Matt kicks off 2026 with thoughts on new WP Minute initiatives, WordPress opportunities in the AI era, and where he sees the biggest potential for agencies and freelancers this year.

Free Course Launch: Pricing & Scoping WordPress Projects

Taught by Eric Kovac (30 years in web development)
Covers project requirements, agency selection, and client communication
Useful for freelancers learning to scope projects and for clients understanding what agencies need
Available at thewpminute.com/courses

Accountability Cohort Program

Six-week program for freelancers and agency owners
Group check-ins, goal-setting, and peer support
Designed to build momentum for growing your business in 2026
Apply at thewpminute.com/accountability-intake

WooCommerce as the Big Opportunity Matt's theory: SaaS platforms like Shopify, Webflow, and Wix may feel AI's impact first as licensing costs rise and get passed to customers. This could drive businesses toward WordPress and WooCommerce for more flexibility and control.

Rethinking the Agency Model

Basic code, wireframing, and brainstorming increasingly assisted by AI
Opportunity lies in becoming a strategic partner, not just a technical vendor
Critical human thinking and industry expertise become more valuable

AI Cost Predictions Expect AI subscription costs to rise significantly—Matt predicts plans like Claude Code Max could double to $400/month or higher as companies face the real economics of frontier models.

Reality Check on AI

Despite using AI tools daily for plugins and experiments, Matt notes the technology isn't fully there yet. His example: Claude built a landing page but put "2024" in the footer—a small error that raises questions about reliability on more complex tasks.

Links

Courses: thewpminute.com/courses
Newsletter: thewpminute.com/subscribe
Accountability Program: thewpminute.com/accountability-intake

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