Breakdown - A Gravity Forms Podcast

In today's episode, Matt dives deeper into the value of paid WordPress plugins like Gravity Forms. If you're a freelancer or agency owner, you're solving more issues in your business than just the critical features of our form plugin.

Also, Matt interviews Dave Smith from GravityWiz and Zack Katz from GravityKit about how they are delighting their customers with traditional printed mail marketing. It's a fun episode, welcome back to Breakdown!

In this episode of Breakdown, Matt welcomes Owen Stone, the new Head of Marketing at Cosmic Giant. Just a few weeks into his role, Owen shares his extensive background in podcasting, marketing, and his early encounters with WordPress. The conversation explores how Owen balances traditional methods (like using pen and paper for notes) with embracing new technologies, reflecting his pragmatic approach to the tech world.

The discussion centers around Cosmic Giant's Entry Automation 6.0, which just launched as the company celebrates its 8th anniversary. Owen highlights the event registration and data management features that help prevent form abuse and streamline data collection. Matt and Owen also dive into the importance of trusted software in the WordPress ecosystem, especially for agencies and freelancers who rely on dependable tools rather than short-term AI solutions for mission-critical functions like form handling, legal compliance, and data management.

Key Takeaways:

• Entry Automation 6.0 features enhanced event registration systems and data verification to prevent form abuse and ensure legitimate registrations
• The new Multiple Form extension allows users to merge entries from multiple forms into a single output (PDF, Excel, JSON)
• Cosmic Giant ensures legal compliance in their forms, with professionally written copy that meets both US and EU regulations
• The WordPress ecosystem values trusted, long-term software solutions (like Gravity Forms' 15-year history) over newer AI alternatives that may lack support and reliability
• AI tools should complement rather than replace professional software, especially for critical business functions
• Cosmic Giant is actively seeking case studies and real-world examples of how customers are using their products

Mentioned URLs:

• CosmicGiant.com - Entry Automation 6.0 now available
• Gravity Forms
• Learn.gravity.com - Our new learning site for all things Gravity

Equalize Digital and Its NASA Project: Amber explains that Equalize Digital is a company focused on WordPress accessibility, particularly for people with disabilities. They have developed a plugin called Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker, available in both free and premium versions. Notably, their premium plugin is being used in the development of NASA's website. Lone Rock Point, the company behind the NASA project, decided to use WordPress primarily because of Equalize Digital's plugin. Amber's team also played a crucial role in auditing and user testing the beta site for accessibility.

Gravity Forms and Accessibility: Matt asks Amber about her experience with Gravity Forms, a popular WordPress plugin for form creation. Amber reveals that they have been using Gravity Forms extensively in their projects, including the WordPress Accessibility Day website. She highlights Gravity Forms' commitment to accessibility and how it saves time for their organizing team, particularly in managing user registrations and creating draft posts for event speakers. They also discuss the value of Gravity Forms in creating efficient editorial workflows and how it benefits the event's attendees and sponsors.

Notable URLs and software mentioned:
* Equalize Digital's plugin: ~[Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker](https://wordpress.org/plugins/equalize-digital-accessibility-checker/)~
* NASA's website development by Lone Rock Point
* Gravity Forms: A popular WordPress form creation plugin
* Gravity Forms advanced post creation add-on
* Gravity Forms user registration add-on
* GravityWiz's "Populate Anything" add-on
* Zapier: Used for integrating Gravity Forms with Google Sheets
* WordPress Accessibility Day website: 2023.wpaccessibility.day

These two key points provide listeners with insights into how Equalize Digital is contributing to web accessibility and how Gravity Forms is aiding in the success of WordPress Accessibility Day.

ConvertKit Beta Add-On: Matt mentions at the beginning that they have a ConvertKit beta add-on available for download at the bottom of the dashboard. This is likely important for listeners who are interested in using ConvertKit or existing users looking to enhance their experience with this tool. Find the beta in your Gravity Forms dashboard.

Middle of the Funnel Importance: Jason emphasizes the significance of the middle of the funnel in email marketing, stating that about 85% of sales occur in this stage. He stresses the need for consistency in email communication, a well-planned welcome sequence, and intentionality in writing emails with a clear call to action. This insight is valuable for anyone involved in email marketing, as it highlights the often-neglected middle stage and provides practical advice for improving email engagement and conversion rates.

Important software mentioned:
* ConvertKit: The email marketing platform discussed throughout the conversation.
* WordPress: Jason mentions moving his website back to WordPress, indicating its importance as a content management system.

Overall, this conversation delves into the significance of the middle of the funnel in email marketing and announces the availability of a ConvertKit beta add-on, providing practical insights for podcast listeners interested in email marketing and ConvertKit usage.

Follow Jason on Twitter and download his NurtureKit Blueprint.

In this episode, host Matt Medeiros sits down with WordPress developer Jonathan Williams to explore how artificial intelligence has reshaped his work. Jonathan explains his evolving workflow—from using traditional coding environments to integrating AI-powered tools like TypingMind and Cursor into his development process.

The discussion covers the benefits of conversational code-generation, the importance of using direct API access over standard chat apps for improved performance, and the broader implications of AI on the future of programming and WordPress development.

