Hi! My name is Emily.
I have been using WordPress since 2017, when I created a WooCommerce site to sell my own photographic cards to support charitable causes. I’d had no previous experience of building sites and wouldn’t even consider myself to be very tech savy, but my drive to use my creativity to raise money for the charities close to my heart led me to discover WordPress. More than a year after launching my site, I joined a Facebook group dedicated to WordPress. It was a real eye-opener to the multi facets of WordPress, and acquiring knowledge and delving into site issues strongly appealed to my inquisitive mind. Once I get digging into an issue, I cannot rest until I have found the answer!
Why did I create WP in the Community?
After creating my own site, I found I was drawn into conversations with people and community groups eager to create their own sites but unsure where to begin, or from people already using WordPress but were stuck or uncertain of the best way forward. Then people started recommending me to others. The experience was both humbling and a great opportunity as I’d had little hands-on experience with any site but my own at that time. Sometimes I’d be asked to help with easy things and sometimes those little things unexpectedly turned into bigger things but every step of the way I was increasing my knowledge and applying the same meticulous standards.
In 2021 I was invited to help moderate some more advanced WordPress groups than I had been used to, and that marked a point in my journey when I really started properly honing my skills. Thanks to some amazing opportunities, and having some incredibly supportive and encouraging people in my life, I’m now glad to be able to use my skills and desire to help others in a more public way, through WP in the Community.
What do I strive to offer people?
Clear and precise guidance
Knowing what it is like to use WordPress as a total beginner helps me to convey information in the easiest way for you to understand. I also investigate thoroughly in order to try to pinpoint the exact cause of an issue and give tailored advice, rather than provide you with generic or possibly confusing information. If I have been working on your site, I will ensure you have all the necessary information to enable you to seamlessly continue using and editing your site without any obstacle.
Attention to detail
When working on sites, I am very particular about following best practices in areas such as security, backups, compatibility, optimisation, ensuring designs work 100% across all screen sizes, and keeping a strong focus on accessiblity. I pay close attention to even the finer details and cannot rest until my work is looking and functioning to my satisfaction.
An inquisitive mind and persistence
WordPress is an immensely vast subject. I am always building on my knowledge by delving into complex issues, researching, and striving to fully understand. This commitment allows me to effectively apply what I learn across various situations and consider any broader implications when providing solutions. Whilst I cannot guarantee that I will always have an immediate solution, I will leave no stone unturned in order to assist you.
Honesty and transparency
My solid understanding of core WordPress combined with my troubleshooting skills helps me to provide you with sound solutions and quality results. If ever something is beyond me though, I will always be honest about that rather than hash together an answer that could leave you with potential issues for the future. You are always welcome to ask me as many questions as you like, no matter what they are. If you have any doubts, fears, or even think your question might be silly (note: there is no such thing as a silly question; all are equally valid), I would much rather you ask me than try to suppress any worries.
Empathy and understanding
I try to view things from all perspectives and will always listen and take on board any information you provide. I will carefully consider the options available to you and your situation, and discuss them with you to agree on the best solution. I have worked with charities as a trustee, secretary, treasurer, independent examiner, safeguarding officer, youth worker and Director of Music, as well as on an informal basis and with organisations’ websites. This provides me with a good understanding of some of the challenges and regulations you may be working with. Nothing is more important than finding or providing a solution that you are happy with and works well for you at both a personal and business/organisation level.
You matter.
Your project or service matters.
The people and cause you are serving are important to me too.
Your site is in safe hands.