AJ Morris is the Managed WordPress Product Manager for Liquid Web, a fully managed hosting company. He has extensive experience both developing WordPress sites and speaking at WordPress events. AJ leads product and go to market strategy for Liquid Web’s Managed WordPress product line. Liquid Web’s Platform as a Service solution for WordPress hosting allows you to seamlessly host multiple sites and access top-quality 24/7 Heroic Support.

AJ Morris will be presenting “How to Build an Email List and Generate Qualified Leads with WordPress” on Saturday, October 15 at 9:50am in the Assembly Hall.

Why do use WordPress?

I use WordPress because I’ve continued to find it very easy to get what I’m looking for without having to do a lot of development myself. It’s amazing what you can do these days with WordPress and a few plugins and a good theme.

When and how did you start using WordPress?

I started using WordPress in 2006 when I was looking for something to start blogging with. I wasn’t a big fan of blogger and moveabletype was too confusing. I gave WordPress up for a few years as I got into Ruby on Rails development but quickly returned to WordPress to continue developing sites for clients.

What would you tell someone to convince them to attend a WordCamp?

If you want to learn how to use WordPress, how to build a blog or a website, you absolutely need to attend a WordCamp. Not only do you get local WordPress experts, but WordCamps attract a wide array of influencers in the space to either present or attend. You will learn more at a WordCamp than you can doing a few googles.

What is your favorite part of WordCamps?

The hallway track is my favorite. Getting to hang out with all my friends from all over the globe and being able to hear what they are all working on is great. The conversations you have in the hallway track are many times where you can hear about new products or opportunities that allow you to collaborate with others.

What advice do you have for anyone looking to start or grow a WordPress based business?

If you are looking to start a WordPress based business, follow these people, Cory Miller, Rebecca Gill, Karim Marucchi, Chris Lema, Carrie Dils. They are all tried and true business professionals with decades of experience.

Tell us something awesome about yourself that is not WordPress related.

I love photography and have been picking up a camera more and more now that I have my daughter.

Name someone in the WordPress community that inspires you.

Cory Miller. He’s been a leader in the plugin and theme space for nearly a decade and is one of the hardest working people in the WordPress community I know. He cares passionately about his community and customers and makes sure that they have the tools that they need to prosper.

What has been your biggest WordPress related accomplishment to date?

Launching a popular Managed WordPress hosting product line. In a year we’ve been able to provide great hosting with expert WordPress help.

How have WordCamps impacted you and your business in the past?

When I was doing freelance and coaching, I found many clients from attending and speaking at WordCamps. Even found a few people to collaborate with.

Fill in the blank for other attendees: “If you ___________ then you should come talk to me at WordCamp.”

Are looking for more ways to increase subscribers to your blog…

What is your favorite WordPress related resource?

My favorite WordPress resource would have to be PostStatus. You get to hear all about the business side of WordPress.

Where can we find you online?

You can find me online on Twitter, Facebook, Github, Instagram, etc. You can find me by just searching my name.