Jonathan shares insights on how AI not only speeds up the creation of robust plugins (such as his latest release, Quick Link Pro, which streamlines external link management in the block editor) but also raises questions about the long-term role of human developers. They weigh the potential economic disruption in the industry against the opportunity for more accessible and affordable software development—even for beginners, provided they are patient and literate in the necessary technical language.

The conversation wraps up with a thoughtful look at the future of WordPress, the challenges it faces from emerging platforms, and the evolving job roles that may bridge human expertise with AI capabilities.

Important Takeaways

• Evolving Workflow: Jonathan’s integration of AI tools (e.g., TypingMind, Cursor) is transforming how he ideates, iterates, and codes, blending traditional coding with natural language conversations.
• AI Limitations & Advantages: While official AI chat apps have restrictions (token limits, degraded performance), direct API access through specialized apps can offer a more seamless experience.
• Impact on the Industry: AI is lowering the barrier to entry for building complex applications, but the need for experienced developers remains critical—especially for debugging, refining, and maintaining high-quality software.
• Future of WordPress: Jonathan expresses concern over WordPress’s positioning as AI-driven alternatives become more accessible, emphasizing that while powerful, WordPress must evolve to retain its market share.
• Economic Implications: The rise of AI tools could reshape the roles in software development, potentially leading to fewer traditional coding roles but increasing demand for professionals who can effectively manage AI-assisted development workflows.
• Accessible Development: AI can empower beginners to create useful applications, provided they have the patience and literacy to navigate technical challenges and prompt the tools effectively.

Important Links & URLs

• • oddjar.com – Jonathan Williams’ website showcasing his projects and plugins.
• • List User Entries for Gravity Forms – A free Gravity Forms add-on available on oddjar.com (search for “List User Entries for Gravity Forms”).

If you’re listening to this on your way to WordCamp Europe, or you’re just watching the livestreams from the comfort of your home, I wanted to let you know that our team is back supporting yet another WordCamp.

Find us in our booth located in the Sponsors section of the venue and say “hi!”

There’s lots to learn about Gravity Forms’ latest add-ons, features, new products like Gravity SMTP and what that means to you and your WordPress business. Come check out a demo of Gravity Flow our systems automation product that helps customers automate actions after forms get submitted into your WordPress database.

Oh, we can’t forget our awesome new t-shirts — a whole new version is out! Customers say we have the best tee’s in the biz, come grab one before they’re all out!

We also are giving away some cool stuff in the booth including:

• A LEGO NASA Artemis Set
• A Gravity Mission Pack (A backpack filled with some awesome Gravity Swag you can’t get anywhere else)
• Or a Gravity Forms and Gravity Flow License Combo!

There’s one stipulation, you have to be present at the booth on Saturday the 15th at 215PM where we’ll announce the winners. If you’re not there, you won’t be able to grab your prize.

It’s come to the attention of the WordPress Community that attendance for new participants at WordPress events are down.

Obviously COVID and the a global pandemic shifted how events are accepted throughout the world, and while we’ve seen a bounce back in participation, it isn’t nearly as high as it once was.

So I wanted to take a moment to share my experiences with WordCamps and advocate for you to attend the next one in your area. By the way, the next major WordCamp I’ll be at, along with the team from Gravity Forms is WordCamp US in Portland Oregon on September 17th - 20th.

Here are my top 3 reasons for attending a WordCamp:

One: The best bang for your buck event in our space

Even with the price point of major WordCamp tickets rising to the $50 level, and general WordCamps hovering around $30 for access — you simply can’t beat this deal.

Another hot event I know many other WordPressers attending, Cloudfest, comes with a general admission price tag of around $525 US dollars for standard access, which ramp up to well over $2,000 if you want access to everything.

When you match the low cost of access to the high value of being in a venue filed with other WordPress users to talk, train, and collaborate with — that $30-50 is going a long way to helping you with your WordPress business or acumen.

Two: All things WordPress

Even if you’re not running a WordPress business, but you’re part of a team tasked with maintaining a WordPress site, WordCamps are a fantastic place to have that aha! Moment.

When I started attending and speaking at WordCamps around 2015, it was the place to learn the software.

Heck, maybe the only place aside from WordPress.org.

Tutorials and blog posts were no where near as accessible as they are today. And as a content creator, there’s nothing more I want than someone listening to my podcast or watching my videos, but that in-person learning is much more magical.

At WordCamps you can show up and learn more about using the software, attend a hyper specific talk ranging from how to blog with our favorite CMS or learn the latest and greatest development standards.

There’s a healthy mix of content available to help elevate your WordPress game!

Three: Community

At the end of the day one of the most valuable aspects of WordPress the software, is the community behind it.

If you’re new to WordPress and WordCamps, getting into the community should be a welcoming experience. Simply being with others on the early start of their WordPress journey can help you break the ice and feel less stressed — as if you’re the only one missing the bigger picture.

As time marches on and you become more involved in the community, you enter the next phase where connections with others can ramp up your professional life within WordPress.

That could be finding other freelancers or agencies to parter with, finding a full-time job in the space, or making connections with potential customers. WordPress has a massive footprint across many digital businesses, sometimes you’ll find WordPress living in the most unique environments — not just a blog or marketing website.

Being involved in any of these phases helps WordPress thrive.

At first you’re a little lost, then you meet your tribe, fully grasping what open source WordPress can for you and for others. A year later, you too are advocating for your friends and colleagu...