Business Archives - Business Bloomer

How the WooCommerce Community Surprised Me This Week

Over the past few days, I’ve been running a little experiment with the WooCommerce community—and let’s just say, it’s been incredible. What started as a simple idea quickly turned into something much bigger than I expected.

I’ve been keeping notes, tracking milestones, and seeing the energy and creativity this community brings to the table. The results so far have been both encouraging and, honestly, quite surprising.

In this post, I’ll take you behind the scenes, share some unexpected moments along the way, and explain why I believe this experiment could serve as an example for anyone in the WordPress ecosystem, and beyond.

Community Is Still the Best WooCommerce Feature

There are so many reasons why WooCommerce continues to power millions of stores around the world. It’s flexible. It’s open source. It’s customizable. But none of those explain its success on their own.

What truly makes WooCommerce thrive is… us. The community behind it.

For almost 15 years, developers, freelancers, agencies, makers, and merchants have shaped WooCommerce in public. They’ve shared code, answered questions, written tutorials, organized events, built extensions, and helped strangers solve problems at midnight on a Sunday on a random forum thread. That effort has done more than improve the software—it has moved it forward.

In this post, I want to reflect on why WooCommerce continues to stand out in a crowded ecommerce landscape, why community is still its strongest advantage, and why that human layer it’s the real deal (also including a live case study!).

When Big Brands Enter WooCommerce

When an established company decides to enter the WooCommerce ecosystem, it’s not just another product launch—it’s a reputation gamble.

Take Wise as an example. Founded in 2011 to solve real-world currency exchange frustrations, it grew into a global financial platform serving millions (including me).

Yet, despite its scale and technical expertise, it had never built for WordPress or its commerce layer until… now. With a new payment gateway for WooCommerce on the horizon, it’s clear they’re approaching this market intentionally rather than casually.

And that’s rare. Most brands underestimate what it takes to succeed in the WooCommerce world, assuming development alone, plus a recognized logo, are enough. They are not.

Entering this space requires research, positioning, and community awareness—otherwise even the biggest names risk launching to silence, criticism, or worse: broken stores.

What fascinates me isn’t just that a major company is entering the space. It’s how they do it—and how different that approach is compared to the typical plugin launch we see every week.

So, if you’re a big brand (but the same applies if you’re a new company) entering the WP space, read on and see what research and positioning is required before writing your first line of code!

WooCommerce Product Discovery in the Age of AI

magnifying glass, nature, loupe, discover, look, outdoors, forest, mountain

In a recent Business Bloomer Club Slack thread, the topic of AI-driven product discovery came up following a blog post by James Kemp that discussed how AI tools are beginning to influence the way online shoppers find products — and what that means for WooCommerce stores.

The thread quickly shifted to a broader discussion about the impact of tools like ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overviews, and how WooCommerce developers and shop owners can adapt by expanding their presence beyond their own websites.

Several useful resources were shared, and the tone was clear: ecommerce is evolving fast, and being ready for the shift means taking action now.

The discussion brought out a mix of strategic insights and technical recommendations. Below is a summary of the blog post that sparked the conversation, along with thoughts and ideas shared by Club members.

WooCommerce IRL Conference Coming in 2026

A global in-person event for WooCommerce builders is coming. It’s still early days, but the waitlist is live — and 28 people have already signed up.

The announcement of Checkout Summit marks the beginning of something long overdue: a real-life conference dedicated to WooCommerce Makers.

No design frills yet, no date or location confirmed (except that it will take place in Sicily, Italy in 2026) — but the vision is clear. A 2-day event, focused, with speakers and attendees who build for WooCommerce day in, day out.

The goal? One room, 2 days, one topic: WooCommerce. No distractions. No fluff. Just builders helping builders get better at what they do.

WooCommerce Needs Its Conference Back (WooConf)

Elegant empty conference room with stylish blue leather chairs and wooden paneling.

