WordPress SEO for Developers: Tools vs. Building Your Own with Wes Towers (Part 2)
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
Release Date: 11/06/2025
2025 Year-End Reflection for Developers: AI Hype, Layoffs, and What’s Next
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
It’s New Year’s Eve-Eve, and instead of recording from our usual virtual setups, we did something we’ve talked about for years: we hit record in the same room. If you’re watching on YouTube, you can actually see us together. If you’re listening on audio, you’ll just have to trust us—this one was in-person. In this special episode of Building Better Developers (our Building Better Foundations season), we keep it simple: a Year-End Reflection for Developers. What are we ready to leave behind from this year? What do we want to carry into the next one? And what’s the reality...
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Year-End Reset for Developers: A Pre-Christmas Check-In to Finish Strong
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
The week before Christmas has a way of exposing how the year really went. Deadlines either slow down or pile up, calendars get messy, and the pressure to “wrap everything up” shows up at the same time you’re trying to enjoy the season. In this Pre-Christmas episode of Building Better Developers, and keep it practical: looking back on the year, calling out what worked (and what didn’t), and sharing why a year-end reset for developers is the best way to prepare for a better new year. Why a Year-End Reset for Developers Matters A year-end reset for developers isn’t just...
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Adapting Your Business to AI: Productivity Surges, New Models, and the Power of Data
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
In Part 2 of our Building Better Foundations interview with , founder and CEO of Barefoot Solutions and Barefoot Labs, we explore how companies can begin adapting their business to AI over the next one to three years. Rather than imagining futuristic scenarios, Hunter keeps the focus on what’s already happening—and what leaders must do now to stay ahead. About Hunter Jensen Hunter Jensen is the Founder and CEO of Barefoot Solutions, a digital agency specializing in artificial intelligence, data science, and digital transformation. With over 20 years of experience, Hunter has...
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Getting Started with AI in Your Business: Insights from Hunter Jensen (Part 1)
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
In this episode of Building Better Foundations, we interview , founder and CEO of Barefoot Solutions and Barefoot Labs, to explore what it really takes when getting started with AI in your business. As companies rush toward AI adoption, Hunter offers grounded, practical advice on avoiding early mistakes, protecting your data, and choosing the right starting point. About Hunter Jensen Hunter Jensen is the Founder and CEO of Barefoot Solutions, a digital agency specializing in artificial intelligence, data science, and digital transformation. With over 20 years of experience, Hunter...
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How Value-Driven Project Discovery Shapes Better Software Outcomes
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
In Part 2 of our interview with , CEO of eResources, we explore how value-driven project discovery helps teams make better decisions, prevent waste, and build software that actually supports the business. Dusty goes deep into prioritization, budgeting, revenue-generating processes, and why discovery is essential for steering both startups and large enterprises toward meaningful outcomes. About Dusty Gulleson Dusty Gulleson is a founder who never set out to build a large company—he simply followed the work, served people well, and let loyalty drive the growth. After leaving a COO...
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How Story-Driven Discovery in Software Projects Leads to Better Results
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
In this episode of the Building Better Developers Podcast, we sit down with Dusty Gulleson, CEO of eResources, to explore why story-driven discovery is the foundation of every successful software project. Dusty shares how understanding a customer’s journey, motivations, and real-world frustrations leads to better outcomes than any technical requirement alone. Instead of focusing on platforms and features first, he explains why great projects begin with people and the stories behind their needs. About Dusty Gulleson Dusty Gulleson is a founder who never set out to build a large...
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Managing Digital Distractions: Insights from Mister Productivity (Part 2)
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
In part 2 of our Building Better Developers conversation with we shift from foundational habits to the modern reality of our digital world. With smartphones, notifications, social media, and AI competing for every second of our attention, managing digital distractions has become one of the most important productivity skills of our time. Mark pulls back the curtain on how our devices keep us hooked—and offers practical, simple steps to regain control of our attention before the noise takes over. About Mark Struczewski Today, we're joined by Mark Struczewski—pronounced...
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Staying Focused in a Noisy World: Lessons from Mister Productivity (Part 1)
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
In this episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, part of our Building Better Foundations season, and sit down with , better known as Mister Productivity. His passion is helping people get unstuck—whether through time management, clarity, or intentional focus. And in today’s always-on environment, staying focused is one of the biggest challenges professionals face. The first half of our interview explores distraction awareness, practical habits, and foundational techniques for staying focused in a world full of interruptions. About Mark Struczewski Today, we're...
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Thanksgiving Reflections for Developers: A Moment to Reset and Appreciate
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
In this special holiday episode of the Building Better Foundations season of the Building Better Developers Podcast, hosts and pause their usual deep-dive discussions to share meaningful Thanksgiving reflections for developers. This annual tradition goes beyond technology and process—it centers on gratitude, growth, and the people who shape our journeys. Why Thanksgiving Reflections for Developers Matter Even though the recording takes place before the holiday, the episode releases just as listeners gather for Thanksgiving. Rob’s signature “gobble gobble” sound kicks...
