Description:
In this solo episode of The Builders Podcast, host Matt Levenhagen takes us behind the scenes of running a successful web design agency while simultaneously building a suite of WordPress plugins. Matt shares how he balances client demands with product development, turning internal needs into innovative tools for broader market application.
With over six years of experience leading Unified Web Design, Matt reflects on the evolution of WordPress, embracing full-site editing, and navigating industry shifts to stay competitive. Learn how strategic resource management, a growth-focused team, and a passion for building have shaped his journey with Unified Plugins.
If you're a business owner or agency leader contemplating your next big product idea but wondering how to make time for it, this episode offers a blueprint for sustainable innovation without losing focus on your core operations.
Key Takeaways:
- Embracing Industry Changes: Why adopting new WordPress technologies like full-site editing can future-proof your business.
- Balancing Client Work and Internal Innovation: How to allocate team resources effectively and prioritize product building.
- Building with Purpose: The importance of creating tools that enhance both client projects and your internal workflows.
- Skill Development Through Product Creation: How internal projects can help developers grow, resulting in better client outcomes.
- Long-Term Vision: Investing in product development for future success—even when it’s not immediately profitable.
Whether you're scaling your agency or considering building your own digital products, this episode is packed with insights and practical strategies for balancing it all.
THE MEAT OF IT!
- Mastering Client Services as a Foundation for Growth
- The role of the agency in funding product development
- Maintaining high client service standards while scaling
- The Evolution of WordPress and Why It Matters
- Embracing full-site editing and block themes
- Navigating industry changes and client preferences
- The Vision Behind Unified Plugins
- From internal tools to a public product suite
- Creating products that enhance both internal and client workflows
- Balancing Client Work and Product Development
- Strategic resource allocation: maximizing developer downtime
- Building in phases: prioritizing MVPs (minimum viable products)
- The Team as a Catalyst for Innovation
- Empowering developers to grow through internal projects
- Skill-building through advanced plugin and API development
- Sustaining Momentum and Long-Term Goals
- Overcoming challenges during slow periods
- Shifting focus to marketing and profitability
- Lessons on Building with Intention
- The importance of long-term vision in product strategy
- Doing what you love as a driving force for innovation
Click to See Episode Chapters and Timestamp
| Timestamp | Summary |
| 0:00 | Mastering WordPress Development for Diverse Client Needs |
| 2:50 | Building Businesses and Products Through First Principles |
| 8:32 | Building a Digital Product Empire Alongside an Agency |
| 13:51 | Embracing WordPress Evolution with Full Site Editing Block Themes |
| 26:17 | Developing Plugins and Managing a Dynamic Web Design Team |
| 31:39 | Building Passionate Product Frameworks and Iterative Development |
| 41:09 | Empowering Developers Through Plugin Development and Continuous Learning |
| 46:30 | Building a Business with Strategic Investment and Resource Management |
Check out these related Episodes:
- Episode 205: Dave Fano – Building Teal: Delaying the Build to Learn, Innovating with AI
- Episode 201: Nick Jain – Small Changes, Big Impact: Introducing New Features & Intentional Innovation
- Episode 200 – Celebrating 200 Episodes: Recap & The Builders’ Refined Focus for Season 2