In a recent Business Bloomer Club Slack thread, a shared frustration surfaced: it’s been over 8 years since the last official WooCommerce conference — WooConf 2017 in Seattle.

That’s 3,000+ days without a dedicated space for WooCommerce developers, store owners, and professionals to connect, learn, and shape the future of the platform.

The earlier events (San Francisco in 2014, Austin in 2016, and Seattle in 2017) offered a rare but powerful opportunity to gather the Woo community in one place. Workshops, talks, hallway chats — it all fostered momentum and collaboration.

Since then? Silence. WooCommerce’s growth hasn’t slowed, but the community feels increasingly fragmented. It’s time we talk about why WooConf disappeared — and why it needs to return.

WooCommerce Plugins in the Age of AI

A bustling street market in Manila with colorful tents and a lively crowd shopping outdoors.

The rapid advancement of AI is transforming numerous industries, and WordPress plugin development is no exception. Recent developments have demonstrated AI’s increasing ability to assist in creating WordPress plugins, raising significant questions about the future of the plugin ecosystem and how developers will compete in this rapidly evolving landscape.

The accessibility of AI tools is changing the dynamics of plugin creation, potentially lowering the barrier to entry for aspiring developers and empowering users to customize existing plugins to their specific needs. This shift has profound implications for both established plugin businesses and individual developers, forcing them to reconsider their strategies and adapt to the changing demands of the market.

The Business Bloomer Club conversation we’ll explore here delves into the potential impact of AI on WooCommerce plugin development, examining both the challenges and the exciting opportunities it presents. It explores the potential for increased customization, the challenges faced by commercial plugin developers, and the evolving role of quality, support, and maintenance in a world where AI can generate code.

This post aims to provide insights into the future of WordPress plugins and how developers can navigate this transformative period.

Building a Distinctive WooCommerce Plugin Business

Dramatic low angle view of Toronto's skyscrapers reflecting the evening sky.

Running a successful WooCommerce plugin business requires careful consideration of various factors, from pricing models to marketing strategies. A recent discussion among plugin developers shed light on some key challenges and potential solutions.

This conversation highlighted the complexities of competing in a saturated market and the importance of finding a unique selling proposition. Building a thriving plugin business isn’t just about coding; it’s about understanding the market, connecting with customers, and constantly adapting to the ever-changing landscape of e-commerce. This involves making strategic decisions about pricing, marketing, and product development.

The discussions among these developers underscored the importance of community and shared experiences. By openly discussing their challenges and sharing their insights, they were able to collectively explore potential solutions and strategies for success. This type of collaborative environment is invaluable for anyone navigating the complexities of the WooCommerce plugin market. It provides a platform for learning from others’ experiences, gaining new perspectives, and staying informed about the latest trends and best practices.

This post will delve into the key takeaways from this particular conversation, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to build or grow a WooCommerce plugin business.

WooCommerce Core Days: A Conference for Developers?

meeting, room, business, conference, office, table, corporate, presentation, conference room, discussion, professional, board, interior, company, seminar, meeting room, modern, gray business, gray office, gray meeting, gray room, gray table, gray company, gray conference, gray presentation, gray interior, gray board, conference, conference, conference room, conference room, conference room, conference room, conference room, seminar, seminar, meeting room, meeting room, meeting room, meeting room

In a recent Business Bloomer Club Slack thread, a discussion emerged about the need for a dedicated WooCommerce conference for developers.

While large-scale events that mix developers and store owners exist, they can be too broad and complex to organize. Instead, the idea of a more focused, smaller-scale event—similar to the WordPress Core Days—gained traction.

Could a “Woo Core Days” be the solution? Let’s explore what such an event could look like, why it’s needed, and how it could benefit the WooCommerce developer community.

Naming WooCommerce Extensions: Addon, Add-On, or AddOn?

Flat lay of scattered Scrabble tiles spelling 'NAMING' on a white background.