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Thanksgiving Tips for Developers: How to Reset, Recharge, and Enjoy the Holiday Break
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
Thanksgiving week is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity for developers to slow down, unwind, and refocus. In this special pre-holiday episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, Rob and Michael step away from the regular Building Better Foundations theme to talk about travel mishaps, gaming plans, personal downtime, AI experiments, and practical Thanksgiving tips for developers who want to rest and still grow. Whether you’re staying home, traveling, or juggling family plans, this episode delivers simple and meaningful insights to help you make the most of the...
info_outlineIn this follow-up episode of Building Better Developers, Wes Towers returns to share his hands-on approach to WordPress SEO for developers. From choosing lean tools like Kadence and Rank Math to using AI for faster content creation, Wes explains how developers can simplify design, speed up performance, and stay visible in an AI-driven search world.
Key Idea: Smart WordPress SEO for developers isn’t about more plugins—it’s about clarity, speed, and content that stands out across search and AI platforms.
About the Guest — Wes Towers
Wes Towers is the founder of Uplift 360, a Melbourne-based digital agency that helps builders and trades turn websites into trusted, lead-generating tools. With over 20 years of hands-on experience, Wes focuses on authenticity, clear strategy, and measurable growth — no fluff, just results. Through his work and podcast appearances, he shares practical insights on niching for developers, SEO, and building trust in an AI-driven world.
🔗 Learn more: uplift360.com.au
💼 Connect: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook| X
WordPress SEO for Developers: One Concept, Less Confusion
Early in his career, Wes pitched three designs for everything. Results? Slower decisions and muddier direction. Today, he presents one, well-researched concept informed by a quick sitemap, a handful of reference sites, and the client’s style preferences. It shortens cycles and raises satisfaction—because clarity beats choice overload.
Client Script: “We’ll align on a single, focused concept so you spend less time deciding and more time winning work.”
WordPress SEO for Developers in the LLM Era
Traffic patterns are shifting as answers surface inside platforms like Google’s AI Overviews, ChatGPT, and Perplexity. Clicks may drop even when visibility rises. Wes’s response: publish high-quality, experience-rich content that LLMs want to cite.
- Measure beyond clicks: inquiries, booked calls, closed deals.
- Create content that only you can—case studies, process visuals, before/after proof.
- Accept imperfect attribution. (A client landed a ~$140K job after a buyer asked ChatGPT “who’s the best in Australia”—you won’t see that in GA.)
If content is generic, LLMs will ignore it. Specificity is the new SEO.
WordPress SEO for Developers: AI Drafts + Human Stories
Wes drafts with AI, then has clients weave in real stories—field photos, client quotes, job constraints, and outcomes. That blend delivers speed and originality.
- Use AI to restructure, de-jargon, and tighten tone.
- Ask clients for 3 project snapshots per quarter (problem → approach → result).
- Maintain style via prompts pulled from the brand’s micro-style guide (voice, headlines, CTAs, taboo phrases).
Quick Win: Create a “First-Draft Prompt” template and a “Brand Voice Prompt” you reuse across pages.
WordPress SEO for Developers: Performance & CDN Reality
Caching and CDNs confuse non-technical clients—and sometimes even teams. Wes’s guidance:
- Start with good hosting. Cheap hosts cause slow TTFB and flaky uptime.
- Cache carefully. Clear browser and edge caches during launches.
- Use a firewall/CDN (e.g., Sucuri) to stabilize legacy or fragile sites while you plan a rebuild.
- Optimize images with tools like Imagify; avoid plugins notorious for breakage.
Caution: Don’t “optimize” yourself into a support spiral. Fewer, reliable plugins beat a kitchen-sink stack.
WordPress SEO for Developers: A Lean, Fast Stack
Wes’s current go-to recipe favors Gutenberg blocks and keep-it-simple plugins:
- Theme/Builder: Kadence (blocks-first, lightweight, client-friendly)
- SEO: Rank Math (local SEO + AI meta at scale)
- Security: Wordfence (free) → Sucuri firewall for higher risk
- Forms: Gravity Forms (robust integrations & payments)
- Avoid: heavyweight page builders (Elementor/Divi) that bloat markup and slow maintenance
Stack to Copy: Kadence + Rank Math + Gravity Forms + Wordfence/Sucuri + a single cache plugin on quality hosting.
WordPress SEO for Developers: Getting Started (or Leveling Up)
For newcomers and refreshers alike, Wes recommends:
- Map a one-page sitemap and approve the menu first.
- Present one concept tied to outcomes (calls, quotes, bookings).
- Draft with AI, finish with proof: add photos, numbers, and stories.
- Harden and speed up: hosting, caching, firewall, image compression.
- Measure what matters: conversions, not just rankings.
- Publish consistently: short project write-ups beat sporadic “ultimate guides.”
Bottom Line: WordPress SEO for developers isn’t about clever hacks—it’s about repeatable execution, authentic content, and a lean stack that stays fast after handoff.
Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community
We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development.