Say thanks and learn more about our podcast sponsor Omnisend.  In this extended episode of WP Minute+, I sat down with Mark Szymanski for an in-depth discussion about the current state of WordPress, its growth trajectory, and the challenges it faces in marketing and community engagement. We explored recent developments in the WordPress ecosystem, including insights from industry leaders and data trends from the WP Product Talk episode. This conversation was sparked by recent presentations and discussions in the WordPress community, particularly focusing on the apparent plateau in WordPress growth and the need for renewed community engagement. We analyzed Josepha Haden Chomphosy's WordCamp US presentation from a year ago, which highlighted the importance of human involvement in WordPress's future success. Highlighting the complexities of WordPress's position in the market, comparing its growth trends with competitors like Wix, Squarespace, and Webflow. We discussed the unique challenges WordPress faces as an open-source project competing with commercial entities, and how this impacts its marketing and growth strategies. A significant portion of our discussion focused on the potential for marketing initiatives within the WordPress community. We explored ideas for collaborative marketing efforts, the challenges of creating a unified message for such a diverse platform, and the potential role of content creators in promoting WordPress. Throughout our conversation, we touched on several critical issues, including:1. The balance between open-source ideals and commercial interests in WordPress2. The need for better data and metrics to understand WordPress's market position3. The challenges of creating a cohesive marketing strategy for a diverse platform4. The role of Automattic and other major players in shaping WordPress's future5. The potential for community-driven marketing initiatives Key Takeaways for WordPress Professionals:1. WordPress is experiencing a growth plateau, necessitating new strategies for engagement and growth2. There's a growing recognition of the need for better marketing and community engagement in WordPress3. The diversity of WordPress use cases presents both a strength and a challenge for marketing efforts4. Content creators and community members play a crucial role in shaping perceptions of WordPress5. There's potential for collaborative marketing efforts, but challenges in coordination and messaging remain6. The open-source nature of WordPress provides resilience but also complicates marketing efforts7. Understanding different user avatars is crucial for effective WordPress marketing Important URLs mentioned:1. wordpress.org/about/philosophy2. wordpress.com3. wix.com4. squarespace.com5. webflow.com6. thewpminute.com/support7. markszymanski.co8. mjs.bio Chapter Titles with Timestamps:1. [00:00:00] Introduction and Recent WordPress Developments2. [00:15:00] Analyzing WordPress Growth Trends3. [00:30:00] The Challenges of Marketing Open-Source Software4. [00:45:00] Community Engagement and WordPress's Future5. [01:00:00] Comparing WordPress to Commercial Competitors6. [01:15:00] Potential Marketing Strategies for WordPress7. [01:30:00] The Role of Content Creators in WordPress Promotion8. [01:45:00] Closing Thoughts and Call to Action This episode provides a comprehensive look at the current state of WordPress from both a veteran's perspective and a newer community member's viewpoint. It highlights the ongoing challenges and opportunities within the WordPress ecosystem, offering valuable insights for anyone deeply involved in the WordPress community. ★ Support this podcast ★