A common question for WordPress plugin developers creating extensions for their own WooCommerce plugins revolves around the proper naming convention.

Specifically, how should the “addon” part of the plugin name be formatted? This seemingly minor detail can impact clarity, consistency, and even potential trademark considerations.

A recent online discussion explored the different approaches and offered some valuable insights for plugin developers in the WooCommerce ecosystem.

Let’s examine the various styles and recommendations for naming your WooCommerce extensions.

WooCommerce at Conferences: Why So Little Love?

meeting, addis ababa, ethiopia, hall, conference, people, attendees, room, interior, decor, lighting, meeting, conference, conference, conference, conference, conference

A recent online discussion touched upon a recurring sentiment within the WooCommerce community: the apparent lack of representation of WooCommerce at major WordPress events, WordCamps, and ecommerce conferences.

This sparked a conversation about talk submission rejections, the existing conference landscape, and the potential consequences of limited WooCommerce visibility.

Let’s explore the various viewpoints shared on why WooCommerce might not be getting the conference spotlight some feel it deserves.

Preparing Customers for WooCommerce Plugin Price Increases

students, board, drawing, to learn, begin, sufficient, good, very good, excellent, success, stairs, rise, increase, success ladder, school, blackboard, training, study, success, success, success, success, success, increase

In a recent Business Bloomer Club Slack thread, we discussed pricing strategy for WooCommerce mini plugins, sparked by my decision to raise prices across the board.

With 44 plugins currently priced between $0 and $49, the plan is to gradually double prices—starting with best sellers—while keeping them affordable. The goal is to boost plugin revenue without hurting conversions.

To build momentum, a “get it before prices increase” promotion is in the works.

But there’s more to pricing than simply updating numbers—especially in a competitive plugin marketplace. Here’s how I’m planning the transition, and what marketing strategies I’ll use to make the most of it.

WooCommerce Code Snippets vs. AI: Fighting for Traffic

Beautiful sand dunes in Florence, Oregon showcasing serene, undulating patterns under a clear blue sky.

The rise of artificial intelligence is impacting various online sectors, and websites offering code snippets (like Business Bloomer!) are feeling the pressure.

A recent online discussion highlighted the significant traffic decline faced by some website owners, with traffic reportedly down by 50% in both the current and previous years.

This raises a critical question for those running WooCommerce-focused code snippet sites: how can they adapt and retain their audience in an era where AI can often generate similar solutions?

Let’s explore some of the strategies and perspectives shared in this conversation.

Refunds: What WooCommerce Plugin Companies Do

Close-up of hands exchanging a shopping bag indoors, symbolizing modern retail and technology.

A recent Twitter conversation explored the intriguing question of whether a WordPress (WooCommerce) plugin company could legally operate without offering refunds.

This discussion among ecommerce professionals and developers explored the nuances of consumer rights, the practical implications for businesses, and the various approaches currently adopted within the WordPress ecosystem.

Let’s examine the different perspectives on WooCommerce plugin refunds and what they mean for both sellers and buyers in the digital marketplace.

WooCommerce Devs: Grow Your Plugin Business on WPBay

Creating high-quality plugins is only half the battle. The real challenge lies in gaining visibility for your product, generating traffic, and capturing value in a sustainable way – ideally through recurring, stable revenue. As any developer knows, building an excellent product often isn’t enough without effective marketing behind it.

This challenge is particularly acute for smaller developers who lack a large audience or the resources to invest heavily in marketing and sales infrastructure. Many turn to marketplaces as a solution, only to find these platforms are often uncompetitive, imposing restrictive terms and limitations that can effectively hold developers hostage through one-sided agreements.

That’s why we’ve created WPBay: a developer-first marketplace designed as a genuine alternative. We offer a real solution with low commission rates, flexible licensing and pricing options, non-exclusivity, and powerful developer tools.

With WPBay, you can finally sell your plugins and themes on your own terms, maintaining control while reaching the audience you deserve.

Tag: Business