler fame, sent me a message one day in October 2015. He wanted to start a weekly show answering WordPress questions on Blab. He asked his wife who he should pick for a co-host and they thought of me — because I “was everywhere.”
I tried to talk him out of it, but he thought it would be a good combination: an IT geek and a Twitter Nerd.
It turns out, he’s right. We did the show until August 7, 2023.
A Job in WordPress
I didn’t use WordPress to get a job in WordPress. I didn’t go to WordCamp to get a job in WordPress. I wanted a social media job.
I went to WordPress because the software was easy for a non-developer like me. I went to WordCamp because I learned valuable business, writing, and other skills.
I went to WordCamp to learn at first. Then I met people and made friends. It’s amazing how generous the WordPress community is with their knowledge. The WordPress community has a nose for people that don’t really fit in.
Director of Marketing
Slowly by slowly, I was given more side work from my friends at Thought House (sold to Liquid Web May 11, 2021), including the Twitter account for GiveWP, which I grew from 167 to 1000 followers in two months. Needless to say, they were impressed.
We hung out at their office one day and had lunch. We hung out at WordCamp Orange County in June and then I spent time with each of the guys (Devin, Jason, and Matt) at WordCamp Los Angeles. I presumed they were feeling me out for a culture fit.
In late November of 2015, they made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. I started December 1, 2015 and ended as Director of Marketing in October of 2017.
Yes, You Can Change Your Career
That fall of 2015, for the first time in my adult life, I took a risk. A big one.
I quit a stable job to take the scariest adventure ever: working for a tech startup in a niche market. In 2015 that was scary, but in 2017 I started freelancing. There were tears. Two years in, I am happy, over my revenue goals, and highly respected in my industry.
It’s been a long road from 2001 in roofing to being a marketing freelancer but I would do it all over again.
If I can do it you can, too.
Say “yes” to yourself. You can control your career. You can change it.
Remote work is the ability to work on a computer from any location that has a strong WiFi connection. You can choose to be a digital nomad like Jon Brown or you can work in a dedicated office or co-working space. Remote work removes the commute at the very least.
For me, I went from being an office manager, to working 80% remotely for an advertising agency, to being 100% freelance. I not only left the office, but I left the time-selling culture that comes with salaries. True freedom is charging for the work, not your time.
The current situation isn’t bad for remote work
It accelerates people toward the benefits
– no commute – output over time – increased efficiency – control of environment
It shows how far we’re away from having a great remote setup
I have plenty of tips from my experience both working in offices since I was fourteen years old to working remotely since 2015.
Remote Work Isn’t For Everyone
Steve Zehngut says all of the time, “Remote work isn’t for everyone.” He said it again today on WPwatercooler. If you choose to work remotely, take a deep dive into your psyche and figure out if you have what it takes. Strong boundary settings, communication skills, and accountability are important for remote employees.
Freelancers and small business owners also need an instinct for boundaries, communication, and accountability. Your clients are your bosses in some regards. Ultimately, you should be accountable to yourself.
Remote Work isn’t Hard
People seem to think this would be super hard. I get asked by almost everyone I know,
“How do you like working from home? Is it hard?”
I like it. It’s not that hard.
Okay. Backup.
Yes, I had some trouble at first. But it was about expectations – mine, my late husband’s, and those of my friends.
Remote Work is About Setting Boundaries
It used to drive me crazy that my late husband listened to talk radio at volume 11 all day long. Did I mention it was all day long? Yes. All. Day. Long. But I got headphones, closed my office door, and listened to Pandora.
[bctt tweet=”Remote work is a real job. Protect your boundaries with friends and family.” username=”bridgetmwillard”]
Friends, especially stay-at-home moms could not understand why I couldn’t go to three-hour lunches. I have said, for the last five years, “because I’m working.” I used to be very upset. I now know it is on me to set my boundaries and keep them.
I now work half days on Fridays. After my blogging time block on Friday afternoons, I can hang out with my friends. Or Saturday. Saturdays are for three-hour lunches.
Does it always work? No. It can be frustrating or you can just keep explaining that you’re working. Don’t allow people to guilt you into playing hooky. You’ll regret it. Learn from my mistakes.
Remote Work Is Real Work
I am a freelancer. I am accountable. I have clients. I have tasks. It’s true that I no longer charge for my time (unless you buy a consult), but the work still has to be done. If I delay my work, I let myself down.
If you treat remote work like a part-time job, you’ll get part-time results. This is especially true if you don’t manage time well. Your supervisor or clients have to trust that you’re working.
Remote Office Mentality
Being a remote work is a mentality. Have a dedicated area for work. I have the cutest office area. Before I rented out my second bedroom, my office was there. Now, it’s in a dedicated place. Everyone (neighbors, roommates, friends) knows that if I am sitting at my desk I am working.
You do what you practice. Posture makes a difference in my mental attitude. It matters — at least to me. I do not work on the sofa or in bed unless I am ill.
If you can work on your laptop in the car, sofa, or in a coffee shop, more power to you. I have worked in these situations with friends while traveling. However, I am most productive at my desk. This is where self-awareness comes in.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9CfEl3htJx/
Create Virtual Coworkers
If you’re part of a company, you may already have team meetings. If you’re an Agency of One like Nathan Allotey calls it, then you need to create coworkers. Things come up. You need peers you can trust to work through issues. For me, this is Jason Tucker and Jen Miller.
We have a Group Message that continues day or night. If need be, we jump on a group FaceTime or Zoom call. We need a small group of people we can trust.
Write Stuff Down
When I first began working remotely, I thought I was going to lose my mind. My work was no longer tied to tasks represented by literal paper in an actual inbox. I knew that being a routine-oriented was a plus, but my routine completely changed.
Two weeks into remote work, went to Staples and bought a paper calendar with a two-page week layout. Yes. Paper. And pens. I bought pens. To this day, I still use a paper calendar (along with Google Calendar), a notebook to take notes during client calls), and post-it notes. I recently added using Momentum for Chrome, thanks to a suggestion from Jason Tucker.
Remote Work Tools
If you’re working for a company, you may be using Basecamp, Slack, and Zoom to coordinate, keep one another accountable, and manage tasks. If it’s not Basecamp, it may be Asana, Trello, or ClickUp. Slack may be What’s App, Zoom might be Skype.
Familiarize yourself as much as you can with the tools your company uses. Don’t expect to be given a tour or tutorial. I don’t think I’ve ever been given one.
In client work, I use whatever tools my client uses. This is because I’m a marketing freelancer. Either way, whatever works, works. Get a system and stick to it. It only works if you work it, as they say.
Learn From Experts
Today I joined WPwatercooler about remote work. Steve and Cosper have a lot of valuable advice. Watch this 30 minute episode. You won’t regret it.
Remote Work Mindset
Being a successful remote worker is a mindset. Be disciplined. A lot of people work in their pajamas. I cannot.
Again it’s part of my mindset and self-awareness. When I shower, get dressed, fix my hair, and put on makeup, my brain knows it’s time to work. I’m emotionally and intellectually ready to do my best.
Remote Work Tips from WPwatercooler
Shower Daily
Wear Clean Clothes
Take 10 Minute Breaks
Stand in the Sun
Go Outside
Eat Lunch At a Regular Time
Dedicate an Office Space/Area/Mindset
Block Out Your Time
Close Your Laptop at the End of Day
Segregate Work and Personal Email with Apps
Virtually Raise Your Hand if You’re Stuck
Raise Your Hand if You Finish Early
Communicate with Your Team Daily
Check In with Supervisor Regularly
Remote Work is Freedom
Ultimately, remote work is freedom. It’s freedom from people interrupting your work. It’s freedom from an expensive commute. But there are downsides, too. You need to be around people. But that’s another blog post.
[bctt tweet=”Remote work is the ultimate freedom. You’re no longer dependent upon commute, location, or salary.” username=”bridgetmwillard”]
Remember, that it is a huge difference between being a small business owner/freelancer and being an employee who works remotely. Managing expectations is about effective communication and boundary setting.
When you freelance, you set the rules. You’re not a jerk because you won’t work at 4:00 A.M. My good friend always says, “Your crisis isn’t my problem.” She’s right.
Don’t allow anyone to bully you: friends, partners, clients, or bosses. Be polite. Be humble. Be free.
Organic material needs the right conditions to grow. Your crops need the right soil. That’s an investment.
So, how are you investing in your soil online? Are you doing the work to be successful at organic social?
This is a spinoff of my recent GuruMinute video.
Chef’s Table — A Netflix Documentary
I was inspired by Chef’s Table this week and how Dan Barber’s food-to-table movement starts quite literally at the farm.
Crop Rotation
Crop rotation and investment in the soil is how you get flavor — mind-blowing, true flavor.
The organic food movement is a movement against automation and a movement back toward nature. Allowing the land to rest, planting things that give back to the soil, and encouraging the microbial activity takes more time, is more expensive, but yields better results.
What makes social media organic?
What if we treated our social media organically?
What if we invested in the soil — the people — our fans, friends, and followers?
What if we rotated our content so we had a three-dimensional persona online? What if we shared other people’s content? What if we rested?
Guru Lesson
You can’t have organic faming without investing in the soil.
You can’t have organic social without investing in people.